INCREDIBLE INDIA
Our "Incredible India" group journey will showcase the best of India's highlights, as well as exciting experiences and discoveries that will appeal to travellers of all ages. The tour begins in Delhi, a city which seems to be a palimpsest, where the history of India seems to rewrite itself over and over again, where empires were born, prospered and fell. Each great monument in this city is a landmark of a different historical, religious and political landscape: from Asoka's Iron pillar to the Qutab Minar, from Humayun's tomb to the Raj Ghat on the Yamuna River. We then fly to Varanasi, situated on the West bank of the Ganges is also known to Westerners as Benares. This Venice of the East is a sacred maze of meandering streets, from its famous ghats to its temples and museums. Whoever has visited Varanasi, will remember the beauty of the Ganges, a boat ride in the moonlight, the sacred effervescence of temple processions, the amazing art and craft at every corner, and of course the odd pan wallahs. From bank of the Ganges to Khajuraho; its famous temples were built under the Chandela kings between 950 and 1050 AD. The Taj Mahal is one of those monuments, too famous and extraordinary a must see at least once in one's lifetime. This luminescent building, a 16th Century Mughal architectural extravagance towers above a number of other important monuments in Agra, such as the Red Fort or Akbar's tomb in Mathura. Heading towards Rajasthan we enter the “Pink City,” Jaipur, ride an elephant to Amber Fort, stop for a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, and devising the masonry instruments of Jantar Mantar that provide accurate astronomical readings to this day is remarkable you will have enough time to search for souvenir at the backstreets. Fulfil your dream of staying in a palace at the Chomu Palace. From the Pink City to the Blue City of Jodhpur the daunting fort of Mehrangarh is so massive that Rudyard Kipling had rightly called it the ‘Work of the Giants’. Transfer to Jaisalmer, an ancient city and hilltop fortress town that were once a major stop for silk and spice caravans. Tour the fort, visit impressive Jain temples. One evening, ride a camel across the Sam Sand Dunes at sunset and finally to the lake city of Udaipur, which never surrendered to the Moslems and consequently has a special place in the mindset of the proud Rajputs, the tour ends in Delhi.
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi the capital of India. Our tour Manager will welcome us at the airport arrival lounge with A signboard. Transfer to hotel where you receive a traditional welcome with Garland and Tilak while the hotel formalities is completed. Rest of the day is at leisure with two nights at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi
After a brief introduction of the city tour by our Tour Manager we proceed for our welcome India tour. The city is a fusion of the ancient and the modern culture. We visit Jama Masjid, and drive pass India gate, Parliament and President House before entering in to the famous bazaar of Chandni Chowk. During our tour you will be surprised that the city comprise of two contrasting yet harmonious parts. Afternoon free to explore the city. (B,D).
Day 03 : Delhi – Varanasi
After breakfast transfer to airport to board the flight to Varanasi. On arrival transfer to the hotel with rest of the day free to explore this oldest spiritual living city in the world. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ghats of Varanasi are natural supplement to the concept of divinity and is known as the city that liberates soul from human body to ultimate. Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk saris and silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world, even today. The city is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Stay two nights at Varanasi. (B,D)
Day 04 : Varanasi
Start your day with sunrise boat ride on river Ganges and witness the people of Hindu faith, ritually bathing in the river, for it is believed as per Hindu mythology that bathing in the holy river of Ganga causes the remission of sins and facilitates the attainment of nirvana. Hindus also believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Return to hotel for breakfast followed by an excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at the deer park after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka down to the 12th century A.D Ashoka, who built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and near it erected a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adorned Lions, which today forms the national emblem of India. Conclude your day with city tour of this religious capital of Hinduism and witness grand prayer ceremony at the temple. (B,D)
Day 05 : Varanasi - Khajuraho
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board flight to Khajuraho. Arrive at this small modest village with no more than 3000 residents surrounded by forestland, but thousand years ago it was a large city of the Chandellas, medieval Rajput kings who ruled over Central India. In the afternoon visit the Chandella temples which are the excellent example of Indo-Aryan architecture. The remoteness and isolation of Khajuraho have ensured the survival of these great treasures built during the 10th century. Famed for their erotic sculptures, the temples in fact depict an exquisite detail of the everyday life of people of that era. Now only 22 of the original 85 are surviving, which are great shrines of love and are abound in timeless quality, earning for them the status of world heritage monuments. The Khajuraho temples represent a happy and almost unique coincidence of religious emotion, abundant patronage, artistic genius, and aesthetic sensibility. In the evening explore the village and stay at Khajuraho. Stay overnight at Khajuraho. (B,D)
Day 06 : Khajuraho – Agra
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before travelling to Jhansi railway station to board train to Agra. On arrival our local tour manager will transfer you to hotel for two nights stay. (B,D)
Day 07 : Agra
