Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 2
Arrive Amritsar by flight
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.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 3
Amritsar/ Aurangabad via Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning in time transfer to the airport to connect flight for
Aurangabad via Delhi (Flight check in starts two hours before the
schedule departure time)
Departure: Amritsar by: 6E 5013 at: 1140 hrs
Arrival: Delhi at: 1300 hrs
Pax in transit
Departure: Delhi by: 6E 2066 at: 1525 hrs
Arrival: Aurangabad at: 1715 hrs
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 4
Aurangabad/ Mumbai by flight
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning excursion to Ajanta- 3 hours duration (driving time 2½
hours. one way) 112 kms from Aurangabad lies Ajanta (closed on
Monday)- a series of caves, hewn out of rock by Buddhist monks who
found sanctuary and left a legend for posterity. These thirty caves
with twenty-six monasteries and four temples have wall paintings and
sculpture of an aesthetic appeal that is timeless. The craftsmanship
astounds scholars and art lovers even today. Some of the most
exquisite paintings depict the life and teachings of Buddha as well
as his earlier life as a prince. The Ajanta caves are like chapters
of a splendid epic tale in visual form. Natural light brightens the
caves at different times of the day leaving visitors awe-struck by
the sheer brilliance of those ancient masters to created this marvel
of art and architectural splendour.
Later proceed for the visit of Ellora- (closed on Tuesday)
represents to the world the finest and greatest in terms of sheer
magnificence of Indian sculpture. The awe-inspiring, mammoth Kailash
Temple is carved out of solid rock. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva
named as Kailasha after his abode in the Himalayas. This monolithic
structure is a very rare phenomenon that demanded the most careful
planning, based not on what was added but what was removed! Ellora is
a repository of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain religious expression, a
sheer volume of information in carved pageantry. Thirty-four shrines
synthesise Indian religion and Indian passion for sculpture. The
Ramayana and Mahabharata are also depicted here in carvings as also
the many-faceted personality of Lord Shiva Ellora is a priceless page
out of history
After the visit in time transfer to the airport to connect flight
for Mumbai (Flight check in starts two hours before the schedule
departure time)
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 5
Mumbai/ Udaipur by flight
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning city tour of Mumbai- visit the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s
principal landmark. This arch of yellow basalt was erected on the
waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V’s visit to this
colony in 1911. Afghan Church built in memory of those who fell in
the First Afghan War. Drive past the Bombay High Court built in
Gothic style and the Old secretariat. The ornamental university
building with its 280 ft. high Rajabhai Clock Tower, the ornate
Victoria Terminus, the colourful Crawford Market, the Flora Fountain
in the large bustling square at the heart of the city, the Prince of
Wales Museum (Closed on Mondays) which houses a varied collection of
China-ware, miniature paintings and sculpture. Drive along the Marine
Drive which is known as the Queen’s Necklace. View the memorial to
Haji Ali, a Muslim Saint. This unusual shrine stands on an island
500m out at sea and is linked by a causeway to the mainland. Stop at
the Jain Temple and also visit Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi
stayed during his visits to Mumbai.
After the visit in time transfer to the airport to connect flight
for Udaipur (Flight check in starts two hours before the schedule
departure time)
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 6
In Udaipur
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed for the visit of Eklingji & Nagda Temples- 22 kms.
north east of Udaipur is the village of Kailashpuri known for its 108
temples surrounded by a high fortified wall. This 16th century
complex is known as Shi Eklingji Temple and since ancient times has
been a holy site. Lord Eklingji Nath is the ruler of Mewar state and
Manaranas are the dewan of the state of Mewar. The temple was damaged
by the Sultan of Delhi (Allaudin Khilji) in 1314, restored by Rana
Kumbha and again destroyed by Aurangazeb in the late 16th century.
Close by is the village of Nagda (the first capital of Mewar state)
which has several temples dating from the 4th century A.D., ancient
rock edicts, stone inscriptions and simple prehistoric shrines
Later city tour of Udaipur, it is one of the most charming cities of
Rajasthan. It nestles like a gem in a valley surrounded by the green
Aravalli hills, reflected smooth and white in the clear blue of Lake
Pichola. Old dwellings, temples and palaces speak of an aristocratic
past. Visit the City Palace, once the home of Mewar’s rulers, is
today a museum. It consists of several flawlessly integrated palaces
which overlook the clear blue of Lake Pichola. Visit Sahelion-ki-bari
(Garden of the Maids of Honour) the scene of royal parties for
centuries. Drive around Fateh Sagar Lake excavated in the late 17th
century by Maharana Feteh Singh and past the Puppet Museum (Lok Kala
Mandal) and the statue of Maharana Pratap (Moti Magri).
