Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by. You will be met by our representative outside the customs enclosure and escorted till your check in at Hotel.
Delhi, the Empress of Indian cities has a fascinating history and a stimulating present. She has often been sacked and left naked and desolate. But she could not be despoiled of the incomparable situation that marks her for the metropolis of a Great Empire. The capital of India, Delhi has been the seat of power of a number of dynasties – the Rajputs, the Afghans, the Turks and the Mughals who continued their imperial line until the British. Scattered over are surviving ruins, remnants of mighty edifices, tombs of warriors and saints, which in an impressive sense of magnificence are memorials not of a single city but of supplanted nations.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Delhi – Jaipur
Morning combined city tour of Delhi visit the Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb and drive past India gate , Red Fort & President’s house.
The city’s earliest surviving Islamic monuments, the Qutab mosque and minar created by the founder of the sometimes, called the Slave Dynasty, Qutb-ud-din- Aybak. 73 meters high and consisting of 5 storeys, the Qutab Minar construction started in 1199 on what was intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world.
The Humayun’s Tomb was built in the 16th century by the second Mughal emperor. This is an early example of Mughal architecture
Afternoon drive to Jaipur.
Jaipur is where the enduring charisma of the past blends with the throbbing vitality of today. Where a colorful cast of characters – from printers and potters to artists and antique dealers - present a fascinating picture of a city that is alive to both tradition and change.
Raja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur was no ordinary man. He was a scholar and an astronomer, keenly sensitive to beauty, a formidable general, who tempered power with wisdom. In building Jaipur, Jai Singh's vision took him beyond architectural beauty for in the sprawling, barren plains beneath Amber, the former capital, he gave India its first planned city, which has remained unique in two and a half centuries. Jai Singh made Jaipur a haven and it became a center of commerce and religion.
Today, Jaipur has spread far beyond the pink crenulated walls that once defined its boundaries. It presents a fascinating picture of a city where growth, evolution and change are sustained by tradition.
Upon arrival, check in to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 In Jaipur
Morning visit to the Amber fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Ascending the fortress seated on elephants, wander around the beautiful palaces and visit the Shiladevi temple (which continues to be the private temple of the Royal family) with its exquisite marble carvings and silver door.
full visit the open-air royal observatory "Jantar Mantar", with gigantic, astronomical instruments, the City Palace and Museum stopping by the "Hawa Mahal" or the Palace of Winds.
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 PalaceMuseum.
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.
Rest of the day is at leisure with an opportunity to shop. Jaipur is a shopper’s delight offering a wide range of local handicrafts, vegetable dyed carpets with Persian designs, block printing with indigo and a variety of natural dyes, blue pottery, tie and dye fabrics and scarves. Jaipur is also famous for its gems and is a centre for the gem cutting industry.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
Morning after breakfast drive to Agra, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri
35kms before Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned red sandstone city built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India's greatest rulers. Remarkably broadminded for his time, this Muslim king married a Rajput princess in order to win over his Hindu subjects. The architecture at Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar's vision of synthesizing the cultures.
Continue onto Agra.
Agra, the city known for the famous monument of love - the Taj Mahal. The Mughal Emperor, Shah Jehan, constructed Taj Mahal. It is said he built this monument in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is ethereal at any part of the day - blushing in the rosy glow of dawn or sunset, appearing like a pearly mirage in the moonlight or reflected in the pools of the garden. Perhaps the most moving view of the Taj is from an octagonal tower in the Agra Fort further along the river Yamuna.
There are very few cities in the world that can match the history and heritage of Agra. Located at a distance of 204 km south of Delhi, Agra is the single most famous tourist destination of India. Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Norther Indian plains. The architectural splendor of the city is reflected in the glorious monuments of medieval India built by great Mughals who ruled India for more than 300 years.
In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality, which is still reflected in whatever monuments remain in Agra.
Arrive Agra and check in at Hotel
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 In Agra
Morning visit the Taj Mahal.
With its incredible lacy white grandeur the Taj Mahal is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. To the poet Tagore it was a `tear on the face of eternity'. In memory of his wife the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan constructed this most extravagant and incomparable monument built for love. Amazingly graceful from any angle, it is the close up detail, which is really astounding.
