Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Rest day free with Vehicle.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 2
Delhi/ Amritsar by train- 1630/ 2230 Hours
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit of New Delhi- the new capital designed by Sir Edward Lutyens. Drive past the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the secretariat buildings-the centre of all government activity and down the main avenue, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate, the High Court Building and the Old Fort.
Later proceed for the visit of Akshardham Temple Complex (Closed on Monday) -The temple epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. Akshardham means the eternal, divine abode of the supreme God, the abode of eternal values and virtues of Akshar as defined in the Vedas and Upanishads where divine bhakti, purity and peace forever pervades. Here one can witness the heritage of India in all its facets, insights and beauty at the Swaminarayan Akshardham through its mandir, exhibitions, verdant gardens and other attractions.
Rooms foreseen till 12 Noon on this day
Later transfer to the railway station to connect train for Amritsar
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Day 3
In Amritsar
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning city tour- Morning sightseeing tour of Amritsar visiting the Golden Temple, the glory of Amritsar, Its bronze plates, heavily covered with pure gold leaf, burn and flash in the sun and reflect in the still waters of the pool surrounding the temple. Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru began the construction of this gurudwara in 1585 AD. The construction was completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1604. Fondly known as Swarn Mandir, this two storied structure is covered with around 400 kg of gold. The temple is surrounded by a large lake, which is known as sarovar. This sarovar is considered to be filled of Amrit, which means 'holy water' or 'immortal nectar'. Visitors are required to remove their shoes and cover their head before entering the temple. This Museum has some rare priceless collections of paintings, weapons and Armours, manuscripts and coins of the 18th and 19th century.
Later Visit the infamous Jallianwala Bagh-Jallianwala Bagh is a garden site of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre that is located close to the Golden Temple Complex. This public garden houses a memorial, which was established in 1951, to pay homage to the thousands of people, who were killed in the incident. Around 10,000 people gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh to peacefully protest against the Rowlatt Act, on 13th April 1919. Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer with his army of 150 troops ordered open fire at the crowd. 400 people were killed on the spot and 1500 wounded people were left to die in the well within the garden.
Late in afternoon visit Wagah Border for change in guard ceremony at India–Attari Wagah Border is the only road border crossing between India and Pakistan. Often known as Berlin wall of Asia, this border lies on the Grand Trunk Road between Amritsar and Lahore. On this border, a retreat ceremony called 'lowering of the flags’ is held every evening, since 1959. During the ceremony, Border Security Force (B.S.F) of India and the Pakistan Rangers soldiers perform energetic parade. This 40 to 45 minutes ceremony takes place every evening before sunset at the Wagah Border. As the sun sets, the iron gate at the border is opened and the flags of India and Pakistan are lowered and folded by their respective soldiers.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 4
Amritsar/ Delhi by flight
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning in time transfer to the airport to connect flight for Varanasi via Delhi (Flight check in starts two hours before the schedule departure time)
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Afternoon visit of Sarnath Ruins and Museum-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 is a new monastery built by the Buddhist Mahabodhi Society 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.
Later evening tour on Ganges-visit of Mother India Temple-a unique temple dedicated to Mother India carved with a single piece of marble. The perfect map of undivided India signifies unity in diversity. From here proceed to the Ghats to witness the Aarti Ceremony (Hindu ritual/ prayer of river Ganges at Sunset) on bicycle rickshaws/ Electric rickshaw. Passing through the crowded bazaars and galis (old part) of this ancient city, small shops illuminated with beautiful lights followed by a short boat ride on Ganges observe the Aarti ceremony amidst jingling of bells, floating of diyas (traditional lamps) and chanting of mantras give an unforgettable experience indescribable in words. Later return to the hotel with your transport.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 5
Varanasi / Delhi flight
Early morning boat ride on river Ganges - The western banks of Ganges have a string of 84 Ghats (the chain of stone steps) and interestingly each of them has a story to relate. Most of these Ghats built with pavilions, palaces and terraces are mainly used as Dharamsalas (a home for the pilgrims during their visit to the holy city) The sunrise on the Ganges popularly know as Subeh Banaras is a soul-lifting experience. At dawn-the Ghats are abuzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals. At Manikarnika Ghat- Cremation is a continuous process (photography prohibited) A boat ride from the dasaswamedh ghat along the Ghats gives you vantage views of these activity.
