Rajasthan with Classical India

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi international airport by flight, meet and greet with our office representative, assistance and transfer to hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Day 02: Delhi

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Delhi, drive past Red Fort & Chandni Chowk Bazar, Khari Baoli spice market.

Visit Jama Masjid (Mosque). Emperor Shah Jahan founded the city of Shahjanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. Opposite the fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Raj Gath: The memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. Qutab Minar: The building complex dated back on the onset of Muslim rule in India and are fine examples of Afghan architecture. Himayun’s Tomb: Build by wife of Humayun, the second mughal king. It is an early example of Mughal architecture. India Gate: The 42m high stone "Arch of Triumph", erected in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in the First World War; Drive through Rajpath "Kingsway" a VVIP area of Delhi including Rashtrapati Bhawan. Laxmi Narayan Temple: Garishly colored modern temple is erected by the industrialist Birla. This temple is dedicated to Laxmi - the goddess of wealth and Narayan - Lord Vishnu, husband of Laxmi.  Lotus Temple: In the heart of New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionising the concept of worship. [Temple is closed on Monday's]. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Day 03: Delhi – Udaipur

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Udaipur.

On arrival transfer to hotel, check in. Rest day free for personal activities, relax etc. Evening boat ride in Lake Pichola; Lake Pichola; a manmade lake, is one of the prime attractions of Udaipur. The lake is known for the palace build amidst the lake. The lake was built by Maharana Udai Singh II. It was made basically for defence purpose. Cradled amongst hills, gardens, havelis, temples and ghats, Lake Pichola is the picturesque spotlight of Udaipur. The lake sports two islands palaces- Jagniwas (Lake Palace) and Jagmandir. The lake is about 4 km long and 3 km wide, and not much deep- it often dries up in times of severe summers. The beauty of the lake and its surroundings can only be felt by seeing it, which increases many folds during sunrise and sunset. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 04: Udaipur

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Udaipur: a splash of colour in Rajasthan that is brighter when tinged with the tones of local lore and legends. Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated.  Later visit the Jagdish Temple.  This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods.  Also visit the Sahelion Ki Bari gardens and fountains.  Later drive around the Fatehsagar Lake. Visit Eklinji and Nagda Temple. Eklingji was built for the tutelary deity of the Maharanas of Mewar, of sand stone and marble in 734 A.D.  Its 108 temples are enclosed by high walls and has a pyramidical roof composed of hundred of knobs.  Later visit Nagda, one of the ancient Palaces of Mewar dating back to the 6th century A.D. The Sas-Bahu Temples are among the most exquisitely carved temples. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 05: Udaipur – Pushkar (285kms/ 5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Pushkar. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest day free for personal activities, relax etc.

Enjoy India's and perhaps the world's most colourful folk festival – the Pushkar Fair. Observe, explore and photograph the colourful Fair. Enjoy a camel ride, enjoy the festivities and many interesting events or visit the many temples along the Pushkar Lake including the famous Brahma temple. Pushkar fair with camel safari. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 06: Pushkar

Breakfast at hotel, visit Brahma Temple: This is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma is worshiped and the main attraction of Pushkar. The temple has a special position in Hindu pantheons. There is life-size four-armed idol of Lord Brahma - the creator in the vestibule. The temple has marble floors and stairs and coins have been put by the devotees to mark the birth or deaths of the loved ones.

Pushkar Lake: According to the legends, the lake was dedicated to Lord Brahma after a lotus fell from his hands and dropped into this picturesque valley. A lake sprang up on the same spot latter on which is considered holy. The entire lake is supposed to be surrounded by 500 temples, 52 palaces, and 52 ghats. On the occasion of Kartik Purnima in November every year, devotees take holy bath in the lake and a fair is organized, known world over as the Pushkar Fair.

Savitri Temple: The temple is dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma and located on the top of the Ratnagiri Hill. According to the legends when Lord Brahma performed a Yagna (holy fire devoted to gods) along with Gayatri, a local milkmaid, furious Savitri cursed her husband that he would never be worshipped anywhere except in Pushkar and that too only once a year. Savitri left for the Ratnagiri Hill after cursing her husband and immolated herself there. There is beautiful statue of Goddess Savitri inside the temple.

