Day 02: DELHI / AHMEDABAD (RAJDHANI EXP: 1935
/ 1000*)
Following a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour
of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's
Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the
most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar
which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years.
Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government
buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main
shopping district of the capital.
Afternoon, we cross over to the Old Delhi. The capital of
Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries, Old Delhi
seems somewhat anachronistic as compared to New Delhi. It
draws one through congested roads and lanes, interesting mosques,
monuments and forts relating to its chequered history. Our
tour includes visit to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through
the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight
Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in
the oldest area of Delhi, on to the Red Fort (1639-1648 built
by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view
the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby
ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and
thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws.
Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back.
The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion
in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This
is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and
bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets
bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all
description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride
would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers
as well as the onlookers.
Evening you will be transferred to the train station to board
India's flagship train service, The Rajdhani Express for an
overnight journey to Ahmedabad. Accommodation in air-conditioned
cabins accompanied by blankets, sheets and pillows
Overnight: Rajdhani Express - First Air
Conditioned Sleeper Accommodation
Day 03: AHMEDABAD / DUNGARPUR
Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Ahmedabad station
and drive to Dungarpur
Upon arrival check into the Udai Bilas Palace
The history of Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur, Rajasthan dates
from the mid-19th century, when Maharawal Udai Singhji-II,
a great patron of art and architecture built a wing of bluish
grey local stone " Pareva" overlooking the lake
and the " Ek Thambia Mahal," featuring intricate
sculptured pillars and panels, ornate balconies, balustrades,
bracketed windows, arches and frieze of marble carvings, a
veritable marvel of Rajput architecture. The Udai Bilas Palace
was enlarged in 1940 by Maharawal Laxman Singhji, who built
three new wings around the " Ek Thambia Mahal" (Literally
one- pillared Palace) and thus created the famous " courtyard
of the palace. The result is an architectural expression exquisitely
detailed. Still the royal residence, the Palace offers accommodation
in the houseguest tradition with seventeen spacious and lavishly
appointed bedrooms. No two rooms are alike; each room enchants
with its own personality, spaciousness and modern comforts
and offers a unique experience. The Furnishings are mostly
from the 20th century art-deco style, marble bathrooms with
English fixtures and running hot and cold water. Meals are
served either in the banquet hall, which displays crystal
chandeliers, or in the more intimate family dining room. Continental
or Chinese dishes are also served.
Overnight: Udaibilas Palace - Heritage
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 04: DUNGARPUR
The district is the stronghold of Bheels, a tribe whose history
of occupancy in the Aravalli Range is said to date back to
4000 B.C. They are one of the oldest and most primitive tribes
of the world. This morning we will visit some of these unspoiled
Bheel hamlets in and around the town. We will witness and
photograph age-old tribal lifestyles and customs handed down
over the centuries. You would have an opportunity to meet
villagers who have never seen white people!! Say hello to
people, allow them to get used to you and then, you may go
ahead with your pictures. You would soon end up as the pied
piper followed by scores of noisy and happy children!!!
We return to our hotel by mid morning to enjoy the destination
at leisure. Udai Bilas Palace is a round-the-year paradise
for bird watchers.
The cooler months from mid October to February are the best
to see winter migratory birds when birds can be observed in
attractive plumage. One can see from the Palace itself at
remarkably close range egrets, night and pond herons, white
necked and painted storks, coots and winter or resident ducks
among others, depending on the season of your visit. Birds
are also plentiful in the surrounding woodlands where one
can hope to see the Grey Hornbill, Gray Partridge, Green Pigeon,
Peafowl, Peacocks, Paradise flycatcher and the Golden backed
woodpecker, to name a few representative species. You may
proceed on a leisurely walk around the lake or heir boat for
a special boat trip on the lake as well as a gentle trek through
the forests so that the nature lover in you is able to enjoy
the beauty of the place and are able to get a close look at
the bird life.
Late afternoon we visit the ancient fortified ruins of the
Old Fort. Besides fine panoramic view of the ancient town
of Dungarpur the fort has well preserved examples of natural
colour paintings and incredible art and architecture.
