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Itinerary:
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DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi meet, assistance on arrival and transfer
to hotel. In the afternoon visit fascinating sights
of old & New Delhi. Delhi, one of India's fastest
growing cities has spread far beyond the "Seven
Cities" created between the 13th and the 17th centuries.
Now it's divided in to two parts old and New Delhi,
city carried history of thousand years, Old Delhi was
the capital of Muslims between 17th to 19th centuries.
City that is as old as civilization itself and has been
over nine capitals, each built with loving care by several
destinies. Delhi was the city of magnificent kings and
prince's who gave world famous masterpieces of beauty
like the Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Purana Qila, Raj Ghat,
India Gate, President's House, Parliament House etc.
New Delhi designed and constructed by Sir Edwin Lutyens
and Sir Herbert Baker is a mixture of east & west.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 DELHI- JHANSI- ORCHA- KHAJURAHO
After breakfast transfer to railway station to board
Shatabadi Express for Jhansi. Arrive Jhansi and drive
to Orcha (16 km.). Orcha, once the capital city of Bundelas,
set amongst a complex of well - preserved palaces and
temples. Orcha was founded in 1531 and remained the
capital of a powerful Rajput kingdom until 1783 when
nearby Tikamgadh became the new capital. Bir Singh Deo
ruled from Orcha between 1605 and 1627 and built the
Jhansi fort. A favourite of the Mughal Prince Salim,
he feuded with Akbar and in 1602 narrowly escaped the
emperor's displeasure; his kingdom was all but ruined
by Akbar's forces. Orcha golden age was during the first
half of the 17th century when Jehangir visited the city
in 1606. After lunch depart for Khajuraho - 165 kms.
KHAJURAHO, Known for its magnificent temples which are
among the most creative examples of Indian architecture.
Built between 950 and 1050 A.D. only 22 temples out
of 85 now survive. Khajuraho sculpture is sublime and
sensuous, the center of new imagery in art. The sculptors
have shown many aspects of Indian life 1000 years ago
- Gods and Goddesses warriors and musicians, real and
mythological animals. These temples were built during
the Chandela period a dynasty, which survived for five
centuries before falling to the Mughals onslaught. Overnight
at hotel.
DAY 03 KHAJURAHO
Khajuraho, the temple of love is the most popular destination
for foreign visitors for its exotic, beautiful and erotic
temples. These temples show Indian culture at its best.
They were built 500 years before the discovery of America.
These temples show the creative part of life between
men and women hunting, feasting, enjoying music and
dancing. Here the Khajuraho artists portrayed with no
false modesty and even less prudery, handsome men and
voluptuous women in the most intimate postures making
love to each other. One begins to wonder what made the
people of Khajuraho to build such fine temples with
sculptures, which have no equal in the world. Islam
had not come to this part of India and women were free
to move about and enjoyed perfect equality with men.
Women dressed simply wore ornaments and joined their
men in hunting, feasting and attending fairs and festivals.
The joys of flesh give place to meditation. Temples
are located within an area of eight square kilometers.
These can be divided into three groups- western group,
eastern group and southern group of temples. KANDARIYA
MAHADEVA TEMPLE is not only the largest but also architecturally
and artistically the most perfect. Built during the
period 1025-1050 A.D., it represent Chandella art at
its finest. The main spire of this temple is 31 feet
high in its majesty and the temple is lavishly carved.
226 statues inside of the temple and another 646 outside
it- make 872. CHITRAGUPTA TEMPLE: The fourth temple
at the back of the western enclosure is called Chitragupta
Temple and does not share the common platform with the
other three temples mentioned above. A unique feature
of this temple is that it is dedicated to the sun god
(Surya) driving his chariot with seven horses. On the
central niche, you can see an 11 headed statue of Lord
Vishnu. LAKSHMANA TEMPLE: One of the earliest of Khajuraho
temples 930-950 A.D., the Lakshmana Temple, is dedicated
to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the well-preserved temples.
CHAUSATH YOGINI TEMPLE: This is the oldest temple in
western group built around 900 A.D. and perhaps earlier.
KHAJURAHO MUSEUM: Within the area of western group of
temples is the rich archaeological museum of Khajuraho.
The museum is small but worth a visit. Opposite the
museum is the Archaeological Survey of India Compound.
It has many more rescued sculptures. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 04 KHAJURAHO- VARANASI
Transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi departure
1215 / 1255 hrs. Assistance at airport and transfer
to your hotel. Varanasi, to the Hindus, Varanasi, sprawling
along the left bank of the river Ganga, is the holiest
city. With its array of shrines, temples and palaces
rising in several tires from the water edge, Varanasi
is one of the most fascinating cities in the east. It
is also a city of fairs and festivals, celebrating about
four hundred of them during the year. Since time immemorial,
Varanasi has been a center of learning and the tradition
is kept alive today by the Banaras Hindu University
founded in 1916. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 05 VARANASI
Morning Gangles tour to Bathing Ghats including boat
ride. Return to hotel for breakfast followed by city
tour of Varanasi visit: Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple,
Aurangzeb's mosque and Banaras Hindu University. After
lunch trip to Sarnath. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 06 VARANASI - AGRA Morning at leisure. In the late
afternoon transfer to station to board overnight train
for Agra. Overnight train.
