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North India: Exotic
Palaces of Rajasthan & Sacred Traditions (including Pushkar
Fair)
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| Day
01 Arrival Delhi |
Arrive in New Delhi where you will be met at the
airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart
of the city. Check in & go to bed, as it will
be early morning when you arrive at the hotel. [Room
at hotel is reserved for immediate occupancy.
India’s capital and a major gateway to the country,
contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which
successfully combines the ancient with the modern.
Set amidst the fast spiralling skyscrapers are remnants
of a bygone time including forts, palaces and monuments
- reminders of the region’s ancient legacy.
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel New Delhi –
enjoy a guided bus tour of the New Capital designed
by Sir Edward Lutyens for the British. Drive down
the main avenue, the impressive Rajpath
to the World War I memorial arch, the India
Gate and past the Rashtrpati Bhavan, the
president’s residence and the Pariliament Buildings.
Then see Imperial Delhi while visiting the
Qutub Minar (WHS), the tallest stone tower
in India at 72 meters high. Qutub-ud-din Aibak began
construction of the tower in 1199, and by pulling
down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns
he also erected the Quwat-ul-Islam mosque which today
lies in ruins nearby. Visit the tomb of the second
Mughal emperor Humayun (WHS), built
in 1565 by his widow Haji Begum. It is an outstanding
monument in the Indo-Persian style, and is a precursor
of the architectural style of the Taj Mahal.
After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of Old Delhi,
the 300- year old walled city built by the Mughal
Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648 as his capital. Drive past
Kotla Firoze Shah, ruins of an old fort of the 14th
c; see the Ashokan Pillar of 3rd c. BC. Begin with
a visit to Raj Ghat, the simple memorial
to Mahatma Gandhi who died in 1948, at the site of
his cremation. Continue on to have a panoramic view
of Red Fort build of red sandstone
(1638-48) overlooking the Yumana River. Opposite the
fort are the black and white onion dome and the minarets
of the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Enjoy
a brief walk through the winding streets of Chandni
Chowk to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.
Overnight stay in Delhi. |
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| Day
02 Delhi to Udaipur |
Transfer to the airport for your Jet Airways flight
9W 3317 to Udaipur ( departing at 1140 hrs / arriving
at 1320 hrs ). Upon arrival in Udaipur, transfer to
the hotel and check-in.
Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by
the green Aravalli hills, Udaipur grew in complete
contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan.
As capital of the old Mewar State it was the only
Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in
the face of Muslim invasion. From the late 16th c,
peace brought about an era of renaissance in the arts
and encouraged the building of beautiful palaces around
the lake, culminating in the City Palace, one of the
largest palace complexes in the world. The lake itself
is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white
Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, a refuge of the rebel
Mughal prince, Shah Jahan, soon to be the creator
of the incomparable Taj Mahal. Proceed for sightseeing
tour of Udaipur city which covers tour of
the City Palace, now a museum, which overlooks
Lake Pichola. The city Palace was built in 1725 of
granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate
windows with glass, showing the craftsmanship and
expense involved. The royal palace walls stretch over
a mile on the eastern side of the lake. Within the
palace is a maze of courtyards, apartments and beautifully
decorated halls. The rooms are covered with frescoes,
displays of royal processions, stone and glass mosaics
and ornamental doors and painted windows. The marble
throne in the coronation rooms was last used during
the time of Maharana Sangram Singh II (1710-30). Nearby
is the Sun Window installed by Maharaja Bhim Singh
(1778-1828). This is the divine symbol of the house
of Mewar, which traces its lineage to the Surya Vansha,
descendants of the Sund. Visit individual palaces,
the museums, the hall of public audiences, and the
private chambers of the royal ladies at the palace.
After dinner, enjoy a walking tour of Udaipur.
Overnight stay in Udaipur. |
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| Day
03 Udaipur – Narlai |
After breakfast, travel by coach from Udaipur to
Narlai [150 KMS/4hrs]. En route stop to visit the
Jain Temples in Ranakpur. The drive
to the Jain Temples follows an exceptionally beautiful
route through the rugged, wooded hills of the Aravalli
Valley in Rajasthan. This temples complex of the Jain
religion, which is particularly noted for the grandiose
scale of its architecture with highly decorated ceilings,
walls and 1444 different carved pillars.
Enjoy lunch at the Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat,
once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Jodhpur.
