Highlights : A
detailed tour visiting the greatest spiritual and
religious centers of ancient India. The ideal tour for
the great Indian Diaspora: families who left India long
ago, whose children grew up in other countries, who want
to revive their emotional, cultural and religious roots
with their mother - land. The cities included in the
tour reflects the rhythm of Indian custom, tr aditions &
religion at its peaceful vibrations through relaxed
understanding visit.
Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, the capital city of India. After
completing formalities with customs and immigration, you
will be received by our representative with Traditional
Indian Welcome (with garlands).
Delhi is the capital of India since old times. Delhi's
history dates back to the first millenium BC, when it
was known as Indraprastha. The Tomar Rajputs built Lal
Kot, the core of the first of Delhi's seven cities. It
is the epicenter of the nation's politics, economy and
culture. History is alive and throbbing in Delhi, the
capital of India.
Afterwards transfer to your hotel for the overnight
stay.
Day 02 In Delhi.
After breakfast you embark on your sightseeing trip of
Delhi City which would include the visit to Old Delhi
and New Delhi
Old Delhi : An ancient walled city. Here you would see
the Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the
Mughal Empire, Rajghat the Samadhi of our Father of
Nation, Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India and
Chandni Chowk the bustling and colourful market of the
old city.
New Delhi : The city designed and built by the British
in the 1920s- a city of wide boulevards impressive
Government Buildings, green parks and gardens. First you
will visit the two monuments from the Delhis past
Humayuns Tomb and Qutab Minar. Then your drive takes
you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the
Imposing India Gate and Parliament House.
After completing the sightseeing return back to the
Hotel for Overnight.
Day 03 Delhi - Rishikesh By
Road ( Approx 225 Kms 05 Hours )
Breakfast in the hotel. Afterwards drive to Rishikesh
Rishikesh : According to mythology, the sage Raibhya
Rishi sat on the banks of the Ganga and performed severe
penance. He was rewarded when the lord appeared in the
form of Rishikesh, thus giving the place its present
name. Over the ages, saints have meditated at this
peaceful spot with the soaring mountains looking down
and the sacred Ganga flowing beside. One of the most
prominent religious leaders in modern times, Adi
Shankaracharya, traversed this land in the 9th century
AD. The Shankaracharyas pilgrimage into the hills was
later codified into the great pilgrim circuit, and gave
a heightened sense of sacredness to this land of the
gods. Ever since, Rishikesh has been the stepping stone
and the first destination on a list of holy shrines and
sites stretching across the lofty Himalayas.
On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Evening Ganga Aarti of holy river Ganges.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 In Rishikesh
Breakfast at hotel. This morning walk along the holy
river Ganges. It is a place of ashrams where solaces
come to spend their time in serenity of God. Visit the
Shivananda Ashram where discourses in English on Hindu
religious texts can be heard. Also visit Laxman Jhoola -
a suspension bridge spanning the Ganga. Time permitting,
participate in a prayer meeting and watch a yoga
demonstration.
Overnight will be in Rishikesh.
Day 05 Rishikesh Haridwar
Delhi By Road ( Approx 250 Kms / 05 Hours )
Breakfast at Hotel. Afterwards this morning depart for
Haridwar - means Gateway to God (24 kms from Rishikesh).
It is essentially a Hindu pilgrim town with the temples,
hermitage and dharamshalas along the bank of the river
Ganga. Also visit Har-ki-pauri, the most popular bathing
Ghat which has a footprint of Lord Vishnu, the Hindu God
of preservation, on stone.
Continue your journey to Delhi.
On arrival check in at hotel for overnight stay.
Day 06 Delhi Varanasi (
Flight )
Breakfast in the hotel. Free till departure. Departure
transfer to the airport in time to connect the flight
for Varanasi. On arrival received and assisted in the
transfer to the hotel for check in.
