Arrive Delhi, Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Day 2
In Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit of Old Delhi-the 300-year-old walled city built by Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648 as his capital and named after him. Drive past the Red Fort built of red sandstone. Opposite the fort are the black and white onion dome and minarets of the Jama Masjid, the most elegant mosque in India. Cycle rickshaw ride through the Kinaree Bazaar and Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948 .
Afternoon visit of Humayun’s Tomb built in 1565 AD by his grieving widow Haji Begum and later visit of Akshardham temple Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi 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 6 November, 2005.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 3
Delhi/ Varanasi by flight
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 visit of 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.
Later in time transfer to airport to board the flight for Varanasi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4
In Varanasi
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 known 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. After the boat cruise on the Ganges through the narrow lanes visiting the Gyanwapi Mosque and the Vishwanath temple popularly known as the Golden Temple (entry restricted to Hindus only)
On return breakfast at the hotel
Later proceed for the visit of 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 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. Visit the Dhamekh Stupa and Mulgandkuti Vihar.
Later in the 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 Rickshaws/ your transport
Later in time transfer to the airport to connect flight for Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and directly proceed for Jaipur – a drive of around 4½-5 Hours and on arrival check in at the hotel.
Evening visit to Birla Temple to see the aarti ceremony. Overnight at 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
Later 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 the hotel
Day 7
Jaipur/ Agra by surface (236 Kms/ 6-6½ hours)
Early 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 onward for Agra and on arrival check in at the hotel.
Afternoon visit Agra Fort- the foundation of the fort was laid by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and continued till the time of Shahjahan. The high red stone monument stretches for around 2.5 Kms, dominating a bend in the river Yamuna northwest of the Taj Mahal. The palace is a notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. The Diwan-i-Am (the hall of public audiences), the Diwan-i-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience), the Khas Palace (the private palace was used by emperor as a sleeping chamber), the Sheesh Mahal (palace of Mirrors), the Shah Jahani Mahal (Shahjahan’s Palace), Jahangiri Mahal (Jahangir’s Palace) and the Akbari Mahal (Akbar’s palace) are the fascinating palaces inside the fort. From the rear of Diwan-i-Khas a door leads to Mussaman Burj, a two storey pavilion, where Shahjahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in his old age.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 8
Agra/ Jhansi by train at 0950/1235+ Jhansi/ Khajuraho by surface (185 Kms/4-4½ Hours)
Visit of Taj Mahal at sunrise: (Usually at 0600 Hours)
Tea/ coffee at the hotel
Morning visit of Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal closed on Friday) which is among the wonders of world and was built by Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal by the banks of river Yamuna After her untimely death, Shahajahan had her mortal remains buried in this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum The Taj has been called the most extravagant monument ever built for the sake of love. The great monument took almost 22 years to build and was completed in 1653. Around 20,000 workers from all over the country and central Asia were recruited to translate this dream into a reality.
On return breakfast at the hotel
Later in time transfer to Railway station to board Gatiman express (0950/ 1235) to Jhansi.
Departure: Agra by: Gatiman Express at: 0950 Hours
Arrival: Jhansi at: 1235 Hours
Meeting and assistance on arrival, directly proceed for Khajuraho and on arrival check in at the hotel
Overnight at hotel
Day 9
Khajuraho- Bandhavgarh by flight by surface (175 Kms/ 4½-5 Hrs)
Breakfast at the Hotel
Morning visit of Eastern and Western Group of Temples Visit the Western Group of temples, the most important temple being the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple-dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest and most typical of the Khajuraho temples. Also seethe Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his 11-headed form. The sculptures that adorn the temples, carved in stone depict gods, goddesses and amorous couples. Later visit the Eastern Group of temples including the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple dedicated to the "Vamana" or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Javari Temple. There are also three Jain Temples with beautiful carvings and non-erotic sculptures. Although these are Jain temples, they also contain numerous Vaishnav deities.