Continue on to Rawla Narlai, a restored hunting lodge
situated at the foot of a hill, dotted with caves
and temples Check-in to at the hotel. B/L/D
Overnight at in Narlai. |
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| Day
04 Narlai – Manvar |
Breakfast at the hotel. After this continue your
journey through Rajasthan from Narlai to Manvar [255
KMS/7hrs} On the way stop to visit the massive Mehrangarh
(Majestic) Fort, built on a bluff 393 feet
above the flat surrounding plain. On the wall adjacent
to the Lahapol or “Iron Gate: are 15 handprints,
the sati marks of the widows of Maharaja Man Singh
who threw themselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843.
Inside the fort visit several palaces ornamented with
delicate friezes and the Palace Museum with a collection
of fine collection of Rajput miniature paintings and
other treasures of the Maharaja’s of Jodhpur
and the Rathore armory.
After your visit, have lunch in Jodhpur. Then continue
on to Manvar where you will overnight at a desert
resort In the evening, enjoy dinner with entertainment
and dancing. B/L/D |
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| Day
05 Manwar – Jaisalmer |
| After a buffet breakfast, take a Jeep Safari
over the dunes into the dessert to see the territory
of the Rajputs. Ater lunch, continue on to Jaisalmer
by coach.
Jaisalimer, an important desert trading center
and the western sentinel of Rajasthan, was founded
by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in 1156.
Located at the heart of the great Thar Desert, it
offers an enchanting world of fable, color and history
and outstanding architecture. Jaisalmer Fort, located
on the top of the Trikuta Hill is visible from a
great distance across the golden tinged sand of
the dessert.
Check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day
06 Jaisalmer |
After breakfast, have a guided tour of
Jaisalmer, including Sonar Kila,
the golden fort which rises out of a rock of topaz.
The entire living area of Jaisalmer
lies within the gigantic citadel halls. Visit the
12th century Fort built by Prince
Jaisal & the Palace which stands
at the highest point (100 metres) above the marketplace
hilltop. The walls of the fort, which stretch for
miles, are topped with ramparts and bastions. The
yellow sandstone of the fort is dazzling in the early
morning sun and again at sunset. Also visit a Jain
Temple, built from the 12th-15th c., which
lies within the fort complex. Ornamented with quaint
but impressive figures of Jain saints made of white
marble and red and black stone some of the Jain temples
have beautiful images of Hindu deities, which indicate
the remarkable religious tolerance during that age.
After lunch have some time at leisure to explore this
interesting city.
Exploring the desert around Jaisalmer by camels is
undoubtedly the most evocative way to sample the desert
life. Later this afternoon you will set upon a sojourn
to the sand dunes to nearby Khuri
village [ 40 Kms from Jaisalmer ] to explore the sand
dunes at dusk. Khuri is a peaceful place with houses
of mud and straw, decorated like the patterns on Persian
carpets. The attraction out here is the desert solitude
and the brilliant star studded sky at night.
B/L/D |
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| Day
07 Jaisalmer – Bikaner |
Early breakfast, depart from Jaisalmer to Bikaner
[350KMS/7.30hrs]. Bikaner is a delightful small 15th
c. medieval walled town in the Thar Desert. The town
takes its name from Rao Bika, the sixth son of the
Rathor Raja of Marwar (or Jodhpur). Like Jaipur, it
is also a “Pink City” with its impressive
fort, palaces, mansions and public buildings all carved
from the rich pink sandstone that is characteristic
of this region.
Check-in at the hotel. |
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| Day
08 Bikaner – Pushkar |
| After breakfast, have a guided tour
of Bikaner, including Junagarh
Fort, one of the most interesting forts
in Rajasthan, with its sumptuously decorated interiors.
Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh, its is unusual
in the sense that it was one of the few major forts
of Rajasthan that was not built on a hilltop, but
on the desert plains; its rugged sandstone bastions
and graceful pavilions and balconies silhouetted
against the sky.
After your tour of Bikaner [Lunch in Bkaner] proceed
to Pushkar [260KMS/5.30hrs], a
small town located just northeast of Ajmer, which
is sacred to the Hindus and now a tourist attraction
for its annual camel fair, the largest in the world.
A packed lunch will be provided.
Apart from the tourist bungalows on the shore of
the lake, a miniature tent city is put up during
the fair for the convenience of visitors. For the
next two nights at Puskkar, you will stay in deluxe
tents with private bathrooms. Upon arrival in Pushkar,
proceed to your tented accommodation.
