Adventure Tour of India - 17 days @ $1020
Delhi - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Agra - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi – Delhi
Day 01: Delhi Arrival
Upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, Travel Astu representative will be waiting for you to welcome you and transfer you to The Park New Delhi Hotel, a luxury hotel in New Delhi's trendy Connaught Place, located 14 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport, overlooking the 18th Century Observatory Jantar Mantar, housing an outdoor pool, the Aura Spa, 4 dining options and Agni Nightclub, checking in for three nights. The rest of the day will be at leisure to rest from the long trip.
At 5:00pm you’ll meet Mr. Puru (Head Guest Relation - Travel Astu) in the lobby departing toward Gurgaon to enjoy “Kingdom of Dreams”, New Delhi's ultimate entertainment destination that showcases India's fascinating culture through cuisine, design, and fine and performing arts. Upon arrival we'll stop to try an authentic meal at any of the restaurants that highlight the diversity in Indian cuisine, experiencing the country's uniqueness, then we'll go to the Nauntaki Mahal, Kingdom of Dreams Auditorium, diving into the wonders of Bollywood as we watch a live performance of either Zangoora, The Gypsy Prince. A two hour show portraying the epic journey of a young boy that went from a mere gypsy to the prince of the Kingdom of Shaktishila, blending traditional costumes, vibrant music, elaborate dance routines, dialogue and special effects to create a story filled with romance, action and magic. (Some days, the musical comedy Jhumroo will be shown instead, following the story of a young boy in Mumbai dreaming to be a famous singer, a great performance that would give us a good laugh and mesmerise us with retro Bollywood songs). When our Kingdom of Dreams Experience comes to an end, we’ll meet our driver outside the complex and relax on the private drive back to our hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.
Kingdom of Dreams: Best Entertainment Place and Tourist Spot in India
Day 02: New Delhi
We'll start early morning, making stops at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and the nearby Agrasen Ki Baoli, a beautiful historical step well on Hailey Road, near Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar, believed to have been originally built by the legendary king Agrasen during the Mahabharat epic era, continue to the iconic India Gate on route to the citadel of Purana-Qal'a and the Tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and from there to the historic Lodhi Gardens. From there we’ll make a final stop at the Lahore Gate (Red Fort), returning to the hotel.
Back to the hotel around 12:10am, we'll enjoy a Rickshaw Ride peddling through the narrow lanes of Chandani Chowk, once an Imperial Avenue of the Mughal Royalty and today one of the busiest commercial areas of the city, where we’ll see rickshaws jostle for space with cars, buses and people. We will walk through the markets for a Ilavor of an Indian Bazaar and enjoy lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants. After lunch we’ll visit the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, known as Birla Mandir, located next to Connaught Place, we’ll continue to the Sacred Heart Cathedral, also near Connaught Place, considered the biggest church in terms of structure and also the headquarters of Delhi Catholic Archdiocese. We'll make a stop at the nearby Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the main Gurudwara for the many Sikhs of Delhi, (Here we’ll need to cover our heads (scarves provided for free) and we’ll stash our shoes in the shoe storage run by volunteers). Our last stop today will be at St.Peter's Cathedral Bhai Veer Singh Marg, the headquarters of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox church in Delhi, known as the “Antioch of the East”, a fine example of Oriental architecture blended with modernity, to end our tour we'll drive toward the mesmerizing Akshardham Temple, a spiritual-cultural campus in New Delhi. Akshardham means “The divine abode of God” and it is hailed as an eternal place of devotion, purity and peace where we’ll explore the Hindu values and traditions through a variety of media, from a large format film to a multimedia water show, an inspiring journey of art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of all humans, enjoying this spiritually enriching
and unique experience.
As we walk around the temple, we'll see the beautifully designed marble Ilooring and the huge domes with marble carved pillars. Continue to explore the amazing building, built with pink sandstone and marble, and see the mandir which is the spiritual center of the entire complex. Admire the Murtis (sculptures of the Hindu God) of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his successors, Shri Radha-Krishna, Shri Sita-Ram, Shri Lakshmi-Narayan and Shri Parvati-Shiva, which reside in the intricately carved abode. After visiting the main temple, we’ll take a step into the refreshment area where we’ll enjoy an Indian masala tea and a vegetarian sandwich. Finally, it's time to see the Musical Water Show. The 15-minute fountain show is called, “Cycle of Life” and it takes place as the sun sets. After the show, we'll stop for dinner at a traditional restaurant offering live Indian music.
