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Day
01:
ARRIVAL / DELHI
Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival
as our representatives welcome you and escort you to
your car. Whilst the room keys and check-in is
organized, our representative would introduce the tour
to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the
guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us
the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight: The Connaught - Four Star Down Town Hotel
(Standard Room)
Day 02:
DELHI
Following a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided
tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple,
Humayun's Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar 72 meters high
and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world.
The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of
weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive
through Embassy area, the Government buildings
(1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main
shopping district of the capital.
Afternoon, we cross over to the Old Delhi. The capital
of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries, Old
Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic as compared to New
Delhi. It draws one through congested roads and lanes,
interesting mosques, monuments and forts relating to its
chequered history. Our tour includes visit to the Jamma
Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of
Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square)
where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the
oldest area of Delhi, on to the Red Fort (1639-1648
built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in
Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on
to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the
nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and
Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle
rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat
at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on
a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the
sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore
and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour
of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and
pavement shops selling wares of all description -
including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be
accompanied by peals of laughter both from the
passengers as well as the onlookers.
Overnight: The Connaught - Four Star Down Town Hotel
(Standard Room)
Day 03:
DELHI / UDAIPUR (9W 709 - 0545 / 0745)
Early this morning you are transferred to the airport
for your flight to Udaipur.
Welcome to Udaipur, the famed "City of sunrise". Founded
in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, from the lineage of the
legendary Sisodias of Mewar - the decedents of the sun
God. A city where the sun truly never set, where
tradition and a strict code of heroism were happily
united with a love of fine living. A city that has come
to be an oasis of romance in the warrior state of
Rajasthan
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and check into your
hotel Jagat Niwas, a modern heritage hotel replete with
character and charm, besides all comforts discerning
tourists would seek.
Following a rest and relaxation, we proceed on a tour of
this "Lake City". Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry
heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic
city in a state where every city has some romantic or
exotic tale to tell. The huge city palace towering over
the Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in
Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of buildings
built by successive rulers, it manages to retain a
surprising uniformity of design and affords very fine
view of the lake and the city from the upper terraces.
The Jagadish temple next to the city palace enshrines a
black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a
mighty bird called garuda - in a brass image. The temple
is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan Art.
Evening we take a boat cruise on the serene and
beautiful Lake Pichola. The island palace on the Lake
called Jagmandir Palace is quite fascinating. The Palace
provided inspirations and ideas to the builder of the
Taj Mahal. The banks of the lake provide interesting
glimpses of the daily bathing and the laundry that takes
place here. Looking across the lake, with the city and
its great palace rising up behind the island palace, is
a scene of rare beauty.
Overnight: Jagat Niwas Palace - (Deluxe Lake View room)
Day 04:
UDAIPUR / RANAKPUR / ROHET
Following breakfast we ride to Rohet, enroute we visit
Ranakpur
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of
the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th
century. The basement is of 48, 000 sq. feet area that
covers the whole complex. There are four subsidiary
shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and eligibly domes
supported by over four hundred columns. The total number
of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved
with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs
playing the flute in various dance postures at a height
of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly
hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose
sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is
of Chaumukh or four-faces temple dedicated to Adinath.
From here we continue our ride to Rohet.
At Rohet, one is transported in to a world of the past,
a world of honour and of chivalry, of glory and of
pride; a world of vibrant colours and spectacular
magnificence. Past centuries come to life at the
historic boundary walls of Rohet- the 16th century
fortified deserted home of a Rajput clan. Within the
precincts of these time weathered walls is our hotel,
the impressive Rohetgarh Fort- a bastion of proud Rajput
traditions bathed in the ambience of unmistakable
Rajasthani culture where one can, even today experience
the famed warm and courteous Rajput hospitality.
Frescoes on the tall gateway, brightly painted in the
traditional style, using traditional motifs and colour
schemes herald your entry to this charmed world the
bygone era. The gateway leads to a compound where a
profusion of flowers frame the archways in welcome. The
portico is a warm and informal place decorated with the
artifacts and trophies of many years. Exquisitely carved
furniture, delicate hand block prints, original
paintings and photographs decorate your rooms, which
though redolent with the romance of a bygone era,
provide all the modern amenities. Antique hunting
riffles, shields & spearheads, daggers and original
paintings form the backdrop of the dinning room. The
swimming pool here is in beautiful settings and is an
oasis in a dessert.