The largest camel & cattle fair in the world,
Pushkar is Rajasthan under one roof, a complete
exhibition of its culture. The Pushkar Fair
brings bedecked camels, decorated cattle, adventurous
competitions, breathtaking events, jostling rustic
crowds, meditating sadhus, holy immersions in Pushkar
Lake, vividly colored stalls, an exotic fair, the
colorful desert - all so typical! There is nothing
like Pushkar Fair! The rest of the afternoon is
at leisure to visit the Fair Grounds. Deluxe
Tents
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| Day
09 Puhskar |
Enjoy a full day the Pushkar
Fair enjoying the sights and sounds. Pushkar brings
alive the rich traditions of Rajasthan enhancing
the glory of the golden sand. Enjoy the Pushkar
Fair!
Note: The Pushkar Fair - Throughout the year, life
is centered on the lake & temples, & Pushkar
has the atmosphere of an ancient religious town,
peaceful & secluded. But for 12 days in the
Hindu month of Kartik it is transformed into a spectacular
fairground that spreads over the dunes west of the
town. The mela (fair) is an event of religious &
commercial importance. Thousands of men come first,
with their camels & cattle, & camp on the
dunes to transact business. Three days before the
full moon, the women start coming, gorgeously attired
in traditional dress. Natives of Rajasthani, in
particular the Gurjars come at this time to bathe
& worship in the shimmering waters, to enjoy
the entertainment, & delight in the dazzling
wares of hundreds of roadside stalls, while on the
dunes camels are brought & sold, beautified,
raced & paraded. The fair is spectacular in
its magnitude & in its visual impact. Most unusual
are the small groups of men & women with tattoos
on their bodies. The beauty of Rajasthan is concentrated
within the radius of a few miles around the town
during the fair. Evenings at the fair have their
own charm when thousands of campfires light up the
dark. Ballads are sung, folk dramas & folk dances
are organized for the entertainment of tourists.
Overnight in Deluxe Tents |
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| Day
10 Pushkar – Jaipur |
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
After your buffet breakfast, the morning will
be at leisure to explore the fair for one
last time. After lunch depart from Pushkar to Jaipur
[150KMS/4 hrs]. Rajasthan’s kingdoms are an
enduring legacy to India’s history. Jaipur,
the city of victory, presides over another fascinating
desert state and its people.
Check-in at the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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| Day
11 Jaipur |
Following breakfast begin your excursions in Jaipur
with a visit to the Palace of Winds (Hawa
Mahal) with its pink sandstone façade
intricately carved into honeycomb screens, windows
and balconies behind which the ladies of the court
could watch the daily goings on and royal processions
in the street below without being seen. The windows
and latticed screens also allowed the cooling winds
to blow through the palace.
Continue on to Amber, the ancient capital just outside
present day Jaipur, to visit the fabulous Amber
fort. Maharaja Man Singh, Mughal Emperor
Akbar’s most successful general, began construction
of the fort in the 17th c. Surrounded by fortified
battlements, the fort overlooks the Moat Lake and
is a complex of courtyards and royal apartments. Amber
was the seat of power before the City Palace was built
in Jaipur..You will be transported up to the fortress
palace on elephant back upto the fortress palace and
then tour the elaborately decorated halls, some with
delightful fresco paintings, glass or inlaid precious
stones. Two of the most outstanding are the Chamber
of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal) where the light
from a single lamp, reflected in the many mirrors,
illuminates the entire room and the Hall of
Victory, sheathed with fine alabaster panels
ornamented with inlaid flowers.
After lunch visit the City Palace,
a large complex of palaces, gardens and courtyards
which is now a museum which houses collections of
Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings, rare manuscripts,
traditional clothing and an armory. Next door stop
in to see the amazing. Astronomical Observatory
(Jantar Mantar) built by the Maharaja of
Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh, in 1726 to accurately predict
movements of the moon and planets. Even today these
instruments are precise. Following these visits you
will have the opportunity to wander through the local
markets. B/L/D |
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| Day
12 Jaipur – Ranthambore |
Leave Jaipur after breakfast and drive to picturesque
Ranthambore National Park, a forest preserve with
abundant lakes and ponds where the wildlife and birds
come to drink [180 KMS/ 5 hrs]. Near the township
of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore
National park is an outstanding example of Project
Tiger’s efforts at conservation in the country.
These forests around the 11th c Ranthambore Fort were
once the private grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur.