Overnight in Delhi.
Akshardham Temple Delhi
Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, Delhi
Day 03: Old Delhi:
At 8:30am you'll meet your guide in the hotel lobby to depart on a FD City Tour. We'll explore the antique culture of India in Old Delhi starting at the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest freedom fighters of India was cremated here after his assassination in 1948, continue to visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the 17th century. From here we’ll head to the Delhi Gate on our way to the Red Fort, a massive fort with walls running for 2 km, built to serve as the second capital for Shah Jehan, housing a number of important buildings like the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors). We'll enjoy lunch at a typical restaurant of the area then we'll continue discovering the New Delhi's section visiting the Cathedral Church of Redemption, the headquarters of the Church of North India, a fine example of Colonial architecture, located near the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, a rambling mansion with breathtaking architecture.
Stop at the Vijay Path Square in front of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, initially known as Kingsway during the British Raj, visit the Indira Ghandi Memorial Museum, stop brieIly for a photo at the India Gate, situated in the heart of the city, we’ll see the 4th century Iron Pillar located in the Humayun’s Tomb Complex, Purana Qila then we'll continue south to the Bahá'í Lotus Temple Kalkaji, located South of Delhi, shaped like a lotus bud with 27 petals, a stunning temple suspended above milky-blue ponds, surely one of the most magnificent monuments ever built, see the Qutub Minar and stroll along the beautiful Hauz Khas Village.
This evening we'll enjoy dinner at a typical Indian restaurant followed by the incredible Sound & Light Show at the Red Fort where we’ll watch as the artists and performers depict the historical events of this incredible city, learning about the Mughal Empire through storytelling and music. We’ll travel back in time using all of our senses during this stunning show, listening to epic tales about the rise and fall of kings and queens in Delhi, including the legendary ruler Razia Sultana, the only woman to reign in both the Sultanate and Mughal periods. (The show in English is held from 9:00 to 10:00pm). At the end of the show, we'll head back to our hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.
Qutub Minar
Cathedral Church of Redemption
Day 04: Delhi – Jaipur
We'll check out from the hotel in the morning to go to the Early Mass at 7:30am at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. At 8:30am when the mass is over we'll have our packed breakfast and lunch waiting for us and we'll depart by road toward Jaipur, also known as the “Pink City”, the largest city and the capital of Rajasthan, built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh as India's first planned city, famous for its Rajput Architecture. One we get to Jaipur around 2:30pm we’ll check into the beautiful Hotel Pearl Palace for 2 nights.
At 5:00 pm we'll visit the Lakshmi Narayan Temple also known as the Birla Temple, located below the Moti Dungri Fort, a relatively new temple made of white marble with beautiful carvings, to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. This magnificent marble structure was built in 1985, and it 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. Our visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony from 6:00 to 7:00pm, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. After
enjoying the experience we’ll have dinner at the Theme Restaurant Chokhi Dhani, located on the main road near the airport, an excellent place to enjoy Folk Dance and Music along with its typical Rajasthani cuisine.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple) is a Hindu temple in Jaipur
Day 05: Jaipur FD City Tour
Today we'll depart 8:00am morning to explore the Pink City starting at the Amber Fort located 11 km North of central Jaipur, a massive fort-palace complex built in hybrid Hindu-Muslim style dating back to Raja Man Singh and also as the royal palace of the Kachwahas from c. 1600-1727, housing the Sheesh Mahal, adorned with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceiling. On route to the fort we’ll stop to visit Kanak Vrindavan Temple, built in a valley surrounded by Aravali Hills, approx 8 km north of the Jaipur city. Upon arrival we’ll be able to Ride on an Elephant to reach the top of Amber Fort, overlooking Jaipur city from its location on a very scenic ambience. From here we’ll continue to the Jaigarh Fort, 1 km walk uphill from Amber Fort, considered the strongest of the three forts in the area, best known as the site of the world's largest cannon on wheels, the Jaivana, the scenic gardens at the other end and the spectacular views over the Amber Fort and the hills around. Next we’ll make a stop at the Nahargarh Fort, the smallest of the three forts, notable primarily for excellent views over Man Sagar Lake and the vast sprawl of Jaipur, where we will visit the Madhavendra Bhawan Palace, although its former splendor is fading fast under layers of graffiti and pigeon droppings.