Overnight: Udaibilas Palace - Heritage
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 05: DUNGARPUR / UDAIPUR
Following breakfast, we drive to Udaipur.
Welcome to Udaipur, the famed "City of sunrise".
Founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, from the lineage of
the legendary Sisodias of Mewar - the decedents of the sun
God. A city where the sun truly never set, where tradition
and a strict code of heroism were happily united with a love
of fine living. A city that has come to be an oasis of romance
in the warrior state of Rajasthan
Upon arrival check into your hotel Jagat Niwas, a modern
heritage hotel replete with character and charm, besides all
comforts discerning tourists would seek.
Evening we take a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful
Lake Pichola. The island palace on the Lake called Jagmandir
Palace is quite fascinating. The Palace provided inspirations
and ideas to the builder of the Taj Mahal. The banks of the
lake provide interesting glimpses of the daily bathing and
the laundry that takes place here. Looking across the lake,
with the city and its great palace rising up behind the island
palace, is a scene of rare beauty.
Overnight: Jagat Niwas Palace - (Deluxe
Lake View room)
Day 06: UDAIPUR
Following a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a tour of
this "Lake City". Udaipur is a cool oasis in the
dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city
in a state where every city has some romantic or exotic tale
to tell. The huge city palace towering over the Lake Pichola
is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a
conglomeration of buildings built by successive rulers, it
manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design and affords
very fine view of the lake and the city from the upper terraces.
The Jagadish temple next to the city palace enshrines a black
stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty bird
called garuda - in a brass image. The temple is a very fine
example of Indo-Aryan Art.
This afternoon we explore the bustling bylanes of Udaipur
which have artisans practicing their traditional crafts handed
down to them by their elders. Khari printers do decorative
floral patterns in gold and silver on plain or printed fabric.
Block printers print various designs and patterns in different
colours with the help of wooden blocks. You'll also find artisans
carving furniture, making puppets and traditional wooden toys.
Along with engraving and embossing on brass, silver, jewellery,
copper and even pottery, Meenakari is a specialty of this
region. Udaipur also specializes in stone carving, especially
in marble and sandstone, with artisans working hard at chiseling
their finest filigree work. Colour as usual plays an important
role in the life of Udaipur as in Rajasthan. It is wonderfully
evident in ghagharas (long flowing skirts), cholis (blouses),
and odhnis (long scarves) of the women as well as the turbans
of the men.
Overnight: Jagat Niwas Palace - (Deluxe
Lake View room)
Day 07: UDAIPUR / RANAKPUR / ROHET
Following breakfast we ride out to Rohet. Enroute we visit
Ranakpur.
The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the
liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century.
The basement is of 48, 000 sq. feet area that covers the whole
complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared
halls and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns.
The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately
carved with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs
playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of
45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there
are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the
entire complex. The main temple is of Chaumukh or four-faces
temple dedicated to Adinath. From here we continue our ride
to Rohet.
At Rohet, one is transported in to a world of the past, a
world of honor and of chivalry, of glory and of pride; a world
of vibrant colours and spectacular magnificence. Past centuries
come to life at the historic boundary walls of Rohet- the
16th century fortified deserted home of a Rajput clan. Within
the precincts of these time weathered walls is our hotel,
the impressive Rohetgarh Fort- a bastion of proud Rajput traditions
bathed in the ambience of unmistakable Rajasthani culture
where one can, even today experience the famed warm and courteous
Rajput hospitality. Frescoes on the tall gateway, brightly
painted in the traditional style, using traditional motifs
and colour schemes herald your entry to this charmed world
the bygone era. The gateway leads to a compound where a profusion
of flowers frame the archways in welcome. The portico is a
warm and informal place decorated with the artifacts and trophies
of many years. Exquisitely carved furniture, delicate hand
block prints, original paintings and photographs decorate
your rooms, which though redolent with the romance of a bygone
era, provide all the modern amenities. Antique hunting riffles,
shields & spearheads, daggers and original paintings form
the backdrop of the dinning room. The swimming pool here is
in beautiful settings and is an oasis in a dessert.