As a result of the stringent efforts on conservation,
tigers, the prime assets of the park have become more
and more active during the day often seen lolling
around lazily in the sun or feverishly hunting down
sambar around the lakes. Panthers also are found here,
as well as marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and
sloth bears. Sambar are found in abundance all over
the area, the prime target of all predators. Chital,
nilgai, and chinkara are the other inhabitants of
the region. The avian population comprises black storks,
quails, Bonelli’s eagles, spur fowls, crested
serpent eagles and painted storks.
Late afternoon you will venture into the park to track
the elusive tiger. The game drive will follow strict
routes and along the way you will see a host of game.
Check-in at the resort. |
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| Day
13 Ranthambore |
Take an early morning and an afternoon exploration
into the reserve at Ranthambore by jeep safari
to look for signs of game animals and other wildlife,
including birds. Your guide will stop to show you
any sightings and you will have some time for photography.
Morning will be for leisure or for independent activities
which could be nature walks or a visit to the 10th
century Ranthambore Fort –
this fort stands majestically atop a hill overlooking
the entire park. The walk up, one of the only places
this mode of transport is possible, is a very refreshing
and exciting one as even the big cats have been spotted
up there! The view of the surrounding keeps getting
better and better as you go up but the view from the
fort itself can only be described as breathtaking.
After lunch, visit the Ranthambore School of Arts
or Dastkar. In 1981 six women came together to start
an organization that dealt with the problems of
traditional artisans in contemporary India. They
all shared the belief that craft, despite the strains
of urbanization and industrialization, is still
viable-with a vital role to play in the economic
mainstream of the country. With this view in mind,
Dastkar came into existence in October 1981.
Whilst the roots of all craft traditions are based
in social, cultural, or religious customs, one must
remember that craft is an important economic activity
and the second largest source of income for rural
people in India today. Dastkar’s retail outlets
where artisan groups sell their products directly
to the customers have been invaluable in exposing
craftspeople to the market by giving them a firsthand
knowledge of contemporary forces and consumer tastes..
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| Day
14 Ranthambore - Agra |
Following an early breakfast , you will be transferred
by jeeps to Sawaimadhopur station in time to board
your train Jan Shatabdi for Bharatpur ( departure
0723 hrs / arrival 1043 hrs ) From Bharatpur continue
on by coach for a onehour drive to Agra. En route
stop to visit Fathpur Sikri (WHS),
built by Emperor Akbar the Great in 1569 & deserted
14 years later because its water supply failed. Pass
through the victory gate of Buland Darwaza
to tour the imperial Jami Masjid
(mosque); the tomb of Shaik Salim Chisti,
who predicted the birth of Akbar’s son Jehangir;
the Panch Mahal with magnificent
columns; & the Pachisi Courtyard,
paved with black & white tiles, where the Emperor
played chess using slave girls as figurines. After
your visit continue on to Agra, with the greatest
example of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal.
Check-in at the hotel. |
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| Day
15 Agra – Delhi |
Rise early this morning for a sunrise tour
of the Taj Mahal arriving at the entrance
gate by Tonga (horse carriage) to
view this incredible and extravagant monument as the
sun bathes it in an ethereal light. Build in the 17th
c. by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an memorial
to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it took 22 years
and 20,000 men to build it; the white marble transported
to the site by elephants from a quarry 200 miles away.
The perfect proportions of the Taj Mahal and the delicate
inlay marble work are amazing.
Return to your hotel after the sunrise tour for a
buffet breakfast. Then visit Agra Fort,
situated around the bend of the Yamuna River from
the Taj Mahal. Construction of the red sandstone walls
and gates of the fort was begun by Akbar as the seat
and stronghold of the Mughal Empire. Enlarged by successive
generations including Shah Jehan, who had the Moti
Majid (Pearl Mosque), Royal Pavilions, &
Hall of Public Audience added and Aurangzeb who added
outer ramparts. From the towers of the fort you can
see the nearby Taj Mahal.
After a buffet lunch, depart by coach from Agra to
Delhi [205 KMS/5.3hrs]. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer
to a hotel where you may relax in the hotel lobby
before dinner. In the evening transfer to the airport
for you flight back home |
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Notes:
Many legends have grown over the origin of Pushkar.
Legend has it that Lord Brahma in search for
a spot to hold his yagna (religious ritual)
dropped a lotus from his hand; the three spots
touched by this flower were turned into lakes
in the Thar Dessert. Today these are known as
the Jyeshtha Pushkar (main Pushkar), the Madhyam
Pushkar (medium) Pushkar) and the Kanishtha
Pushkar (little Pushkar). A temple dedicated
to Lord Brahma is located at Pushkar.
