Indian Delights !!
Day 09 : Jodhpur / Jaipur (350 Kms)
Following breakfast, we ride to Jaipur. In a land steeped with heritage, picturesque
with exquisite architecture, in a state vibrant with heroic memories and romance, lies the
dream city of Jaipur. The people are dynamic, martial and, need we say it, colourful. Here
every walk through the by lanes is a walk through history. Indeed, Jaipur could be
compared to a vast open-air museum. Pink turbans jostle with saffron 'odhinis' (ladies
scarves). Camel's buggies and elephants are as commonly found as motorcars and buses
Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Alsisar Haveli - This is the flagship hotel in a
bouquet of heritage hotels. The Haveli lies tucked away in the heart of Pink City, Jaipur.
It brings back to life the grandeur of the old days and is a memorable regal Rajasthan
experience for the guests. Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates the finesse of
traditional Rajput architecture and a site to behold. The large elevated platform that
dominates the central area of the ground floor and once used for get-togethers by the
gents of the house is now open to guests who can witness puppet shows and folk dances
while enjoying their snacks or drinks. The spacious lobby, which opens into the chowk
(inner courtyard), was a century ago used by the ladies of the house and is now open to
guests. You will treasure this experience of staying in an authentic Rajput home.
Evening is designed for escorted walks with our guide in Jaipur's shady animated
streets - or for independent discovery. The city is best explored on foot and only the
inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis (lanes) will feel
the spirit of the city. Jaipur's colorful bazaars tantalize the eye with enameled blue
pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass work, traditional block-printed
fabrics and brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts and miniature
painting.
Overnight : Alsisar Haveli
Day 10 : Jaipur
This morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to
be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of
Jaipur. We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing
through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred
years.
For more on the tourist attractions of Jaipur, click here. Jaipur Tour
Day 11 : Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Following breakfast, we drive to Fatehpur Sikri for a guided tour. This abandoned
capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire's
splendour. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted
buildings.
From here we continue riding to Agra. Upon arrival check into hotel Holiday Inn, lies
in the heart of this fascinating city, allowing you to explore and witness the ambience of
this historically beautiful city as well as the romance of the Taj Mahal and the elegance
of emperor Akbar's Fatehpur Sikri.
Overnight At Holiday Inn - a 4* Hotel
Day 12 : Agra / Varanasi (Poorva Express - 0800PM/0500*AM)
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world.
However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much
and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this
is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter
how high your expectations are, the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and
beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sun rise we visit the
Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in
every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in
pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable.
Following leisurely breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings
inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles.
Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the
fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent
buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.
Later in the evening we are transferred to the train station for an overnight train
ride to Varanasi.
Overnight : Airconditioned sleeper accommodation (accompanied by blankets, sheets
and pillows)
Day 13 : Arrival Varanasi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel Pallavi International, which
has witnessed a transformation from being a home for salvation of the rulers of Hathwa Raj
of Bihar in the 19th century, to a classified Hotel where one can enjoy all the trappings
of the former royalties. The Hotel promises to its visitors the twin advantage of a
princely grandeur topped with the princely laidback lifestyle. The Palace retains all the
paraphernalia of a royal abode like the Durbar hall, sepoy lines, mahavathkhana and so
forth.
Varanasi is quite possibly the world's oldest living city. Religious artifacts link it
to the sixth century BC Said to be founded by Shiva, Varanasi's Vedic affiliation goes
back to the beginning of time. It is also a city of many names. The present name, Varanasi
(derived from the names of two nearby rivers) is mentioned in the Mahabharata. The ancient
name is Kashi, the City of Light. To the devout it is also called Kashika, the shining
one, referring to the light of Shiva. Many others prefer the anglicized Benares. Revered
by Hindus, Buddhists and Jain alike, Varanasi is considered the holiest city in all of
India. It is presided over by Shiva in his manifestation as Vishwanatha, Lord of the
Universe. Buddha delivered a sermon in nearby Sarnath and Mahavira, the founder of
Jainism, lived in Varanasi. As a result, more Indians will make a pilgrimage to Varanasi
in their lifetime than any other place.