Dargah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti; located at the end of a dusty alley in the main market, makes Ajmer an important pilgrim centre for Muslims from all parts of the world and Pushkar is the abode of Lord Brahma, which devout Hindus aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime. Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpara, In 1193 A.D, the Afghan Mohammad Ghori conquered Ajmer and converted a Sanskrit school into a mosque by adding a seven arched wall in front of the pillared hall in just two-and-a-half days. Ana Sagar Lake, This beautiful lake was built by King Anaji (AD 1135-1150), the grandfather of Prithvi Raj Chauhan at a picturesque site located to the north of Ajmer. Daulat Bagh Gardens, which was created by Jehangir, is located next to the lake. Baradari or the marble pavilion was added to the lake by Shahjahan. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Pushkar – Jaipur (145kms/ 3hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Jaipur check in at hotel. Rest time free for personal activities relax visit the local market etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 08: Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel, visit Amber Fort and enjoy Elephant Ride (upto the hills). Raja Man Singh the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army constructed the fortress palace in the end of 16th century. Amber is superb example of Rajput architecture, situated on a hilltop, overlooking a lake. Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements, and its ornate and breathtaking artistic mastery. The fort borders the Maota Lake. Amber was originally built by the Meenas in the town they consecrated to Amba, the Mother Goddess, whom they knew as `Gatta Rani' or `Queen of the Pass'. Built over the remnants of an earlier structure, the palace complex which stands today was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Akbar’s army and a member of the Emperor's inner circle of nine courtiers, in 1592. The initial structure of the fort was entirely completed by his descendant; Jai Singh I. Amber was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II.

Afternoon city tour of Jaipur, the origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - Beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens. Main tourist attractions of Jaipur are City Palace with its fine collection of textiles, costumes and armory and the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Maharaja Jai Singh was a great astronomer of his time. He built here extraordinary (and very accurate) stargazing Observatory here named as “Jantar Mantar”. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 09: Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (235kms/ 5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Agra, enroute visit to Fatehpur Sikri: built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other places.

Salim Chishti Dargah; built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. Salim Chishti (1478-1572) was one of the famous Sufi saints of the Chishti Order in India. Salim Chishti was the descendant of the famous Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti whose tomb is in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Continue drive to Agra, on arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Agra – Gwalior (118kms/ 2hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, visit Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonder of the World was build by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651. This symbol of love was build in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Described as the most extravagant monument ever build for love. It was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete. Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Parsian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planer of this magnificent memorial. On full moon night, the glory of the Taj is at its best. (Taj Mahal remain closed on every Friday)

Agra Fort: build by the famed Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan region it has partially become Palace. The fort presents a good sampling of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic. By Shah Jahan's time the style had become so homogenized that it is impossible to separate the Hindu and Muslim strands. The Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) the beautiful Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall) were also added by Shah Jahan.

Afternoon drive to Gwalior, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Gwalior – Orchha (120kms/ 2hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, city tour visit, The Fort: Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most magnificent monument. The magnificent outer walls of the Fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor Babar to describe it "the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind."

Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gurjar queen, Mrignayani. Man Mandir Palac, built between 1486 and 1517. Teli ka Mandir: The Teli ka Mandir is a 9th century edifice, towering at 100 ft high. Sas-Bahu-ka-Mandir, built in 11th century dedicated to Vishnu. Tomb of Gaus Mohammad and the Mausoleum of Tansen. Another landmark is the historic Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod built in the memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the 6th Sikh Guru who was imprisoned here by Jehangir for over two years.

Later drive to Orchha, check in at hotel. Afternoon, visit, Orchha Fort; a wonderful example of a medieval fort palace, within the fort are the first buildings to explore. The tiered Jahangir Mahal was built in 1606 to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jahangir in 1606. The Raj Mahal, to the right of the courtyard, was built by Madhukar Shah and has bold colorful murals inside. The third palace, is the Rai Praveen Mahal, which is a two storey brick structure set in the gardens of Anand Mahal. Of the many temples within the fort, three are especially worth visiting. The Ram Raja Mandir was originally a palace and became a temple more by accident than design. An image of Ram was installed while the temple, The Chaturbhuj was being built for it.  For some reason the image could not be moved from the palace and despite its spires and ornate decoration became a sacred place. Linked to the Ram Raja is the Lakshminarayan temple, the interiors of which have some of the best preserved murals and wall paintings in Orchha.

