North India Heritage Tour Covered Destination : Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Agra - Jaipur
- Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Delhi Duration : 16 Nights / 17 Days
Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International airport, you will be received and assistance
and you will be transferred to pre-booked Deluxe
/ Luxury hotel. Overnight stay will be at the hotel
Day 02 : Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, take a full day sightseeing tour
of New Delhi and Old Delhi New Delhi visit includes Qutab Minar, one of
the earliest remains of Imperial Delhi (13th century AD) Humayun's Tomb-the
fine monument believed to be forerunner of Taj Mehal, India Gata, Parliament
House, President's House, Secretariat Building, Laxminarayan Temple and
The Connaught Place.
Delhi is just not a city but it is a book--
a book which narrates the history of India. The city was built and destroyed
seven times and has been witness to the various events which has brought
India through the history books. Seven times this city went through the
pain of being built and rebuilt.
Today as the capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration and
the monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there. These icons
are testimony to the grandeur of past and also an attraction for the tourists.
With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood.
The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poor in equally.
It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of 'Dilwalas' or for people
with heart. This phrase acquires a true color when one goes around the
lanes of Delhi.
Day 03 : Varanasi
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to the airport
for flight to Varanasi. On arrival, you will be transferred to you pre-booked
Deluxe / Luxury hotel. Afternoon, you will be take city sightseeing tour.
Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, believed to be
founded 3000 years ago, is one of the 7 holiest cities of Hindus. It was
a flourishing trading centre 500 BC when the Buddha came to Sarnath to
preach his first sermon. Visit the Vishwanath Golden Temple, the abode
of great God Shiva, Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir
and Banaras Hindu University.
The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate
pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi
is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain
say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition,
older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together".
Hindus 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. Abode
of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges
in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.
Day 04: Khajuraho
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to airport
to board flight to Khajuraho. On arrival; you will be transferred to your
pre-booked Deluxe / luxury hotel. Later, take sightseeing tour of Khajuraho.
Overnight will at hotel.
Khajuraho, once the great capital of Chandela, now
a quiet town, Khajuraho temples here were built during the Chandela period
from 950 to 1050 AD. Almost intriguing as the sheet beauty and the size
of the temples is the question of why and how they were built here as
Khajuraho is isolated, 1000 years ago as it is even today. The temples
are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture and depict images of gods
and goddesses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals and
in great detail - women and sex.
Day 05: Agra
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to Agra.
On arrival; you will be transferred to your pre-booked Deluxe / luxury
hotel. Rest of the day will be free.
Day 06: Agra
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, take sightseeing tour of Agra. Agra,
the home of the immortal Taj Mahal, the inimitable poem in white marble
is the first expression of love of an Emperor Shahjehan for his queen
Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was completed in 1653 AD. Agra Fort,
the imposing structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is replete with
priceless examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period, including the
beautiful pearl Mosque; it was designed and built by Emperor Akbar in
1565 AD.
Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders
of the World -the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor 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 craft persons. The city is also famous for its carpets,
gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.
Day 07: Jaipur
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, you will be driven to Jaipur visiting
en-route Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri, the birth story of this beautiful
city is interesting. There, in a grotto in Sikri, lived a Muslim Saint,
Sheikh Salim Chishti by name. Akbar hearing of his renown, asked of the
blessings of a son, and when a son was born, not only was the child named
Salim, the site for a mighty and ambitious project - a city - was chosen
near the residence of the saint erected in k1569. Overnight will be at
your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel.
Day 08: Jaipur
Today after a leisurely breakfast at hotel, you will take excursion to
Amber Fort, set in a picturesque location. Amer is a fascinating blend
of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Built in the 16th century by Raja Mansingh
in red sandstone and white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting
apartments. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh Pol and Temple
of Kali are some of the prominent areas of interest. Elephants are provided
to ascend the fort to visit the complex.
Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly
known as the ' Pink City ' because of the pink-colored buildings in its
old city. It sits on a dry lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded
by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing
metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the
eyes. All through, Jaipur has retained its strong Rajputana flavour tempered
by several influences - the mughal being the most prominent. The region's
strong cultural heritage is distinctly evident even today. The city is
a visitor's delight. From the intricate, delicate looking Hawa Mahal to
the graphic forms of the Jantar Mantar - an open air observatory of outsized
astronomical instruments, the Badi Chaupar lined with shops and business
establishments on both sides to the majestic fort-palace at Amber; from
the colorful fountains of life to the sublime Birla Temple; from the architectural
delight of the City Palace to the serene Jal Mahal.
Day 09: Mandawa
Today after breakfast, in morning you will be driven to Mandawa and on
arrival, check-in at your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel. Rest of the
day visit Havelis in and around Mandawa. Overnight will be at hotel in
Mandawa Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascination
uniquely of its own. The open-air art galley, as it is popularly called,
is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces
of the rich artistic tradition of this region. It is famous for its Havelis
(mansion) built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural
style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy
of the women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers.
The Havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and
indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls.
