FUSION OF CULTURE & PILGRIMAGE TOUR

Duration : 15 Nights / 16 Days
Destinations : Delhi-Jaipur-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Haridwar-Rishikesh

DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI

Welcome to the capital of India – Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport by our tour executive who will escort you to the pre booked hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight stay in Delhi.
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DAY 02 : DELHI SIGHTSEEING

After a leisurely breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi Old Delhi - A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting - Red Fort - The red sandstone walls of Lal Qila, the Red Fort, extend for two km and vary in height from 18 meters on the river side to 33 metres on the city side. Shah Jahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. Jama Masjid - Jama Masjid The splendid mosque built by Muhammad Ali Shah in the typical Mughal style with two minarets and three domes, lies to the west of the Hussainabad Imambara. Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Also, visit the Swami Narayan Temple and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara Proceed for the visit of New Delhi New Delhi - An extensive sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit:- Humayun's Tomb - Built in the mid 16th century by Haji Begum, senior wife of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, Humayun's Tomb is an early example of Mughal architecture built in Delhi. Lotus temple ( known as Bahai Temple), Qutub Minar - 13 km to the south of Connaught Circus at Lalkote of 8th century Tomor Rajputs, the 72.5 mts high Victory Pillar stands as a victory stand of a Muslim King Qutub-ud-din-Aibak in India. A drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, The President's Residence, and a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. End with the visit of the Lotus temple at the sunset Overnight at Delhi

DAY 03: DELHI – JAIPUR (265 KMS, 06 HRS DRIVE)

After breakfast at hotel drive to Jaipur on arrival check in at hotel later evening free for independent activities. Overnight stay at hotel.
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DAY 04: IN JAIPUR - EXCURSION TO AMBER FORT + HALF CITY TOUR

After breakfast at the hotel we will take you for excursion of Amber fort to see the fabulous Amber Fort. En-route to Amber you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, also known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below.

Afternoon visiting the City Palace, a famous landmark that is expanded over a large area as it occupies one seventh of the city. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur. It has also been included in the world heritage lists. You will also have the opportunity to wander in the local markets where you can shop for souvenirs, traditional Rajasthani attires, skilful art craft of the region etc. Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 05: JAIPUR TO AGRA DRIVE, ENROUTE VISIT FATEHPUR SIKRI

After breakfast at the hotel you will get on for a drive to Agra which is 240 km away from the pink city. On your way you will visit the UNESCO world heritage site – Fatehpur Sikri. This deserted red sandstone city was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. He built this city in honor of Shaikh Salim Chisti, a Sufi saint who resided in a cave on crest at Sikri, and predicted the birth of his son. Besides being the first planned Mughal city, it puts forth a unique example of Mughal architecture which was an amalgamation of Indian, Islamic and Persian architecture.It is bestowed with palaces and mosques and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed. Popular highlights of this region are Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Diwan-i-Am, Panch Mahal etc. Later proceed to Agra – the city of love. Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra and its neighborhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. On arrival check in at your pre booked hotel.Overnight will be at hotel.
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DAY 06: AGRA SIGHTSEEING

After early morning breakfast, you will be taken to witness the exquisiteness of Taj Mahal at the time of sunrise. You will be overwhelmed to see the beauty that the rising sun will add to the white beauty of this one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Taj Mahal was built by grandson of Akbar -The Great, Shah Jahan (1628-1658) in the loving memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal. When Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) met Arjumand Banu Begum (Mumtaz Mahal), he fell in love with her at the very first sight. Five years down the lane in 1612 he married this Muslim Persian princess and was deeply in love with her. They both shared every moment of their life together and were regarded as inseparable companions until the time when she died giving birth to their 14th child in the year 1631. Grief stricken by this loss, Shan Jahan decided to build world’s most beautiful monument to pay tribute to his wife. In 1632 the construction of Taj Mahal began and till 1648 only the principal mausoleum was done as it took other five years to complete the surrounding gardens and buildings. However, the date of its completion has always been a topic for debate. 22,000 laborers and 1,000 elephants were involved in the making up of this architectural wonder that is built completely of white marble. Spend some time exploring the magnificent architecture of this pious monument. Sightseeing also includes visit to Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb. Enjoy shopping in the local bazaars of the city. Later come back to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 07: AGRA – JHANSI (BY SHATABI TRAIN AT 0805/ 1005 HRS) ORCHHA – KHAJURAHO