The food at Rohetgarh is special; each recipe is both
traditional and typical, handed down the generations and
jealously guarded to retain its pristine flavours. You
savour only the very best of Rajasthani cuisine's, food
favoured by the Royalty. The 16th century descendants of
the Rathore ruling family still live here and host the
guests. The members of the Royal family interact with
the guests and interesting stories and anecdotes are
narrated.
This afternoon, we would explore Rohet, which is a
fascinating small feudal town, which seems to be
straight out of the Arabian Nights. There is no proper
road here - only one main dusts trail. On either side
are typical thatched houses and shops of all kinds -
colourful bangles, silver jewellery, potters, fruit
vendors on carts, dress shops, tailors etc.
Late afternoon we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart
of Rajasthan villages where traditions centuries old
still permeate life styles. One can witness the 'opium
ceremony' - a ritual by which guests are welcomed. Gaily
attired men and women carry on their chores and one can
catch a glimpse of their norms and customs. The
smoothened mud floors of the village huts remind one of
the simple and traditional living here.
Overnight: Rohetgarh - Heritage Property (Standard Room)
Day 05:
ROHET / JODHPUR
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to Jodhpur.
Upon arrival check into your hotel Ratan Vilas, exudes
an aura distinctly its own - enhanced by its rich and
varied collection of paintings, treasure troves and
hunting trophies of yesteryear. Everything is well
preserved by the royal family, which still uses a part
of the building as its home. The magnificent sandstone
building, built for Sir Ratan Singhji, the
Maharajadhiraj of Jodhpur, tastefully blends the lavish
interiors and modern comforts. Present day facilities
are harmonized so as not to disturb the antiquity of the
royal abode.
Following rest and relaxation, proceed on a guided tour
of Jodhpur. Our tour includes the massive fort. In olden
days this must have been impregnable since its rocky
base is scraped straight down making it nearly
impossible to ascend. Once inside, royal palaces abound
with fascinating history and priceless jewels, on to the
armoury and Jaswant Thada - the Royal Crematorium. This
evening, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock
Tower Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most
colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to
clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc.
Evening, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock
Tower Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most
colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to
clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc
Overnight: Ratanvilas - Heritage Property (Standard
Room)
Day 06:
JODHPUR / JAIPUR
Morning we drive to the Pink city of Jaipur.
When prince, soldier and astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II
built the pink harmonious city of Jaipur in 1727, he did
it in accordance with a treatise on town planning and
architecture, the Shilpa Shastra, that is timely even
today.
With its walls and seven gates, pink and orange
buildings, camel-drawn carts, and colorful Rajasthanis,
the state capital sits on a flat, dry seabed surrounded
by barren hills and ruined fortresses. A young Bengali,
Vidhadhar Bhattacharaya was its chief architect.
Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Alsisar Haveli - This is
the flagship hotel in a bouquet of heritage hotels. The
Haveli lies tucked away in the heart of Pink City,
Jaipur. It brings back to life the grandeur of the old
days and is a memorable regal Rajasthan experience for
the guests. Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates
the finesse of traditional Rajput architecture and a
site to behold. The large elevated platform that
dominates the central area of the ground floor and once
used for get-togethers by the gents of the house is now
open to guests who can witness puppet shows and folk
dances while enjoying their snacks or drinks. The
spacious lobby which opens into the chowk (inner
courtyard), was a century ago used by the ladies of the
house and is now open to guests. You will treasure this
experience of staying in an authentic Rajput home.
This evening, we explore the unending shopping options
of Jaipur along with our Guide. An essential starting
point for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block
printing and we will be exploring the process from start
to finish in some of the popular stores here. The
opportunity also exists here to tailor make outfits to
your design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur -
its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from
chunky tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond
jewelry. Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel
jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly
that of Jaipur. The stones are embossed into decorative
shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel
ornamentation in the champeve (raised field) technique.
Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enameling.
Colorful bangles made of lac and set with semiprecious
stones make an inexpensive buy. The craftsmen take great
pains to embed the hundreds of stones into the lac. The
skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting little
animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz
and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent
bottles are also available.
