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Classical And Royal North India
Duration: 11 Nights / 12 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:
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with
a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive
past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws,
one of Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking
the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul
Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of
Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. People
stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of
a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw
ride at Old Delhi. After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven
to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind.
The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the
capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division
in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the
life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be
able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells.
New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of
21st century standards. Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar,
the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive
past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi
Bhawan, the President's residence. Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi - Varanasi:
By Air Flight : 9W 723
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1040 hr
Arrival
: 1150 hr
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:
By Air Flight : 9W 733
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1220 hr
Arrival : 1300 hr
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. Proceed for an afternoon tour of the
EXOTIC TEMPLES (WESTERN, EASTERN & SOUTHERN) of Khajuraho. Enjoy
the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the Western Temple Complex. Overnight
will be at Khajuraho.
Day 06 : Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra:
By Road 170 km in 4 hr
By Train Number : 2001
Departure : 1755 hr
Arrival : 2010 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 07 : 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 08 : 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 09 : 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 10 : Jaipur - Pushkar - Udaipur:
By Road 325 km/7 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. Proceed to Udaipur. Reach by evening 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 11 : 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
12 : Udaipur - Delhi:
By Air Flight : 9W 708
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1530 hr
Arrival : 1640 hr 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
Packages Include:
a) DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ACCOMMODATION AT MENTIONED HOTELS,
b) SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
c) PRIVATE AC SUV WITH DRIVER,
d) ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
e) ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
f) ASSISTANCE AT STATIONS ON DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL,
g) FIRST CLASS TRAIN TRAVEL FOR MENTIONED SECTOR,
h) ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
i) ALL ROAD TAXES, GOVERNMENT TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES,
j) ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT - JAIPUR,
k) LUNCH AT ORCHHA,
l) SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW AT KHAJURAHO,EVENING AARTI CEREMONY,
m) ALL EXCURSIONS AS MENTIONED,
n) FAREWELL DINNER,
o) RICKSHAW RIDE AT OLD DELHI,
p) SARNATH EXCURSION IN VARANASI AND
q) BOAT-RIDE AT RIVER GANGES IN VARANASI.
HOTELS :
| City |
Deluxe Hotels |
Luxury Hotels |
Nights |
| Delhi |
Claridges |
Imperial / The Oberoi |
02 |
| Varanasi |
Taj Ganges |
Ramada |
02 |
| Khajuraho |
Radisson |
Taj Chandela |
01 |
| Agra |
Hilton Trident |
Amarvilas |
02 |
| Jaipur |
Jai Mahal Palace |
Rajvilas / Rambagh |
02 |
| Udaipur |
Fateh Prakash Palace |
Lake Palace / Udaivilas |
02 |
| Delhi |
Radisson |
The Grand |
DAY USE |
PRICING: (PER PERSON)
| OCCUPANCY DETAILS |
TOUR PACKAGE
DELUXE (US$)
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TOUR PACKAGE
LUXURY (US$)
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| Twin Sharing |
2222 |
3666 |
Please note that lunches and dinners are not included along with camera,
etc. fees at the monuments and personal expenses. The tour price is
valid for minimum two persons traveling together. All hotels mentioned
are subject to availability at the time of quotation and prices are
on per person basis for minimum two adults traveling together and
sharing a room. The local airfare will be separate and on actual.
Currently the Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho airfare is 313 $US per
person inclusive of all taxes and surcharges. The car included in
the tour cost is a SUV which will be very comfortable.
Classical And Royal North India
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