Evening visit Amrit Rao Peshwa Ghat to witness devotes
performing the Ganga Aarti which culminates in placing
tiny lamps or diyas on fragile leaves and floating them
in the shimmering waters of the ganga. as the sun sets,
a specially arranged cultural feast of dances and music
follows.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 In Varanasi
Early morning excursion to holy river Ganges and visit
by boat the bathing ghats, cremation ghats. Watching
people bathing and worshipping at the ghats is one of
the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India.
Thereafter visit the temples in the city. The Bharat
Mata temple which houses one of most perfect relief maps
of India carved out of the marble. The Durga temple,
Tulsi manas mandir and Banaras Hindu university.
Return back to the hotel for the breakfast. Enjoy your
buffet breakfast at the hotel and afterwards you start
the half day excursion to Sarnath
Sarnath : The site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha
is said to have given his first sermon ab out the basic
principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for
Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist
relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha &
Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological
Museum.
After completing the sightseeing of Sarnath, you return
back to the hotel.
Overnight will be in Varanasi
Day 08 Varanasi - Allahabad
Varanasi By Road
( Return Journey Approx 250 Kms 05 Hours )
Breakfast in the hotel. Afterwards embark on the full
day excursion to Allahabad - one of the holiest place
for Hindus. It is the venue of the famous Kumbh Mela and
is the place where Triveni sangam takes place (the
confluence of Indias three holy rivers - the Ganga,
Yamuna and Saraswati. Visit the sights with includes
Anand Bhawan - ancestral home of Pandit Jawahar Lal
Nehru (First prime minister of India) Triveni sangam,
museum, palaces and gardens.
Return to Varanasi for overnight stay.
Day 09 Varanasi - Khajuraho
( Flight )
Breakfast in the hotel. Afterwards today assisted in
your in time transfer to airport to board flight for
Khajuraho -whose remarkable 11th century temples
constantly amaze visitors. On arrival met at the airport
and assisted in your transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon embark on the sightseeing of Khajuraho temple
carvings which potray much more than frank eroticism for
which they are famous. The imposing proportions of the
temples and their richly varied imagery will leave
behind lasting impressions.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Khajuraho - Jhansi
Via Orcha By Road ( Approx 175 Kms / 06 Hours )
Jhansi Agra ( Train )
Breakfast in the hotel.
Afterwards this morning drive to Jhansi Via Orcha hich
is located at a distance of 19 Kms from Jhansi.
Orcha : It has a medieval town atmosphere attached to
it. The Betwa River quietly flows by the town. The 16th
century palaces & temples built by its Bundela rulers
appear to be suspended in time. You will visit
Orchha Fort complex. Within the Fort complex you visit
Jahangir Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the
17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor
Jehangir to Orchha.
Raj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Madhukar Shah,
the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo.
Also visit
Ram Raja temple, palace-turned-temple with soaring
spires & palatial architecture. Built by the King
Madhukar Shah it is one of the most unusual temples in
India & the only place where Lord Rama is worshipped as
a King not as a deity.
Afterwards continue your drive to Jhansi, on arrival
transfer to the Jhansi railway Station to board the
Train for Agra .
On arrival in Agra received at the railway station and
assisted in the transfer to the Hotel.
Overnight will be in Agra.
Mark Twain said of this monument You cannot keep your
emotions within bounds, when that soaring bubble of
marble breaks upon your view Taj Mahal is like a silent
rhapsody that you will carry in your heart. You will
also visit Agra Fort, an impressive cluster of palaces,
fortresses and mosques on the banks of river Yamuna
across the Taj Mahal. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 In Agra.
Enjoy your buffet breakfast at the hotel. After
breakfast you start the sightseeing trip to Taj Mahal
and Agra Fort.
Taj Mahal : The 17th Century master piece named Taj
Mahal ,which of course is the most splendid of all the
buildings perhaps the most perfect architectural
monument of the world. It was built in the memory of the
beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal by one of greatest king of
Mughal Empire Shah Jehan.