Overnight: Alsisar Haveli - Heritage Hotel - (Standard
Room)
Day 07:
JAIPUR
This morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of
the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic
Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km
north of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills,
and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace
straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota
Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the
surrounding hills.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned,
painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate
where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred
years. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this
architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded
alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that
delight today's visitors as they did their former royal
residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a
five-storied structure of pink sandstone with
semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows
overlooking the main street of the old city. It was
built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down
unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
Afternoon, proceed on a tour of City Palace &
Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old
city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
The centre of the palace is a seven-storied building
called Chandra Palace, with fine vies over the gardens
and the city. The palace lies in the heart of the city
and occupies the whole central grid. The fortified wall
has seven gates and was built for protection from
invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which
surrounded the wall that time.
Next, we visit the Solar Observatory - an astronomical
treasure house, with solar device that give accurate
predictions till date.
Overnight: Alsisar Haveli - Heritage Hotel - (Standard
Room)
Day 08:
JAIPUR / FATEHPUR SIKRI / AGRA
Following a leisurely breakfast drive to Agra, Enroute
we visit Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a city that a emperor forgot. After
just fourteen years of life, the palaces of Akbar great
city of victory fell silent. Its echoing corridors still
seen to wait for the king to return. The hill top city
lies 37 kms from Agra. This deserted city has two
distinct complexes. The first comprises the royal
enclosure of the palace, the harem and official
buildings and the second is the dargarh of a saint, with
a mosque and lofty gateways. To wander among the red
sandstone courtyard of Fatehpur Sikri is to travel back
in the time when Mughal emperor Akbar rode through the
gateway after a triumpant campaign, o be welcomed by his
delighted subjects and the royal courts. Its reflects
the many faceted character of the man who inspired it.
The ruthless empire builder who enjoyed all the trapping
of power and as liberal enlightened man who took a
passionate instant in every aspect of life, be it
religion, literature or the painting of miniatures.
Upon arrival check into hotel Howard Park Plaza.
Rets of the day is at leisure, you also have an
opportunity to visit a marble showroom where we would be
able to witness the inlay work done on marble just as at
the Taj Mahal
Overnight: Howard Park Plaza - First Class Hotel
(Standard Room)
Day 09:
AGRA / VARANASI (Poorva Express: 2000/0500 hrs)
We are about to witness one of the greatest sights of
one's lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before
departure for the monument we shall be served tea/coffee
and cookies so that our eyes open real wide to behold
this breathtaking sight. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj
Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the
reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on
this brilliant white marble building.
Afternoon, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant
buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of
Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by
Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques &
private chambers of the fort echo the story of the
Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent
buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian
architects.
Though the check out time is 12 noon, every effort would
be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without
additional charges.
Later in the evening you are transferred to the train
station for an overnight train ride to Varanasi.
Overnight: Poorva Express - First AC Sleeper
Accommodation
Day 10:
ARRIVAL / VARANASI
Meeting & assistance upon arrival and transfer to the
hotel Clarks
Though Check - in time is 12 Noon, every effort would be
made to ensure an as early as possible check-in
Varanasi is quite possibly the world's oldest living
city. Religious artifacts link it to the sixth century
BC Said to be founded by Shiva, Varanasi's Vedic
affiliation goes back to the beginning of time. It is
also a city of many names. The present name, Varanasi
(derived from the names of two nearby rivers) is
mentioned in the Mahabharata. The ancient name is Kashi,
the City of Light. To the devout it is also called
Kashika, the shining one, referring to the light of
Shiva. Many others prefer the anglicized Benares.
Revered by Hindus, Buddhists and Jain alike, Varanasi is
considered the holiest city in all of India. It is
presided over by Shiva in his manifestation as
Vishwanatha, Lord of the Universe. Buddha delivered a
sermon in nearby Sarnath and Mahavira, the founder of
Jainism, lived in Varanasi. As a result, more Indians
will make a pilgrimage to Varanasi in their lifetime
than any other place.
