Day 1 : Depart your city
Board international flight to Delhi. Overnight on board
Day 2 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi very early in the morning. Welcome, meeting and assistance on
arrival and transfer to hotel. On arrival, check into the rooms. (Room
protected for immediate occupancy).
Delhi - the capital of India, is a fascinating city with complexities
and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the
present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the
architecture of its monuments. Delhi is not only the present metropolis of
India but also a Necropolis. Because of its location, being on the banks of
the river Yamuna, many cities have risen and fallen over the last five
millenia.
Late morning : proceed on a Combined tour of Old &
New Delhi. The Qutab Minar, is a Tower of Victory built in the 12th century
by Qutbuddin Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar,
which dates back to the 4th century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in
the Gupta style. The pillar has puzzled scientists, as its iron has not
rusted in all these centuries. Visit India Gate, the memorial of the First
World War and drive past Rashtrapathi Bhawan - the residence of the
President of India, which is flanked by the houses of Parliament and the
Government Secretariat buildings.
The historic Red Fort - Shah Jehan’s elegant citadel in red sandstone,
was built as an octagon measuring 900m by 550m and surrounded by a 9-meter
deep moat which was at its inception fed by the waters of the Yamuna river.
The fort is entered from the Lahori Gate and leads to a roofed passage
called Chatta Chowk. The Naqqar Khana (drum house) at the end of this
passage marks the entrance to the royal enclosure. A spacious lawn leads to
the Diwan-i-Am - the pillared Hall of Public Audience, Diwan-i-Khas - the
Hall of Private Audience where the emperor met select visitors and the Pearl
Mosque built by Shah Jahan’s son, Aurangazeb, the last of the “Great
Mughals”. Drive past the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), India’s
largest mosque and the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk which is adjacent to
both the Fort and the Mosque. . Welcome Dinner at a nice restaurant in Delhi
Overnight in Delhi TAJ PALACE / QUTUB RESIDENCY
Day 3 : Delhi - Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore
Morning transfer to the Railway Station to board the train for Sawai
Madhopur. Leave Delhi for Sawai Madhopur by your city).
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and
transfer to hotel in Ranthambore. On arrival, check into the Jungle Resort.
Ranthambore: With an area of 400 sq. km encompassing
rocky hill crests which descend to open valleys between the Aravalli and
Vindhya ranges, dotted with water pools and fruit trees, this park gets its
name from the thousand year old fortress, which looms above the forest. Well
known for the diurnal activity of tigers, Ranthambore is a very special and
unusual area where a natural present meets a historical past. Sambhar,
cheetal, chinkara, nilgai and langoor. The elusive leopard and tigers are
found in this reserve with tourists standing a very good chance of seeing
tigers during the day.
Dotted across the landscape are the crumbling ruins of its past glory, be
it chhatris or cupolas, like palaces or old guard posts, all of which
reinforce the magical and ethereal quality of this great wilderness. Lunch
at the lodge. After lunch, proceed on a game drive into the sanctuary.
Overnight in Ranthambore TIGER DEN RESORT/RANTHAMBORE REGENCY
Day 4 : Ranthambore
Morning and afternoon game drive into the sanctuary by Jeep. Overnight in
Ranthambore TIGER DEN RESORT/ RANTHAMBORE REGENCY
Day 5 : Ranthambore
Morning and afternoon game drive into the sanctuary by Jeep.
Overnight in Ranthambore TIGER DEN RESORT/ RANTHAMBORE REGENCY
Day 6 : Ranthambore / Jaipur
Morning game drive into the sanctuary. Return to the hotel for Breakfast at
and drive to Jaipur (170 kms/ 5 hours). Assistance on arrival and check into
the hotel.
