Duration : 19 Nights / 20 Days
Destination : Delhi - Aurangabad - Mumbai - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Jaipur – Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Kathmandu - Delhi
16th Feb 2010 : Day 01 : Arrival Delhi
On arrival at Delhi International airport assist & Transfer to Hotel, check inn.
17th Feb 2010 : Day 02 : Delhi
today you will explore other sights of Delhi with Guide .
Contemporary history unfolds as we see the Qutab Minar - the tallest stone
tower in India built in 1191 AD. Close by are the cloisters of one of the
first mosque built in India, the Quwwatul - Islam mosque. In the centre of its courtyard is an amazing 2000 year old iron pillar erected in 4 AD, cast of such pure iron that it has never rusted. We continue to Hamayun's tomb built by the widow of the Mughal Emperor Humayun (some say the inspiration for the Taj Mahal).
A drive through Delhi's broad tree-lined avenues brings us to India Gate- a memorial to the "unknown soldier", Rashtrapati Bhawan (residence of the president of India), past Rajpath and leading to Connaught Circus a shoppers paradise, you can bargain and get the best price ever.
In the afternoon our guide will take you to explore the sights of Delhi - a multi - layered city. Our first stop is the red fort built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. A short drive brings us to the great mosque - the Jama Masjid built by shah Jehan. We then walk around the lanes of Chandni Chowk the 'Silver street" imbibing an ambiance of a bygone era. Now we drive on to see the memorial built for Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before continuing on to our hotel.
18th Feb 2010 : Day 03 : Delhi - Aurangabad
Morning connect flight to Aurangabad .On arrival at Aurangabad airport assist & transfer to Hotel, check inn. Later in the guided sightseeing of Ajanta. AJANTA is world's greatest historical monument recognized by UNESCO far near from Jalgaon city of Maharashtra, India. There are 30 caves in Ajanta of which 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are chaitya-grihas and the rest are monasteries.
These caves were discovered in AD 1819 and were built up in the earlier 2nd century BC- AD. Most of the paintings in Ajanta are right from 2nd century BC-AD and some of them about the fifth century AD and continued for the next two centuries.
All paintings shows heavy religious influence and centre around Buddha, Bodhisattvas, incidents from the life of Buddha and the Jatakas. The paintings are executed on a ground of mud-plaster in the tempera technique.
The Buddhist caves No. 1-20 marked by Chalukyan influences feature Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and myths from Buddhism. Cave 10 called the Visvakarma cave features a teaching Buddha. Carved Bodhisattvas mark the upper level of Cave 12. Later in the afternoon proceed to Ellora Hindu caves No. 13-29 date between 7th and 9th centuries and mark the highest point in Ellora art.
Featuring various aspects of Hindu mythology they show excellent detailing. The best amongst the Hindu caves is Cave 16 which features the fabulously carved, massive (266 ft x154 ft Kailasanath Temple, hewn out of the rock face.
This is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 8th century temple was commissioned by the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I. It is in fact the best of the Ellora group. The sculpted rock represents the abode of Lord Shiva, Mt Kailash. Over night stay in hotel.
19th Feb 2010 : Day 04 : Aurangabad - Mumbai
Morning after breakfast proceed to airport & connect the flight to Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai airport assist & transfer to the hotel. Later visit The Gateway of India, an impressive arch overlooking the harbour welcomes you in Mumbai & Excursion to Elephanta Caves, across the harbour you will see the world famous Elephanta Caves - 1200 years old and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The famous sculpture signifying the Trinity of the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer is situated here.Over night stay.
20th Feb 2010 : Day 05 : Mumbai - Udaipur
Morning after breakfast free at leisure. Later connect the flight to Udaipur. On arrival at Udaipur airport assist & transfer to Hotel, check Inn. Later in the Day free at leisure. Over night stay.
21st Feb 2010 : Day 06 : Udaipur
today we will explore Udaipur - the city of dawn. Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty. Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experience - an 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 flavour of a heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry.
Their reflection in the placid waters of the lake Pichola is an enticing sight.Visit City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Sahelion-Ki-Bari Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum. Afternoon boat ride on lake Pichola - two island palaces , Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence. Overnight stay in Hotel.
22nd Feb 2010 :- Day 07 : Udaipur - Jodhpur (By surface)
Morning after breakfast proceed to Jodhpur, en-route visit Ranakpur – Jain Temple. On arrival at Jodhpur check in at hotel.