Later proceed by surface for Bandhavgarh–a drive of around 4½-5 Hours) and on arrival check in at the hotel.
Late lunch at the hotel
Rest of the day at leisure
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 10
In Bandhavgarh (Afternoon visit of National Park closed on Wednesday)
Morning Jungle safari
Wildlife-The park has a wide variety of game and has a longer `season’ than Kanha. Its main wild beasts are tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital, muntjac, nilgai, chinkara, wild pigs. In 1990, a census revealed that the tiger population had grown from nine in 1969 to 59, sambar from 111 to over 4,500 and spotted deer from 78 to over 7,000. The tigers, whilst elusive, are increasingly seen. The flowering and fruit trees attract woodland birds, which include green pigeon, Jerdon’s leaf bird, crested serpent eagle and variable hawk eagle.
Visit of National Park is done by Jeeps from dawn to until dusk time when the animals are most active. Visitors are accompanied by a Forest Dept. guide.
On return breakfast at the hotel
Breakfast and Lunch at the hotel
Afternoon Jungle Safari
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 11
Bandhavgarh/ Kanha (215 Kms/4½-5 hours) (Afternoon visit of Park closed on Wednesday)
Morning Jungle safari
On return breakfast at the hotel
Later proceed for Kanha National Park
Late lunch at the hotel
Rest of the day at leisure Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 12
In Kanha (Afternoon visit of National Park closed on Wednesday)
Morning Jungle safari
Background-This is the country about which Kipling wrote so vividly in his Jungle Books. The same abundance of wildlife and variety of species still exists today and the park which forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve (1,945 sq. km) within the game reserve, created in 1974, also protects the rare hard-ground-adapted Barasingha (swamp deer). George Schaller, the zoologist, conducted the first ever scientific study of the tiger here and research is also being done on deer and langur habitat. The park has deciduous hardwoods including sal and stands of bamboo, rolling grasslands and meandering stream of the Banjar River. It lies in the Mandla District in the Makai Hills in the eastern part of the Satpura Range.
Wildlife-Originally the area was famed as a hunter’s paradise but now the valley has been well developed as a national park.
Mammals: Kanha has 22 species and the most easily spotted are three-striped palm squirrel, common langur monkey, jackal, wild pig, cheetah, rasingha and blackbuck. Less commonly seen are tiger, Indian hare, dhole (Indian wild dog), sambar and gaur. Rarely seen are Indian fox, sloth bear, striped hyena, panther (leopard), nilgai (blue bull), Indian porcupine, wolf (outside park proper) and the Indian pangolin (sometimes called the scaly anteater).
Birds: Kanha has 230 species recorded, more to be found. Good vantage points are in the hills where the mixed and bamboo forests harbours many species. Commonly seen species are leaf warblers, minivets, black ibis, common peafowl, racket-tailed drongo, hawk eagle, red-wattled lapwing, various species of flycatcher, woodpecker, pigeon, dove, parakeet, babbler, mynah, Indian roller, white-breasted kingfisher and grey hornbill.
Viewing: Forest Department guides accompany visitors around the Park on mapped out circuits to see a good cross-section of wildlife from a jeep.Tours start at sunrise around 0600 and till the dusk time (Subject to change as per the forest authorities).
On return breakfast and Lunch at the hotel
Afternoon Jungle Safari
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 13
Kanha/ Jabalpur (175 Kms/3½-4 hours) (Afternoon visit of Park closed on Wednesday)+ Jabalpur/ Delhi by flight
Morning Jungle safari
On return breakfast at the hotel
Later in time proceed for Jabalpur to connect flight for Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel near the airport for dinner (on own- quoted under half board / full board supplement)
Overnight at the hotel
Day 13
Leave Delhi by late night/ early morning flight
Morning Jungle safari
In time transfer to the international terminal to connect flight for onward journey. Flight check in starts three hours before the schedule departure time
