DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI
Upon arrival at International Airport you are met and transferred to your
prebooked Hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel you are received with a
traditional welcome of TIKKA and ARTI. Rest of the day free.Overnight at
Hotel.
DAY 02 DELHI
This morning we visit Old Delhi, built in the 17th century by Shah Jehan
the Magnificent (who also built the Taj Mahal). First we will be visiting
the famous Jama Masjid mosque with its 9,000 sq. ft. courtyard, three domes
and two minarets, and then proceed to the massive complex known as the Red
Fort.
Afternoon we'll visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a Spectacular structure
that's just 60 years old , and then proceed via India Gate and the
Governmental building to Qutab Minar, the 240 foot tower built in 1190 to
commemorate the arrival of Islam in India, the Bahai Temple with its nine
pools on an elevated platform, and the Crafts Museum, which replicates and
Indian street with over 50 artists and craftspeople at work. Overnight at
the Hotel.
DAY 03 DELHI - VARANASI ( BY FLIGHT)
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Varanasi.. Upon arrival you
are met and transferred to your prebooked Hotel. In the afternoon proceed to
the village of Sarnath on the outskirts of town. It was in this Deer Park
that the Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the Park and Museum..
Sarnath was made a centre of Buddhist worship by the emperor Ashoka in the
3rd century BC. We will visit the Main Shrine and Ashoka's Pillar. In the
Archaeological Museum we will see the beautifully carved capital from the
pillar along with many other priceless Buddhist artifacts. The highlight of
this tour would be a participation in the evening Aarti ( prayer service) at
the main Buddhist temple here. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 04 VARANASI
Varanasi formerly known as Benares, is the city where the Hindu faithful
come to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges . Early this morning get
ready for a dawn boat ride on the river Ganges. The Ganges is the most
sacred and venerated river in India. Besides the ritualistic aspect of
Hinduism ( thread ceremony, head shaving food to the departed souls etc.)
also see the bathing. Laundry and the cremations of the dead that take place
here on the banks of the river. After the boat ride walk through the
fascinating narrow twisting lanes of the city to watch the performance of
various Hindu rituals by the pilgrims. After the boat trip on the Ganges we
return back to the hotel. After breakfast we will proceed for a city tour .
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 05 VARANSI - KHAJURAHO ( BY FLIGHT)
Today we take a short flight to the Khajuraho. Upon arrival we are met and
transferred to our prebooked hotel . Afternoon tour the spectaular ninth to
thirteenth century temples of Khajuraho, built by Chandela kings, The
temples are exquisitely carved with graceful statues and frieze gods and
goddesses
DAY 06 KHAJURAHO - ORCHHA ( BY SURFACE)
Morning after breakfast we are continue our drive towards Orchha . Orchha a
place that makes one feel the pulse of warm soul of India with temples,
magnificent palaces, splendid cenotaphs and river Betwa gurgling through
zero pollution surrounding where TIME slumbers for good. Overnight at Hotel
.
DAY 07 ORCHHA - GWALIOR - AGRA ( BY SURFACE)
Morning after breakfast we are continue our drive towards Agra via Gwalior.
Upon arrival in Agra checkin at your Hotel . Rest of the day free .
overnight at Hotel .
DAY 08 AGRA
Agra was the capital of India under the Moghuls in the 16th and 17th
centuries. This morning we see the exquisite tomb of the emperor Jehangir's
chief minister and father-in - law, often called the 'BABY TAJ' because its
design foreshadows the Taj Mahal,. Then we tour Agra's Red Fort, built over
three generations by the moghul emperors. Following an afternoon free, we go
at sunset to see the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum built by a sorrowing Shah
Jehan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Building's stupendous
scale, flawless symmetry, translucent white marble and shimmering reflection
in the water channel are truly breathtaking. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 18 AURANGABAD- BOMBAY( BY FLIGHT )
Upon arrival in Mumbai ( Bombay ) transfer to your pre booked Hotel . This
afternoon proceed on a guided tour of the city, Which is distinctly
tropical. Its weathered Victorian mansions, some still privately owned, and
grand public buildings, many beautifully lit at night, stand as lingering
reminder of the days of the British Raj, First visit the Gateway of India,
hastily created as a symbol of welcome to Queen Mary and King George V of
England on their to India in 1911. Next visit the Hanging Gardens, perched
at the top of Malabar Hill, which provide lovely views over the Arabian Sea.
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 19 LEAVE BOMBAY
After breakfast an excursion on motorized boats across the Arabian Sea to
the Elephanta Caves, which house several, sculptures and images sacred to
the Hindu faith. Of special mention is the sculpture of the Holy Trinity of
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - the Creator, Preserver and the Destroyer.
Later transferred to airport to board flight for onward Journey.
