Taj Mahal with Sacred Varanasi Ganges
Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho - Varanasi
- Kathmandu - Dhulikhel - Kathmandu
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by international flight. Meeting and assistance on arrival and
transfer to the hotel. Check-in time is 12 Noon. Overnight at the hotel
Day 02 - Delhi - Sightseeing
Full day sightseeing tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi New Delhi visit includes
Qutab Minar, one of the earliest remains of Imperial Delhi (13th century AD
) Humayun's Tomb-the fine monument believed to be forerunner of Taj Mehal, India
Gata, the 42 metre high arch was raised as a memorial to soldiers, drives past
Parliament House, President's House, Secretariat Building, Laxminarayan Temple
and The Connaught Place. Delhi is just not a city but it is a book-- a book
which narrates the history of India. The city was built and destroyed seven
times and has been witness to the various events which has brought India through
the history books. Seven times this city went through the pain of being built
and rebuilt. Today as the capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration
and the monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there. These icons
are testimony to the grandeur of past and also an attraction for the tourists.
With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood. The
charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poor in equally. It is
correctly said that Delhi is a land of 'Dilwalas' or for people with heart.
This phrase acquires a true colour when one goes around the lanes of Delhi.
Day 03 - Delhi - Jaipur
After Breakfast drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in at Hotel. Evening free
for leisure activities.Overnight at Hotel. Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan,
is popularly known as the ' Pink City ' because of the pink-coloured buildings
in its old city. It sits on a dry lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded
by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis
is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. All through,
Jaipur has retained its strong Rajputana flavour tempered by several influences
- the mughal being the most prominent. The region's strong cultural heritage
is distinctly evident even today. The city is a visitor's delight. From the
intricate, delicate looking Hawa Mahal to the graphic forms of the Jantar Mantar
- an open air observatory of outsized astronomical instruments, the Badi Chaupar
lined with shops and business establishments on both sides to the majestic fort-palace
at Amber; from the colorful fountains of life to the sublime Birla Temple; from
the architectural delight of the City Palace to the serene Jal Mahal.
Day 04: Jaipur - Agra
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Morning excursion will be taken to the Amber
Fort. Climb the FORT on elephant back in royal style. Continue your drive
to Agra and on arrival check-in at Hotel. Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 05: Agra
Morning sightseeing tour of Agra. Agra, the home of the immortal Taj Mahal,
the inimitable poem in white marble is the first expression of love of an Emperor
Shahjehan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was completed in 1653
AD. Agra Fort, the imposing structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is replete
with priceless examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period, including the
beautiful pearl Mosque, it was designed and built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD.
Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World -the Taj
Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces
in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire.
Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town,
with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble
and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also
famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.
Day 06: Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to station for train to Jhansi. Reach Jhansi and
transfer to Orchha, 12 km away. Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax.
Evening free. Can go out for a stroll. Overnight will be at Khajuraho. Khajuraho,
once the great Chandela capital, is today a village of about a few thousand
people in the interiors of central India, in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.
Tradition records the existence of eighty five temples, of which only twenty
five, strewn amidst lakes and fields, have survived. The temples at Khajuraho,
brilliant examples of medieval Indian architecture, were built under later Chandela
kings between AD 950 and AD 1050. Each ancient structure in India has a fascinating
story to tell. But few match the temples of Khajuraho.
Day 07: Khajuraho - Varanasi
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for a guided tour of the exotic temples of Khajuraho.
Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi,
you will be met and transferred to hotel. Overnight at Varanasi. The land of
Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages.
Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world.
These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history,
older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of
them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the
land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth
and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet
unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins
of mortals.
Day 08: Varanasi - Kathmandu
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. Transfer to airport for flight
to Kathmandu. Reach Kathmandu. Relax for the rest of the day. Overnight at
Kathmandu.
Day 09: Kathmandu
Breakfast at hotel. Day tour covering Swambhunath and Patan Durbar Square.
Shopping and rest of the day will be at leisure. Proceed to Dhulikhel. Reach
and check in at resort. Overnight will be at resort with a panoramic view
of the HIMALAYAN RANGE.
Day 10: Dhulikhel - Kathmandu
Leave after breakfast and proceed to Kathmandu. Transfer to airport for flight
to Delhi. Reach Delhi and will be received at international airport. Take
connecting flight to the next destination.