Elephantastic experience with elephants and lunch.
We’ll admire at the magnificent Jal Mahal (Water Palace), a Rajput style Palace sitting in the center of the Maan-sarovar Lake and we’ll enjoy a short Camel Ride near Jal Mahal for a photo then we’ll stop for lunch. In the afternoon we’ll continue our city tour including stops at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Breeze), the City Palace, the Govind Devji Temple, the most important temple in the world after Vrindavan for the followers of Lord Krishna, the Moti Doongari Temple in the center of the city, the main center of religion for Jaipur people, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple (aka as The Marble Temple), the Albert Hall Museum and the Jantar Mantar. We’ll climb to the top of the hill and then down into the valley to see the Galwh Bagh (aka the Monkey Temple), all the while enjoying the company of countless monkeys, goats, and other animals. At the top of the hill, we’ll turn right to reach the Suriya Mandir (aka the Sun Temple) to enjoy one of the best views of the city, especially at sunset. (Monkey food is available for purchase at the bottom of the hill. The Temples are free, but local religious people may ask for donations (optional) and there is a Rs 50 charge for using a camera).
We'll make a stop for dinner around 5:30pm the Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar, situated in the busy Johari Bazaar with reasonable prices and its comfortable air-conditioned restaurant to enjoy an authentic Rajasthani and Kashmiri Cuisine.
Overnight at hotel.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Breeze), Jaipur
Day 06: Jaipur – Ajmer – Jodhpur
Today we’ll depart after breakfast to Jodhpur visiting Ajmer.
After lunch we'll depart towards Jodhpur, the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan, called the Gateway to Thar, as it is literally on the edge of the Thar Desert. It is also called the Sun City as the sun shines very bright and hot almost every day of the year. On route we’ll stop to see the famous Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at the foot of the Taragarh Hill and the Taragarh Fort, which once guarded the city, believed to be among the oldest forts in the world. Upon arrival in Jodhpur we'll head to Kaylana Lake, located 8 km to the west of the city on the Jaiselmer Road. Where the lake now lies, was once an area having palaces and gardens of two rulers of Jodhpur which were destroyed to make the Kaylana Lake. There are also boating facilities available for the tourists here since the lake offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. At that time the sky looks like a canvas splashed with spectacular colors.
After the sunset we'll check in for two nights at the Pal Haveli.
Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Day 07: Jodhpur
After breakfast we’ll enjoy a FD city tour around the forts, palaces and museums of Jodhpur, beginning with a guided visit to the famous Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, known for its collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture and cannons. Highlights within the palace include the Moti Mahal or “Pearl Hall”, pearl-colored inside and decorated with colored glass windows, where the Maharaja held his audiences, with the five alcoves on the far wall allowing his queens to listen in, the Sheesh Mahal or “Mirror Hall”, the Phool Mahal or “Flower Hall”, which was the Maharaja's pleasure chamber, for dancing girls and revelry, the Zenana Deodi, the inner sanctum of the palace once guarded by eunuchs, where the Maharaja's wives whiled away their days. The delicate sandstone screens and carvings are exquisite and also the Chamunda Mataji Temple, tucked away at the far end of the battlements, devoted to Rao Jodha's favorite goddess which remains a local favorite to this day then we’ll visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the Jaswant Thada. After our guided tour, we'll depart to Reggies Camel Camp Osian, set on the highest sand dunes of the Thar Desert, arriving around lunch time. Once at the Camp we’ll have lunch followed by a short tour of the famous 8th century Jain Temples of Osian. At 4:30pm we’ll mount our camels to depart on our 2.30 hours Camel Safari (one way), riding to the Oasis Village Khetasar. En route we'll have the chance to see Blue bulls, Gazelles, Foxes, Hares, etc, we'll also visit local potter, weavers and bishnois huts then we’ll take a Jeep Ride back, reaching camp in time for the sunset heading to the poolside, perched on the highest sand dune to enjoy chilled Cocktails followed by Rajasthani Folk Entertainment.
After dinner we’ll return to Jodhpur for overnight at the hotel.
