DAY
01 Arrive DELHI
by European Airlines (mid-night) arrival). |
WELCOME TO INDIA – One Nation, countless destinations. A land of rich heritage that’s ancient. The mystique of India, its history of 5000 years, philosophy, religions, fabulous historical monuments all add to its bewildering diversity to create a unique and colorful mosaic. This is the wonder that is India, come, enjoy and experience it.
Meeting, greeting and assistance upon arrival at International airport and transfer to
HOTEL A & B
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.
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02 DELHI |
| Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi begins with a visit to Jama Mosque, the largest mosque in India, built in 1650 AD. This is followed by a drive past the Red Fort (1639-48), built by Emperor Shah Jahan, creator of The Taj Mahal. Later proceed to Raj Ghat - the site of the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi begins with a drive past Safdarjang’s Tomb (1753 AD) while we are on the way to the Qutab Minar (1193 A.D.). This striking medieval tower of victory, build by the slave dynasty, is 73 m high. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands the Iron pillar which has stood the vagaries of weather and has not rusted for over 1500 years. Later drive through the Embassy area, Diplomatic enclave, stop for a quick photo shoot at India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Estate formerly Viceroy’s House) and Connaught Place, New Delhi’s main shopping area.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.
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03 DELHI-SAMODE-JAIPUR |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive from Delhi to Jaipur (265 kms/6-7 hours) enroute visiting Samode.
Samode - Visit the Samode Palace – this is among the magnificent edifices that adorn the region of Rajasthan. Nestled picturesquely amidst rugged hills, the palace stands apart in serene splendor. The quiet luxury offers a retreat into an aesthetically soothing environment. Stately corridors, frescoed walls, ethereal audience halls, harmoniously reflect the skill of master craftsmen.
Continue your drive to Jaipur and upon arrival check-in at :HOTEL A & B
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.
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04 JAIPUR |
| Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, proceed for an excursion to Amer Fort, which is located 12 kms outside Jaipur. The original Palace was built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh. One of the finest example of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of Kaisshawah rulers. Enjoy the ascent to the palace on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant. Visit the multiple chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their design and decorations. This unique capital of the erstwhile warrior kings of Rajasthan is a must on every tourist itinerary to the state.
Afternoon, proceed for a city tour to visit the unique Jantar Mantar, which is a magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 and drive past the Hawa Mahal, an intriguing “ Palace of Winds”. This was really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows. Later visit the opulent City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style which has grand museums displaying an excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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05 JAIPUR-AGRA |
| Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, drive from Jaipur to Agra (221 kms/6-7 hours) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, now glows in its magnificent past. This was once the capital of the Moghul Empire for a short period but later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Here you will visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), which is said to be the tallest gateway in the world. In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of the famous Sufi saint - Shaik Salim Chishti. This tomb was built in 1570 and legend says that the Moghul Emperor Akbar was without a male heir because of which he made a barefoot pilgrimage from Agra to seek the blessings of this saint. The saint foretold the birth of a son, and in gratitude Akbar named his son Salim, who later went to be called by the title Jehangir.
Continue your drive to Agra and upon arrival check-in at: HOTEL A & B
Rest of the day free to relax.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.
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06 AGRA |
| Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, proceed for a city tour where you will experience the TAJ MAHAL (closed on Fridays). An extravagant marble monument of love, built by Shah Jahan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22000 craftsmen to build. Continue your tour to the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565. The Forts maze of courtyards, its marble mosque and lavish private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
Afternoon is free for independent activities. |
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07 AGRA-JHANSI–ORCHHA-KHAJURAHO |
| Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer from hotel to the railway station in time for:
Leave: Agra at 0810 hours by Shatabdi Express
Arrive: Jhansi at 1300 hours
Meeting, greeting and assistance upon arrival at the railway station and proceed to Orchha (20 kms / 45 minutes drive aprox).
Visit Orchha Palace and Temples.
Optional Lunch in Hotel Amar Mahal.
Later, proceed to Khajuraho (170 kms / 4 ½ hours drive) by road. Arrive and check-in at:
HOTEL A & B
Rest of the day is free to relax.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.
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08 KHAJURAHO-VARANASI |
| Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Khajuraho - The tour will include a visit to the famous Chandela Dynasty Temples, which are set in a lovely grass park. These temples are amazing – rising in many peaks and spirals intricately carved and designed with statues and friezes. The erotic carvings on these temple walls have made this one of the most talked about tourist site in the country and, perhaps, unmatched in the world.
Afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport in time for:
Leave: Khajuraho at 1330 hours by 9W-334
Arrive: Varanasi at 1410 hours (does not operate from 20th May till 20th of July. Alternatively, clients can fly by Indian Airlines flight, operates only on Mon, Wed and Fridays)
Meeting, greeting and assistance upon arrival at the airport and transfer to HOTEL A & B
Later, proceed for a city tour of Varanasi – The tour will include visits to the numerous temples, which dot the banks of the river. During the tour you will be able to walk through the narrow lanes and stop by at the bazaars to have a look at, among other things, the world famous Banaras silks.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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9 VARANASI-KATHMANDU |
Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges. The best time to visit the Ghats is dawn when pilgrims take their morning dip. The most famous Ghat is the Dasaswamedh Ghat from where we begin this tour. Enjoy the boat ride while looking out for people on the ghats – the women bathing discreetly in their sarees, the young men displaying prowess in yogic postures & the Brahmin priests offering prayers for one and all. Amidst all this you may also come across the burning ghats which are cremation sites for the dead.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer from hotel to the airport in time for:
Leave: Varanasi at 1140 hours by IC-752
Arrive: Kathmandu at 1250 hours (operates on Tue / Thu n Saturday)
Meeting, greeting and assistance upon arrival at the airport and transfer to HOTEL A & K
Rest of the day at leisure.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL.
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| DAY 10 KATHMANDU |
| Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, take a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the unique and fascinating capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. First visit the imposing 2000 year old stupa at Swayambhunath, majestically set high on a hill overlooking the valley. Then drive to the central Durbar Square to see fine examples of Nepalese architecture in Kathmandu's palaces and pagodas. Also visit Ason Tole, a typical Nepalese market place.
Afternoon free for independent activities.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY 11 KATHMANDU |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, drive through the Nepalese countryside and visit Patan, known as the "City of Grace and Fine Arts". Here you will be able to see Patan's interesting and beautiful pieces of art and architecture. Also visit the particularly interesting Tibetan Refugee Craft Center.
Afternoon, excursion to Bhatgaon (also called Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees). It is a centre of medieval art and architecture. The legendary city was founded by King Ananda Deva in 889 AD and is shaped like a conch-shell. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. Visit Durbar Square and Nyatapala Temple - a 5 storied pagoda style temple.
Also excursion to Pashupatinath- Dedicated to Lord Shiva this Pagoda style temple is situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river. It has a gilted roof and a richly carved silver door and is one of the holiest temples in the entire Hindu world. Pashupatinath is the centre of an annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivratri. Only Hindus are allowed to go inside the courtyard of the temple.
OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. |
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| DAY 12 KATHMANDU-DELHI |
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning free
Optional : This morning, weather permitting, you will take what promises to be one of the most thrilling flights of your life - the Himalayan Mountain Flight. During a one-hour flight, the plane flies at close range along the Himalayas - the world's highest and most majestic peaks, and your view from the plane window is spectacular, especially when you finally see Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in earth.
Late afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport in time for:
Leave: Kathmandu at 1700 hours by RA-217
Arrive: Delhi at 1815 hours
Transfer from airport to : HOTEL A & B (Airport hotels)
Overnight at the Hotels. |
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DAY 13 DELHI-ABROAD
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Leave: Delhi by International Flight
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Delhi – Capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers have flourished on its regal soil over the last 3000 years. The legacy still survives in many monuments varying from the 13th century mausoleum of the Lodi Kings to the buildings of British India's imperial past like the Parliament House and the Presidential Estate. |
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Jaipur - The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in pink, a color which signifies hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed locals, reflect Jaipur’s desert heritage while the teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts. Come visit the city of love, legends and lore. |
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Agra – The ancient city, once the capital of Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th century, today depicts a gorgeous panorama of majestic architectural creations and a rich tradition of art and culture. Agra is home to one of seven - wonders of the World, the marble symphony of Shah Jahan - “The Taj Mahal”. Discover the dazzling creations of their craftsmen in other architectural marvels in Agra, the quintessential mughal city. |
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Varanasi – amongst the oldest living cities in the world, is also the holiest of Hindu Pilgrimages. Thousands of devotees come here daily to the Banks of the River Ganga to take a ritual dip and cleanse their souls and to worship at its many temples. It is not just important for Hindus ,but has links with Buddhism and Jainism as well. It was at Sarnath close by, that Buddha preached his first sermon and Lord Mahavir also revealed his Jain Philosophy at Kasi – nearby. Varanasi is to Hindus what the Vatican is to Catholics. |
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Kathmandu is really two cities: a fabled capital of convivial pilgrims and carved rose-brick temples; and a splenetic sprawl smothered in the pollution of diesel fumes, dirt, monkeys and beggars. The sights are heavily clustered in the old part of town from Kantipath west towards the Vishumati River. Creativity and patience are required to navigate the city's narrow, often unmarked streets, but if you lose your way, simply ask a passerby for directions |
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