Duration: 03 Nights / 04 Days
Places Covered:Delhi- Jaipur- Ranthambore- Agra- Umaria- Bandhavgarh-
Khajuraho-Varanasi- Delhi.
i
Day 1: Arrival Delhi
Arrive Delhi by any convenient flight in the evening / night. Meet
on arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay in Hotel.
Day 2: Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel proceed for the sightseeing tour of historic city
-Old Delhi. Visit the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, built by
emperor Shahjahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a
Rickshaw ride through the silver street in Chandani Chowk, Later New Delhi to
include Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys;
the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyr their
lives in wars; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India's
leading industrial families; Humayun's Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai's Temple , Qutub
Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Evening return back
to the hotel.
Overnight stay in Hotel.
Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur
After breakfast in the morning, drive to Jaipur. En-route
visit Samode. It is a place of great interest for people who appreciate culture
and arts. The village or town is famous for its magnificent havelis, mansions,
and handicrafts. Upon your arrival at Samode, visit Samode Palace, which belongs
to the Rawals of Samode, who do not belong to a royal family but are affluent
noblemen. This family was bestowed the title of "Maha Rawal" by the royal family
as a reward for their loyalty and courage. The Samode Palace is about four
hundred years old and has gone through a lot of restoration work. Many new
additions have been made to this old palace, which is now a beautiful heritage
hotel.
Upon arrival at Samode Palace, provision shall be made for refreshments, later
visit the Sheesh Mahal and then drive for about a kilometer up to the point
from where you will continue on Camel Ride for 2 KM and reach Samode Bagh (This
is a best way to take a tour of the Samode village and check out the local
traditions and colors of the town) Upon arrival at Samode Bagh, take your lunch
and later continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur, transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 4: Jaipur
Morning visit the Amber Fort in the Aravali Hills, which is a great example
of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) architecture style. A slow elephant ride takes you
to the top of the Fort, which houses several graceful buildings. Afterwards
go for sightseeing of Jaipur city visiting City Palace, Jantar Mantar {Observatory},
Hawa Mahal {Palace on wind}. In the evening drive to Chawkidhani Village resort
for special Rajasthani Dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
End of the Journey with happy memories
Day 5: Jaipur - Ranthambore
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Ranthambore. On arrival in Ranthambore,
check in at the hotel. Afternoon indulge in some leisure activities.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 6: Ranthambore
Morning & afternoon game drives in Ranthambore national park by cantar
bus.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 7: Ranthambore - Agra
After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and drive to Agra. En-route visit to
Fatehpur Sikri, (Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor
Akbar), Fatehpur Sikri the City of Victory was the capital of the Mughal Empire
for only some 10 years. Continue drive to Agra. On arrival in Agra, check in
at the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 8:Agra - Umaria - Bandhavgarh
In morning visit the Taj Mahal, at the time of sunrise {recommendable}: The
Taj Mahal, built by emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved queen. Construction
of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 20 years to complete,
with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction
is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend
recounts that once construction was completed, ShahJahan had Lahori's hands
cut off, and blinded, and so he would never be able to duplicate the structure.
What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity,
medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose
and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the
day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others
than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden
where running streams flow. When the Mughals brought this concept to India
they elevated it to heights of incomparable artistry.
After visiting the Taj Mahal return back to hotel for late breakfast. After
relax at the hotel proceed for the sightseeing of Agra city, visit Agra Fort,
Itmad-Ud-Dola and the city. At the impressive Agra Fort you are taken through
the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city, witness
the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India.
In evening you shall be transferred to Agra Cantt railway station to take Kalinga
Utkal express train to Umaria.
Overnight on board the train.
.
Day 9: Umaria - Bandhavgarh
Arrive Umaria railway station, after arrival drive to Bandhavgarh, which is
approx. 90 Kms away from Umaria. After arriving Bandhavgarh check in to the
hotel. Rest of the day is free for relax. Afternoon games drive in Bandhavgarh
by jeep.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10: Bandhavgarh
Depart for Ajmer with en route visit to Chittorgarh
at arrival to Ajmer check into hotel.
Day 11: Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho
After breakfast, check-out from hotel and drive to Khajuraho. On arrival in
Khajuraho, check in to the hotel. {Note: If time permits, go to witness the
light & sound show in the temple (Optional)}.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 12: Khajuraho - Varanasi
Morning visit the Eastern & Western group of temples. Afternoon you shall
be transferred to Khajuraho airport to take flight to Varanasi. On arrival
in Varanasi, check in to the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13: Varanasi
Varanasi is the religious centre of Hindus. Situated on the banks of the holy
river Ganges, Varanasi is considered to be among the oldest living cities of
the world and has been a centre of learning and civilization for centuries.
Varanasi holds special significance in the lives of the Indian people. Every
year thousands of pilgrims make a long journey to this vibrant city, where
you can find the richest of the rich living side by side with the poorest of
the poor.
Travel to Varanasi with an open mind and see what faith can do to people and
what their devotion to god leads them to achieve. Look beyond the poverty into
the eyes of the people and you will see a sense of enlightenment and peace
that their belief in a god has given them. The old city of Varanasi is a maze
of small streets and alleyways hiding in disorderly array no less than 2800
temples and shrines. Domes, minarets, pinnacles and towers, and derelict eighteenth
century palaces dominate the sacred left bank of the river. All in the jumble
of this fascinating and spiritual city, you will see marriage processions and
funeral processions and cows grabbing big flower necklaces destined for the
gods. Varanasi is a unique city that vibrates with cosmic forces beyond comprehension.
Afternoon proceed for half day excursion to Sarnath, which is around 19 kms
from the city centre. Sarnath symbolizes the birth of Buddhism. It was here
that Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The museum
at Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains carvings representing
a whole range of styles - archaic, the Mathura School, Gupta; post Gupta and
Medieval - covering work of sculptors from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th
century A.D. Also seen here is the original lions heads from the Asoka Pillar,
which form the symbol of the Indian republic. In the Evening visit the Dashaswamedh
ghat and witness the evening Aarti. Overnight stay at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 14: Varanasi - Delhi.
Leave from your hotel for an early morning sunrise boat excursion on the holy
River Ganges. See Varanasi come alive along the banks of the river. See people
bathing in the holy water and worshipping the rising sun. Witness the conclusion
of life at the riverbank holy cremation grounds. It is believed if you die
in Varanasi you go straight to heaven. Varanasi will be one of the most extraordinary
experiences of your visit to India.
After the boat ride return to the hotel for breakfast. Proceed on a Varanasi
City Tour driving through the Banaras Hindu University with a visit to the
Bharat Mata (Mother India) Temple. Visit some of the holy temples of the city
that encapsulates the ambience and the spirit of the city. Highlights include
the Durga Temple, better known as the 'monkey temple' on account of the large
number of monkeys residing there and the Temple of Vishwanath (or Visheshwar,
Lord of the Universe). If time permits before returning to the hotel, visit
some of the silk brocade and weaving centers - a specialty of Varanasi. Later
in the afternoon transfer to Varanasi airport to take flight to Delhi. Meet
on arrival in Delhi airport and transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 15: Delhi - Departure
In morning you shall be transferred to Delhi International airport to take
your return flight back home.