On your agenda this afternoon are several temples and
the Hindu University at Benares. First stop would be the
Bharat Mata (temple of Mother India). Inaugurated by
Mahatma Gandhi, it features a huge marble map of India
on the ground floor. Next up, the Durga Temple. Known
for its bright red color and the playful, if sometimes
aggressive, monkeys that run amok there, the Durga
Temple is one of the most imposing architectural
monuments in Varanasi.
The university, which occupies a large piece of land at
the southern end of town, is also home to the New
Vishwanatha Temple. The New Temple is modern in design
and open to Hindus and non-Hindus alike. Surrounded by
palm trees, it is a splendid white marble structure that
shines in the afternoon sun against a pale blue sky.
Inside, the temple is spacious and airy. The interior
walls are covered with Vedic art above inscriptions from
the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. In the center of the
first floor is the Shiva linga.
This evening we take a short trip to the Buddhist city
of Sarnath .It is here that the Buddha preached his
first sermons after attaining enlightenment. The
highlight of this tour would be a participation in the
evening prayer service (aarti) of the main Buddhist
temple here - the synchronized chanting of hymns to the
accompaniment of traditional temple music is a sole
stirring experience.
Overnight: The Clarks - Heritage Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 11:
VARANASI / KHAJURAHO (9W 723 - 1220 / 1300)
At dawn we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride.
Every morning at dawn hundreds of worshippers can be
seen bathing in the sacred waters. The great river banks
are lined with an endless chain of stone steps-the ghats-that
stretch from one end of the city to the other. The Ghats
form an impressive part of the religious landscape of
the city. Proceeding downstream at a leisurely pace, you
would be pointed out the significant temples and
buildings as well as the changing architectural style.
Life and death go hand in hand in Varanasi. While young
people seek prosperity and protection from harmful
influences, the older generation comes to Varanasi to
cleanse their souls in the forgiving waters in
preparation for their ultimate dissolution. Believing
that anyone who dies in the river of life in Varanasi
gains freedom from the cycle of birth and death, the
City of Light has become a haven for the sick and aged
waiting out their final days. The smoke that billows
from the crematoriums on the edge of the river gives
testimony to their final release from life's earthly
confines. We would docked our boat at Manikarnika
(Cremation) Ghat. On any given day, anywhere from a few
dozen to a few hundred corpses are cremated here; the
ghat is assiduous with activity as the cremated bodies
threw up smoke and fire.
Following the boat ride we set off on foot to explore
the inner city. Through a twisted maze of narrow alleys,
home to numerous shrines and pilgrim shops, we walk back
a few centuries. Life here has stood still for years.
The homes, the shops and even the cattle have not
changed over the centuries. It is a brilliant nostalgic
experience of timelessness!
Afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to
Khajuraho
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to
Hotel Jass Khajuraho
Following wash and change we proceed on a tour of
Eastern group of Temples .If pictures speak a thousand
words, then the temples of Khajuraho form a magnum
opus... an expression of Indian sculptors of yore. These
temples of Khajuraho were built by the Chandela kings
following the tradition of Tantric art. Although famed
for their erotic sculptures, the philosophy behind the
temples is much more vast and encompassing. They are in
fact a celebration of life!
Sound & Light Show
Evening, we visit temple complex to enjoy Sound & Light
Show, where the history of the temples is narrated
through the medium of Sound & Light. This fascinating
Son-et-Lumiere spectacle evokes the life and times of
the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the
unique temples from the 10th century to the present day.
Amitabh Bachhan, the Indian Super Star, narrates the
story of Khajuraho in his mesmerizing voice
Overnight: Jass Khajuraho (Standard Room)
Day 12:
KHAJURAHO / DELHI (9W 724 - 1330 / 1600)
Morning, we meet our guide, and, proceed on a tour of
the world famous western group of temples depicting
erotic sculptures of love making images of Gods and
Goddesses and celestial Nymphs. The sexual fantasies
displayed in the sculptures are mind boggling. It speaks
very highly of the artistic creativity and imagination
of the sculptors
Following the tour transfer to the airport for your
flight to Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your
Hotel The Connaught
Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner: This evening, we would
visit an Indian family for an Indian home experience.
The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight
into Indian family life as well as experience typical
Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.
Overnight: The Connaught - Four Star Down Town Hotel
(Standard Room)
Day 13:
DELHI / DEPARTURE
Transfer to the international airport for your onward
flight. |