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the railway station by our representative to board train to Jhansi – a major road and rail junction. From Jhansi you will be driven towards Khajuraho. On your way you will visit the historical city of Orccha. It is a beautiful region rising out of hills located on the banks of river Betwa (approx. 16km from Jhansi). It proudly houses historical monuments which have retained their charm till date and narrate evergreen tails of war – peace to whole world. It was discovered by Bundela rajput Rudra Pratap in 16th century. Temples of Orchha and Phool Bagh are famous tourist destinations one should definitely not miss. One can als o visit multi-tiered Jehangir Mahal which was built in 1606 and has gained recognition for its fine murals and the Rai Praveen Mahal.Continue your drive towards Khajuaraho located 180 km away from Jhansi. Famous for its attractive, exotic and eye-catching temple sculpture, structural design and craftsmanship, Khajuraho is situated in the heart of Central India, in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho temples were constructed during the reign of Chandel Empire between 950 and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho is a mesmerizing village with a picturesque rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. The captivating temples of Khajuraho, India’s unique gift of love to the world represent the expression of a highly developed civilization. On arrival check in at your pre booked hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Spend overnight at hotel.
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DAY 08: IN KHAJURAHO

After delicious morning breakfast, get ready for a visual treat as you proceed for the sightseeing tour of Khajuraho Temples. Inscribed in the list of world heritage sites by UNESCO, the whole complex is divided into eastern and western group of temples. Eastern group is constituted by Parsavanatha Temple – The largest in the group of three Jain temples, Ghantai Temple – This Jain temple has a fresco depicting the 16 dreams of Mahavira’s mother, and a multi-armed Jain goddess perched on a winged Garuda, Adinatha Temple – The last of the Jain temples dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinatha. Later visit the Western group which is undoubtedly the best recognized, because the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple Kandariya Mahadev belongs to this group. Other temples of the western group are Vishwanath Temple – The temple enshrines a three-headed image of Lord Brahma, Lakshamana Temple – The lintel over the entrance of this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu shows the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort, Chaunsath Yogini – The oldest surviving temple in the group, Chitragupta Temple – Dedicated to the sun-god, Surya, Matangeshwara Temple – This temple, which happens to be outside the precincts of the western group, is dedicated to Lord Shiva/ overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 09: KHAJURAHO - VARANASI (BY FLIGHT)

After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred by our representative to airport for flight to Varanasi – your next destination on this classic India tour. On arrival in Varanasi, you will be received by our representative who will assist you till your pre booked hotel. Check in and spend rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Varanasi
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DAY 10: VARANASI SIGHTSEEING

Located on the banks of highly revered River Ganga, holy city Varanasi is the most important city for Hindu Devotees. This eternal city has been a prime pilgrimage and learning center for over two hundred decades now. Wake up with the first rays of the sun, and embark on a boat ride by the side of the bathing ghats of the holy river. Witness flocks of Hindu devotees offering prayers early in the morning and taking several dips in the river water to cleanse their soul. Breathe in the pious environment filled with the fragrance of flowers and hymns of Hindu mantras. After sunrise you will visit some of the most exotic temples of the region. Return back to the hotel for breakfast which will be followed by a visit to “Bharat Kala Bhavan”. Housed by the world famous Banaras Hindu University, it exhibits outstanding collection of paintings, sculptures and textiles commenced with the personal collection of the enlightened Rai Krishnadasa. Mahamana Malaviya gallery, Chhavi (Painting Gallery), Nicholas Roerich gallery, sculpture gallery, sculpture gallery, Nidhi (Treasures) gallery, archaeological gallery, decorative art gallery and Banaras through ages gallery are the important sections of Bharat Kala Bhavan.

Later in the afternoon, excursion will head towards Sarnath – the prime Buddhist center all across the world. Located 13 km north east of Varanasi, Sarnath is a deer park where Gautama Buddha after achieving enlightenment in Bodhgaya, imparted first teachings of dharma. Also, through the enlightenment of Kondanna, Buddhist Sangha came into existence at this park only. Gautama Buddha came here to teach his former five companions Dharma and thus Sarnath is regarded as the place where Buddhism found its roots, the native land of this art of life! Come back to the hotel for overnight.

DAY 11: VARANASI – DELHI (BY FLIGHT ) – HARIDWAR (210KMS/ 05 HRS)

After breakfast at the Hotel transfer to the Varanasi airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival you will be driven to Haridwar, on arrival check in at hotel. Evening after sunset will take you to Har Ki Pauri to attend the famous Ganga Aarti / overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 12: HARIDWAR – RISHIKESH (25 KMS)

After breakfast sightseeing tour of Haridwar visiting ashram and Temples - which includes Mansa Devi temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Maya Devi temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Sapta Rishi Temple and Ramanand Ashram. Later afternoon drive to Rishikesh, on arrival check in at hotel/ overnight stay at hotel.
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DAY 13: IN RISHIKESH

Morning breakfast at hotel sightseeing tour of Rishikesh visit Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Gita Bhawan and Rest of the day free for independent activities. In the evening attenting the aarti at Rishikesh ghat also/overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 14: RISHIKESH – DELHI (225 KMS/ 05HRS)

After breakfast at hotel drive to Delhi, on arrival check in at hotel. Later free for independent activities/ Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 15: IN DELHI (NO TRANSPORT SERVICES)

Breakfast at hotel and full day free for independent activities/ overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 16: DELHI DEPARTURE

After breakfast at hotel, in time transfer to airport to connect flight for onward journey
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