Classical India with Rajasthan
Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi
- Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Delhi
Day 01 Delhi: Arrival at Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your
hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis
with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope
- that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 Delhi:
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit
to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort
continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest
mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built
during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour
continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is
viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a
nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects
the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi
is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively.
The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the
life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean
a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast,
is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India.
The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament
building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03 Delhi - Varanasi:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi,
you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River
Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to
be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which
still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems
to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Varanasi, which was in use till
May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of
India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India.
From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one
of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people
every year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The
rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples
and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns
and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the
refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi
- The land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi
is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education.
Some of the world - renowned exponents India has produced in these fields
were schooled in Varanasi’s cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi
abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests
itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished
as collector’s items across the world today.
Visit Sarnath ? 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest
Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590
BC. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner
peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing
Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent
collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
Enjoy the evening AARTI CEREMONY on the banks of Ganges.
Overnight will be at Varanasi.
Day 04 Varanasi:
In the early morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred
river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of
one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs.
for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city,
we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board
a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise
the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks
to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers
from the water's edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets
along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes
a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi
Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
Return for breakfast to the hotel.
Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple,
which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit
the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to
the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted
from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls.
Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia.
The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor
Aurangzeb.
Overnight will be in Varanasi.
Day 05 Varanasi - Khajuraho:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer in time for flight to Khajuraho.
Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous
for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The
name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which
is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to
a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic
architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup,
combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed,
charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured
details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from
ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.
Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and then proceed for a tour of the
famous temples in Khajuraho.
Enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the Western Temple Complex in the evening.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 06 Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra:
Proceed by surface to ORCHHA.
ORCHHA - A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with Palaces and
temples of the 16th and 17th century which have remarkable withstood the onslaught
of time. The city is picturesquely flanked by the River Betwa.
Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Lunch will
be at Orchha and then proceed to the station (12 km away) for train to Agra.
(This is a superfast train with airline type seats and snacks / mineral water
is served on board)
Reach Agra and transfer to hotel.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little
village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving
it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra
is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white
marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that
this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that
modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 07 Agra:
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra after breakfast.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which
is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built
by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz
Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned
by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and
perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes,
intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the
fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect
Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of
the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel
over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing
gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are
considered better than the Taj.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 08 Agra - Jaipur:
By Road
221 km/6 hr
Drive to Jaipur after breakfast visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route.
The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital
and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable
fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it’s
not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of
its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Continue your drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in at Hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent
palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts
and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA
warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes.
However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority
locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus,
many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the
British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated
founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal.
Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting
that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’.
Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive
colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original
plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor
of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating
religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985,
houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty)
and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly
luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways
include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin
Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony,
which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke
the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 09 Jaipur:
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his
descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where
a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow
but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured
fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years
to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the
lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture,
the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It
houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories
built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory
consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is
a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The
palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal
was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping
is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery,
tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 10 Jaipur - Jodhpur:
By Road
260 km/6 hr
Start for Jodhpur after breakfast. Reach Jodhpur.
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with
tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the
Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha - chief of the Rathore
clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero
of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the
top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed
by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Relax in the hotel and in the evening proceed for visiting the UMAID BHAWAN
MUSEUM. Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 11 Jodhpur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home
of the Rathors of Marwar, visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp,
built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long
sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers.
In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room.
After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.
In the afternoon visit the old city and go for a drive into the villages
enjoying the old world culture and how the BISHNOI VILLAGERS stay today consuming
what they produce.
You could also enjoy the afternoon in your beautiful palace hotel.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.
Day 12 Jodhpur - Udaipur:
By Road
280 km/6 hr
Proceed for Udaipur after a leisurely breakfast.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200
pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds
with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples
and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Reach Udaipur and relax.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed
in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance
and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences
and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow
lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor
and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is
an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia
dynasty for 1200 Years.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 13 Udaipur:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here
you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass
windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the
local folk Museum or the VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION.
Proceed to visit EKLINGJI TEMPLE.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 14 Udaipur - Delhi:
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to the airport for flight to Delhi. Reach
and check in at hotel. Spend the evening in last minute shopping or relax as
you would have a late night flight. (EARLY MORNING OF NEXT DAY)
Proceed to the airport as per flight timing and enjoy the FAREWELL DINNER.
Board the flight for home with sweet memories of India.
Classical India with Rajasthan, Rajasthan Tours
Reservation Form
RAJASTHAN
INDIA TOURISM
Rajasthan
Cultural Tours
Copyright
© Rajasthan
India Tourism. All Rights Reserved