Jaipur
- the capital of Rajasthan, is colour washed pink - the colour
associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This Pink City of fairy tale
palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues, is
picturesque. The first planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a
formidable wall. Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight in Jaipur JAI MAHAL PALACE / ALSISAR HAVELI
Day 7 : Jaipur
Morning : Proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort with
Elephant ride up to the Fort. Drive past Hawa Mahal, known popularly as the
Palace of Winds, is a facade built for the Ladies of the Royal household in
the 19th century. The Amber Fort, the capital of the erstwhile State of
Jaipur until 1728 is perched on a hill. It has halls of Public and Private
audience, a Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) various marble palaces which are
marvelous examples of ancient Rajput architecture. The Temple of Amba
(Mother Goddess), the patron deity of the Royal family is at the entrance to
the palace. Ride an elephant to ascend the hill on which the Fort is
situated.
Afternoon : proceed on a city tour visiting the City
Palace - the former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and
Mughal styles which houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani
costumes and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs, including swords of
different shapes and sizes with ornate handles. It has an art gallery with
an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia
and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Also
visit the Jantar Mantar - an astrological and astronomical observatory built
by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century, which is remarkable for its
accuracy even in the present times.
Overnight in Jaipur JAI MAHAL PALACE / ALSISAR HAVELI
Day 8 : Jaipur / Bharatpur
Morning drive to Bharatpur (200 kms/ 5 hrs). On arrival, check-in to the
room. Bharatpur is popular for its bird sanctuary - the Keoladeo Ghana
National Park - finest in Asia, inundated with over 400 species of water
birds. The sanctuary covers an area of 40 sq. km of swampy, lightly wooded
terrain which was once the private hunting and shooting preserve of the
Maharaja of Bharatpur. Today it is the protected breeding ground for many
species of birds and also the home of migratory birds, especially of the
Siberian Crane, that spends its winter here. Colonies of cormorants,
spoonbills, storks, egrets, herons, pelicans, ibis and grey herons can be
spotted all over the park, besides a fairly rich habitation of deer and
snakes. [The best time to visit the Park is from October though March] Late
afternoon: Visit the Sanctuary by boats - an excellent way to see the birds
and watch the spectacular sunset (subject to availability).
Overnight in Bharatpur LAXMI VILAS PALACE
Day 9 : Bharatpur
Morning visit the park once again, on a Cycle Rickshaw. afternoon visit the
Sanctuary.
Overnight in Bharatpur LAXMI VILAS PALACE
Day 10 : Bharatpur / Agra
Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri (15 kms). Fatehpur
Sikri - This exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red
sandstone, with its forts, palaces and mosques was abandoned 14 years after
its creation due to political reasons. The Diwan-i-am - a vast courtyard in
which the emperor gave daily public audience. Diwan-i-khas - a large
quadrangle which contained all the major functions of the Palace, Pachisi
court, the Emperors private living quarter, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Mariam’s
Palace, Birbal’s Palace, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the
important buildings of this residential complex. The Friday Mosque and the
exquisite tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti are in the religious grounds set aside
in a separate enclosure adjacent to the secular buildings. Continue drive to
Agra (40 kms). On arrival, check-in to the room.
Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the
Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the
palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal
empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A
pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb
inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary crafts
persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and
leather shoes.
Afternoon : tour of the Taj Mahal - the inimitable poem
in white marble. Built over a period of 22 years, by the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan in 1630, for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains, it
is one of the seven modern wonders of the World.
[The Taj is closed on Fridays]
Overnight in Agra TRIDENT / JAYPEE PALACE
Day 11 : Agra / Khajuraho
Morning
: visit the Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from
Akbar the Great in 1565 AD, which is a masterpiece of design and
construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including
the Moti Masjid, Jahangir’s Palace, Khas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal,
Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the
fifth Mughal Emperor, died a prisoner. Later transfer to the airport to
board the flight for Khajuraho. Leave Agra for Khajuraho by CD: 7407 ( 1225
/ 1315 hrs ) (Flight operates on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays as per
current schedule) Meeting and assistance on arrival at Khajuraho airport and
transfer to the hotel. On arrival, check-in to the room.
