Our tour begins today in Delhi. After a short briefing we head out on a city tour of the sights of New Delhi. The Indian capital has long been a
phoenix rising again and again out of its own ruins. New Delhi was the creation of the British Raj of
the 30's and as we travel through we will
seethe Lok Sabha (Parliament),
The India Gate,
Raj Ghat,
Qutub Minar
and visit
Humayun's Tomb.
(No Meals)
This morning we make our way in to the narrow, often chaotic streets of Old Delhi. The old city is much closer to the image conjured up by Rudyard Kipling. We take to the metro and make our way to the hub of Chandni Chowk Bazaar, a jamboree of deafening barter. A short cycle rickshaw ride then takes us to the Jama Masjid mosque. There will be time to explore the bazaar and streets before we head to the train station in the late afternoon and take the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi.
(Breakfast)Overnight at: Train
Varanasi
(Driving Time: Approx 3 hours for To and Fro Journey)
After breakfast we visit nearby Sarnath. Having gained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon. The city was at its peak in the 5th century, when it was a respected centre of religious activity, learning and art. Muslim invaders destroyed much of the city and today remains of several monasteries and stupas can be seen along with the small museum which has a well displayed collection. In the afternoon time is free to enable you to explore the labyrinth of streets, bazaars and temples that line the banks of the river.
(Flight Duration: Approx 40 mins)
Today we take a morning flight to Khajuraho where we will visit the town's ornately carved temples and monuments. The Temples have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a combination or Hindu and Jain design, containing erotic sculptures and designs.
(Driving Time: Approx 6 hrs)
This morning we drive west reaching the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri late morning. Founded in 1569 and abandoned just 16 years later, it is a perfectly intact example of Akbar's imperial court. Among the many noteworthy buildings is the 5-storied Panch Mahal, probably a pleasure pavilion for the ladies of the harem. In the centre of the courtyard is the Pachisi Board where the emperor played a game like chess with dancing slave girls as pieces. Perhaps the finest structure of all is the lotus shaped carved central pillar of the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), its extraordinary capital supporting a vaulted roof. Later we drive on to Jaipur arriving in the late afternoon..
(Driving Time: Approx 4 hrs)
The majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is built across the top of a steep escarpment 125m above the plains below. It has a huge, sheer drop to the south where it overlooks the city. Our visit this morning affords wonderful views, not only across Jodhpur, but also way into the distance across the surrounding desert plains. Later we drive to Ghanerao. Enroute we visit the temple town of Ranakpur, one of Rajasthan's gems. Little visited, it is home to some of the most beautifully sculpted Jain Temples in India. Situated in a wooded valley the temples date back to the 15th century with the carvings depicting scenes from the lives of the Jain Saints at that time. We visit the Adinath temple, which contains 1444 exquisitely carved pillars, with no two alike.
(Driving Time: Approx 5 hrs)
Today morning we proceed to Lake City Udaipur. Enroute visit Kumbhalgarh, a massive hilltop fort surrounded by walls and comprising of a maze of temples and palaces. Most spectacular piece of defensive architecture in the state, Kumbalgarh Fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha of the Mewar dynasty. The fort has huge walls, which protect a complex that was set up to withstand a long siege with its own water sources, fields, granaries and warrior dwellings. Later continue to Udaipur where we will stay for next two nights.
| Package Category And Price | ||
| No of Passengers Traveling Together | Superior Hotels | Deluxe Hotels |
| 2 To 3 Passengers | $3085 | $3645 |
| 4 To 6 Passengers | $2355 | $2925 |
| ** Single Room Supplement | $745 | $1195 |
|
** Price is Per Person on Twin/Double Room Sharing ** Package Valid Till 31 March 2019 ** Supplement Applicable During Xmas & New Year |
||
| Place | Superior Hotels - Option 01 | Deluxe Hotels - Option 02 | |
| Delhi | Evoke Lifestyle | WelcomHotel Dwarka | |
| Varanasi | The Amayaa | Radisson Hotel Varanasi | |
| Khajuraho | Clarks Khajuraho | Radisson Hotel Khajuraho | |
| Agra | P L Palace Lords Inn | Ramada Plaza Agra | |
| Jaipur | KK Royal | Hilton Jaipur | |
| Jodhpur | Park Plaza Jodhpur | The Ummed | |
| Ghanerao | The Royal Castle Ghanerao | The Royal Castle Ghanerao | |
| Udaipur | Atulya Niwas | Ananta Spa & Resorts Udaipur | |