Feel of India Duration
: 13 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Agra
- Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Mumbai - Delhi
Day 01:
Delhi Flight to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel.
Check in time is 1200 hrs.
Day 02: Delhi
In Delhi's
3000 years of existence, seven cities stood where the present capital of
India stands. Here you'll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and
the contemporary - where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars
exist besides a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.
After breakfast sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.
Visit
the 7th city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) which was built by the
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1639-48 AD) after he shifted his capital from
Agra to Delhi. Red Fort - the 17th century imposing fortress built in red
sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are
exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama
Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in
1656. It is India's largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel
in prayer. Visit Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna, Mahatma Gandhi's
Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948.
The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple
square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words "Hey Ram".
An eternal flame burns 24 hours.
Afternoon visit New Delhi.
Visit
the Humayun's Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An
early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj
Mahal. The Qutub Minar - the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory
started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is 72.5m high with a
diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed to the Rashtrapati
Bhawan once the Viceroy's residence is now the official residence of the
President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern
styles - the dome reflects the Buddhist stupa, the chattris Hindu and the
graceful colonnades very British. It has 340 rooms. The Government Buildings
designed by Baker, are topped by baroque domes and decorated with lotus
motifs and elephants, while the north and south gateways are Mughal in
design. The northern building has an inscription with "Liberty will not
descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty. It is a
blessing which must be earned before it can be enjoyed". The Parliament
House, designed by Baker is 173m in diameter. Inside is the library and
chambers for the council of state, chamber of princes and legislative
assembly. The India Gate (42m), commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who
died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed
in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Under
the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces' losses in
the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.
Overnight stay at the hotel in
Delhi.
IMP: RED FORT IS CLOSED ON MONDAY.
Day 03: Delhi
- VaranasiMorning transfer to the airport to connect flight to
Varanasi.
Varanasi derives its name from the two streams - Varuna in the north and Assi
in the south, the British corrupted the name Varanasi to Banaras. The oldest
name is Kashi, which means `the City of Light'. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva
and is the holiest city for the Hindus, also for the Jains, because the three
tirthankars, 7th, 11th & 23rd were born here. It is believed that anyone
who dies here goes straight to heaven The city draws pilgrims from all over
the world, to worship, meditate and above all to bathe.
On arrival in Varanasi transfer to hotel. After check in
excursion to Sarnath, 9 km from Varanasi, one of Buddhism's major centers in
India. It was here that Buddha gave his first Sermon after attaining
Nirvana. In the complex is the Dhamekh Stupa (5th-6th AD) or Dharma Chakra,
the most imposing monument at Sarnath built to commemorate the place where
Buddha delivered his first sermon to the five disciples. Also visit
Dharmarajika Stupa that was built by Emperor Ashoka (273-326 BC). From this
stupa a green marble casket containing human bones and pearls was found,
said to be the relics of Buddha. It was the seat for Buddha's meditation. To
the rear is the 5m lower portion polished sandstone Asokan Column (3rd
century). The Deer Park on the south - west, has several species of deer. On
the way back to the Hotel visit a modern Buddhist temple which has beautiful
life size frescos of Buddhas life. In the vicinity is the sapling of the
Bodhi tree brought from Sri Lanka, under which Buddha sat and attained
enlightenment.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04:
Varanasi - KhajurahoToday early morning you experience the life of
this ancient city. See the beauty of the rising sun on the Ganges Boat Ride.
The boat ride passes along some of the 100 ghats, with numerous palaces
built by Hindu kings. Experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus
being performed, thousands of people taking a bath in the holy river
believing they will be free from the circle of rebirth. It is interesting to
see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Enjoy the feel of
this holiest of holy cities - Varanasi. Visit the Bharat Mata Temple
inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. It is a relief map of `Mother India' in
marble made to scale. The Durga Temple (18th century) built in Nagara style
is painted red and has the typical five spires (symbolising the elements)
merging into one (Brahma). The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is one of the
largest campus universities in India. Founded by Madan Mohan Malaviya at the
turn of the century. It was originally intended for the study of Sanskrit,
India art, music and culture. Drive through the university, which today has
all the faculties of arts and science. Many of our earlier Indian leaders
passed out from here. The New Visvanath Temple built in 1966 is located on
the campus, and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the tallest in India.