Later in the evening , we get into the waiting jeeps and proceed on a
safari to Bishnoi Villages - stepped in history, this 450 years old white turbaned tribe has a distinct way of life.
They are the world's first environmentalists preserving the black buck, brought back from the verge of extinction. Also visit the villages of craftsmen - potters, weavers, and metal-ware. Over night stay in hotel.
23rd Feb 2010 : Day 08 : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (By surface)
Morning after breakfast visit Mehrangarh Fort - the 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 meter high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Jaswant Thada - a cluster of royal cenotaphs built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.
Later in the Day proceed to Jaisakmer via Osian - an oasis in the desert, a drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets, Osian has 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples, on arrival check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.
24th Feb 2010 : Day 09 : Jaisalmer (By surface)
Day to explore Jaisalmer, rising from the Thar desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. The Fort - the golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak Desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.
Gadisar Lake Havelis - some of the most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately latticed, are strewn all over Jaisalmer - each with a different facade. Patwon-ki-haveli - the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli -this 300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer.
In the evening visit Sam Sand Dunes - (42 km) no trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage, are surely a delight for a trigger-happy photographer. Various cultural programmes are organised against the backdrop of these fascinating sand dunes. Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camel back. Overnight stay.
25th Feb 2010 : Day 10 : Jaisalmer - Bikaner (By surface)
today we will drive for Bikaner, on arrival check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Bikaner, the royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with many sand dunes.
Visit Junagarh Fort - built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, a General in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. These palaces, made in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque Lal Garh
Palace - the architectural masterpiece in red sand stone, the palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his former Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace has beautiful latticework and filigree work. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make it a not-to-be missed visual treat. Overnight stay.
26th Feb 2010 : Day 11 : Bikaner - Jaipur (By surface)
Morning after breakfast proceed to Jaipur, On arrival at Jaipur free at leisure. Over Night stay.
27th Feb 2010 : Day 12 : Jaipur (By surface)
Morning after breakfast excursion to Amber Fort and enjoy an elephant ride on the ramparts of the fort, for six centuries the capital of the state. The pavilions and courtyards of the palace ascend in successive levels up the hill the Sheesh Mahal, or pavilion of mirrors, the finest of its kind, is studded with small mirrors which reflect flame in a thousand flickering
lights.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Pink City Jaipur , visit the city Palace, a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani Architecture is now a museum, containing all the paraphernalia of Jaipur’s princely past.
Jaisingh, notable astronomer, built for himself the curious jantar mantar, an observatory of immense brick and mortar instruments of astonishing accuracy. Not far from the Jantar
Mantar, is the beautiful Hawa Mahal (palace of winds), tall and pink, faced
with delicate pierced stone, it is not really a palace.
The queens of Jaipur and the royal ladies once used this decorative facade to watch, unobserved, numerous festive processions winding through the streets of their city.
Overnight stay.
28th Feb 2010 : Day 13 : Jaipur – Agra (By surface)
Morning after breakfast proceed to Agra ( 235kms / 5hrs) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri - a fascinating ghost town, lies a little before Agra.
Emperor Akbar, wearying of Agra built a new capital here, only to abandon it a few years later for lack of water. And there it remains, its fortifications, massive gateway and palaces, in a wonderful state of preservation.
Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the marble tomb of the saint Salim Chisti, enclosed by delicately carved marble screens. On arrival at Agra check inn at hotel. Over night stay.
01st Mar 2010 : Day 14 :- Agra (By surface)
Morning after breakfast guided sightseeing of Agra visit Taj Mahal - built
by a grief-stricken emperor, shah jahan, as a memorial of his beloved wife
Mumtaz Mahal, it took twenty two years to build and the finest of skilled artisans inlaid the white marble edifice with precious stones and conjured a lacy stone screen around the cenotaphs of the emperor and his beloved.
Later visit Agra fort built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD have a last view of the Taj Mahal from a little octagonal tower in the Agra fort just as its builder Shahjehan had when he was kept a prisoner here by his son. Over Night stay in hotel.
02rd Mar 2010 : Day 15 : Agra - Khajuraho (By surface)
Morning after breakfast proceed to railway station & connect the Shatabdi Train ( First Class , Air Condition Chair Car ) for Jhansi. On arrival at Jhansi railway station assist & transfer to Khajuraho, check in at hotel.