Created by the Chandela kings around 925 AD, Khajuraho emerged when the
west was still finding its place in the Sun. The temples are a spectacular
feat of architectural excellence, carved with the roughest of tools, all
within the span of a hundred years. There were 85 temples in all, portraying
the zest for life of the people. The elaborate carvings depict spirituality,
love, music, dance, hunting and feasting. Today, 22 temples survive.
Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of the erotic sculptures.
But, these form only part of the wealth of the site that depicts everyday
life of the people and the court in the 10th and 11th centuries.
Architecturally the temples have some unique features. They stand on high
platforms and do not have the customary enclosure. Each temple has a large
number of spires in ascending order representing man's aspirations towards
spiritual goals. The sculptures describe the moments of truth, amazement and
bliss in which one forgets everything and surrenders completely to spiritual
emotion. And this wonder is the elusive theme of the temples at Khajuraho.
Afternoon : visit the Western Group of temples. The
Kandariya Mahadeo temple of the Western group is the largest, dedicated to
Shiva. The main shrine is exquisitely carved and features, in delicate
detail, gods, goddesses, celestial maidens and lovers. Also visit the
Chaunsat Yogini temple dedicated to Kali and Chitragupta temple dedicated to
the Sun-god Surya.
Overnight in Khajuraho TRIDENT
Day 12 : Khajuraho / Varanasi
Morning : visit the Eastern and Southern group of
temples. The Parsvanath temple of the Eastern group is the group’s
largest Jain temple. The themes depict, in charming detail, everyday
activity. Also visit the Duladeo temple dedicated to Shiva and the
Chaturbhuj temple of the Southern group.
Afternoon transfer to the airport to board the flight for Varanasi. Leave
Khajuraho for Varanasi by 9W: 724 ( 1405 / 1445 hrs ) Meeting and assistance
on arrival at Varanasi airport and transfer to the hotel. On arrival,
check-in to the room.
Varanasi is one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites and the
holiest of holy cities for Hindus. Known also as Kashi and Benaras, Varanasi
is one of the world’s oldest living cities, and has been a centre of
learning and culture for well over 2000 years.
Evening : Visit the “Ghats” or bank of the
Ganga River. This is a fascinating walk as you can experience the cultural
ethos that guides the life of the pious. See the rituals that take place to
the setting sum and the ablutions that are performed in the river. As boats
float down-stream, some carrying goods, fruits and vegetables, you will see
others carrying the pious who perform ceremonies along the river. On the
banks or “ghats”, you can see some absorbed in prayer and the
chanting of hymns, and others engaged in commerce and yet others performing
functions like hair-cutting, massaging and even cleaning ears! Walk across
to the Manikarnika Ghat, where you can see cremation, performed with intense
ritual - the process of sending the departed soul to the heavens. Hindus
believe that the gateway to the Heavens and for the Re-incarnation of the
Soul `in a better state’, is possible when life’s last journey is
from Varanasi.
Overnight in Varanasi TAJ GANGES / HINDUSTHAN INT’L
Day 13 : Varanashi
Day 5 early morning : Take a boat ride at dawn down
India's most sacred river, The Ganges. Sun rise at the holy river is a truly
tranquil and breath taking sight with pilgrims standing waist-deep in water,
praying to the rising Sun. Past these bathing ghats, see the "burning
ghats" where the Hindus cremate their dead. This is done with great
religious fervour which makes for a moving experience. On your return walk
through the streets of the old city. See the famous Vishwanath temple with
its spires covered with gold, dedicated to Shiva, the presiding deity of the
city. Return to the hotel for Breakfast
Late
morning : Visit the Benaras Hindu University founded in 1916 and its
famous Museum - Bharat Kala Bhavan which houses one of the finest collection
of Mughal miniature paintings and brocade textiles. The Bharat Mata and
Durga Temple
Afternoon : Proceed on an excursion to Sarnath - The
place where the Buddha turned the “Wheel of Law” and delivered His
First Sermon. See the Chowkandi and Dhamek Stupas, the ruins of 9th and 10th
century monasteries and temples, the temple built by the Mahabodhi Society
in 1931, and the Tibetan Temple. Visit the famous Sarnath Museum.