On your agenda this afternoon are several temples and the Hindu University at Benares.
First stop would be the Bharat Mata (temple of Mother India). Inaugurated by Mahatma
Gandhi, it features a huge marble map of India on the ground floor. Next up, the Durga
Temple. Known for its bright red color and the playful, if sometimes aggressive, monkeys
that run amok there, the Durga Temple is one of the most imposing architectural monuments
in Varanasi.
The university, which occupies a large piece of land at the southern end of town, is
also home to the New Vishwanatha Temple. The New Temple is modern in design and open to
Hindus and non-Hindus alike. Surrounded by palm trees, it is a splendid white marble
structure that shines in the afternoon sun against a pale blue sky. Inside, the temple is
spacious and airy. The interior walls are covered with Vedic art above inscriptions from
the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. In the center of the first floor is the Shiva linga.
This evening we take a short trip to the Buddhist city of Sarnath .It is here that the
Buddha preached his first sermons after attaining enlightenment. The highlight of this
tour would be a participation in the evening prayer service (aarti) of the main Buddhist
temple here - the synchronized chanting of hymns to the accompaniment of traditional
temple music is a sole stirring experience.
Overnight: Pallavi International Hotel
Day 14:Varanasi / Delhi (9W334 1440/1600)
At dawn we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride. Every morning at dawn hundreds of
worshippers can be seen bathing in the sacred waters. The great river banks are lined with
an endless chain of stone steps-the ghats-that stretch from one end of the city to the
other. The Ghats form an impressive part of the religious landscape of the city.
Proceeding downstream at a leisurely pace, you would be pointed out the significant
temples and buildings as well as the changing architectural style. Life and death go hand
in hand in Varanasi. While young people seek prosperity and protection from harmful
influences, the older generation comes to Varanasi to cleanse their souls in the forgiving
waters in preparation for their ultimate dissolution. Believing that anyone who dies in
the river of life in Varanasi gains freedom from the cycle of birth and death, the City of
Light has become a haven for the sick and aged waiting out their final days. The smoke
that billows from the crematoriums on the edge of the river gives testimony to their final
release from life's earthly confines. We would docked our boat at Manikarnika (Cremation)
Ghat. On any given day, anywhere from a few dozen to a few hundred corpses are cremated
here; the ghat is assiduous with activity as the cremated bodies threw up smoke and fire.
Following the boat ride we set off on foot to explore the inner city. Through a twisted
maze of narrow alleys, home to numerous shrines and pilgrim shops, we walk back a few
centuries. Life here has stood still for years. The homes, the shops and even the cattle
have not changed over the centuries. It is a brilliant nostalgic experience of
timelessness!
Afternoon, transfer to air port to connect the Delhi flight.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel Connaught.
A Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner: This evening we visit an Indian family for
an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into
Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian
food
Overnight At Connaught - a 4* Downtown Hotel
Day 15 : Delhi/Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight back home.
END OF TOUR
We also offer customized tours to destinations in Rajasthan. We will be happy to
customize this tour for you to suit your interests and convenience.
Thank You For Giving Us An Opportunity To Serve You!
Cost Includes
- Accommodation on Twin sharing basis with daily American Breakfast.
- Home Dinner with an Indian family.
- Air-conditioned Private car at disposal for all journeys and tours as per itinerary.
- Local guides for city tours as per the itinerary.
- 2 Tire Air-conditioned sleeper accommodation for Overnight train journeys
- Jeep safari at Rohet.
- Boat ride at Lake Pichola (Udaipur).
- Elephant Ride at Amber Fort.
Cost Does Not Include
- Entrances/Camera/Video fee to monuments
- Meals other than as specified above
- Personal expenses like drinks. Laundary, tips.
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