Classical
& Cultural India Tour
Places to Visit: Delhi
- Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Gwalior - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi
Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
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
Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi,
you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Picturesquely situated on
the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient
seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams,
the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively.
This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Varanasi, which was
in use till May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government
of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India.
From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of
their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every
year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of
the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples and shrines
along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns and mantras along
with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the refreshing dip in the
holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi - The land where experience
and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich
tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world - renowned exponents
India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi's cultural ethos.
Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work
of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades
which are cherished as collector's items across the world today.
Visit
Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi: The great Buddha enhanced the sanctity of Varanasi
by choosing the environs of the city to preach his first sermon at Sarnath, (only
10 Kms away) after attaining enlightenment. Later, Ashoka, the great Mauryan Emperor
erected magnificent stupas and other buildings along with his mighty stone pillar,
Dharmarajika Stupa. The 110 ft. tall Damekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha
preached first sermon.Sarnath has been a premier centre for Buddhism. It is a
rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha
and Bodhisatva images on display at the Archaeological Museum (1000 hrs to 1700
hrs. Open all days except Friday)
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 In the early morning drive 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. Then 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. Visit
the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
Return for
breakfast to the hotel.
Proceed for day guided 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 a tour of the EASTERN & WESTERN TEMPLS. It is best to
do the Eastern set of temples first as the Western set is very interesting and
takes a lot of time. A lot of our guests want some free time at the Western set
as it is really beautiful and quite exhaustive.
Enjoy the SOUND &
LIGHT SHOW at the Western Temple Complex. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 06 : Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Gwalior By Road 170 km
in 4 hr
By Train
Number : 2001
Departure : 1755 hr
Arrival :
1855 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 Gwalior. (This is a superfast train with
airline type seats and snacks / mineral water is served on board)
Reach
Gwalior and check in at the palace.
A little southward of Agra is the
ancient city of Gwalior. Centuries of history can be witnessed even today in its
monuments, temples, museums and cultural traditions. The magnificent Gwalior Fort,
with its reflections of art, religion and military might, is an enduring symbol
of this glorious past. The colorful history of this city dates back to the eight
century and is a mosaic of Rajput clans of the Pratihasas, Kachwahas and Tomars,
each leaving their marks on the city's magnificent monuments. Gwalior's history
is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a chief tain known as Suraj
Sen was struck by a deadly disease and cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a gratitude
for that incidence, he founded this city by his name. The new city of Gwalior
became existence over the centuries. The cradle of great dynasties ruled the city
Gwalior. With different Dynasty, the city gained a new dimension from the warrior
kings, poets, musicians, and saints who contributed to making it renowned throughout
the country. The city is also the setting for the memorials of freedom fighters
such as Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi. Today the old settings
stand side by side with the trappings of modernity.
Overnight will be
at the palace.
Day 07 : Gwalior Breakfast will be at the
hotel.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city visiting the following
interesting monuments.
Gwalior Fort: Standing on a steep mass of sandstone,
Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most significant monument. It has been
the scene of momentous events, imprisonment, battles and jauhars. A steep road
winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of the Jain tirthankaras, carved
into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the fort still stand, two miles
in length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of
the most invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor Babur
to describe it as "the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind".
Man Mandir Palace: Built between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh.The tiles
that once adorned its exterior have not survived, but at the entrance, traces
of these still remain. Vast chambers with fine stone screens were once the music
halls, and behind these screens, the royal ladies would learn music from the great
masters of the day. Below, circular dungeons housed the state prisoners of the
Mughals. Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother, Murad imprisoned, and later executed
here. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where in the Rajput tradition, the Ranis committed
mass sati after their consorts had been defeated in battle. At Man Mandir Palace,
a poignant ambience of those days of chivalry and heroism still lingers in the
silent chambers.
Gujari Mahal: Within the fort are some marvels
of medieval architecture. The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love
of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his intrepid Gujar Queen, Mrignayani. The outer structure
of Gujari Mahal has survived in an almost total state of preservation; the interior
has been converted into Archaeological Museum housing rare antiquities, some of
them dating back to the 1st century A.D. Even though many of these have been defaced
by the iconoclastic Mughals, their perfection of form has survived the ravages
of time. Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Shalbhanjika from Gyraspur,
the tree goddess, the epitome of perfection in miniature. The statue is kept in
the custody of the museum's curator, and can be seen on request.
Sas
Bahu ka Mandir: Two architecturally beautiful 11th century temples.
Jai Vilas Palace: A splendor of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace,
current residence of the Scindia family. Some 25 rooms have been turned into the
Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, and in these rooms, so evocative of a regal lifestyle,
the past comes alive. Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure which combines the
Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar Hall has two central
chandeliers weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants had
tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies
and tapestries, fine Persian carpets and antique furniture from France and Italy
are the features of these spacious rooms. Eye catching treasures include: a silver
train with cut glass wagons which served guests as it chugged around the table
on miniature rails; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janmashtami,
silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan.
These are, besides, personal mementoes of past members of the Scindia family:
the jeweled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani, four-poster beds and gifts
from practically every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. The
Scindia Museum offers an unparalled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle
of princely India.
Enjoy the spa and overnight will be at the palace.
Day 08 : Gwalior - Agra By Road 120 km in 2 hr
Enjoy breakfast at the palace and drive to Agra.
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.
Relax
at the beautiful hotel with a view of the TAJ.
Overnight will be at
Agra.
Day
09 : 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 10 : Agra - Jaipur By Road 221 km in
5 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 is the capital of the state of
Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal
Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India.
Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the
Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain
their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to
the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors
and also the British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital
of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given
the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one
and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable
than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive
colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan,
but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State
Visit from Prince Albert.
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 11 : Jaipur Proceed for a morning excursion
to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
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. At the foot of the hill
you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the
main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed
in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted,
offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.
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.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore
independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver
jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 12 : Jaipur - Delhi
By Road 260 km in 5 hr
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
In the
morning enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaars. Jaipur is renowned
for textile block printing, blue pottery, carpet weaving, semi-precious stones
and local crafts which still thrive from the day of Maharaja Jai Singh's patronage
when he designed special areas in the city for the 'bandhanas', the 'cheepas'
and the 'meenakari' workers.
Proceed for Delhi after lunch and reach
the airport and board the flight for home with sweet memories of India.
TOUR ENDS THE TOUR
INCLUDES: 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,
m) EVENING AARTI CEREMONY
AT VARANASI,
n) ALL EXCURSIONS AS MENTIONED,
o) RICKSHAW RIDE AT JAIPUR,
p) SARNATH EXCURSION IN VARANASI AND
q) BOAT-RIDE AT RIVER GANGES IN
VARANASI.
Suggested Hotels :
| City | Luxury Hotels | Nights |
| Delhi | Imperial / The Oberoi | 02 |
| Varanasi | Ramada
/ Taj Ganges | 02 |
| Khajuraho | Taj Chandela | 02 |
| Gwalior | Taj Usha Kiran Palace | 02 |
| Agra | Oberoi
Amarvilas | 02 |
| Jaipur | Taj Rambagh Palace | 02 |