Overnight in Varanasi TAJ GANGES / HINDUSTHAN INT’L
Day 14 : Varanasi / Katni / Bandhavgarh
Morning transfer to the Railway Station to board the train for Katni. Leave
Varanasi for Katni by Howrah Mumbai Mail ( 0830 / 1557 hrs ) Carry packed
lunch from the hotel. Meeting and assistance on arrival at Katni Railway
Station and transfer to the Forest Lodge in Bandhavgarh (95 Kms). On arrival
check-in at the Jungle Resort
The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is relatively high. The
possibility of spotting Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Leopard and Tiger is very
good. The park is also densely populated with animals like the Chital
(Spotted Deer), Sambhar, Barking Deer, Nilgai (Blue Bull), Chowsingha (Four
Horned Antelope) and is rich in bird life.
The terrain is rocky, rising sharply from the swampy and densely forested
valley. The finest of these hills is Bandhavgarh which is bounded by great
cliffs and eroded rocks. The Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to be 2000 years
old, stands at the highest point. There is a temple at the fort that can be
visited by jeeps. Scattered throughout the park, particularly around the
fort, are numerous caves containing shrines with ancient Sanskrit
inscriptions. The ramparts of the fort provide a home for vultures, blue
rock thrushes and crag martins. Dinner and
overnight in Bandhavgarh TIGER’S DEN RESORT
Day 15 : Bandhavgarh
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning and afternoon game drive into
the sanctuary by Jeep/ Elephant.
The Forest Department has devised an ingenuous system of tracking the tiger
at this Park. Every day, early in the morning, elephants and their "Mahouts"
(drivers) are sent out into the jungle, in search of the Tiger. Once it has
been sighted, a radio message is flashed to the Forest Ranger, who in turn
informs the visitors in their jeeps, who are then taken on elephant-back,
into the bush, to see the elusive Tiger.
Overnight in Bandhavgarh TIGER’S DEN RESORT
Day 16 : Bandhavgarh
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning and afternoon game drive
into the sanctuary by Jeep/ Elephant
Overnight in Bandhavgarh TIGER’S DEN RESORT
Day 17 : Bandhavgarh
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning and afternoon game drive
into the sanctuary by Jeep/ Elephant
Overnight in Bandhavgarh TIGER’S DEN RESORT
Day 18 : Bandhavgarh / Umaria / Delhi
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. During your stay in Bandhavgarh,
arrangements will also be made to visit the local villages and the Tala
School. A visit to the Bandhavgarh Fort will also be arranged with picnic
lunch.
Morning game drive into the sanctuary by Jeep/ Elephant. Evening transfer
to Umaria Railway station (45 kms/ 1½ hrs) to connect the train for
Delhi. Carry packed Breakfast from the hotel. Leave Umaria for Delhi by
Utkal Kalinga Express leaving Umaria at 2242 hrs.
Overnight enroute ON BOARD THE TRAIN
Day 19 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi at 1330 hrs. Meeting and assistance on arrival at Hazrat
Nizam-uddin Railway Station and transfer to the hotel. On arrival, check-in
to the rooms. Rest of the afternoon at leisure for independent activities.
Evening : Visit an Indian home and participate in some specially planned
activities.
Overnight in Delhi PARK ROYAL / QUTUB RESIDENCY
Day 20 : Delhi
Full day free for shopping, packing and independent activities.
Evening: FAREWELL DINNER at a nice restaurant. After
Dinner, transfer to the Airport to board flight back home. ( Rooms may be
retained till departure for airport)
Day 21 : LeaveDelhi
Leave Delhi for your city
