Day 01 ARRIVE DELHI .
Welcome to India . Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 IN DELHI
Morning tour of the crowded streets of Old Delhi (by cycle rickshaws), the Friday Mosque, the Red Fort, Purana Qila, Lodi Tombs and Humayun's Tomb. Afternoon tour of New Delhi will include visits to the Embassy area, India Gate, the Secretariat Buildings , the President's Palace, Parliament House and the Raj Ghat Memorial to Mahatma Ghandi. Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day 03 DELHI - VARANASI
Morning after breakfast, departure transfer to the airport to board flight to Varanasi . Assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath , the fabled place bear testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples expounding the principles of Buddhism. Overnight at the hotel .
Day 04 VARANASI
Early morning Boat-ride on Holy River Ganges . In Varanasi life and various activities revolve around the river. Life begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims - and devotees - come down to the river to offer early morning prayers. Also visit the famous ghats and enjoy a spectacular view of sunrise from river Ganges . Later visit the Temples of Varanasi including Durga Temple : Dedicated to Goddess Durga, consort of Lord Shiva. Bharat Mata Temple : This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and houses one of the most perfect relief of India carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Temple : Built in white marble this unique temple has the whole of Ram Charit Manas (Ramayana) inscribed on its wall. Well laid out landscaping around the temple adds to its beauty and Banaras Hindu University . Rest of the day free. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05 VARANASI - KHAJURAHO
Morning after breakfast departure transfer to the airport to board to Khajuraho. Assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to Hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Eastern & Western Group of Temples . Western Group is the best known as it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temples belong - the Kandariya Mahadeo . Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 metres high. The main shrine is in an almost perfectly state of preservation. This shrine has an exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes: celestial beings, lovers, serenading musicians - movement captured in stones and frozen in time, yet retaining the warmth of pulsating life. The stones seem to have taken on the sensuousness of the carved figures. Eastern Group : Hindu and Jain temples make up the eastern group, close to Khajuraho Village . The largest Jain temple, Parsvanath, is in this group. Sculptures on the northern outer wall make this temple the finest in the group. The carvings are timeless, of a woman bending thoughtfully over a letter, a damsel removing a thorn from her foot. The sanctum has a throne facing a bull, emblem of the first Tirthankara, Adinath. The actual image of Parsvanath, from which the temple derives its name, was installed in 1860. The Archaeological Museum houses fine sculpture and stone panels of ruined temples in three different display galleries. The museum has a huge statue of the Buddha and an unusual statue of a dancing Ganesha. Overnight at the hotel.
Day06 KHAJURAHO - ORCHHA
Morning after breakfast departure by surface to Orcha Upon arrival Check in at the hotel. Afternoon , visit to the Orchha Fort. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time and a rich legacy and the palaces and the temples built by it Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th century retain much of their pristine perfection. Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chattries has a spectacular view of soaring temples spires and cenotaphs Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day 07 ORCHA - JHANSI - ORCHHA ( Ayurveda Jhansi Festival)
After breakfast, drive to Jhansi to participate in Ayurveda Festival and get yourselves rejuvenated. Later drive back to Orchha Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 ORCHA - JHANSI - AGRA
Morning after late breakfast departure by surface to Jhansi Railway station to board train Shatabdi Express 1755-2025 hrs to Agra. Assistance on arrival at the Railway Station and transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - JAIPUR
Morning after breakfast, sightseeing tour of Agra city which includes: Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar over the years 1565 - 1573 with its maze of courtyards, mosques, and private chambers. Most of the buildings originally built by Akbar were destroyed and were replaced by his grandson Shah Jehan. The only surviving structure from Akbar's period apart from the solid sand stone ramparts and the gateway is the Jehangir Mahal. It is the biggest private residence in the complex and its architecture indicates strong influences from Hindu overtones. Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, this beautiful mausoleum is built of pure white marble and is an architectural marvel. Built in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. The building was conceived as a garden tomb with the mausoleum rising at the far end of the complex with the river Yamuna flowing below. Beneath the dome are the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jehan. Overnight at the hotel. Afternoon departure by surface to Jaipur (240 Kms/7 hrs approx.)en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Mughal India . Among the principal attractions of Fatehpur Sikri are the large audience halls, palaces, the Mosques, the tomb of Salim Chishti, The Panchmahal, and the Buland Darwaza, Which is among the biggest gates in Asia. Upon arrival check - in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel .
Day 10 JAIPUR
Morning after early breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the State until 1728. Visit the Jagmandir of the hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali . Take a ride on Gaily decorated elephant to the ramparts of the Fort. Later sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Among the principal sights are the Jantar Mantar of the Observatory, The Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal, the City Palace & Museum. Jaipur is also a major center of precious and semi precious stones, jewellery, cotton textiles and the typical Blue Pottery. Overnight at the hotel. |
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Day 11 JAIPUR - DELHI-DEPART
Morning after breakfast departure by surface to Delhi . Assistance on arrival transfer the Internation Airport to board flight back to home with the sweet memories of your enchanting holiday with Indian Festival Tours. Overnight at the hotel.