DAY- 07 AGRA
In the morning & transfer to hotel & sightseeing. Agra
is the most important city of Uttar Pradesh, especially
for its magnificent monument Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur
Sikri and Itmad-ud-Dullah's Tomb. Agra was the chosen
city of the Mughal emperors, that's why they made it
as the capital of Sikander Lodhi in 1501 and Akbar ruled
here from 1570 to 1585 after that he left the city due
to water problems but in 1599 he returned and remains
here until death. Morning city tour of Agra visit :
Taj Mahal, Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb and Agra fort. TAJ
MAHAL a monument to love built by Shah Jahan in memory
of his wife Mumtaz after her death. Construction of
Taj Mahal begun in 1631 and completed in 1653, workers
were recruited not only from India but also from Central
Asia, total 20,000 people worked on it. Isha Khan was
the main architect who came from Shiraz (Iran). ITIMAD-UD-DULLAH'S
TOMB: Noorjehan, the prettiest queen of Jehangir, built
for her parents. This tomb was made by warm yellow marble
and highlighted by white and black marble. Agra Fort
lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the
heart of the city. The construction of the fort started
in 1573 by Akbar and completed by his grandson. Inside
of the fort many fascinating buildings are there like
Diwan-a-Aam, Diwan-a-Khas, Moti Masjid, Jahangiri Mahal
and Jama Masjid.
DAY 08 AGRA- JAIPUR (268 KM, 06-HRS. DRIVE)
Depart for Jaipur enroute visit: FATEHPUR SIKRI: Akbar's
capital for a short period of 12 years. Fatehpur Sikri
Fort is one of the most impressive forts of India there
are many magnificent building inside which describe
the story of that era. Visit Birbal Bhawan, Shahi Darwaza,Buland
Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Diwan-I-Am and Diwan-I-Khas. Overnight
at hotel.
DAY 09 JAIPUR
After breakfast visit Jaipur the Rajput City, in a land
of forts, palaces and temples, the city that stands
out for its unique design and layout is Jaipur, the
"Pink City". Built in 18th century by Maharaja
Sawai Jai Singh II and his architect-builder Vidyadhar.
Basically this is the city of culture, tradition and
crafts. THE CITY PALACE: Specially designed for the
royal family with lots of doors and windows a part of
which remains the residence of Jaipur family and rest
of the palace serves as a museum, which explain the
saga of that era. JANTAR MANTAR: Jantar Mantar is one
of the Jai Singh's five remarkable observations. The
two Ram Yantras used for the gauging altitudes are unique
in their isolation. HAWA MAHAL: The ornamental façade
of this "Palace of winds" is a landmark in
Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of pink sandstone
encrusted with fine trelliswork and balconies has 953
windows. It was built in 1799 by Pratap Singh and was
a royal grandstand place for royal family women's. AMBER
FORT: The complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens
and temple were built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja
Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about
two centuries. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 10 JAIPUR - PUSHKAR (131 KM, 03 HRS. DRIVE)
After breakfast drive to Pushkar. On arrival check-in
hotel after lunch we will explore the interesting sites
of Pushkar - The abode of the Lord Brahma, PUSHKAR LAKE
- Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the
month of Oct/Nov. Devotees throng in large number here
to take a dip in the sacred lake. According to myth.
Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable
place to perform a 'Yegna' (a fire sacrifice). While
contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth
and water sprouted from three places. One of them was
Pushkar where Lord Barhma performed his yegna. SAVITRI
TEMPLE - A temple dedicated to the first wife of Lord
Brahma, this temple can be reached by a flight of steps
only. MAN MAHAL - On the bank of Pushkar Lake this palace
is built by Raja Man Singh now converted into RTDC Sarover
Hotel. BRHAMA TEMPLE - It is the only temple in India
dedicated to lord Barahama. FOY SAGAR - A picturesque
artificial lake named after the engineer Foy who created
it under a famine relief project. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 11 PUSHKAR - CHITTORGARH (202 KM, 04 HRS. DRIVE)
After breakfast drive to Chittorgarh. On arrival meet,
assistance and transfer to your hotel. Chittorgarh,
Chittor's first defeat occurred in 1303 when Ala-ud-din
Khilji, the Pathan king of Delhi besieged the fort in
order to capture the beautiful Padmini, wife of the
Rana's uncle Bhim Singh. When defeat was inevitable
the Rajput noble women, including Padmini committed
sati and Bhim Singh led the orange - clad noblemen out
of their deaths. In 1535 it was Bahadur Shah, the sultan
of Gujarat, who besieged the fort and, once again, the
medieval dictates of chivalry determined the outcome.
