Day 01
12th October 2002, Saturday,
Delhi / Varanasi - Hotel Clarks Varanasi
On arrival in Delhi at 0845 hrs transfer to domestic airport and connect flight to Varanasi ( S2115 -1215/1455 hrs). On arrival in Varanasi transfer to hotel. In the evening visit Ramanagar to see the Ramlila. Overnight.
Day 02
13th October 2002, Sunday
Varanasi -- Hotel Clarks Varanasi
Just 9 kms away is the old Buddhist site of Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermons to his first five disciples. You will visit the site with the Dharamasth Stupa and the ruins of an old Buddhist Monastery. Also important are the Bodhi Tree and the Archeological Museum.
In the afternoon visit of western ghats. Then sightseeing of Varanasi. You visit the Durga Temple, commonly known as the monkey temple due to these animals here. Built in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani, the small temple is built in north Indian Nagara Style in red with ochre with a multitiered shikhara. Back to the hotel. In the evening visit Nat Kataiya at Chetganj. Overnight.
Day 03
14th October 2002, Monday
Varanasi -- Hotel Clarks Varanasi
After breakfast excursion to Vindhyachal ( 75 kms one way) to see the Kali temple in a cave. In addition to the Kali temple there are a number of other temples devoted to various gods and goddesses. In the evening again visit of Ram Leela in Ramnagar. Overnight.
Day 04
15th October 2002, Tuesday
Varanasi / Khajuraho - Hotel Chandela
Early morning proceed to the Ghats for a boat excursion on the holy river Ganges. You can see how pilgrims make their sin-cleaning dip in the waters. In all there are over 100 ghats. Women take their bath discreetly in their saris, some people do yoga exercises, the Brahman priests offer blessings and at some special spots dead bodies are burnt. After about 1 hour boat ride you walk through the small lanes leading to the Golden Temple, built in 1776 by Ahaliyabai of Indore. The gold plating on the towers were provided by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore. Return to hotel for breakfast.
At 10:30 transfer to domestic airport to connect flight to Khajuraho ( Jet Airways at 12:20 hrs). On arrival transfer to hotel. - Light & sound show
Day 05
16th October 2002, Wednesday
Khajuraho
Today you visit the famous temples of Khajuraho. These great temples were built between the 9th and 13th century AD., during the reign of the Chandela Rajput dynasty. Originally, there were more than 100 temples built out of sandstone, decorated with charming and lively sculptures from the Hindu mythology. You start with the eastern group of temples, which are predominantly of the Jain faith and continue with the western group which includes the most gigantic and perfect north Indian style of temple, the Khandaria Mahadev. The visit to these temples will definitely open up many secrets of your life and would also be a very practical introduction to the Hindu mythology.
Day 06
17th October 2002, Thursday
Khajuraho / Orccha - Orccha Resort
After breakfast drive to Orccha ( 166 kms). On arrival check in at hotel.
In the afternoon visit Orccha Fort and palaces.
Day 07
18th October 2002, Friday
Orccha / Gwalior - Hotel Usha Kiran Palace
After breakfast drive to Gwalior ( 119 kms). On the way visit Datia and Songiri. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day is free.
Day 08
19th October 2002, Saturday
Gwalior
Gwalior, a town which is topped by Gwalior Fort, one of the mightiest forts in the world. It rises 100 metres above the town and is about 3 km in length.
After breakfast visit the Gujari Palace, formerly a palace (15th cent.), built by Man Singh for his favourite wife Mrignayani. Today it is a museum with sculptures of the Hindu and Jain religions as well as of valuable paintings. You also visit the Fort, which rises 100 metres above the town and is about 3 km in length. There are interesting dates to see as Man Singh Palace (1486-1516), a delightfully whimsical building with 4 stories, also known as "Painted Palace" because of the tiled and painted decorations of ducks, elephants and peacocks. Within the fort walls you see also different palaces, tombs etc as Suraj-kund (pond) with Teli-Ka Mandir, the highest building in the fort as well as the mother and daughter-in-law temples (Sas-Bahu) from 9th/11th cent. - In Gwalior overnight in hotel. If time permits you can have a stroll through the colourful market.
Day 09
20th October 2002, Sunday
Gwalior / Agra - Hotel Trident
After breakfast drive to Agra (118 kms - 2 hrs). On arrival, check in at hotel. In the late afternoon we shall visit the magnificent Agra Red Fort, the seat of Governance of the Mughals for three generations and also visit the famous Taj Mahal built in white marble by the mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved Mumtaz Mahal.
Day 10
21st October 2002, Monday
Agra / Jaipur - Hotel Mansingh Palace
After breakfast drive to the city of victory, Fatehpur Sikri and marvel at the cultural synthesis of the various religions of India in architectural delights at the behest of Akbar the great. Enroute visit Keoldev Ghana bird s sanctuary Bharatpur. Driving after a brief stopover, we reach the capital of Rajasthan also known as the Pink city. This largest city of Rajasthan is also the most bustling city of colourful streets and numerous outlets selling all types of wares.
Day 11
22nd October 2002, Tuesday
Jaipur - Hotel Mansingh Palace
In the morning after breakfast, we shall first go on an excursion to the old capital, Amber or Amer. Enroute we shall have a photo-stop at Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. At Amber, elephant joy-ride upto the Palace complex followed by sightseeing of the palatial buildings. In the afternoon, visit the unique Open-air masonry Observatory followed by a walk to the City Palace with its museums with its art objects, textiles, carpets, paintings, etc.
Day 12
23rd October 2002, Wednesday
Jaipur / Bikaner - Hotel Heritage Resorts
After breakfast drive to Bikaner. On the way visit Nagpaur ( murals in temple ) and Deshnoke (Karni-Mata Temple ). This temple is the only temple in the world where rats (Kabas) are worshipped and the Deity Karni Mata is the family Deity of the Maharajas's family.to Bikaner. On arrival check in at hotel in Bikaner.
Day 13
24th October 2002, Thursday
Bikaner - Hotel Heritage Resorts
You have a full day to enjoy this fast changing desert city. First visit the Junagarh Fort. This fort was started in the 16th cent. and the last portion was built in the last century. The museum has some rare collections and the walls of the various rooms are beautifully painted. In the afternoon enjoy camel ride on the sand dunes.
Day 14
25th October 2002, Friday
Bikaner / Mandawa - Desert Resort
After breakfast Shekhwati region , known for the painted traditional mansion-like houses of the rich Marwaris (better known as the foremost mercantile community of India). The frescoes depict scenes from Indian mythology, life in the villages and some figures depict the English ladies & men folk etc. These frescoes date back to 1800's and most of them were executed between 1860 - 1900. In the afternoon walk through the town to visit the Havelis.
Day 15
26th October 2002, Saturday
Mandawa / Delhi - Hotel Ashok Country Resort
After breakfast drive back to Delhi On arrival check in at hotel.
Early morning transfer to International Airport.
Day 16
27th October 2002, Sunday
Delhi / Out
Fly back home at 0345 hrs.
The net special rates as per ity and the items mentioned by me shall be USD 1045 per person ( Total USD 2090 for the couple ).
Please confirm that I include the following in our quote :
A - services of AC small car as per ity,
B - first class hotels on the basis of one double room with breakfast and taxes,
C - services of a local German specking guide where available failing English speaking guide during sightseeing,
D - assistance of our agency staff,
E - porterage at airport,
F - entrances to sound and light show,
G- boat hire in Varanasi,
H- Elephant ride in Jaipur at Amber Fort.
I - Air tickets Delhi / Varanasi / Khajuraho,
The monument entrances tickets can be paid directly at sites by you ( about $ 58 per person ).