Later in the evening and before sunset boatride on Lake Pichola-
This lake takes its name from the small village of Picholi on its
west bank. In the lake are several islands. On two of them the
maharanas of Udaipur constructed pleasure palaces, the Jag Mandir and
the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace Hotel).
Diner and overnight at the hotel
Day 7
Udaipur/ Jaipur by surface (405 Kms/ 6 Hours)
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for Jaipur and on arrival check in at the
hotel
Late afternoon panoramic tour of Jaipur visiting Birla Temple–Aarti
Ceremony (Evening prayer) This temple forms one of the major
attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it
is brightly lit in the night. The enormous temple was built during
the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries, one of the business
tycoons of India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan),
the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Due to
this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple.
Birla Mandir is constructed in the finest quality of white marble.
Stained glass windows depict the scenes from Hindu scriptures. The
images of Lakshmi and Narayan attract the attention, being made out
from one piece of marble. On the outside walls great historical
personages and figures from all religions are shown, including
Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Buddha, and Confucius. The Laxmi
Narayan Mandir is a modern architectural marvel, surrounded by lush
green gardens.
Diner and overnight at the hotel
Day 8
In Jaipur
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit Amber Fort-Just 7 miles north of Jaipur is Amber with
its 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. Elephant failing jeep ride from parking till main
entry gate of Fort, descend back by Non Air conditioned Jeeps
Afternoon drive past 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. Later visit 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 armoury
Evening rickshaw ride and local market visit
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 9
Jaipur/ Varanasi by flight SG 3261- 1425/ 1610
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning at leisure
Rooms foreseen till 12 Noon on this day
Later in time transfer to the airport to connect flight for Varanasi
(Flight check in starts two hours before the schedule departure time)
Departure: Jaipur by: SG3261 at: 1425 hrs
Arrival: Varanasi at: 1610 hrs
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Evening Tour on Ganges- In the evening visit 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. 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.
Dinner and overnight at hotel in Varanasi
Day 10
In Varanasi
Breakfast at the hotel
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 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.
Afternoon visit Varanasi Hindu University, a great seat of oriental
learning. It started as a centre of education in Sanskrit, Indian
art, culture and music. Visit the Durga (Goddess of Power) Temple
popularly known as the Monkey Temple because of hundreds of monkeys
in the courtyard.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 11
Varanasi/ Delhi by flight
Breakfast at the hotel
Later in time transfer to the airport to connect flight for Delhi
(Flight check in starts two hours before the schedule departure time)
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Late afternoon visit of Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple. It
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. The grand,
ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in five
years and the complex was inaugurated on 6th November, 2005. Later
return to hotel
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 12
In Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Old and New
Delhi–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
visit Sikh temple (Bangla Sahib)- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a Sikh
temple as well as tourist places in Delhi. 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.
Afternoon proceed for the 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. Visit Humayun’s Tomb built in 1565
AD by his grieving widow Haji Begum, 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.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel
Day 13
Delhi/ Khajuraho by flight
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning at leisure
Later in time transfer to the airport to connect flight for
Khajuraho (Flight check in starts two hours before the schedule
departure time)
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Dinner and overnight at Hotel
Day 14
In Khajuraho
Breakfast at the hotel
Full day visit of Western and Eastern Group of Temples- Khajuraho
was the capital of the Chandela kings and its temples were built in
the short span of hundred years, from 950-1050 AD. Most of them were
destroyed by Muslim invaders. Adorned with exquisite sculpture, only
22 temples remain of the original 85. They are the strange works of a
long dead people. Khajuraho’s temples are covered with hundreds of
sculptured figures - a galaxy of gods and goddesses, beasts and
serpents, and a multitude of erotic couples which represent a paean
to life, to love and to joy. The most famous are the Kandariya
Mahadev, the Chaturbhuj, the Paraswanath and the Ghantai - the summit
of Hindu sculpture: voluptuous forms; human and divine, throbbing
with life and sublime in expression.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel
Day 15
Khajuraho/ Jhansi enroute visit Orchaa and Jhansi/ Agra by train
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning proceed by surface for Jhansi enroute visit of Orchha-the
palaces and temples of this medieval township built by its Bundela
rulers in the 16th and 17th century retain much of its pristine
perfection. The Jehangir Mahal was built in the 17th century by Raja
Bir Singh Ju Deo to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to
Orchha. Its strong lines are counterbalanced by delicate chhatris and
trellis work. The Raj Mahal has a plain exterior crowned by chhatries
but the interior has exquisite, boldly colourful murals on religious
themes. The Ram Raja Temple is most unusual as it is a palace turned
temple and where Rama is worshipped as a Raja (king). The
Laxminarayan Temple is linked by a flagstone path to the Ram Raja
Temple. The interiors contain the most exquisite of Orchha’s wall
paintings.