The final sack of Chittor came just 33 years later,
in 1568, when the Mughal emperor Akbar, took the town.
Once again, the fort was defended heroically but once,
the odds were overwhelming and the women performed sati;
the fort gates were flung open and 8000 orange-robed
warriors rode out to their deaths. On this occasion
Maharana Udai Singh fled to Udaipur where he re- established
his capital. In 1616, Jehangir returned Chittor to the
Rajputs but there was no attempt at resettlement. Overnight
at hotel.
DAY 12 CHITTORGARH
After breakfast visit interesting sights of Chittorgarh
visit: THE FORT: Believed to have been constructed by
later Maurya rulers in 7th century A.D., this fort is
located on a 180 mts. high hill, covering 700 acres.
The fort has many architectural attractions. VIJAY STAMBH
(VICTORY TOWER): Built by Maharana Kumbha in commemoration
of victory over Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujrat in
1440 A.D., this 37 Mts. high tower is a structure of
nine storeys. Its exoterior is decorated with sculptures
and it has withstood the vagaries of nature through
the centuries. KIRTI STAMBH (TOWER OF FAME): This 22
Mts. high, Tower of Fame was built by wealthy Jain Merchants
in the 12th centuries A.D. and is dedicated to Adinathji,
the first of Jain tirthankaras. The tower is decorated
with figures from the Jain pantheon. RANA KUMBHA'S PALACE:
The great historical and architectural palace in Chitourgarh.
It is believed that in one of the underground cellars,
Rani Padmini and other women committed jauhar. This
palace is the biggest monument in the fort of Chittaur.
PADMINI'S PALACE: Rani Padmini was a celebrated beauty
and according to a ledgent, it was here that Rana Ratan
Singh showed a glimpse of her to Allauddin Khilji, the
Sultan of Delhi. It overlooks a pool in which the 'Zanana
Mahal' is situated, where Padmini stood when her reflection
was shown to Allauddin Khilji in a mirror in the main
hall. MEERA & KUMBHA SHYAM TEMPLE: This temple is
associated with mystic poetess and a great devotee of
Lord Krishna, Meerabai: She is the wife of Rana Bhojraj
and is set to have consumed Poisson sent by the Rana
but survived because of Lord Krishna's blessing. GOVERMENT
MUSEUM: The magnificent Fateh Prakash Mahal has been
converted into a museum now. It has a rich collection
of sculptures from temples and buildings in the fort.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 13 CHITTORGARH - UDAIPUR (112 KMS, DRIVE)
After breakfast drive to Udaipur. On arrival check-in
hotel. UDAIPUR Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur the
last of the capitals of Mewar, in 1567. Driven by the
besieging armies of Emperor Akbar, he abandoned struggle
and choosing the fertile valley between the famous Mewar
forts of Chittaurgarh and Kumbhalgarh, centered his
new city round three lakes. Udaipur was to become the
most beautiful cities of India. There is no place in
India, which appeals more to the imagination of poets,
painters, travelers and writers. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 14 UDAIPUR
After breakfast visit: - CITY PALACE: Completely white
and majestic, the City Palace stands on a hill surrounded
by crenellated walls. The sparking white filigreed balconies
and windows, ornate arches and small domes. Now become
a museum, is labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated
with inlaid mirror work, galleries covered with wall
pictures. Its main entrance is through the triplearched
gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725. There is Suraj Gokhada,
the balcony of the sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharana
of Mewar presented themselves in time of trouble to
the people to restore their confidence. LAKE PICHOLA:
An island on the lake houses the elegant Jag Nivas,
built in 1746 as the summer residence of the rulers,
and now the Lake Palace Hotel. JAGDISH TEMPLE: Built
in 17th century has a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda
(a mythical bird) facing his revered Lord Vishnu. It
is the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 15 UDAIPUR - AURANGABAD
After breakfast depart Udaipur and catch flight for
Aurangabad. On arrive transfer to your hotel. AURANGABAD
itself a number of monuments: Bibi Ka Maqbara, the tomb
of Begum Rabia Durani, Aurangzeb's wife the Pan Chakki,
an intricate 17th century water-mill by, which the Mughals
using the concept of the Persian water-wheel, managed
to channelise water from a spring on a hill some distance
away and generated energy to turn large grinding stones;
and the cluster of caves in the hills just outside of
the city. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 16 AURANGABAD - ELLORA- AJANTA - AURANGABAD
Early morning drive to Ellora visit: KAILASA TEMPLE:
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is unquestionably
the most glorious achievement here. The whole splendid
structure of Kailasa is "an enormous monolithic
rock carving in architectural form", three great
trenches were cut down into the rock and beginning from
the top of the cliff work progressed down to the base.
Day Excursion to Ajanta caves. Return to hotel. Overnight
at hotel.
DAY 17 AURANGABAD - BOMBAY
After breakfast flight to Bombay.
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