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Classical India with Rajasthan
Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra
- Jaipur - Pushkar - Udaipur - Delhi
Day 01
Delhi: Arrival at Delhi
 You
will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling
metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi
is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land
and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02
Delhi:
Start a day tour of Old & New Delhi after breakfast.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting
the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated;
Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once
the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
Enjoy a Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would
include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along
the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament
House, the President's Residence and would end with a drive through
the Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03
Delhi - Varanasi:
 Breakfast
will be at hotel.
Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at
Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Varanasi is the World's most ancient living city. Crowded with temples,
and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number
of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet-manufacturing
place of India. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates.
The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the
confluence of the rivers Varuna and ASI. It is also called CITY
OF TEMPLES. The shimmering red and golden water of the Ganges
when rays of dawn falls on them, the high banks, the temples, the
Ashrams, the pavilions all are an experience in themselves.
Visit Sarnath ? 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of
the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his
first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist
monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection
of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
Enjoy the evening AARTI at the GHATS. The guide will be giving
a commentary to you on the proceedings and meanings of the chants
during the AARTI of the river.
Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.
Day 04
Varanasi:
 Proceed
in the morning to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges
to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's
oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime
experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to
the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide
and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before
you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in
the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Return
for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga".
As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful
are coming and going.
Return to hotel for a sumptuous breakfast.
Proceed for a day tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple,
which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble.
Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey
Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi
manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire
Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as
the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus
houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Overnight will be in Varanasi.
Day 05
Varanasi - Khajuraho:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
 Transfer
in time for flight to Khajuraho.
Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is
famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance
festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the
date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho
Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods
and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include,
women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses,
dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming,
seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details.
These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from
ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.
Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and then proceed for a SOUND
& LIGHT SHOW at the Western Temple Complex.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 06
Khajuraho:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a full day tour of the EXOTIC TEMPLES (WESTERN, EASTERN
& SOUTHERN) of Khajuraho.
Relax in the evening or proceed to the SHILPA GRAM for seeing the
local artisans at work.
You can also enjoy a cycle ride through the rustic villages.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 07
Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra:
By Road 170 km in 4 hr
 Proceed
by surface to ORCHHA after breakfast.
ORCHHA - A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with Palaces
and temples of the 16th and 17th century which have remarkable withstood
the onslaught of time. The city is picturesquely flanked by the River
Betwa.
Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Lunch
will be at Orchha and then proceed to the station (12 km away) for
train to Agra. (This is a superfast train with airline type seats
and snacks / mineral water is served on board)
Reach Agra and transfer to hotel.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed
the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the
Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}.
Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices,
of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies,
and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals
still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects
its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
Overnight will be at Agra.
 Day
08
Agra:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which
is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by
Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal.
This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian
architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry,
the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens
and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565
AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is
the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the
town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the
finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red
sandstone and a moat.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which
are considered better than the Taj.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 09
Agra - Jaipur:
By Road
221 km/6 hr
Drive to Jaipur after breakfast visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route.
Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar,
Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While
hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some
minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder
of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male heir heard
about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568. The saint
blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque
of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect
to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built
various secular buildings like the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai
palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.
Continue your drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in at Hotel.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be
traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh
II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes
the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis,
it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of
the yesteryears and modernity. It is popularly known as the Pink City
because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered
stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen
Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent
palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating
religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently
as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of
Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing
a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars
supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon,
as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi.
Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil
lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity.
Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
 Overnight
will be in Jaipur.
Day 10
Jaipur:
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion will be
taken to the Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in
a royal manner.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent
Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting...
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional
Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh
of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri
Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved
of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts
of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical
instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of
sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate
balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by
Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Free in the evening for some exciting shopping.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
 Day
11
Jaipur - Pushkar:
By Road
142 km/3 hr
Start for Pushkar after breakfast.
Pushkar is a mellow, serene and bewitching little town which attracts
those in search of some respite from the tumult of India. Pushkar
is right on the edge of the desert and is only 11 kms from Ajmer but
separated from it by Nag Pahar, the snake mountain.
The town clings to the side of the small Pushkar Lake with its many
bathing ghats and temples. For Hindus, Puhskar is a very important
pilgrimage centre and you'll see plenty of Sadhus (individuals on
a spiritual search).
Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect
at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were deserted by
Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma
Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to
this deity. It's marked by red spire, and over the entrance gateway
is the hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally
chosen Pushkar as its site.
Enjoy the GHATS in the evening and the sunset.
Overnight will be at Pushkar.
Day 12
Pushkar - Udaipur:
By Road
210 km/5 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Enjoy the sightseeing of the small town dotted with temples and ghats.
Proceed to Udaipur.
Enroute stop at Deogarh palace for lunch and sightseeing.
Deogarh lies on the borders of Mewar, Marwar and Merwara, about 80
miles north-east of Udaipur. Its chieftain known as 'The Rawat' was
one of sixteen umraos (feudal barons) privileged to wait upon the
Maharana of Udaipur, the capital of Mewar. Such feudal estates, called
thikanas were granted by the ruling Maharana to a nobleman either
due to blood relationship or for an act of bravery. Deogarh is also
renowned as a school of miniature painting. Some Deogarh miniatures
adorn the personal collection of the present Rawat Sahib. Frescoes
of this art form can also be seen on the fort walls. The Mahal also
has some exciting rooms to browse through - Sheesh Mahal - the colourful
hall of mirrors, is just one of them.
Deogarh Mahal is an imposing structure built in the 17th century.
It stands atop a hill and offers a commanding view of the Aravalli
mountain range and the numerous lakes, strewn across the countryside.
With its old battlements, domes, turrets, jharokhas and huge gateways,
it is a picturesque sight from the town below. At a height of about
2100 ft above sea level, it is cooler than surrounding Rajasthan.
Built in 1670 A.D. by Rawat Dwarka Dasji as a family residence, it
soon became the hub of village activity. The family interacted with
the villagers and invited a host of feasts and festivities to be performed
within the Mahal precincts. Some of these traditions are still practiced.
And the gates, that always remained closed, to ward off enemies, are
now open to the guests.
Reach Udaipur and relax.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake,
hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white
drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of
sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination
of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and
narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past,
epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters
of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel
of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 13
 Udaipur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace.
Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors,
colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock
Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple
and the local folk Museum or the VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION.
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake
Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur
as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan
desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace
in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 14
Udaipur - Delhi:
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to the airport for flight to Delhi.
Reach and check in at hotel. Spend the afternoon in last minute shopping.
Proceed to the airport as per flight timing and enjoy the FAREWELL
DINNER. Board the flight for home with sweet memories of India.
TOUR ENDS
Classical India with Rajasthan,
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