Later in time transfer to the railway station to connect train for
Agra
Departure: Jhansi by: Shatabadi Express at: 1810 hrs
Arrival: Agra at: 2038 hrs
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Dinner and overnight at Hotel
Day 16
Agra/ Delhi by surface (22 Kms/ 3 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 by surface to Delhi via 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 onward for Delhi and on arrival check-in at
the Hotel
Dinner and overnight at Hotel
Day 17
Delhi/ Kathmandu by flight
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning in time transfer to the railway station to connect flight
for Kathmandu
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Dinner and overnight at Hotel
Day 18
In Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Listed as one of the eight Cultural World
Heritage Site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is cluster of
ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to
the 12th and 18th centuries. The visit of Durbar Square includes the
emple of Living Goddesses, who acknowledges the greetings of the
devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, the Hanuman Dhoka
Royal Palace, the historic seat of the Royalty; the magnificent
Taleju Temple towering 40 meters. The capital takes its name from the
giant pagoda of Kasthamandap, which is said to have been built of a
single tree. The Kasthamandap has been destroyed in recent massive
earthquake and almost now constructed. It has been the main focal
point of the city’s social, religious and political from the Malla
kings.
Swayambhunath: Located approximately 4 km west of Kathmandu,
Buddhist stupa this is said to be 2500 years old, The stupa which
forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick
and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of
copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all
seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas
and Pagodas temples. It is one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in
Nepal and oldest of its kind.
Afternoon visit Patan - 5 km from Kathmandu Patan also known as
Lalitpur is the city of fine arts, enclosed withing 4 stupas said to
be built in 3rd century AD, by Emperoro Ashoka. The city retains much
of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and multitude
of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and
monuments. Here you will visit the Shikahara style Krishna Temple
built by King Siddhi Narshing Malla, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar - dating
from the 12th century, the three-storied shrine, also known as the
Golden Temple.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel
Day 19
In Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath
Pashupatinath: Situated 5 Kilometers east of Kathmandu city,
Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest/sacred Hindu temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting
on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda
style has gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will
be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Rivers Bagmati,
entrance in the temple being strickly forbidden to all non-Hindus.
Pashupatinath is the center of annual pilgrimage on the day of
Shivaratri which falls in the month of February / March. Behind the
temples are the cremation grounds. Chronicles indicate the temple
existed before 400 A.D. Later visit of Boudhanath: This stupa, eight
kilometers east of Kathmandu City is one of the biggest in the world
of its kind and one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu. It
stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping
watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. This Buddhist
stupa was built by King Man Dev at the advice of Goddess Mani
Jjogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels.
The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests. This is
also the center of Tibetan Buddhism.
Afternoon visit Bhaktapur - Perched on a hill at an altitude of
1,401 m, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon literally city of Devotees, is a major
tourist destination. It is 14 km east of Kathmandu on the Arniko
Highway that leads to the Chinese border still untouched by rapid
urbanization and has managed to retain its brick paved roads,
charming red brick houses and way of life that goes back to medieval
times. Here you will visit Nyatapola dedicated to tantric goddess,
Bhairabh Temple dedicated to Bhariav-the god of terror, Pottery
square, The 15th Century Palace of 55 carved windows, Golden Gate
etc.
Dinner and overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Day 20
Leave Kathmandu by flight
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit of Bungmati and Khokana-the twin villages of
Bungmati & Khokana date back to the 16th century and are located
south of Kathmandu, down a rutty road dotted with Chaityas. Bungmati
is the winter home of lord Rato Machhendranath, the protector God of
Patan. The shrine of Karya Binayak is located between the two
villages. At Khokana ancient oil presses can be seen at work in
village houses.
Rooms foreseen till 12 Noon on this day
Later in time transfer to airport to connect flight for onward Journeys