Mehrangarh and Jaswant Thada
Day 08: Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Kumbhalgarh Fort – Udaipur (by Road)
Today after having breakfast, we will depart towards Ranakpur, a village in Rajasthan, 160 km away from Jodhpur, famous for its exquisite White Marble Jain Temple built in the 15th century, under the direction of Seth Dharna Shah, who was a follower of Jainism, open to tourists in the afternoon only. Nearby, we’ll also see Jain Tirthankars, Neminath, Parsvanath and a temple built for the Hindu Sun God, Surya. After visiting these beautiful temples we'll continue to visit the magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll learn the history of the fort while enjoying its mesmerizing views. Commonly referred to as the "the Great Wall of India", it features the second largest wall in the world then we’ll proceed our journey for another 90 km towards Udaipur, famous for its lakes, palaces, forts, temples, gardens, and romantic backdrops, the city has been the setting of many movies, including the 13th James Bond film, “Octopussy”. Upon arrival we’ll check in for 3 nights at the Jaisingh Garh Hotel located just 1.6 miles from the beautiful Fateh Sagar Lake. This evening after dinner we’ll enjoy the Dharohar Dance Show at the Bagore-ki-Haveli, near Gangaur Ghat, to enjoy a 60-minute
Rajastani Dance & Marionette Puppet Show including live music with local instruments, local folk dancing, and a lady balancing up to 9 stacked pots on her head.
Dinner and overnight in Udaipur.
Ranakpur Temple (Jain Temple)
Day 09: Udaipur FD City Tour
This morning after breakfast, we'll enjoy a Full Day sightseeing tour of Udaipur, Known as the city of Lakes, rich in cultural heritage, showcasing the Imperial Rajput Era, taking us back to its glorious past. This beautiful city is also referred to as the “Venice of the East”, housing many historical palaces, forts and monuments, in remembrance of Maharana Udai Singh fi, who founded the city. We’ll begin our tour visiting the Udaipur City Palace Complex, the former home to Kings where we’ll see ancient paintings, royal attire, souvenirs from historic battles and much more, including the outstanding Jagdish Hindu Temple, next we’ll visit the Bagore Ki Haveli Museum on the banks of the Lake Pichola on route to the Saheliyon-Ki-Bari (the Courtyard of Maidens) where we’ll stroll and view the marble elephants and various kiosks. We’ll also see the beautiful Monsoon Palace, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake then we’ll drive to Lake Pichola boarding the vessel and embarking on a 45-minute Sunset Boat Cruise. Enjoy up close views of the shimmering lake, epic mountains and the stunning city skyline as the red sun comes to rest on the distant horizon. We’ll listen as our local guide shares details about the surrounding sites, including the City Palace Complex and picturesque Ghats (steps that lead to the water for locals who wish to bathe in the natural waters). We’ll float past
havelis (the giant homes of Udaipur elite), including the Bagore ki Haveli. This noteworthy structure includes a triple-arched Tripolia Gate and Gangaur Ghat. Our guide will highlight the iconic palaces that dot the islands in Lake Pichola, including Arsi Vilas, an 18th-century home built by Rana Air Singh fi; 17th-century Jagmadir Island Palace and Jag Niwas — now the Lake Palace Hotel — among others.
Check out a variety of colorful waterbirds as you pass by Mohan Mandir, a popular perch for these winged creatures. Built by Rana Jagat Singh fi, it honors Lord Kirshna.
We’ll return to our hotel for overnight.
Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple in Udaipur
Day 10: Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Pushkar (by Road)
At 8:00 am we’ll take a 2 hour drive to Chittorgarh where we’ll visit the glorious Chittorgarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. This massive fort is located on a high hill near the Gambheri River in Chittorgarh City and is truly an embodiment of chivalry and pride of the Rajputs. A glimpse of the fort still makes one think of the glory of the Rajputs who once lived here. The fort houses palaces such as the picturesque Padmini Palace, a beautiful white building, surrounded by water moat and the Rana Kumbha Palace, numerous gates such as the Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol and the Laxman Pol, towers such as the Kirti Stambh and the wonderful Victory Tower, (Vijay Stambh), a nine storied building constructed in Rajput style. Around 12:30pm we’ll enjoy a lunch break at one of the local restaurants of the city. After lunch we'll continue to Pushkar, a holy city in Rajasthan. Upon arrival we'll visit the famous Brahma Temple, one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma and the Savitri Temple, dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma, the second-most important temple in Pushkar. It requires a climb of 650 steps to reach it, but the view of the city and the Pushkar Lake from the top is worth the climb. We'll see the Ghats around the lake and the Man Mahal, a beautiful palace built as the guest house for Raja Man Singh I converted into the beautiful Hotel Pushkar Palace. At the end of our city tour, we'll check in for overnight at the Gulaab Niwas Palace Hotel, offering a majestic architecture, set on a sand dune overlooking the town, lakes and temples, located close to Pushkar Lake.
