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Discover India
Discover India

16 Nights / 17 Days

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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 faade 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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