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Temples & Neighborhoods

Total Days : 15 Days

Tour Destination : Delhi, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi

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Namaste! - We welcome you with folded hands

This tour platter is beautifully set with the crown jewel attractions of North India. There is spirituality and there is romance in the tour. We also step off the tourist track to observe and experience a living museum where life and conditions as well as human spirits remain frozen in time.

Special Inclusions:
Traditional welcome with garlands on your arrival; daily breakfast; in-depth sightseeing as per the itinerary including Participation In; Boat ride in Udaipur (Seat in a Launch); Tour of Ranakpur, Jeep ride at amber; Lunch at Orchha Palace & Conventions; Sound & Light show in Khajuraho; Morning boat ride and Evening aarti in Varanasi; Train journey as per itinerary, air-conditioned private car, GST & Driver Expenses.

Day 01: Your Destination / New Delhi

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!

Meeting and assistance upon arrival and our representative will welcome you and transfer you to hotel, Colonels Retreat.

Overnight at Colonels Retreat - Defence Colony, Delhi (Standard Room)

Day 02: New Delhi

Morning, we will embark on a city tour of New Delhi. Our tour includes a visit to the QutabMinar - 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. Then, we will continue our expedition with a drive to the Lutyens Delhi which is considered to be the corridors of power and serenity. Our tour includes a drive pass through the Rashtrapati Bhawan, this vast, intricate work of mixed Mughal and Western architecture is one of the largest presidential residences in the world we will also visit the Parliament House as well as witness the majestic India Gate – a powerful tribute to our brave soldiers.

Following our drive pass to the Lutyens Delhi area, we will now visit the Humayun’s Tomb (1586), built by the Emperor’s widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam, and commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture.

Next, we will proceed for the guided tour of Old Delhi. We cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits 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. We also visit the 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 Rickshawala (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 color 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. (Please expect some shops to be closed on Sundays)

Overnight at Colonels Retreat - Defence Colony, Delhi (Standard Room)

Day 03: Delhi / Udaipur (6E 5615 – 1125 / 1245 Hrs)

Morning, we will transfer you to Delhi airport to board your flight for Udaipur.

Meeting and assistance upon arrival and our representative will welcome you and transfer you to hotel, Madri Haveli.

After rest and relaxation, we will enjoy a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola. The island palace on the Lake called JagmandirPalace 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 at Madri Haveli, Udaipur (Deluxe Room) (B)

Day 04: Udaipur

Morning we will 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.

From here, we will tour the fascinating and impressive cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. Here, there are about nineteen cenotaphs of Maharanas cremated there. The most striking cenotaph is that Maharana Amar Singh, who reigned from 1597 to 1620. Nearby is also Ahar Museum, where on display is limited but very rare earthen pottery. Some sculptures and other archaeological finds. Some pieces date back to 1700 BC and a tenth century metal figure of Buddha is a special attraction. Then, move out to visit Saheliyon -ki-bari (the garden of maids of honour with numerous fountains which shows the unique life style of the royal ladies who once strolled here.

Overnight at Madri Haveli, Udaipur (Deluxe Room)

Day 05: Udaipur / Ranakpur / Jodhpur (280 Kms) (05 Hrs Drive)

Following breakfast, we will drive to Jodhpur enroute we will visit Ranakpur.

Upon arrival in Ranakpur, we will enjoy an excursion to Ranakpur Temple the exquisite Jain Temple. 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-face temple dedicated to Adinath.

From here, we will continue our drive to Jodhpur.

Upon arrival in Jodhpur, we will check in to hotel, Ratan Vilas.

Later, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of India’s largest and most colorful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics, spices, vegetables etc. It is a fantastic experience to walk through the place observing and photographing this incredible spectacle of vibrant lifestyles and incredible colors.

Overnight at Ratan Vilas, Jodhpur (Courtyard Superior Room)

Day 06: Jodhpur

Morning, 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 Tara - the Royal Crematorium.

We will also visit the public areas of Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Afternoon is at leisure. Car and driver are available for local visits.

