India Tour - "Experience the culture of Incredible India" 

For the avid traveler, India provides an authentic adventure - stimulating, absorbing, daunting, sometimes moving and shocking. Here is one of the world's great dramas; an ancient, vast and crowded land committed to the most formidably challenging exercise in mass democracy. It is a spectacle in which hope, pride, paradox and uncertainty mingle and struggle. It is conducted on the whole, and to India's credit in the open. The lasting memories of the land are hospitality, kindness, good humor and generosity. Here is a society of over a 1000 million people, growing by a million a month, divided and united by language, caste, religion and regional loyalties. It has often been described as a functioning anarchy; and it is in many ways an amiable one, of marvelous fluidity and tolerance. Indeed, the true Indian motif is not the Taj Mahal, the elephant or the patient peasant behind the ox drawn plough. It is the crowd, the ocean of faces in the land of multitudes, endlessly stirring, pushing and moving. It is in this human circulation that one sees India's color, variety, busyness, and, senses also its power, vitality and grandeur.....................!!

 

Day One: Arrive Delhi                                                                                                                                                                                  flight (not included) 

Welcome to India!

Arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi. After clearing customs and immigrations proceed towards the exit gate, where our local representative will be paging for you to warmly welcome and transfer you to the hotel. 

Delhi, the capital of India has a fascinating history and a stimulating present.  Delhi has been the seat of power for a number of dynasties – the Rajputs, the Muslims invaders from the North, the Afghan dynasties followed by Tughlaqs, Sayyads, the Lodhis and the Mughals, who continued the Imperial line, until British days. The old city, built by Shah Jehan in the 17^th century stands today as an epitome of the whole history of Indo-Islamic architecture.  New Delhi designed and constructed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker is a mixture of east and west.  The public buildings in red sandstone are in the Mughal style. New Delhi has a circular Parliament House and an imposing Central Secretariat in two blocks, which stand at the approaches to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the President of India.  Delhi is today the political, economic and cultural capital of the world’s largest democracy and has also become one of the greatest tourist centers of the world.

Overnight: Hotel The Royal Plaza or similar (Standard Room)

Meals: None

 

Day Two: Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel.

09:00 am meet your local guide in the lobby and depart for a sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi:

With our first destination being the Jama Masjid. Built in 1423, this is one of the largest mosques in India, and a sight of historical importance. Begun in 1644, the mosque was not completed until 1658. It has three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high and constructed of altering vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Then, walk or rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandani Chowk & Khari Baowli-famous spice market in Old Delhi.  We then drive past the Red Fort (stop for photo from outside) built in red sand stone. The walls of the Red Fort extend for 2 km and vary in height from 18m on the river side to 33m on the city side. Shah Jahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. The Red Fort dates from the very peak of Mughal power.  Also visit the Raj Ghat, the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and continue towards New Delhi to visit India Gate (War Memorial), drive past the President’s House, Parliament House and the Secretarial buildings. We will then move towards The Tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun. Built in the mid-16^th century this is a wonderful early example of Mughal architecture. The elements in its design – a squat building, high arched entrances that let in light, topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens – were to be refined over the years to the magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Qutab Minar a 234 feet high tower. The Qutab Minar is a soaring tower of victory that was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. It is nearly 73m (243 feet) high and tapers from a 15m (50 feet) diameter base to just 2.5m (9 feet) at the top. The tower has five distinct stories, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three stories are made of red sandstone, the fourth and the fifth of marble & sandstone. 

Dinner at the hotel. 

Overnight: Hotel The Royal Plaza or similar (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day Three: Delhi - Agra (Drive: 204kms/4hrs)  

Breakfast at the hotel.

Later check out, meet our driver in the lobby and then you will drive to Agra.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Agra is situated on the west bank of the river Yamuna, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It achieved it’s prominence as the capital of the Mughal emperors from the year 1526 to 1628, and today remains a major destination in India because of its many splendid Mughal era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

On arrival in Agra check in at the hotel.

After check in, meet our local guide and proceed to visit The Taj Mahal (Closed on all Fridays). Taj Mahal is a symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". It is regarded by many as the finest example of Mughal architecture, in that it combines elements from Persian and Indian architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Agra Fort, also called Red Fort, large 16th-century fortress of red sandstone located on the Yamuna River in the historic city of Agra. It was established by the Mughal emperor Akbar and, in its capacity as both a military base and a royal residence, served as the seat of government when the Mughal capital was in Agra. The structure, a contemporary of Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi (about 125 miles [200 km] to the northwest), reflects the architectural grandeur of the Mughal reign in India. The fort complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

Optional: Evening witness cultural program (subject to operational)

Overnight: Hotel Clarks Shiraz or similar (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day Four: Agra - Jaipur (Drive: 250kms/5hrs)

Early breakfast at the hotel.

Later check out and depart by road to Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri - an epic in red sandstone. A city of yesteryear, today lost in the mists of time. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 A.D.. Mughal Emperor Akbar had no heir. He visited holy men to enlist their prayers for his son. When he visited Sheikh Salim Chishti who was living at the village of Sikri the saint foretold the emperor that he would be blessed with a son.  When his son was born, he constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later, due to shortage of water and unrest in North-West, Akbar has to abandon this city. The beautiful marvel tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti still attract thousands who seek blessings of the revered saint. Other renowned places are Dewane-e-Am, Dewane-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Jodha  Bai Palace and Birbal Bhawan. Fatehpur Sikri is about 39 K.M. from Agra.   

Arrive Jaipur and check in at the hotel.