Chittorgarh Fort
Day 11: Pushkar – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
Departure from the hotel at 6:00am with packed breakfast and lunch for our full day drive to Agra. On route we’ll stop at the ancient village of Abhaneri situated in the Dausa district in Rajasthan 59 miles (95km) away from Jaipur, known for Harshat Mata Temple dating back to the 9th century AD and the Chand Baori which dates back to the 11the century AD. This step well is considered to be one of the most beautiful, deepest, and largest step wells of India. From here we’ll continue to the old deserted town of Fatehpur Sikri, founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar which served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585, located 23 miles (37 km) from Agra, visiting the magnificent Jama Masjid housing the Buland Darwaza and the Tomb of Salim Chishti within the mosque complex.
We will also see other secular buildings like the Diwan-I-Am, the Diwan-I-Khas, the Jodhabai Palace, the Birbal's House, the Marian's House and the Panchmahal.
Upon arrival in Agra we'll check in for two nights at The Retreat, Agra.
fatehpur Sikri
Day 12: Agra (Taj Mahal)
Today we’ll get up at 4:30am to join the Sunrise Tour of Taj Mahal. After catching the mesmerising Sunrise facing the magnikicent Taj Mahal we'll have breakfast before enjoying a FD Tour starting at the iconic Taj Mahal. Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village
of Agra into the 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 edffices, 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 reIlects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
This architectural wonder which is always the only “raison-de-etre” for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal 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 its perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. After the Taj Mahal tour we'll stop for breakfast at the hotel before continuing with our full day Agra tour including:
Sikandra, the beautifully maintained monument where Emperor Akbar was buried. It is a very low profile monument but it has one of the most awe - inspiring tombs. It is surreal how one of the greatest emperors has been put to rest. The manicured lawns has spotted and other varieties of deer roaming in them. Named after the Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi, Sikandra is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar.
The Emperor began the construction of his own garden mausoleum during his lifetime. However, the construction was completed by his son Jahangir in 1613. An impressive marble - inlaid gateway leads to the spacious four - tiered monument which is crowned by a white marble ceNOTEph and screen. What is interesting is that the structure imbibes the best of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs, signifying the new religion started by Akbar - the Deen E Ilahi.
We’ll also visit the Agra Fort, a red sandstone structure surrounded by chahar-bagh, a foursquare formal garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, predominantly made of red sandstone.
Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the Yamuna River, 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’ll visit Itmad-Ud-Ullah, the interiors of which are considered better than the Taj, one of the most beautiful Mughal tombs, built by Nur Jahan, the Empress of Jehangir for her father in 1628. The mausoleum is entirely made of white marble and graced with intricate decoration of inlay work, and marble-screen work belonging to the Islamic style. With its tranquil, small garden on the bank of Yamuna River, the tomb stands impressively elegant from a distance.
From the mausoleum we’ll drive to Mehtab Bagh, directly across the Yamuna River, these Botanical Gardens will give us an opportunity to view the Taj Mahal away from the crowds of tourists, we’ll walk past the entrance and straight to the sandy banks of the river to enjoy the lovely View of the Taj at Sunset. In the rainy season when the river is full people can get good photos of the Taj at sunset, as the reIlection mirrors off the water.
After refreshing up at the hotel we will enjoy an evening with Saga of Love at the “Mohabbat, the Taj Show” at the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center followed by Light and Sound Show & Dinner. The show will tell us the romantic love story of Emperor Shajahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. We’ll be blown away by the creative dance and dramatic lighting with the 12’ x 12’ Taj Mahal replica as well as the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal Empire. The live show is in both Hindi and Urdu languages and interpretation is available in English, French and German through headphones.
Overnight in Agra.