People consider the water of the Pushkar Lakes
to be very sacred and the ritual of immersing
in the holy water is believed to bestow salvation.
Pushkar Lake is bounded by 52 ghats built over
the centuries by kings & nobles (Photography
is prohibited on the ghats.) For complete cleansing
of sins, three twilight’s must be passed
at Pushkar with baths at the three important
& revered ghats - Varah, Brahma & Gau
Ghats.
Even before sunrise, people descend the ghats
or steps to the water’s edge, aided by
the pandas (Brahmin priests] to take the sacred
bath. Offerings of coconut, flowers and cash
are made to the lake and the priests. After
bathing at the lake, people go the Brahma temple
to pay homage to the creator of the Universe,
Lord Brahma.
Pushkar is one of the traditional “once
in a lifetime” places of pilgrimage. Epics,
religious texts, coins & inscriptions bear
evidence to the sanctity of Pushkar. The present
town was rebuilt in the ninth century by a Parihar
king of Mandor, when he was cured of a skin
ailment after a dip in the Pushkar Lake. Pushkar
is a maze of 400 temples, ashrams (hermitages)
& dharamshalas (rest houses) & one is
never far from the sound of worship and devotees
to Lord Brahma
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North India Extension:
Mother Ganges & The Holy Cities of Khajuraho & Varanasi
(for Pushkar Fair tour)
5 days / 4 nights
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| Day
01 |
Rise early this morning for a sunrise
tour of the Taj Mahal arriving at the
entrance gate by Tonga (horse carriage)
to view this incredible and extravagant monument
as the sun bathes it in an ethereal light. Build
in the 17th c. by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
as an memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal,
it took 22 years and 20,000 men to build it;
the white marble transported to the site by
elephants from a quarry 200 miles away. The
perfect proportions of the Taj Mahal and the
delicate inlay marble work are amazing.
Return to your hotel after the sunrise tour
for a buffet breakfast. Then visit Agra
Fort, situated around the bend of the
Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. Construction
of the red sandstone walls and gates of the
fort was begun by Akbar as the seat and stronghold
of the Mughal Empire. Enlarged by successive
generations including Shah Jehan, who had the
Moti Majid (Pearl Mosque),
Royal Pavilions, & Hall of Public Audience
added and Aurangzeb who added outer ramparts.
From the towers of the fort you can see the
nearby Taj Mahal.
After a buffet lunch, depart by coach from Agra
to Delhi [205 KMS/5.3hrs]. Upon arrival in Delhi,
transfer to a hotel and check in. |
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| Day
02 Delhi – Khajuraho |
Transfer to the airport to board your Indian
Airlines flight or Jet Airways to Khajuraho.
You will be received upon arrival and transferred
to your hotel. Check in at the hotel.
Khajuraho, capital of the
12th –14th c. Chandela kings, who built
some of India’s most magnificent temples,
which are located here. Located in Madhya
Pradesh, the temples are examples of the peak
of the north Indian “nagara” style
of architecture. Check in at your hotel.
Afternoon enjoy a guided visit to
the Chandela Temple Complex to see
some of the most famous temples made of granite
and sandstone adorned with exquisite sculpture
which represent some of the finest examples
of temple architecture in Northern India.
After ruling for about 500years, the Chandela
dynasty fell to the might of Islam and the
religious center of Khjuraho was abandoned,
but the remote location of Khajuraho meant
that the temples were left unharmed. The intricately
carved stone statues - a galaxy of gods &
goddesses, beasts, & serpents, and on
some a multitude of erotic couples which represent
a paean to life, to love & to joy –
the best of Hindu sculpture are a reminder
of a society that believed in the full enjoyment
of life, with all the senses being a path
to nirvana.
Visit the temples of Kandariya Mahadeva,
Catrabhuj, Parswanath of Parsvanath, &
Ghantai.
Notes: The Western Group: The Kandariya
Mahadev is the best example of
the Central Indian style of temple architecture.
It is the largest of the Khajuraho temples
& is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located
close to it is the Matangeshwara temple,
the only one in the entire complex where
the deity (Shiva) is still worshipped everyday
with prayers & rituals. The Lakshman
temple is finest of the western group of
temples & has four shrines attached
to it. The Devi Jagdamba temple is known
for its erotic sculptures & houses Khajuraho's
most talked-about image, the mithuna (the
sensuously carved figures of amorous couples).