Overnight at Ratan Vilas, Jodhpur (Courtyard Superior Room)

Day 07: Jodhpur / Pushkar (190 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)

Morning, we will drive to Pushkar.

Upon arrival, we will check in to hotel, Chauhan Shereton.

We will walk through this amazingly fascinating religious town. According to legend, the origin of Pushkar dates back to the time when Lord Brahma was on his way in search of a tranquil land to perform a ‘Yagna’. A lotus fell from the hand of the Lord into this valley. A lake sprang up on this spot and was dedicated to him. A Brahma temple located here which is supposed to be the only temple dedicated to this God is a popular place of pilgrimage. It would be fascinating to walk along the maze of narrow lanes and streets.

Overnight at Chauhan Shereton, Pushkar (Superior Room)

Day 08: Pushkar / Jaipur (150 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)

Morning, we will drive to Jaipur.

Upon arrival, we will check in to hotel, Jas Vilas.

Evening, we proceed for the guided walks along the lanes and bye lanes of the old city. The city is est- explored on foot and only the inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis (lanes) will feel the spirit of the city. Jaipur’s colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with enameled blue pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass work traditional block-printed fabrics and brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts and miniature painting.

Overnight at Jas Vilas, Jaipur (Standard Room)

Day 09: Jaipur

Morning, we will 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.

Next, we will 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 Jeep. 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.

Later, we will visit the Panna Meena ka Kund. This beautiful place was constructed during sixteenth century. The place was mainly utilized as a place of social meetings. People from nearby places come here for getting water, swimming or just to hang out with their loved ones. During ancient times, this place was utilized mainly as water protects pool. This beautiful Kund has a unique architecture and styling. This Kund was designed by a Brahmin and constructed by craftsmen and engineers.

We would also stop at Jal Mahal palace for photos. (From Outside Only)

Then, we will proceed on a tour Of the City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. 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 at Jas Vilas, Jaipur (Standard Room)

Day 10: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (245 Kms) (06 Hrs Drive) (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday)

Morning, we will drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri.

We will stop at the deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire’s splendor. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings.

Following the visit, we will continue driving to Agra.

Upon arrival in Agra, we will check in to hotel, Grand Mercure - Accor.

Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the TajMahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sunset we visit one of the greatest sights of one’s lifetime – TajMahal. A dusk visit to the fabled TajMahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the setting Sun on this brilliant white marble building.

Overnight at Grand Mercure - Accor, Agra (Deluxe Room)

Day 11: Agra / Jhansi (Bhopal Shtabdi - 0755 / 1045 Hrs) (Executive Class) Jhansi / Orchha / Khajuraho (186 Kms) (03 ½ Hrs Drive)

Morning, we will transfer you to Agra train station to board your train for Jhansi.

Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Jhansi train station, as our representative will welcome you and drive you to Khajuraho via Orchha.

Upon arrival, we will proceed on a guided tour of Orchha. The medieval city of Orchha, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. The city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa river, was founded by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, RudraPratap, in the 16th century. The word Orchha means 'hidden'. When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15th century, pushed the Bundel khand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orchha. Apart from the famous landmarks like Jehangir Mahal, the Laxminarayan Temple, the area is peppered with fascinating little shrines and memorials, all of which add to the overwhelming feeling of nostalgia, the city evokes in the visitor.

Following the tour, we will have lunch at the Orchha Palace and Conventions.

After lunch, we will continue our drive to Khajuraho.

Upon arrival in Khajuraho, we will check in to hotel, Radisson Jass

After rest and relaxation, we will 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 at Radisson Jass, Khajuraho (Deluxe Room)

Day 12: Khajuraho

After breakfast, we will 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. The frank depiction of uninhibited sex does hint towards a liberated society and times where people believed in dealing openly with all aspects of life. The graphic and realistic illustrated scenes of lovemaking elaborated on the Tantric texts

Afternoon, we will 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!