In transfer to the airport to connect flight to Khajuraho. On
arrival in Khajuraho transfer to the hotel.
Khajuraho, home to the
most famous erotic temples built in the 10 & 11th century by the
Chandella Rulers, with the Vindhyan Hills as a backdrop. Of 85 temples only
20 survive. This is a world heritage site. Morning after breakfast visit the
Eastern and Western Group of temples.
Overnight in hotel at Khajuraho.
Day 05: Khajuraho - Agra
After breakfast
visit the Eastern and Western Group of temples.
The Eastern Group
of temples are mainly dedicated to the Jain teachers - tirthankaras - The
Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple and the Santinatha Temple. There is
a 4.5m statue of Adinatha in the main place of Jain worship. The temples are
ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods,
goddesses.
The Western Group consists of a group of artistic
temples built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers and
musicians appear to be so natural as if they would come alive any time. We
will visit the Varaha Temple dedicated to Vishnu, and also the Lakshmana
Temple also dedicated to Vishnu. It is one of the earliest of the western
enclosure temples dating from 930 to 950 AD. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
is not only the largest of the temples, it is also artistically and
architecturally the most perfect. Built between 1025 and 1050 it represents
Chandella art at its most finely developed phase.
After
sightseeing, in time transfer to the airport to connect flight to Agra. On
arrival in Agra transfer to the hotel.
Agra stands on the right
bank of the river Yamuna, was once the seat of the Mughal rulers, the zenith
of art and an enshrined romance. A town famous for its beautiful medieval
monuments. The passion of the Mughals for building endowed it with some of
the loveliest buildings in the world.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Agra After breakfast sightseeing of Agra.
Visit
the world famous monument of India, the Taj Mahal (1631-1653), a poem in
white marble, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj
Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. It employed 20,000 workers
from the Central Asia and Europe for 22 years to construct this extravagant
monument of love, inlaying the white marble edifice with precious and semi
precious stones. After Taj Mahal visit Agra Fort (Fort and Palace) situated
on the west bank of the river Jamuna, made by the Mughal King Akbar in the
16th century and completed by his grandson Shah Jahan, who was imprisoned by
his son Aurangzeb for 8 years in this fort, before his death. The fort is
crescent - shaped and the perimeter is 2.4 km long. Also visit the stunning
tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah or the `Baby Taj'- a marble memorial with exquisite
inlay work built by Nur Jahan, queen of Jehangir, for her father in 1628.
Overnight stay in hotel.
IMP: TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAY.
Day 07: Agra - Jaipur (246 km) After
breakfast drive to Jaipur. En-route sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri.
40
km (1 hour) from Agra, lies the beautiful and deserted medieval city,
Fatehpur Sikri, built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the
capital of his vast empire. It was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later.
Today, it is perfectly preserved as a ghost city built at the height of the
empire's splendor.
After sightseeing of Further drive to Jaipur.
After arrival check-in to hotel. Jaipur was built in the 18th century by
Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules
as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. It was made attractive
with the pink wash - a traditional colour of welcome in 1853 in honour of
the visit of Prince Albert.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.
Day 08: Jaipur 
After breakfast, half-day excursion
trip takes you to Amber Fort. En route, make a photo stop at the palace of
winds the Hawa Mahal. A 5 stored building with 25cm thick facade from the 18
century having 953 windows and niches so that ladies of royal family could
see the procession and events in the city without being visible to the
people. Proceed to the Amber City Fort situated 130m high with the Aravalli
hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the
Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. Enjoy an Elephant ride to the top of the
Palace fort.
Return to Jaipur.
Afternoon visit the "Pink
City" of Jaipur. The City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now
houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and
costumes, armoury, manuscripts, paintings etc.
Also visit Jantar
Mantar (1728-34) by king astrologer Jai Singh II. The instruments are built
of stone with marble facing on the important plains for measuring the
harmony of the heavens. Each instrument serves a particular function and
each gives an accurate reading.