Agra Fort: Built primarily as a military establishment
by Emperor Akbar in 1565,the redstone Agra Fort, was
partially converted in to a palace during the tenure of
Emperor Shah Jehan. Though the principal structure was
built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his
grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 Kms long and is
considered the predecessor of the Red Fort of New Delhi.
Afternoon embark on the excursion to Mathura a 45
minutes drive from Agra, Mathura is one of the oldest
towns situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It is a
pilgrimage city for Hindus and the birth place of LORD
KRISHNA. Visit the museum and temples and thereafter,
proceed to Vrindavan, a town of temples with some of the
most magnificent shrines in North India.
Return to Agra for overnight stay.
Day 12 Agra Jaipur By
Road ( Approx 255 Kms 06 Hours )
After breakfast drive to Jaipur enroute visit Fathepur
Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri: A fascinating ghost town lies little
beyond Agra the deserted Red sandstone city that was
built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It was a
veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are still in a
pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the
court life would have been like in the days of its
grandeur. Set like a jewel in a court yard of pink
sandstone is the marble tomb of Saint Salim Chisti,
enclosed by delicately carved marble screens.
Afterwards you continue your drive to Jaipur. On arrival
check in to your hotel
Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, also known as 'Pink City'
is surrounded by an ancient 20ft high wall and eight
gates. Situated at a distance of 280 km away from Delhi,
today, Jaipur is the personification of the old order
influence the new. An inherent interest for colour and
design penetrated over stratum of society, and jewelry,
crafts and architecture became objects of fascination
equally between prince and peasant. Jaipur is also the
main tourist hub of Rajasthan tourist circuit. From here
you can reach out to places like Jodhpur, Bikaner,
Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Pushkar, and many more such
destinations from Jaipur. Jaipur is also the third
corner of the famed Golden Triangle tourist circuit of
India along with Delhi and Agra
Rest of the evening free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 In Jaipur
After breakfast you embark on your sightseeing tour of
Amer Fort and Jaipur City.
Amer Fort : 11 Kms from Jaipur- A marvelous example of
Rajput architecture with its terraces and reflected in
Matao lake below. The magnificent old Citadel, a
labyrinth of massive walls and towers, shrouds an
exquisite marble palace, pillared and carved glimmering
with a million tiny mirrors, which creates tanatalising
reflection effect. The ascent to the fort is on a gaily
caparisoned elephants.
Afternoon sightseeing of Jaipur City visit the
City Palace Museum : An imposing blend of traditional
Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent
with its collection of robes of royal princess, carpets
an armoury of old weapons , miniature paintings
portraying court scenes , battle scenes and processions.
Janatar Mantar : (Observartory): Jantar Mantar, built
between 1728 and 1734, literally means the instruments
for measuring the harmony of the heavens. Jai Singh,
the brain behind the grand project, chose stone with
marble facing. This was the biggest of all his
observatories and the only one built of stone. He used
it daily, often with his astronomy gurus Pandit
Jagannath and Kewal Ram. In all there are 17 instruments
in the Jantar Mantar complex. The function of each
instrument is rather complex but serves a particular
function where time plays the main theme.
Hawa Mahal : (Palace of Winds) : A five storeyed wonder
with a spectacular pyra midal faηade and overhanging
windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.
After completing the sightseeing return back to the
hotel for overnight.
Day 14 Jaipur Mumbai (
Flight )
This morning assisted in the transfer to airport to
connect the flight for Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai
received at the airport and assisted in the transfer to
the hotel.
Afternoon city sightseeing tour visiting the Gateway of
India built to commemorate the visit of King George V of
England in 1911. Visit the Hanging gardens situated on
the slopes of Malabar Hill, Prince of Wales Museum - a
Victorian domed structure housing the fine collection of
miniature painting and has three sections of Art,
Archaeology and Natural history. Other interesting sites
are Mani Bhawan, Dhobi Ghat and Crawford Market.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 15 In Mumbai
Morning excursion to Elephanta Caves by Motor Launch.