Later proceed to visit the Agra Fort
Agra Fort is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna, another monumental mission accomplished by the great Mughal visionary Emperor Akbar. His son Jehangir and grandson Shah Jehan added to this imposing structure during their rule. The palaces, mosques and audience halls contained within its massive wall of red sandstone are perfect examples of blending Islamic and Hindu traditions.
Evening visit Itamad Ud Daullah.
Tomb of Itmad-ud-dullah, father of Queen Nur Jehan is a two storied tomb bearing mosaics inlaid semi-precious stones
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Agra – Jhansi – Orchaa
Morning transfer to railway station to board train for Jhansi.
You will be met by our representative on arrival at railway station & drive to Orchha.
Orchha’s grandeur has been captured in stone. Frozen in time a rich legacy of the ages. The palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th & 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. Founded in the 16th century, Orchha boasts of the exquisite Jehangir Mahal a tiered palace crowned by graceful chattatris, In Raj Mahal and Laxmi Narayan Temple, vibrant murals brings the walls and ceiling alive.
Afternoon city tour.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Orchha – Khajuraho
Morning drive to Khajuraho
The temples of Khajuraho are India’s unique gift to the world, representing a paean to life, love and joy: perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Life in every form and mood has been captured in stone, testifying to the craftsman’s artistry and the extraordinary breath of the vision of Chandela Rajputs. The Khajuraho temples were built in short span of a hundred years from 950 – 1050 AD, in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 still survive constituting one of the world’s greatest wonders
Balance day at leisure
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 In Khajuraho
Morning full day tour visiting the world famous Khajuraho temples built by Chandela kings between 250 AD and 1050 AD. The most important are the Chaunset Yogini Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, the Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely image of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishwanath and Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple, Visha Temple dedicated to Shiva, which is the largest and most typical of temples.
Evening witness cultural show at Kandaria Centre.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Khajuraho – Varanasi
Morning transfer to airport to connect flight for Varanasi.
Varanasi’s or Kashi’s as it was earlier known antiquity, like its spirituality, is shrouded in immortal time. Puranic and other ancient literature dates its existence to at least 3,000 years ago. Life in the Varanasi of today revolves around the ghats along the River Ganges where the bulk of the temples are located. From dawn to dusk a steady stream of devotees perform rituals. Every devout Hindu’s ambition is to visit Varanasi once in a lifetime and to bathe in the sacred River Ganges. For several thousand years, pilgrims have cleansed themselves of their sins here and sought release from the cycle of rebirth – “Nirvana”. The town itself is a maze of small streets and alleyways, hiding in disorderly array not less than a thousand temples and shrines. Hinduism, deep and mystical, is everywhere. In a decorated doorway, in a glimpse of a glittering temple, in the sound of a sacred bell, in the chant of the priests and the fragrance of flower offerings. This is Varanasi - the city that is a prayer.
You will be met by our representative on arrival at airport & will escort you till check in at hotel.
After arrival visit Sarnath.
Sarnath - 10 kms. from Varanasi - The Buddha preached his first sermon to five disciples at the Deer Park here, enshrining the principals of his teaching into laws. The Dhamek Stupa marks the location of a once resplendent monastery. A large complex of ruined monasteries cover the area north of the stupas. Some of the buildings belong to the Kushan and Gupta period. The first monk communities probably settled here in the 3rd century BC. Near the Dhamek Stupa does the Buddhist Mahabodhi Society build a new monastery. The major events of Buddha’s life are depicted here in wall paintings by a Japanese artist. Sarnath has an interesting archaeological museum which has preserved the famous Sarnath pillar whose capital forms India’s national emblem.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Varanasi – Katmandu
Early morning boat ride on the holy River Ganges- 2&1/2 hrs Over three miles in length, steps lead down from a steep bank to the sacred river. The time to see the ghats is early dawn when out of the morning mist, forms descend the steps, their numbers increasing by the minute until a silent multitude, lit by the sun’s first rays, moves in the same direction to immerse itself in the holy stream and to salute the sun. These rituals remind one of the nature worship prevalent in India during the Aryan age, 3,000 years ago.
Later in morning city tour of Varanasi .