Overnight stay at the hotel in
Jaipur.
Day 09: Jaipur - JodhpurMorning transfer to
the airport to connect flight to Jodhpur. On arrival in Jodhpur transfer to
the hotel.
Jodhpur the second largest city of Rajasthan, once the
capital of Marwar, sprawls around the massively impressive cliff top
Meherangarh Fort.
Late afternoon, visit the impressive Mehrangarh
Fort on a 37 m low sandstone hill built by Rao Jodha in 1459 . From the top
of the fort one can get a bird's eye view of the old city. You will notice
the predominance of blue houses referred to as Brahmin houses - the colour
being associated with the high caste. Proceed to the Jaswant Thada, an
imposing marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, and
smaller memorials to other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. At the end of the tour
enjoy a short walk through the local and vibrant bazaar of Jodhpur.
Overnight
stay at the hotel in Jodhpur.
Day 10: Jodhpur - Udaipur (270
km)After breakfast drive to Udaipur. En-route visit Ranakpur, the
wonderful 3 temples of the Jain sect dating back to the 14th/15th century.
The unforgettable main Temple dedicated to Adinatha the first Tirthankar
(1439) built in marble took 65 years to complete. It is one of the five holy
Jain pilgrimage centres, and has one of the best temple complexes. One can
enjoy a good lunch (on direct payment) amid the 19th century walled orchard
the Maharani Bagh Orchard belonging to the Royal family. The orchard is full
of bougainvillea and fruit trees predominantly mangoes.
A
beautiful two hours drive will bring you to Udaipur. Upon arrival check-in
to the hotel. Rest of the day free.
Overnight stay at the hotel in
Udaipur.
Day 11: Udaipur The city of Udaipur lies
in the Girwa valley amidst the Aravali hills of south Rajasthan. It is
considered a romantic city - with its lakes, gardens, temples and palaces -
an Oasis in the Thar desert. The old city is a traditionally planned
fortified walled city, a maze of narrow winding lanes flanked by houses with
doorways decorated with Mewar folk art, windows with stained glass or jali
screens, massive havelis with large inner courtyards and shops. The
legendary Ranas who ruled, traced their ancestry to the Sun Dynasty.
This
morning visit the City Palace built on the bank of the Pichola Lake, by
Maharana Udai Singh in 1570. The impressive complex of several palaces is a
blend of Rajput and Mughul influences. Half of it is still occupied by the
Royal family, and part converted into a museum. The Jagdish Temple - (1651)
was built by Maharana Jagat Singh. A fine example of the Nagara style of
temple architecture. A brass Garuda stands outside and stone elephants flank
the entrance steps. Inside is a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath,
the Lord of the Universe. Sahelion-ki Bari an ornamental pleasure garden
specially made for the ladies of the palace in the 18th century. It has
beautiful fountains, trees and flowers.
Afternoon boat ride on the
Pichola Lake.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 12: Udaipur -
Mumbai Transfer to the airport for the flight to Mumbai. After
arrival transfer to hotel.
Mumbai is India's most cosmopolitan
city, an ancient port and trading centre. This palm- fringed shore of the
Arabian Sea was the British Empire's entrance to its `Crown Jewel'. Mumbai
is also the centre for Hindi films. It is called Bollywood, with a credit of
almost 900 films a year.
This afternoon a short tour Mumbai city,
rich blend of East and West. The tour includes the 26 mtr high British-built
Arch "Gateway of India", Mumbai's landmark built to honour the
visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Marine Drive dubbed as the Queen's
Necklace is Mumbai's most popular promenades and a favourite sunset watching
spot. The Kamla Nehru Park from where you have a picturesque view of the
city, Hanging Gardens are so named since they are located on top of a series
of tanks that supply water to Mumbai. Pass by the `towers of silence' the
crematorium of the Parsis. Also visit Mani Bhawan a private house where
Mahatma Gandhi used to stay when he visited Mumbai. It is now a museum and
research library with 20,000 volumes.
Rest of the time free.
Day 13: Mumbai - HomeEarly morning transfer to the
airport to connect flight back home.
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