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India | Discover
India
16 Nights / 17 Days
25th May '2008
to 30th September
2009
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This Tour |
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ITINERARY: |
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 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 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 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 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 hotel.
|
Day-06: VARANASI
- AGRA
Morning at leisure.
After lunch transfer to airport to connect flight for Agra. Assistance at airport
and transfer to your hotel. 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. Overnight hotel. |
Day-07: AGRA
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 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 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 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 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
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 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 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 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 hotel. |
DAY
17: AURANGABAD - BOMBAY - GOA
After
breakfast flight to Bombay at Bombay airport connect flight to Goa or onward destination. |
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