The food at Rohetgarh is special; each recipe is both traditional
and typical, handed down the generations and jealously guarded
to retain its pristine flavours. You savour only the very
best of Rajasthani cuisine's, food favoured by the Royalty.
The 16th century descendants of the Rathore ruling family
still live here and host the guests. The members of the Royal
family interact with the guests and interesting stories and
anecdotes are narrated.
This afternoon, we would explore Rohet, which is a fascinating
small feudal town, which seems to be straight out of the Arabian
Nights. There is no proper road here - only one main dusts
trail. On either side are typical thatched houses and shops
of all kinds - colourful bangles, silver jewellery, potters,
fruit vendors on carts, dress shops, tailors etc.
Late afternoon we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of
Rajasthan villages where traditions centuries old still permeate
life styles. One can witness the 'opium ceremony' - a ritual
by which guests are welcomed. Gaily attired men and women
carry on their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their
norms and customs. The smoothened mud floors of the village
huts remind one of the simple and traditional living here.
Overnight: Rohetgarh - Heritage Property
(Standard Room)
Day 09: JAISALMER / SAM
After breakfast we visit the residential portions of the
Jaisalmer Fort., where one third of the population of the
old City still lives. The designs of the houses here remain
as they used to a couple of centuries behind time, and so
do the lifestyles of the people inhabit them. This is so as
most of the families continue to work for generations for
the ruler (though only titular now). Hence, their is a sense
of continuity. The houses are arranged in narrow lanes and
have small windows from where the shy child or the girl peeps
through. This city is believed to be the home of the most
handsome men and the most gorgeous women in Rajasthan. We
would also walk through the narrow cobbled lanes of the golden
sandstone city to witness the magnificent medieval Indian
Havelis (mansions) of medieval Indian merchants. These elegant
buildings, which are very well preserved, tell an apt story
of how medieval Indian society existed.
Later Afternoon we drive to Sam, a dessert outpost. Enroute
we visit a few typical dessert villages, which have a sprinkling
of huts. The rough terrain here does not support cultivation;
hence the entire village works as casual laborers in road
works or community projects. Inspite of their poverty and
hard life the people are very friendly and seem to be aware
that they are proud owners of very expressive and beautiful
faces. We move on to Sam where we explore the dessert on camel
back
Overnight: Deluxe Tents
Day 10: SAM / JODHPUR
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to Jodhpur.
Upon arrival check into your hotel Ratan Vilas, exudes an
aura distinctly its own - enhanced by its rich and varied
collection of paintings, treasure troves and hunting trophies
of yesteryear. Everything is well preserved by the royal family,
which still uses a part of the building as its home. The magnificent
sandstone building, built for Sir Ratan Singhji, the Maharajadhiraj
of Jodhpur, tastefully blends the lavish interiors and modern
comforts. Present day facilities are harmonized so as not
to disturb the antiquity of the royal abode.
Evening, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower
Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most colourful
wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics,
spices, vegetables etc
Overnight: Ratanvilas - Heritage Property
(Standard Room)
Day 11: JODHPUR
Afternoon, proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. Our tour
includes the massive fort. In olden days this must have been
impregnable since its rocky base is scraped straight down
making it nearly impossible to ascend. Once inside, royal
palaces abound with fascinating history and priceless jewels,
on to the armoury and Jaswant Thada - the Royal Crematorium.
This evening, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower
Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most colourful
wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics,
spices, vegetables etc.
Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.
Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise with entire streets
and localities in the walled city devoted to single commodities.
The city is famous for bandhani and lahariya, block printed
textiles, silver jewellery, antique furniture, wood and metal
handicrafts. Carpets and durries can be found on the Umaid
Bhawan Palace road. Jodhpur is home to many talented and skilled
craftsmen like textile dyers, metal engravers and die-makers
and probably the last of the tailors of the classic Jodhpur
breeches
Overnight: Ratanvilas - Heritage Property
(Standard Room)
Day 12: JODHPUR / JAIPUR
Morning we drive to the Pink city of Jaipur.