You will see the Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, which, instead of gods and goddesses, houses a relief map of India carved out of marble.. Emperor Aurangazeb’s Mosque built in the 17th century on the site of a Hindu Temple. The rear of the mosque reveals specimens of the ancient temple art of India. Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple) erected by Rani Ahalyabai Holkar of Indore in 1776. The shikharas of the temple are gold plated. Visit the Durga (Goddess of Power) Temple popularly known as the Monkey Temple because of hundreds of monkeys in the courtyard.
Afternoon transfer to airport to connect flight for Katmandu,
Kathmandu, historically known as city of temples, is capital city of Kingdom of Nepal.This historical city is remained unchanged e the Middle Ages. Other regal sister cities in the valley are Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. The Kathmandu valley (1450 M.) is famous for cultural heritage , scenic beauty, beautiful countryside, ethnic settlements, pilgrimages of holiest shrines for Hindus and Buddhists. There are seven World Heritage Sites declared by the UNESCO in the Kathmandu valley (400 sq.kms.) itself. This city a cultural hub is the center of various multi-attractions for all Nepal visitors.
You will be met by our representative on arrival at airport & will escort you till check in at hotel.
Day 11 In Kathmadu
Morning Sightseeing of Kathmandu Durbar Square (City) & Swyambhunath. Afternoon Patan Durbar Square.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE: It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the
religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that Kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D., Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple. On the right-hand corner, large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Swet Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. There are also Numismatic and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanumandhoka Palace building.
SWAYAMBHUNATH: The history of the Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swayambhunath, or "the self existent". This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Stupa. It is around 2000 years old. The Stupa, which forms the main structure, is made of brick and clay supporting the lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four-sides of the spire base are the eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometers west of Kathmandu City, and is situated on a hillock about 77m above the level of the Valley. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and pagodas. Swayambhunath is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony of Buddhist and Hindu, in Nepal. It provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley.
PATAN DURBAR SQUARE: This whole square is a cluster of fine pagoda temples and stone statues; it is at the same time the business hub of the city. At every step one comes across a piece of art or an image of a deity, testifying to the consummate skill of Patan's anonymous artists. The ancient palace of the Malla kings and the stone baths associated with various legends and episodes of history are especially interesting to visitors. The stone temple of Lord Krishna and the Royal Bath (Tushahity) with its intricate stone and bronze carvings are two other masterpieces in the same vicinity. This is the one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites of Nepal.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 In Kathmandu
Morning Sightseeing Bhaktapur Durbar Square (Bhadgaon). Afternoon Pashupatinath and Boudhnath.
THE CITY OF BHAKTAPUR: Situated about 14 Km east Kathmandu city was founded in 9th Century by King Anand Dev. About 4000 feet above the sea level this city renowned for its pottery and weaving industry. DURBAR SQUARE: The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces such as lion gate, the golden gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla. The palace of 55 windows, the big bell, the bell of barking dogs etc are other spots to be marked. PALACE OF 55 WINDOWS: Being built by King Yaksha Mall in 1427 A.D. and remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in 17th Century, the balcony and the windows are intricately carved. NYATAPOLA TEMPLE: This five storied Pagoda Style temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 A.D. well known for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.
PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE: 5 km away from Kathmandu, Pasupatinath Temple renowned for its superb architecture, its two-tiered golden roofs and silver doors, thousands of devotees converge here on an annual pilgrimage on the maha Shivratri (In February), the night of Lord Shiva. Entrance into the temple-precincts is permitted only for the Hindus but other can clearly see the temple and rituals beings performed inside from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. Here Hindu people cremation their body.
BOUDDHANATH: Situated 7kms northwest of Kathmandu city, the Stupa of Bouddhanath contains the relics of Kashyap Buddha, one of the former Buddha’s. The stupa was much later renovated by the Lichchhavi rulers of the 8th century A.D. Bouddhanath is a very important and holy stupa to Buddhists, particularly to the Tibetan Buddhists. The lotus-born Guru, Guru Padmashambava had revealed its greatness and importance to the Tibetan King Trisondetsen (742-797 A.D.)
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13 Leave Katmandu
In time transfer to airport to connect flight for your onward destination.