On return breakfast at the hotel
Later in time transfer to the airport to connect flight for Jaipur via Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Day 6
In Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit of Amber Fort-just 7 miles north of Jaipur is Amber with it’s a honey-coloured fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills which can be mounted by elephant. It has been described as “the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan”. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments which open on to striking views of the gorge. It also possesses a Chamber of Mirrors. The Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art - panels of alabaster with fine inlay work of the tenderest hues
Afternoon city tour-Jaipur is the city which has the “tone of the autumn sunset” Visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) an elaborate building encrusted with delicate honeycomb screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could view the world outside. Jai Singh’s Observatory built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who, besides being a prince was also soldier, astronomer and builder. City Palace now a museum contains fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts and an armory
Overnight at hotel
Day 7
Jaipur / Agra (237 Kms/ 7 Hours including visits)
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for Agra enroute visit of Fatehpur Sikri-37 kms west of Agra lies the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri-an epic poem in red sandstone, built by Emperor Akbar the Great in 1569 and deserted 14 years later because its water supply failed. Its glorious courtyards and palaces conjure up dreams of the mysterious past. The Panch Mahal, a strange building which resembles a Buddhist Temple, a cloistered courtyard which was the Hall of Public Audience, and the Pachchisi paved with black and white where the Emperor played chess using slave girls as figurines. After the visit proceed for Agra and on arrival check in at the hotel
Overnight at hotel
Day 8
Agra/ Delhi (220 Kms/ 3½-4 Hours)
Tea/ Coffee at the hotel
0600: Morning visit Taj Mahal (Friday Closed) at sunrise-Taj Mahal-the greatest love story ever told. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, in wild extravagance, Shahjehan built her this memorial. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this wealth of white marble and precious stone. Visiting Taj Mahal in the morning has it’s own experience. It is less crowded and cooler and the visibility is better. As it is made of marble it becomes very hot during the day and as shoes are not allowed (only shoe covers) it is not that comfortable to visit in the afternoon in summer months
On return breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast visit of Agra Fort-behind its forbidding red sandstone battlements lie palaces that tell the story of the Moghul Empire. The most impressive part of the Fort are the Dewan-e-Am, where the Emperor sat on his throne to dispense to his subjects, and the Dewan-e-Khas where he received foreign dignitaries. Close to Agra Fort is the tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah- father of Queen Nur Jehan-a two-storied tomb bearing mosaics in inlaid semi-precious stones. After completion of the visit return to hotel
Afternoon proceed for Delhi and on arrival check in at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Day 9
In Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed for the sightseeing tour Old Delhi visit the black and white onion dome and minarets of the Jama Masjid, the most elegant mosque in India. Drive past Red Fort. Then visit Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Drive through the old city subject to traffic restrictions. Later proceed for the visit of the Qutub Minar, 72 metres high and the ruins of Quwat-ul-Eslam (Light of Islam) Mosque. See Delhi’s most curious antique, the uncorroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD.
On return breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast visit of Agra Fort-behind its forbidding red sandstone battlements lie palaces that tell the story of the Moghul Empire. The most impressive part of the Fort are the Dewan-e-Am, where the Emperor sat on his throne to dispense to his subjects, and the Dewan-e-Khas where he received foreign dignitaries. Close to Agra Fort is the tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah- father of Queen Nur Jehan-a two-storied tomb bearing mosaics in inlaid semi-precious stones. After completion of the visit return to hotel
Afternoon visit of Lotus Temple (Closed on Monday) - the Bahá'í House of Worship in Delhi, India, popularly known as the Lotus Temple due to its flowerlike shape, is a Bahá'í House of Worship and also a prominent attraction in Delhi. It was completed in 1986 and serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent. It has won numerous architectural awards and been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles After the visit return to hotel
Overnight at hotel
Day 10
Leave Delhi by flight
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed for the visit of Humayun’s Tomb built in 1565 AD by his grieving widow Haji Begum. Also it is a world Heritage monument and considered by some as a precursor to Taj Mahal. Later visit of Sikh temple (Bangla Sahib)-Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Built to commemorate the visit Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh guru in 1664, this magnificent shrine was built by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi in the same year during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The complex of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has a main prayer hall, a holy Sarovar or lake, higher secondary school, a hospital, Baba Baghel Singh Museum and a library within its premises.
1630: In time transfer to airport to connect flight for onward journey (Check-in starts 3 hrs prior to the scheduled departure time of the flight)