The temples of Vishvanath & Nandi depict
the marriage of Lord Shiva with Parvati.
The Chaunsath Yogini is the oldest of the
surviving temples at Khajuraho & is
dedicated to goddess Kali.
The Eastern Group: This
is also known as the Jain group. The Jain
temples of Parswanath, Adinath,
Shantinagh, & Ghantai have
fine examples of elaborate carvings &
are bereft of the erotic sculptures seen
in the Hindu temples. These temples are
dedicated to Jain deities, each temple having
a finely sculpted image of the presiding
deity. The three Hindu temples here are
those of Vamana, Javari & Brahma. The
temples of Brahma & Hanuman are two
of the oldest.
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03 Khajuraho – Varanasi |
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Later in
mid afternoon board your Jet Airways flight
9W 724 to Varanasi departing at 1:30 pm and
arriving at Varanasi (Benares)
at 2:10 pm. Assistance on arrival and transfer
to hotel.
The afternoon will be at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
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| Day
04 Varanasi |
Your visit to Varanasi begins with pre-dawn
boat ride on River Ganges.
As your boat glides along the river, you will
see Hindu pilgrims descending the wide steps
(ghats) leading down to the riverbank and to
the sacred river to perform centuries old rituals
that by immersing the body in the holy Ganges
or by dying in Varanasi, it removes one from
the cycle of birth and death. As the first rays
of the sun the illuminate the river you will
see worshipers immersing themselves in the holy
waters as they salute the sun. In Varnasi, the
ghats extend for about three miles along the
river, where you will see some of the important
ghats including the Bathing Ghats,
the Cremation Ghats, and the
17th c. Gyanvapi Mosque, Emperor
Aurangazeb’s Mosque built in the 17th
century on the site of a Hindu temple.
The riverfront, as seen from a boat early in
the morning, is a spiritually uplifting sight.
This holy city is crowded with temples and its
labyrinth of ancient streets lined with stalls
and shops is alive with throngs of people.
After the boat ride, visit the Kashi-Vishwanath
Temple (Golden Temple), the most sacred
of shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, the patron
deity of Varanasi. Reconstructed in the 18th
c., its gold plating on the “shikaras”
or dome was a gift of the on-eyed Sikh king,
Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Also visit the Bharat
Mata Temple, inaugurated by Mahatma
Gandhi, is a unique temple dedicated to Mother
India, which houses a relief map of India carved
out of marble.
Return to the hotel for breakfast before taking
a guided tour of Varanasi where
you will see the Varanasi Hindu University,
a great site of oriental learning (a center
of education in Sanskrit, Indian Art, culture
& music). See the Durga (Goddess
of Power) Temple, popularly known as
the Monkey Temple because hundreds
of monkeys cavort in the courtyard.
After lunch visit Sarnath near
Varanasi, one of the major pilgrimage sites
for Buddhists. After achieving enlightenment
at Bodhgaya, Buddha, the “awakened or
enlightened one,” delivered his first
sermon at the Deer Park here to five disciples,
enshrining the principles of his teaching into
laws. See the Dhamek Stupa,
along with a large complex of monastery ruins
& stupas, some from the 3rd c. BC. Visit
the interesting Archaeological Museum
& see the famous Sarnath Pillar
whose capital forms India's national emblem.
Nearby a new Buddhist monastery has been built
with major events of Buddhas life depicted in
wall paintings.
In the evening join your guide to walk through
the oldest and most famous narrow and winding
lanes of the city, past the endless human panorama
- pilgrims, worshipers, sadhus, children selling
flowers and floating lights to place in the
river - to arrive at the ghats at the Ganges
to witness the Aarti Ceremony
which is part of the evening pooja or prayers.
During the ceremony deepas (oil lamps) are offered
to Mother Ganga with thanks and devotion for
the light of the sun and for her divine light.
As the aarti fire ceremonies take place, bells
are rung and chanting and singing provide a
fascinating, magical and spiritual conclusion
to the days end. |
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05 Varanasi – Delhi |
| Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Varanasi
on your own. After lunch, depart for the airport
Jet Airways flight 9W 724 for Delhi. Transfer
to a nearby hotel with time for relaxing in
the lobby before dinner. Later transfer to the
international airport for your return flights. |
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After 25 years working for excellence in the tourism
industry
we are proud of our results reassert by our awards. |
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