DAY 01- DELHI/ JAIPUR
(258 kms. 5 hrs. 30 mins. approx.)
Morning drive to Jaipur part of the exciting Indian
trail. It is here that the seekers of India experience
their fantasy of a voyage of discovery. Jaipur is an
exuberance of color, dance and song with the traditional
arts and crafts. Known as the 'Pink City' is one of
India's most well planned cities with wide straight
avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system.
Enroute visit the impressive Amber Fort the former capital
of the Royal Family of Jaipur, taking an elephant ride
to the top of the fort. Upon arrival in Jaipur drive
on to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the City Palace,
the Jantar Mantar, and the Hawa Mahal. Rest of the day
at leisure. Overnight at hotel. (Dinner included)
DAY 02 - JAIPUR/ AGRA (232 kms. 5 hrs.
30 min. approx.)
Depart Jaipur the land of the Rajputs to the Mughal
splendour of Agra, enroute visiting Fathepur Sikri the
ghost city 35 kms from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri built in
red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti, who foretold
the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example
of robust stability combined with originality. Each
important edifice here represents a type by itself.
Notable among them is the Diwane Khas, Punch Mahal,
the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza. Drive
on to Agra and check-in to the hotel. Later visit the
incomparable Taj Mahal. This monument a fine example
of fusion of many architectural styles is one of the
wonders of the modern world. Built in 1652 by Emperor
Shah Jahan. It took 22 years and 20,000 skilled artisans
to complete this poem in white marble. In the afternoon
visit the Agra Fort which lies across the river Jamuna.
It was here that Aurangzeb the third son of Shah Jahan
kept his father under house arrest. One can get the
most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal
tower in the Fort. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast
and Dinner included)
DAY 03 - AGRA/ KHAJURAHO
(Flight)
Today you are transferred to the airport in time to
connect your flight to Khajuraho. Upon arrival into
Khajuraho transfer to hotel. Khajuraho the religious
and political capital of the Chandela Dynasty during
the 9th to 13th centuries. Although once a splendid
city, today Khajuraho is best known for its amazing
tantric temples built in the graceful Nagara style of
architecture and enveloped with erotic sculptures- the
oldest site of its kind in the world. Rest of the day
at leisure. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast and
Dinner included)
In the event of the flight not being available
the following option is provided at an additional cost.
DAY 03 - AGRA/ JHANSI (via Train) and
KHAJURAHO (172 kms. 3 hrs. 30 mins. approx.)
Today you are transferred to the Agra railway station
in time to connect your train to Jhansi. Leaving Agra
station, travelling through the country side and numerous
villages, you arrive Jhansi, a little city famous for
the valour of a queen called 'Jhansi ki Rani' who fought
valiantly for India's freedom from the British. From
Jhansi you will drive to the temple town of Khajuraho,
visiting enroute Orchha, known for its beautiful temple.
Upon arrival into Khajuraho transfer to hotel. Rest
of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast
and Dinner included)
DAY 04 - KHAJURAHO
In the morning sight-seeing of temples. The eastern
temples noted for their exquisitely carved sculptures.
The shrines of buff colored sandstone stand on high
terraces, and every square inch of surface is covered
with detailed sculptures depicting humans and divine
celestials indulging in literally every aspect of
every day life. The western group of temples containing
the largest and loveliest temples, including Kandariya
Mahadev which represents Chandela art at its best.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner
included)
DAY 05 - KHAJURAHO/ VARANASI (via
Flight)
Today you will be transferred in time to the airport
to connect your flight for Varanasi. Varanasi or Kashi
as it was called in the 7th century BC means 'Divine
Light', is the most sacred pilgrimage centre for the
Hindus. It can aptly be called the 'Light of India'.
The city is dedicated to Shiva. Upon arrival you proceed
for an excursion to Sarnath, the scene of Buddha's
first sermon. Visit the museum - one of the most important
in India. See the many stupas, ruins and Mulagandhakuti
Vihara, containing relics found during the early excavations
of this buried city. Return to Varanasi and check-in
at the hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast
and Dinner included)
In the event of the flight not being available
the following option is provided at an additional
cost.
DAY 05 - KHAJURAHO/ VARANASI (413
kms. 9 hrs. approx.)
After an early breakfast, you will drive from Khajuraho
to the holy city of Varanasi, through numerous villages
and a picturesque country side. Upon arrival at Varanasi
transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
DAY 06 - VARANASI
An early morning boat ride presents an incredible
scene as the multitudes of devotees come to the river
to pay homage to the Sun God. Pass the bathing ghats
where thousands of pilgrims immerse themselves in
the holy water of the Ganges River, and the burning
ghats where cremations are conducted. Return to the
hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon visit Sarnath
the place where Buddha the Enlightened one gave his
first sermon. The spot is commemorated with a Stupa.
Visit the ruins of the Buddhist monastery and the
museum. Near by is the Buddhist temple where one can
see life size painting of the life of Buddha. Return
to your hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast and
Dinner included)
DAY 07 - VARANASI/ ONWARD DESTINATION
Morning at leisure. Later you are transferred to the
railway station/ airport for your onward destination
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