When prince, soldier and astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II built
the pink harmonious city of Jaipur in 1727, he did it in accordance
with a treatise on town planning and architecture, the Shilpa
Shastra that is timely even today.
With its walls and seven gates, pink and orange buildings,
camel-drawn carts, and colorful Rajasthanis, the state capital
sits on a flat, dry seabed surrounded by barren hills and
ruined fortresses. A young Bengali, Vidhadhar Bhattacharaya
was its chief architect.
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.
This evening, we explore the unending shopping options of
Jaipur along with our Guide. An essential starting point for
Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block printing and
we will be exploring the process from start to finish in some
of the popular stores here. The opportunity also exists here
to tailor make outfits to your design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur -
its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky
tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry.
Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been
a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The
stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns
and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the
champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for
its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac
and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy.
The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones
into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting
little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz
and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent
bottles are also available.
Overnight: Alsisar Haveli - Heritage Hotel
- (Standard Room)
Day 13: 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.
Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified
battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills
overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls
lattice the surrounding hills.
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. Our
guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural
masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics
and water-cooled swings that delight today's visitors as they
did their former royal residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately
honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old
city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could
peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
Afternoon, proceed on a tour of City Palace & Observatory.
The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of
Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace
is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine
vies over the gardens and the city. The palace lies in the
heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The
fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection
from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which
surrounded the wall that time.
Next, we visit the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure
house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till
date.
Overnight: Alsisar Haveli - Heritage Hotel
- (Standard Room)
Day 14: JAIPUR / FATEHPUR SIKRI / AGRA
After breakfast drive to Agra stopping at Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a city that a emperor forgot. After just
fourteen years of life, the palaces of Akbar great city of
victory fell silent. Its echoing corridors still seen to wait
for the king to return. The hill top city lies 37 kms from
Agra. This deserted city has two distinct complexes. The first
comprises the royal enclosure of the palace, the harem and
official buildings and the second is the dargarh of a saint,
with a mosque and lofty gateways. To wander among the red
sandstone courtyard of Fatehpur Sikri is to travel back in
the time when Mughal emperor Akbar rode through the gateway
after a triumpant campaign, o be welcomed by his delighted
subjects and the royal courts. It reflects the many faceted
character of the man who inspired it. The ruthless empire
builder who enjoyed all the trapping of power and as liberal
enlightened man who took a passionate instant in every aspect
of life, be it religion, literature or the painting of miniatures.
Upon arrival check into hotel Howard Park Plaza.
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 set 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.
We would also have an opportunity to visit a marble showroom
where we would be able to witness the inlay work done on marble
just as at the Taj Mahal
Overnight: Howard Park Plaza - First Class
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 15: AGRA / UMARIA (Kalinga Utkal Express
- 1615 / 0615)
This morning we visit the Agra Fort. Within a radius of 3
kilometers, on the banks of the river Yamuna rises the crescent-like
Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort
is surrounded by a 70-foot high wall. It houses the beautiful
Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri
Mahal, Diwan-i-khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. The fort
has four gates and is enclosed by a double barricaded wall
of red sand stone. Many buildings were constructed within
the fort of which very few remain till date. One of the most
significant is the Jahangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his
wife Jodha Bai. The Mahal is reached through an impressive
gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls,
profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely carved heavy brackets,
piers and cross beams.
Most of the panels in the eastern hall are decorated with
the Persian styled stucco paintings in gold and blue. It is
believed that a century later, most of the structure were
dismantled by Shahjahan and were replaced with white marble
pavilions covered with intricate inlay work. Of which the
most prominent ones are - the Diwan-i-khas, the Mausam Burj
and the Shaha Burj. Away from the waterfront he built the
Moti Masjid and the Diwan-i-Am.
Afternoon you are transferred to the train station for an
overnight train ride to Umaria.