The Taj Mahal
Agra Fort
Day 13: Agra – Gwalior – Jhansi – Orchha (by Road)
Today we’ll get up at 5:30am with packed breakfast and we’ll drive toward Gwalior, a historic city situated 122 kilometers (76 mi) south of Agra. Upon arrival we’ll head to the magnificent Gwalior Fort, known as the “Gibraltar of India”, and various rulers at different points of time has praised the architectural design and its resilience, situated on a hillock surrounded by the city on all sides and the Sahastrabahu Temple, famously known as Sas Bahu Temple, located to the east of Gwalior Fort, built in the 10th century by King Mahipala of the Kachchhawaha Dynasty, showcasing three explicitly carved idols of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva at the doorway. Learn from our guide the historical legend on the temples and enjoy the picturesque view of the Gwalior city from the temple top. After seeing the temple we’ll continue to Jhansi, making a stop to admire at the Fort of Jhansi, the Rani Mahal or Queen's Palace located in heart of city near to Jhansi fort and St Jude's Shrine with a great importance among Catholic Christians since one of St. Jude's bone is buried in the foundation of the cathedral. After a brief stop for lunch we’ll continue to Orchha, located 15 km from Jhansi, visiting the Orchha Fort Complex, situated above an island on River Betwa consisting of numerous Palaces. Other places to visit are the Jehangir Mahal (Orchha Palace), Sunder Mahal, the Raja Ram Temple, the Laxminarayan Temple, the Phool Bagh, the 9th century Chaturbhuj Temple and we’ll admire several cenotaphs or Chhatris in the vicinity of the fort and the banks of the Betwa River, checkin in for overnight at the Orchha Resort offering comfortable accommodation in Orchha with breakfast included.
Orchha Temples
Day 14: Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi (by overnight train)
After Breakfast we’ll continue our journey to Khajuraho, a famous tourist and archaeological site known for its sculptured temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain patriarchs. Khajuraho was one of the former capitals of the Chandela kings, who from the 9th to the 11th century CE developed a large realm, which at its height included almost all of what is now Madhya Pradesh state. Upon arrival we’ll embark on a guided tour to discover the Kamasutra Temples of Khajuraho at our own pace, starting at the famous Western Group of Temples containing the most accomplished of all the Khajuraho Temples with 84 shikharas, including Kandariya Mahadeva dedicated to Lord Shiva, housing the erotically charged Temple of Devi Jagdamba with the sensually carved “apsaras” and “mithunas”. Next we’ll visit the Eastern Group of Temples, housing the largest Jain Temple dedicated to Parsvanath. The absence of all sexual motifs in this group of temples highlights the Hindu tradition of withdrawing from the worldly to attain salvation within the self. The temples of Brahma, Hanuman, Javari and Vamana shouldn’t be missed. Next we’ll visit the Southern Group of Temples via a local Village. The Southern Group of Temples are only two in number but no less splendid. Duladevo is a later rendition that was built when the creative fecundity of Khajuraho was at its zenith. It departs from the Khajuraho form slightly as it has wooden structures that adds to its grandeur and hearkens an age of newer methods of architecture. The other Temple of Chaturbhuja’s claim to fame is the three meter high statue of Vishnu at its heart. After visiting the temples we’ll make a stop for dinner before enjoying the Light and Sound Show at Western Group of Temples.
After the show our driver will take us to the train station since tonight at 23:40 we will take the Khajuraho - Varanasi Link Express, 21107 to Varanasi Junction arriving at 10:50am the next day. Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and one of India’s holiest pilgrimage sites, sits on the banks of the Ganges River in the state of Utter Pradesh.
Erotic Temple of Khajuraho
Day 15: Varanasi
Upon arrival in Varanasi at 10:50am we'll be transferred to the Hotel Banaras Haveli located just 350 feet away from the sacred Assi Ghat and 1.9 miles from the holy Dashashwamedh Ghat. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy an Excursion to Sarnath, located about 6 miles (10 km) outside Varanasi. We’ll see the site where Buddha preached his first sermon in Deer Park and see some of the pilgrims who make their way to this ancient monument to pay their respects each year. We’ll follow our guide to the Dhamek Stupa, where a new monastery was built by the Buddhist Maha Bodhi Society on the same location where a once splendid ancient structure stood. We'll wander along the galleries of the Archaeological Museum where we'll see the Sarnath Pillar represented in India’s national emblem. Our guide will share information about the first Buddhist monks who made their way here in the 3rd century BC. Back in Varanasi we’ll enjoy an
evening cruise by boat along the shores of the holy city, starting at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, regarded as the “Queen of all Ghats”, the best and most popular Ghats of Kashi, heading up to Manikarnika Ghat to see the cremations, then down to Dasaswamedh just after sunset, and on time to watch the spectacular Aarti Ceremony unfold before our eyes. Recognized as one of the most essential rituals of the Hindu faith, we’ll see Ilaming oil lamps wave over the Ganges as pilgrims chant over the ringing of temple bells.