Day 10: Bikaner
Today after breakfast, in morning you will be driven to Bikaner and on
arrival, check-in at your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel. Afternoon,
you will take sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Overnight will be at hotel
in Bikaner.
Bikaner, the royal fortified city, with a timeless
appeal in the North State of Rajasthan, retains the medieval splendor
that pervades the city's lifestyle. More popularly called the camel country,
the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. This city
stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven-km
long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces,
in reddish-pink sandstone created with delicacy, bear testimony to its
rich historical and architectural legacy.
Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars
and bright and cheerful folks make the visit Bikaner an interesting experience.
Visit the Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 AD by Raj Rai Singh, one of the
best in Rajasthan. It comprises of 37 palaces with pavilions, mosaic courtyards,
carved balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The
Shish Mahal, the Grand Durbar Hall, the 17th century Karan Mahal, Anup
Mahal and the Phool Mahal bring to life the grandeur of a bygone era.
The Fort museum has a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts
and miniature painting.
Day 11: Bikaner
Today after breakfast, in morning you will visit Deshnoke Temple. In afternoon,
you will visit Camel Breeding Farm. Overnight will be at hotel.
Day 12: Jaisalmer
Today morning, after breakfast at hotel you will proceed for Jaisalmer.
Reach and check-in at your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel. Overnight
will be at Jaisalmer.
Rising from the Thar Desert like a golden mirage
is the city of Jaisalmer. The Jaiselmer fort etched in yellow sandstone
stands with all its awesome splendour. The life within the citadel conjures
up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with
magnificent palaces, havelies, temples and typical desert life of men
women cattle and camels. The 80 meter high fort, perch on the hill, houses
the entire township within its ramparts. It has enchanting narrow lanes
dotted with exquisite havelis, beautifully sculptured Jain temples of
the 12th-15th century and palaces.
The fort is approached through four
gateways -Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. Some of the
most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately latticed, are strewn
all over Jaisalmer each with a different facade. The Havelis of Nathmalji,
Patwon and Salim Singh all in Yellow Marble of Jaisalmer are exquisite
works of art. A camel safari through the interesting and remote desert
villages of Roopsi, Doojasar, Kanoi, Kuldara and the Cenotaphs of Barabagh
can be interesting. The villages are very special, as different communities
inhabit them.
Day 13: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The
Golden City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert.
Its temple, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is
a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies.
Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. Stay overnight
at the hotel.
Day 14: Jodhpur
Today morning you will be driven to Jodhpur. The drive is long but comfortable
with a couple of convenient stops and offers you to witness the change
in the landscape as well as the costumes and turbans of the natives. Arrive
in Jodhpur and check-in at your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel. Overnight
will be at the hotel.
At the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city
of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert.
The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky
hill, soaring 125 mts. above the plains. A high wall encompasses the city
-10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. The lifestyle in Jodhpur
is unusually fascinating with people wearing lovely multi hued costumes,
artistically designed. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience
with a colorful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts.
The tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered "jutis" or slippers in suede,
camel skin, velvet and leather, beautiful silks, durries, marble souvenirs
from Makrana, an extensive range of useful and decorative items etc.,
are of interest. He Mehrangarh fort is one of the most impressive and
formidable structures. Invincible from the outside, the fort has four
gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent
palaces with marvellously carved panels with latticed windows These palaces
house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a
superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, miniature paintings
of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.
Day 15: Udaipur
Today in morning you will be transferred to Udaipur. En-route you will
visit Ranakpur temples. Reach at Udaipur and check-in at pre-booked Deluxe
/ Luxury hotel. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the
Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. Relax in the evening. Overnight will be
at Udaipur.
Udaipur, the city of Dawn, is the Jewel of Mewar
-a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia Dynasty for 1200 years. Its kaleidoscope
of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn
with stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past, epitomizing valour and
chivalry. Their reflection of these building in the placid waters of the
Lake Pichola is an enticing sight.
Day 16: Udaipur
After breakfast, you will take morning tour of Udaipur city includes The
City Palace Museum, Sahelion Ki Bari, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, Folk Art
Museum and Jadish Temple. Later in the evening we take a boat ride in
Lake Picchola and drive back to the hotel. In the evening your dinner
venue is the famous Bagor Ki Haveli, on the banks of Lake Picchola, a
heritage property.
Day 17: Delhi
Morning after leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to airport
in time to board flight to Delhi, where we have arrangements of the day
rooms near the airport till your onward flight connections.
The tour includes
a) Accommodation in the prescribed category of hotels on twin sharing
basis with breakfast on regular basis.
b) A/c Transport of high standards with soft beverages and mineral water
served during drives with compliments.
c) Entrances at all the monuments and services of an excellent personal
guide at all the destinations.
d) Assistance upon arrival and departure by our skilled representatives
at all destinations.
e) Meals as prescribed
f) All internal flights and Train (1st A/C).
Exclusions:
a) International Flight From Your Country to India and Back.
b) Any tips for the porters, drivers or the tour guides.
d) Any drinks and beverages during the paid meals, if not specified.