Overnight: First Air-Conditioned Sleeper
Accommodation
Day 16: ARRIVAL UMARIA / BANDHAVGARH
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and drive to Bhandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh National Park, situated amid the airy Vindhya
hills of Madhya Pradesh, has established a reputation as one
of the best places in India to observe Tigers. Although a
relatively small reserve when first established in 1968, it
was enlarged twenty years later to include adjacent tracts
of Sal forest and this extension has proved very beneficial
for the Tiger population. The 105 square kilometres of park
area, open for tourists is estimated to have a population
of 22 tigers, a density of one tiger for every 4.77 square
kilometres.
Like many Tiger reserves in India, the area was formerly
the hunting reserve of a Maharaja and contains much evidence
of its royal associations, most spectacular being the ruins
of a huge hilltop fort, which dominates the centre of the
reserve. Bandhavgarh is somewhat isolated in the rural heart
of India but the long overnight train journey from Delhi is
well worth the effort and visitors are richly rewarded by
a fine selection of wildlife and the real chance of never
to be forgotten encounters with the greatest of the big cats.
Upon arrival check into Your Resort
Late afternoon (Subject to your time of arrival), enter the
park to search for wildlife.
Overnight: Tiger Trails (Standard room)
- (B, L, D)
Day 17: BANDHAVGARH TIGER RESERVE
The pattern of early morning and afternoon excursions will
be interspersed with periods of relaxation back at our accommodation
during the heat of midday. Although Tigers are the star attraction
at Bandhavgarh the supporting cast of mammals and birds is
very impressive, the latter including such species as Grey-headed
Fishing Eagle, Plum-headed Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill,
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Flycatcher
among a total of over 250 species recorded in the district.
Tour members with an interest in ornithology will value the
time between game drives as an opportunity to explore some
of the habitats close to our base.
Tigers, and the more rarely seen Leopards, have no shortage
of prey in the reserve. The Spotted Deer or Chital is a favourite
item on the Tiger menu and several thousand of these delightful
deer inhabit the park.
Other species found here in varying abundance include; Chinkara,
Chowsinga, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac and Nilgai. Herds of
the Asian Bison, or Gaur, formerly Inhabited the Reserve but
impressive beast has not been seen at Bandhavgarh since 1998
although a closely monitored programme for the reintroduction
of the Gaur is planned within couple of years. A hunting pack
of wild dogs may also be seen on occasions. Mammal sightings
always require a degree of luck, particularly when the species
is essentially nocturnal or reclusive but each outing in the
reserve will at least provide a chance to meet one of the
rarer inhabitants such as Sloth Bear, Indian fox, Jackal,
Wolf, Ratel, Striped Hyenas, Jungle Cat or Indian Pangolin.
More predictable are the sounders of Wild Boar rooting among
the vegetation, Indian Hares, the lively little Palm Squirrels
which seem to be constantly in a state of agitation, and several
members of the mongoose tribe. Common Langurs and Rhesus Macaques
are also plentiful, the former enjoying an elevated view of
the forest as they devour their favourite leaves and often
the first creature to bark out a warning at the appearance
of a Tiger below.
We are never short of wildlife to watch in this gem of a
reserve.
Overnight: Tiger Trails (Standard room)
- (B, L, D)
Day 18: BHANDHAVGARH / KHAJURAHO
After breakfast drive to Khajuraho, meeting and assistance
upon arrival and transfer to your Hotel Jass
Following wash and change we proceed on a tour of Eastern
group of Temples .If pictures speak a thousand words, then
the temples of Khajuraho form a magnum opus... an expression
of Indian sculptors of yore. These temples of Khajuraho were
built by the Chandela kings following the tradition of Tantric
art. Although famed for their erotic sculptures, the philosophy
behind the temples is much more vast and encompassing. They
are in fact a celebration of life!