Jaipur: The rose-pink capital of Rajasthan is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts and enclosed by embattled walls.  Houses with latticed windows line the streets, their rose-pink colour lending enchantment to the scene which is almost magical at sunset.  Jaipur is aptly called the ‘Pink City of India’.  It takes its name from the famous Maharana Sawai Jai Singh, who founded the city in 1728.

Jaipur is noted for its craft men skilled in the art of cutting precious stones and famed for its garnets and rubies.  It is equally well known for brass inlay work, lacquer work and the printing of muslins. 

Optional 1: This Evening enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by dinner at a Noble Family home.

Optional 2: This evening visit Chokhi Dhani to witness cultural activities and Rajasthani dinner.

Overnight:  Hotel Royal Orchid Central (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day Five: Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel.

Later depart for a full day guided tour of Jaipur visiting Amber Fort City Palace and Jantar Mantar.

Amber Fort: Amer Fort is one of the most magnificent palaces in India. Also commonly known as the Amber Fort, this majestic building with its maze-like passages and serpentine staircases is an architectural masterpiece and with significant importance in Indian history. 10 Kms from Jaipur lies Amber with an old palace overlooking the lake at the entrance to a rocky mountain grove.  Built in the 17^th century, the palace is a distinguished specimen of Rajput architecture. Enjoy an elephant ride (subject to availability) or by jeep to reach the Fort on the top of the hill.

Continue to visit the Maharaja’s City Palace, which occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and building. The magnificent City Palace in Jaipur is one of the most famous tourist attractions located in the old part of the city. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during the years 1729 to 1732, the vast complex of the palace occupied one-seventh of the walled city. In fact, it was once the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace is divided into a series of courtyards, buildings and gardens including the Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal. The museum showcases various unique handcrafted products and other things that belong to the royal heritage of the City Palace. Jantar Mantar (An Observatory) is located next to the entrance of the City palace and begun by Jai Singh in 1728. Jai Singh’s passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior and, before commencing construction, he sent scholars abroad to study foreign observatories. Jantar Mantar appears to be just a curious collection of sculptures but in fact each construction has a specific purpose, such as measuring the positions of stars, altitudes and azimuths and calculating eclipses. Then proceed to the Hawa Mahal (from outside for photo), which was constructed in 1799 known as the Palace of Winds, is one of Jaipur’s major landmarks.

Overnight: Hotel Royal Orchid Central (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day Six:Jaipur - Varanasi                                                                                                                                                                   flight (not included)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Later check out and you will be transferred to airport to board flight for Varanasi.

Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to hotel.

To the Hindus, Varanasi, sprawling along the left bank of the river Ganga, is the holiest city.  With its array of shrines, temples and palaces rising in several tiers from the water’s edge, Varanasi is one of the most fascinating cities in the east.  It is also a city of fairs and festivals, celebrating about four hundred of them during the year.  Since time immemorial, Varanasi has been a centre of learning and the tradition is kept alive today by the Benaras Hindu University founded in 1916. 

Later enjoy rickshaw ride through colourful market to reach upto Ghat of Holy River Ganges. Evening witness Aarti ceremony - a magical Aarti is performed at Dasashwamedh Ghat. The presiding priests stand on a wooden chauki in the water. To the chant of Sanskrit mantras, and the clash of cymbals and drums, the river is worshipped with flowers, incense, sandalwood, milk and vermilion. First the blazing camphor lamp and then the many- flamed aarti lamps are raised high and then arched back to the water, the dark river reflecting the golden flames as Ganga accepts the worship.

Overnight: Hotel Meraden Grand (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day Seven: Varanasi

Early morning excursion to Ghat of Holy River Ganges to view Sunrise and visit by boat to the bathing ghats and the Cremation Ghats site (no photography allowed at the cremation grounds), watching people bathing and worshipping in the Ghats is one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to Varanasi. While returning, walking sightseeing tour of Temples.

Return back to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, depart to visiting Sarnath - North of Varanasi is Sarnath, where in the Deer Park, Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon after he received enlightenment.  The ruins of monasteries, built more than 2000 years ago, the Dhamok Stupa, the Dharmaraji Ka Stupa  and the main shrine draw Buddhist pilgrims yearly to Sarnath.  The Mahabodhi Society of India have recently built a modern Vihara, the interior frescoes of which have been executed by a Japanese artist.  At Sarnath stands the famous Ashoka Pillar of polished sandstone whose lion capital has been adopted by the republic of India as its state emblem.  The museum (closed on Fridays) designed like a Buddhist monastery, contains many superb specimens of ancient art.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Varanasi visit -  Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple (Monkey Temple – because of the presence of a myriad of monkeys), Sacred Bull Temple, the Well of Knowledge, Vishwanath Temple (Golden  Temple since its spires are covered with gold), Benaras Hindu University.

Overnight: Hotel Meraden Grand (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

 

Breakfast at the hotel.

12:00 noon check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport to board your flight for Delhi.

On arrival in Delhi, our local representative will assist you and transfer you to your hotel, Novotel Aerocity (Standard Room), to check in so you may freshen up and have dinner. You will be at your hotel for approx. 2 hours. 

After dinner, check out by 10:00pm and transfer to the airport to board your flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

End of our services

 

India & Registration

 

     Your tour includes:         

      Excludes:          ·         

• Any Insurance
• Optional sightseeing you may choose while on any tour
• Any other meals or beverages, tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
• Airline excess baggage
• Domestic/International flight/fare
• Christmas & New Year Gala dinner.
• All the other services which are not mentioned in the inclusions.
• Any Expenses arising due to circumstances beyond our control such as flight delays/ cancellations, natural calamities, etc.
• Any increase in costs beyond our control such as fuel and airfare increase, additional Government levies and taxes etc.

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**Times may vary according to traffic and weather

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