Start your day with sunrise visit to the famous Taj Mahal, a monument of love created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal; it is the most perfect marble built architectural monument in the world. It lies on the banks of the river Yamuna and is constructed completely of white makrana marble embedded with several precious gems like jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire, coral and diamonds. It is symbolic of the purest kind of love that transcends all differences and keeps people together. The breathtakingly beautiful landscape around the Taj Mahal adds to the magic of Mughal architecture. Later visit Itima-ud-Daulah and Agra Fort; built by Emperor Akbar, its construction commenced in 1565 and was completed in 1571. It is built with red sandstone and is a mixture of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. Spend remaining of the day exploring this world renowned town, the zenith of art and romance that lives mainly in the past. Agra is one of the most important centres for handicrafts, made of marble and soft stone inlay work. (B,D)
Day 08 : Agra – Jaipur (Driving Time: Approx 5 hours)
Today we travel to Jaipur. En-route visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, perched atop a rocky ridge it was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and is the first planned city in Indo-Islamic architecture. A city of yesteryear, today lost in the midst of time. Later continue travel to Jaipur for overnight stay at hotel. On arrival check in at hotel with rest of the evening free to stroll in the colourful bazaar. Stay two nights at Jaipur. (B,D)
Day 09 :Jaipur
Today we enjoy an Elephant ride and visit 16th century old Amber Fort. This white marble and red sandstone Fort has some interesting Palaces of a kind found nowhere else. It compasses a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. In the afternoon we enjoy the sightseeing tour of the Pink City, one of the most vibrant and colourful cities of India. Legendary for its forts, palaces and lakes Jaipur basks in the glory of a rich and eventful past. Visit the sprawling palace of Sawai Jai Singh II that sits right in the centre of the geometric grid in the heart of the old city. Later visit Jantar Mantar the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh whose ruling passion was astronomy and drive pass Hawa Mahal another enduring structure specially constructed for females. (B,D)
Day 10 : Jaipur – Chomu
Travel to Chomu and enjoy luxury of an authentic and historic palace that discreetly blends with the modern amenities and facilities. Stay at 300 years old elegant Chomu Palace Hotel. (B,D)
Day 11 :Chomu - Bikaner
Today we travel to Bikaner. This fortified town still retains the aura of medieval times. It is surrounded by moat and houses many outstanding palaces made of red sandstone and marble. Visit Junagarh Fort and Lallgarh Palace Museum, which has a rich collection of artifacts dating to Harappan, Kushan era. Enjoy overnight stay at Bikaner. (B,D)
Day 12 : Bikaner – Jaisalmer (Driving Time: Approx 5 hours)
We travel to Jaisalmer -the city of sand dunes. Nothing can prepare you for the first sight of Jaisalmer as it appears dream-like amidst the dunes. Afternoon is free to take a stroll in the narrow streets and have a glimpse of the wonderful unique costumes, market place, junk jewellery, and lifestyle of Rajputs “The warrior clan of India”. The hostile terrain of the city fades in front of the warmth and hospitality of its people. Stay two nights at Jaisalmer. (B,D)
Day 13 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast we enjoy sightseeing tour of the Golden City starting with the Fort built in 17th Century and Jain temples, with exquisite carvings on marble pillars and domes. In the afternoon, visit the Havelies - the ancestral homes with hanging balconies. Evening we enjoy the camel safari, providing a glimpse of sand dunes leaving you with a sight forever etched in your memory, along with the authentic Rajasthani cuisine dinner and watch cultural folk dances while the sun goes down over the horizon. The age-old traditions and culture of this city makes it a unique experience, weaving a magic on you, leaving you speechless and mesmerized. (B,D)
Day 14 : Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (Driving Time: Approx 4 hours 30mins)
Today we travel to Jodhpur; built on the edge of Thar Desert and founded by Rao Jodha, the chief of a clan known as the Rathores in 1459. Graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic opulence, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. Afternoon we visit Mehrangarh Fort - houses a palace intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows exquisitely wrought from red stone, and Umaid Bhawan Palace – also known as Chittar Palace because of the local chittar sandstone used, it is a splendid example of Indo-colonial and art deco style of the 30’s. Overnight at Jodhpur. (B)
Day 15 : Jodhpur – Udaipur
Today we travel to Udaipur known as the Lake city. En-route visit 12th century temples of Ranakpur, which stands on 1444 carved pillars each different from the others. This is one of the five main holy places of the Jains and although over 500 years old, the temples are well preserved almost in perfect condition. Rest of the evening at leisure and stay two nights at Udaipur. (B,D)
Day 16 : Udaipur
After breakfast we leave the hotel to begin our sightseeing tour, visiting the City Palace and Crystal Gallery, on the banks of Lake Pichola. The magnificent and awe-inspiring citadel is in fact, a complex of several buildings that were added at different times by different rulers spanning nearly three hundred years. Tenderly named as the Venice of the East, this city of lakes boasts of its rich Rajput architecture and heritage. Later visit the Jagdish Temple and Sahelion Ki Bari (Gardens of the Maid of Honour). Evening we enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. (B,D)
Day 17 : Udaipur - Delhi Departure
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board flight to Delhi. Tour finishes on arrival at Delhi Airport. (B)
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