Sound & Light Show: -
Evening, we visit temple complex to enjoy Sound & Light
Show, where the history of the temples is narrated through
the medium of Sound & Light. This fascinating Son-et-Lumiere
spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela
Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the
10th century to the present day. Amitabh Bachhan, the Indian
Super Star, narrates the story of Khajuraho in his mesmerizing
voice
Overnight at Hotel Jass (Standard Room)
Day 19: KHAJURAHO / VARANASI (9W 724 - 1330
/ 1410)
Morning, we meet our guide, and, proceed on a tour of the
world famous western group of temples depicting erotic sculptures
of love making images of Gods and Goddesses and celestial
Nymphs. The sexual fantasies displayed in the sculptures are
mind-boggling. It speaks very highly of the artistic creativity
and imagination of the sculptors.
Following the tour of Western Group of Temples, transfer
to the airport for your to Varanasi.
Meeting & assistance upon arrival and transfer to the
hotel Clarks
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: The Clarks - Heritage Hotel
(Standard Room)
Day 20: VARANASI / DELHI (9W 724 - 1440 / 1600)
DELHI / AMRITSAR (Golden Temple - 1935 / 0615)
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
dock 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 the airport for your flight to Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to the train
station to board your Golden Temple Mail to Amritsar.
Overnight: First Air-Conditioned Sleeper
Accommodation
Day 21: ARRIVAL / AMRITSAR
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and check into your hotel
Ritz
Following rest and relaxation, we visit the Golden Temple,
which is the Mecca of Sikh religion. The temple with a shinny
pure gold dome is beautifully situated in the center of a
lake (The Holy Tank). And is approached by a causeway .All
around the lake are marble walkways and various other temple
buildings. The community kitchen, which feeds over a thousand
people continuously, is spectacular. The huge utensils to
prepare the food and the chapattis (breads) - 20 to 25 at
a time - are a mind-boggling sight. However, besides the physical
beauty of the place, the strong and tranquil spiritual atmosphere
of the place is soul stirring without being overwhelming.
The constant recitation of the holy book brings a certain
sense of peace to the individual. We walk through the temple
complex and try soak in the atmosphere. We would also have
an opportunity to meet some Sikh religious leaders who would
talk to us about the basic tenets of Sikhism.
Just outside the Golden Temple are various shops that sell
Sikh religious artifacts like swords (decorative), bracelets,
combs, small daggers etc.
During the day, we would also visit the Jalianwala Bagh,
the martyr's memorial where thousands of innocent Indians
were cordoned off by the British and fired. The well where
several Indians jumped to escape the bullets as well as bullet
marks and a museum of pictures can be still seen here.
In the evening we journey 40 Kms to Wagha, the border between
India & Pakistan. Each evening a very impressive lowering
of guards ceremony is performed along with a march past by
soldiers of both countries in synchronization to the accompaniment
of bugles. The soldiers of both countries wear ceremonial
dresses. It is quite a spectacular sight to see the same thing
happening on both sides of the border.
We would be visiting the Golden Temple after dinner. There
happens a spectacular ceremony, where the Sikhs put their
holy book (Guru Granth Sahib) to sleep. The priests carry
the books over their head to place them in a golden palanquin.
The book is then carried to an inner chamber in the Palanquin
to the accompaniment of bugles and drums and the chanting
of the name of the Lord. The palanquin itself is carried by
devotees in turns. It is quite a special sight. The book is
again placed in the main sanctum similarly in the morning.
Overnight At Hotel Ritz (Standard Room)
Day 23: DELHI / DEPARTURE
Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.
Indicative High Season Cost Based on 02 People Traveling
Together: - USD 2943 Per Person
Cost Includes: - Accommodation on Twin sharing basis;
Daily Buffet Breakfast; Home Dinner with Indian Family; Land
Transportation by Deluxe Air Conditioned Toyota SUV in Rajasthan
& deluxe air - conditioned car in Varanasi; Services of
Local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing tours; Accommodation
in First Air- Conditioned Sleeper Class for overnight journeys;
Elephant ride at Amber Fort; Jeep Safari at Rohet; Airfare
for Varanasi / Delhi sector; Boat ride in Udaipur (seat in
a launch)
Destinations India, online reservation for the Tigers, Temples
and Rajasthan Heritage Tour, India. For details please fill
up the form given below.