Elephanta contains a fine cluster of 6th - 8th century
rock-cut caves. The sculptures are beautifully executed
and most outstanding of three is the Maheshmurthy or
Trimurty - a five meter high three headed bust hewn from
single rock, representing the three aspects of Shiva the
Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer.
Return to Bombay.
Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight will be in
Mumbai.
Day 16 Mumbai Bangalore (
Flight )
Breakfast in the hotel. This morning assisted in your
transfer to airport to board the flight for Bangalore.
On arrival received and assisted in the transfer to the
airport.
Founded in 1537 by Kempgowda, a far sighted local
chieftain, Bangalore has blossomed into one of the
Asias fastest - growing cities. Bangalore combines the
vibrant pace of a modern metropolis with a quaint old -
world charm. Perched at a height of 3250 feet above sea
level, its salubrious climate play hosts to innumerable
parks, gardens, lakes and verdant tree lined avenues
that gives it the Sobriquet Garden City . Bangalore
is the multifaceted jewel. Modern marvels, historic
monuments, bustling shopping plazas, tranquil walking
paths, rustling silks and fragrant sandalwood exotic
cuisine and friendly people.
This afternoon you visit the Vidhan Soudha housing the
state legislatures and secretariat, was conceived and
executed by Kangai Hunumanthaiya, the then Chief
Minister, in 1956. It is built entirely of Bangalore
granite in Neo Dravadian style. Directly opposite it
stands the gothic structure of the Attra Kacheri which
houses the state high court. The high court building was
completed in 1668 and stands in the green splendour of
the Cubbon park laid out in 1864 by Lieutenant General
Sir Mark Cubbon. The Lalbagh Gardens, laid out in 1760
by Hyder Ali has area of 240 acres. The glass house
inspired by crystal palace in London is a favorite spot
for picnickers and film makers, with its vast grounds
and Tudor style architecture.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 17 In Bangalore
Breakfast in the hotel. This morning drive for the full
day excursion to Putthaparthi, which is the home of the
modern day saint, philosopher who is credited with
benign powers, SHRI SATYA SAI BABA. A legend in his own
times, Sai Baba h as devotees around the world.
Return to Bangalore in the evening.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 18 Bangalore Mysore
By Road ( Approx 140 Kms 04 Hours )
Breakfast in the hotel. Afterwards drive to Mysore. 770
meters above sea level, the city of Mysore was once the
capital of Wodeyars. It still retains the quaint charm
that never fails to enchant. Arrive and check in at
Hotels.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 19 In Mysore
Breakfast in the hotel.
This morning you visit Mysore Palace once the residence
of Woodeyars, is one of the largest of its kind in India
and one of most splendid. This Indo - Sarcenic buildings
has among other things - a carved silver door, a solid
gold throne and a gallery of exquisite paintings. This
afternoon you visit Somnathpur - the Sri Channakeshara,
built around 1260 AD during the heyday of Hoysala Kings,
is at Somnathpur. Its an extremely beautiful and
interesting buildings. The walls of the star shaped
temples are literally covered with superb sculptures in
stone depicting various scenes from the Ramayana,
Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita and the life and the times of
Hoysala Kings. Not two friezes are alike.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 20 Mysore Bangalore
By Road ( Approx 140 Kms 04 Hours )
Bangalore Mumbai ( Flight )
Breakfast in the Hotel. Afterwards this morning drive
back to Bangalore. On arrival assisted in the transfer
to the airport to connect the flight for Mumbai. On
arrival in Mumbai received at the airport and assisted
in the transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 21 Mumbai Overseas (
Flight )
Breakfast at the hotel. Free till departure. This
evening you are assisted in the final departure to the
International Airport to board the flight back home.
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