 

Day 12: Orchha - Khajuraho (178kms/ 4hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Khajuraho, check in at hotel.

Later visit eastern, western & southern group of temples. Khajuraho, home to most famous of India’s temples on account of their remarkable erotic sculptures, lies in a rich, well watered plain. The temple of Khajuraho are india’s unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy ; perfect in execution and sublime in expression.

Khajuraho temples were built in hundred years, from 950 to 1050 AD. Only 22 of the 85 original temples have survived the ravages of time. Each temple stands on a high platform. There are three main parts in each temple, the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa) and sanctum (garbha griha). The Khajuraho temples are made of sandstone. The builders didn't use mortar: the stones were put together with mortise and tenon joints and they were held in place by gravity. This form of construction requires very precise joints. The columns and architraves were built with megaliths that weighed up to 20 tons.

Today, the temples serve as fine examples of Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to their explicit depiction of sexual life during medieval times. Locals living in the Khajuraho village always knew about and kept up the temples as best as they could. They were pointed out to an Englishman in late 19th century but the jungles had taken a toll on all the monuments. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 13: Khajuraho – Varanasi

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi. On arrival assistance, by our office representative, and transfer to hotel, check in.

Afternoon Ghats’s & temples visit, attend Holy Ganga Aarti; Every evening, a magical aarti is performed at Dasashwamedh Ghat. Halt your boat right at the steps for the best view. 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 at Hotel.

 

Day 14: Varanasi

Breakfast at hotel, excursion to Sarnath; one of the three holiest sites for Buddhists. This is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon in 528 BC. There are many temples here, representing the many cultures where Buddhism is the dominant religious philosophy. You'll find the Tibetans, the Chinese, the Japanese, the Burmese and the Thai have set up centres of learning, monasteries and temples. The Ashokan Pillar here used to be crowned by a capital that had four lions with their backs to each other looking out in the four cardinal directions the capital, now a national emblem for the Indian Union, is in the Archaeological Museum in Sarnath. The Ashokan Pillar, constructed by the legendary King Ashoka (3rd century BC), still stands. There are many stupas here, as is a bodhi tree that is a sapling from the bodhi tree in Sri Lanka. The Bodhi tree is the peepul tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. A cutting from the original was planted in Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka), and the bodhi in Sarnath has been grown from a sapling from that.

Afternoon city tour, visit World famous Benaras Hindu University: founded by Pandit Madan Malviya at the turn of the century, also has a new Vishwanath temple. The temple, built by the Birlas, a rich industrialist family, is meant for a caste-less, egalitarian society, Tulsi Manas Temple: Its white marble walls have the verses of Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas inscribed on them and Bharat Mata Temple: a modern shrine, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. It has a huge relief map of the Indian sub-continent showing all its rivers, mountains and pilgrimages. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 15: Varanasi – Delhi
Early morning boat ride and Ghat visit along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water. Varanasi or Kashi is older than traditions. Varanasi presents a unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. According to the Hindu mythology, Varanasi liberates soul from human body to the ultimate. It is the Ganga Ghats of Varanasi that complement the concept of divinity. Ghats of Ganga are perhaps the holiest spots of Varanasi. The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all sins.

There are number of temples on the bank of the Ganga river in Varanasi. It is believed that people are cleansed physically, mentally and spiritually at Ganga Ghats. It is at the Ganga Ghats where we see life and death together. For thousands of years people have been thronging these Ghats to offer their morning prayers to the rising sun. There are more than 100 ghats along side Ganga in Varanasi. Some of the prominent and popular Ghats at Varanasi are the Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harischandra Ghat, Kabir Ghat and Assi Ghat.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning free for personal activities. Afternoon transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. From Delhi board connecting flight for your onward journeys.