Dinner and overnight in Varanasi.
Aarti in River Ganga, Varanasi
Day 16: Varanasi
Early morning we’ll meet our photographer and we'll take a Boat ride on the Ganges, a mystical and spiritual experience as we watch people offering water to the “Sun God” and devotees taking “holy dip” in the Ganges then we'll enjoy a FD City tour visiting Vishwanath Mandir, also called the Birla Temple located inside the Banaras Hindu University, devoted to Lord Shiva, we'll also visit the Tulsi Manas Temple, one of the most beautiful temples of the city which main shrine is dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita, next we will visit the Sankat Mochan Temple of Lord Hanumana near the famous Assi Ghat, the Bharat Mata Temple located in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus. Instead of traditional statues of gods and goddesses, this temple has a huge Map of undivided India carved in marble. This temple is dedicated to Mother India and claims to be the only one of its kind in the world, leaving for the end the magnificent Ramnagar Fort situated opposite the Tulsi Ghat, on the other side of the Ganga River.
Map of Bharat Mata Temple
Day 17: Varanasi – New Delhi – International Flight (Back to home with sweet memories of India)
On our arrival in Delhi we will visit the famous Dilli Haat, an exotic and very picturesque bazaar with big variety of art & crafts from different parts of the country all together at one place. Here you will get a variety of things ranging from carved sandalwood, handlooms, jewelry, craft metals etc. If you have forgotten to take some souvenir from India for any of your friends or family, then this is the place.
As per your international flight schedule you will be transferred to airport for flight back home.
Tour ends!!
Dilli Haat
TRAVELASTU TOUR INCLUDES:
Airport pick-up and drop by exclusive chauffeur driven air conditioned car
English speaking guide with compliments in North India
All transfers and sightseeing by Exclusive Air Conditioned Chauffeur driven well condition vehicle with Indian tourism permit.
Fuel, toll, parking and driver's allowance
Unlimited mineral and regular cold water in the car during our long drives and tours
All applicable taxes.
Daily buffet breakfast
All Monument Entrance Fees
Welcome Show at Kingdom of Dreams at Gurgaon, New Delhi
Rickshaw Ride peddling through the narrow lanes of Chandani Chowk
Akshardham Temple Evening Tour & Fountain Show
Sound & Light Show at Red Fort
Tonga ride at Taj Mahal, Agra
Mohabbat, the Taj Show & Dinner at the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center, Agra
7 states dance show in Khajuraho,
Train ticket of AC 2 tier Khajuraho - Varanasi Link Express, 21107 to Varanasi Junction
Early morning boat ride in the Ganges, Varanasi
Evening boat ride in the Ganges to see the Aarti Ceremony from the boat
Aarti Ceremony at Birla Temple, Jaipur
Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur
Dinner and folk show at the Chowki Dani in Jaipur
Elephantastic experience with lunch in Jaipur.
2:30 hour Camel Safari in the Thar Osian Camel Camp,
Dance and Folk Show at the Bagore-ki-Haveli, Udaipur
Sunset Cruise in Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Morning Internal Ilight Varanasi – Delhi
HOTELS:
| Cities | Hotels | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Hotel The Park | 03 |
| Agra | The Retreat Hotel | 02 |
| Orchha | Orchha Resort | 01 |
| Varanasi | Hotel Banaras Haveli | 01 |
| Jaipur | Hotel Pearl Palace | 03 |
| Pushkar | Gulaab Niwas Palace Hotel | 01 |
| Jodhpur | Pal Haveli | 02 |
| Udaipur | Kurabar Heritage Hotel | 03 |
NOTE: Please note that lunches and dinners are not included (if not mentioned in the inclusions) along with movie camera fees at the monuments, tips and personal expenses. All hotels / flights mentioned are guaranteed at the time of quotation. Indian Visa along with international return airfare is not part of the tour package.