Overnight at Radisson Jass, Khajuraho (Deluxe Room) (B)

Day 13: Khajuraho / Varanasi (SG 2931 – 1210 / 1310 Hrs)

Morning, we will transfer you to Khajuraho airport to board your flight to Varanasi.

Meeting and assistance upon arrival and our representative will welcome you and transfer you to hotel, Rivatas by Ideal.

Evening, we will visit the Ghats of Varanasi to witness the performance of Ganges Aarti. We enjoy a special evening cruise on the Ganges. See the Hindu devotees performing the Puja with lighted lamps. The view is very mesmerizing and the ambience is spectacular in the backdrop of the beating of cymbals and bells as well as the incessant chanting.

Overnight at Rivatas by Ideal, Varanasi (Deluxe Room) (B)

Day 14: Varanasi (Sarnath is closed on Friday)

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 dock 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! Later we return to hotel for breakfast

After breakfast, we will visit 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.

Next, we will visit a Widows Ashram where we will have a different view of life, and how it can be so unfair to some. Since Varanasi is a religious city many Widow Ashrams are constructed by people who want to make charity, NGOs and government to give shelter to dying, helpless and old widows. Reason of such a big number of Widow Ashrams is also that widows are abandoned in Varanasi to die as it is believed that one who dies in Varanasi gets salvation. What will surprise you after meeting these widows is that they are not all from poor families. Some of them are from good middle class families who have been sent to Varanasi because of social beliefs related to the death of a women’s husband. The widows here have been rehabilitated, and are offered training in various crafts and skills. Hence, they have a feeling of worth and all is not lost.

Later, We will also visit the Matri Bhawan. This is the place where people arrive to die. People often take the “last train to Varanasi”. When people are old, sick or about to die, they arrive on their last leg on a train to Varanasi. Here, there are volunteers and NGOs who collect them at the station, and , bring them to places as MatriBhawan. Matri means “Mother” and, Bhawan means “Home”. The old arrive at their Mother’s Home awaiting acceptance to paradise. This should be a unique aspect to your India tour.

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.

Overnight at Rivatas by Ideal, Varanasi (Deluxe Room)

Day 15: Varanasi / Delhi (UK 813 – 1520 / 1650 Hrs) Delhi /Departure

Morning is at leisure for your independent activities. You might choose to visit the banks of the Ganges or walk along the narrow meandering lanes of the old city to witness the performance of various rituals

In time, we will transfer you to Varanasi airport to board your flight to Delhi.

Own arrangements upon arrival in Delhi.

Suggested Hotels :

Delhi Udaipur Jodhpur Pushkar Jaipur Agra Khajuraho Varanasi
Colonels Retreat - Defence Colony Madri Haveli Ratan Vilas Chauhan Shereton Jas Vilas Grand Mercure - Accor Radisson Jass Rivatas By Ideal

END OF SERVICES

The Land & Domestic airfare tour cost based on a minimum of 2 guests.

Tour Cost for 02 People Traveling Together Sharing on Twin Sharing Basis

  • Cost valid for period from 01st April, 2024 till 30th September, 2024: INR 169,490* Per Person
  • Cost valid from 01st October 2024 till 31st March, 2025: INR 190,075* Per Person

NOTE: - Hotel Upgrades available upon request

*T & C Apply

Includes:Accommodation on twin share basis ; daily American breakfast ; air-conditioned private car for all journeys and tours ; local guides ; Participation In Walking Tour of Old Delhi with Dinner; Boat ride in Udaipur (Seat in a Launch); Experiencing The “Wild West” Of Rajasthan; Old City Walk; Dinner Trail Jaipur, Horse carriage & Jeep ride; Lunch at Orchha; Sound & Light show in Khajuraho; Morning boat ride and Evening aarti in Varanasi, Airfares for Delhi / Udaipur, Khajuraho / Varanasi / Delhi sector in economy class (discounted internet airfares – subject to availability)

Cost Does Not Includes:Entrance, Camera & Video fee to monuments, Meals other than as mentioned above, Expenses of Personal nature such as Laundry, Drinks, Telephone calls, Tips etc., Credit Card Transaction Charges.