Afternoon guided sight seeing tour of temples, the Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of ahundred years, from 950 - 1050 AD, in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world’s great artistic wonders. Some of the famous temples are, Kandariya Mahadev temple, Chausath Yogini temple, Chitragupta Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Lakshamana Temple, Duladeo Temple, Chaturbhuj and Parsvanath Temple.
Later in the evening Light & Sound program in the Temple. Overnight stay.
03rd Mar 2010 : Day 16 : Khajuraho - Varanasi (By Flight)
Morning free at leisure later connect the flight at Varanasi On arrival at Varanasi Airport assist & transfer to Hotel , check Inn. Later in the Day Visit – Sarnath & evening Arati at River Ganges. Over night at Hotel.
04th Mar 2010 : Day 17 : Varanasi - Kathmandu (By Flight)
Sunrise Boat Ride on the river Ganges and later city tour of Varanasi, rarely does any place influence the life of a religious community in such totality as Varanasi, ultimate pilgrimage, this is a city dedicated to the gods, visit Vishwanath Temple, The gold plating on the shikharas was a gift of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835.
On account of this it is popularly known as Golden Temple. Bharat Mata Temple. At the time of flight transfer to airport & connect the flight to Kathmandu On arrival at Kathmandu airport assist & transfer to the hotel, check inn. Later in the evening free at leisure. Over night stay.
05th Mar 2010 : Day 18 : Kathmandu (By Flight)
Morning take the Mountain Flight to See the Himalaya. Later back to hotel. After breakfast sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city and Swayambhunath.
Swambhunath : The stupa, a world heritage site, watches over the valley from top of a hillock on Kathmandu’s western fringe. The huge Stupa is one of the holiest sites in Nepal.
Kathmandu City : Major attractions include, Machendranath Temple, Durbar Square and Kashtamandap. In the afternoon visit Pashupatinath, Boudhnath & Bhaktapur.
Pashupainath : This world heritage site, is one of the most sacred of Hindu shrines in the world. Located 5 km east of the city center. Pashupatinath houses the sacred Linga, or Phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temples existence prior to 400 AD.
Boudhnath : The stupa of Boudhnath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient stupa is one of the biggest in the world. It is built on an octagonal base with prayer wheels.
Bhaktapur : Medieval capital of the Valley, this æcity of devotees captivates visitors with its unspoiled, timeless charm, spread along a low ridge at the eastern edge of the valley, Bhaktapur is perhaps the most distinctive of the erstwhile city states. Over night stay in hotel.
06th Mar 2010 : Day 19 : Kathmandu - Delhi (By Flight)
Morning after breakfast connect the flight to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi assist & transfer to hotel, check inn. Later in the Day free at leisure / Shopping. Over night stay.
07th Mar 2010 : Day 20 : Delhi - Onward Journey
today Free at leisure / Shopping . Later in the evening connect the flight for onward journey.
The size, clamor and diversity of India are the things that strike anyone coming to this country for the first time. But anyone, who loves to delve and thrive into the most elaborate and rewarding journeys on land, India is the best option. It is common for any newcomer to develop intimate passion and a unique sense of liking towards this country.
The nature, the climate and most other things of India is somewhat unpredictable and that is what makes it even more interesting for tourists. You can enjoy the ethnic culture, classical monuments, beautiful coasts and mystic deserts in the various Tours to India.
Some of the fast facts of India are as follows:
Full Name: Republic of India
Capital: New Delhi
Area: 3,287,590 sq km
1,269,338 sq miles
Population: 1, 027, 015, 247 (2001 Census)
Religion: 80% Hindu, 14% Muslim, 2.4% Christian, 2% Sikh, 0.7% Buddhist, 0.5% Jains and 0.4% other
Currency: Indian Rupees (Rs)
Coastline Length: 7600 km
Geographical location: Lies between latitudes 8 ° 4' and 37 ° 6 ' north and longitudes 68 ° 7 ' and 97° 25' east.
Languages: 17 major languages and 844 dialects.
Major religions: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism
National anthem: Jan gana mana written by Rabindranath Tagore
National Song: Vande Mataram, composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji
National Emblem: Replica of the Lion Capital of Sarnath.
National Flag: Horizontal tricolor in equal proportion of deep saffron on the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom. In the center of the white band is a wheel in navy blue color.
National Flower: Lotus
National Animal: Tiger
National Bird: Peacock
National Tree: Banyan
National Fruit: Mango
National Sports: Hockey |