CLASSICAL & CULTURAL INDIA
Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Places to See: Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Gwalior
- Agra - Jaipur - Delhi
Day 01 Delhi:
Arrival at Delhi
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel.
Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis
with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope
- that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 Delhi:
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit
to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort
continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia's largest
mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built
during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour
continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed
from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a
nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects
the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi
is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively.
The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the
life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean
a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast,
is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India.
The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament
building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 03 Delhi - Varanasi:
By Air
Flight : 9W 723
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1040 hr
Arrival : 1150 hr
Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi,
you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River
Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to
be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which
still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems
to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Varanasi, which was in use till
May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of
India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India.
From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one
of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people
every year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The
rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples
and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns
and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the
refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi
- The land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi
is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education.
Some of the world - renowned exponents India has produced in these fields
were schooled in Varanasi's cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds
in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in
precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector's
items across the world today.
Visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi: The great Buddha enhanced the sanctity
of Varanasi by choosing the environs of the city to preach his first sermon
at Sarnath, (only 10 Kms away) after attaining enlightenment. Later, Ashoka,
the great Mauryan Emperor erected magnificent stupas and other buildings along
with his mighty stone pillar, Dharmarajika Stupa. The 110 ft. tall Damekh
Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon.Sarnath has been
a premier centre for Buddhism. It is a rich collection of ancient Buddhist
relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images on display
at the Archaeological Museum (1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. Open all days except Friday)
Enjoy the evening AARTI at the GHATS. The guide will be giving a commentary
to you on the proceedings and meanings of the chants during the AARTI of the
river.
Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.
Day 04 Varanasi:
In the early morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred
river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions
of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500
hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable
city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises.
Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where
at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily
to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces
rise in tiers from the water's edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone
streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place
now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit
the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
Return for breakfast to the hotel.
Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple,
which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit
the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to
the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted
from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls.
Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia.
The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor
Aurangzeb.
Overnight will be in Varanasi.
Day 05 Varanasi - Khajuraho:
By Air
Flight : 9W 733
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1220 hr
Arrival : 1300 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer in time for flight to Khajuraho.
Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous
for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The
name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which
is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to
a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic
architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup,
combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed,
charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured
details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from
ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.
Reach Khajuraho.
Proceed for a tour of the EASTERN & WESTERN TEMPLS. It is best to do
the Eastern set of temples first as the Western set is very interesting and
takes a lot of time. A lot of our guests want some free time at the Western
set as it is really beautiful and quite exhaustive.
Enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the Western Temple Complex. Overnight
will be at Khajuraho.
Day 06 Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Gwalior:
By Road 170 km in 4 hr
By Train
Number : 2001
Departure : 1755 hr
Arrival : 1855 hr
Proceed by surface to ORCHHA after breakfast.
ORCHHA - A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with Palaces and
temples of the 16th and 17th century which have remarkable withstood the onslaught
of time. The city is picturesquely flanked by the River Betwa.
Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Lunch will
be at Orchha and then proceed to the station (12 km away) for train to Gwalior.
(This is a superfast train with airline type seats and snacks / mineral water
is served on board)
Reach Gwalior and check in at the palace.
A little southward of Agra is the ancient city of Gwalior. Centuries of history
can be witnessed even today in its monuments, temples, museums and cultural
traditions. The magnificent Gwalior Fort, with its reflections of art, religion
and military might, is an enduring symbol of this glorious past. The colorful
history of this city dates back to the eight century and is a mosaic of Rajput
clans of the Pratihasas, Kachwahas and Tomars, each leaving their marks on
the city's magnificent monuments. Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend
in 8th century AD when a chief tain known as Suraj Sen was struck by a deadly
disease and cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a gratitude for that incidence,
he founded this city by his name. The new city of Gwalior became existence
over the centuries. The cradle of great dynasties ruled the city Gwalior.
With different Dynasty, the city gained a new dimension from the warrior kings,
poets, musicians, and saints who contributed to making it renowned throughout
the country. The city is also the setting for the memorials of freedom fighters
such as Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi. Today the old settings
stand side by side with the trappings of modernity.
Overnight will be at the palace.
Day 07 Gwalior:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city visiting the following interesting
monuments.
Gwalior Fort: Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates
the city and is its most significant monument. It has been the scene of momentous
events, imprisonment, battles and jauhars. A steep road winds upwards to the
fort, flanked by statues of the Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face.
The magnificent outer walls of the fort still stand, two miles in length and
35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most
invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor Babur
to describe it as "the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind ".
Man Mandir Palace: Built between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh.The tiles
that once adorned its exterior have not survived, but at the entrance, traces
of these still remain. Vast chambers with fine stone screens were once the
music halls, and behind these screens, the royal ladies would learn music
from the great masters of the day. Below, circular dungeons housed the state
prisoners of the Mughals. Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother, Murad imprisoned,
and later executed here. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where in the Rajput tradition,
the Ranis committed mass sati after their consorts had been defeated in battle.
At Man Mandir Palace, a poignant ambience of those days of chivalry and heroism
still lingers in the silent chambers.
Gujari Mahal: Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture.
The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar
for his intrepid Gujar Queen, Mrignayani. The outer structure of Gujari Mahal
has survived in an almost total state of preservation; the interior has been
converted into Archaeological Museum housing rare antiquities, some of them
dating back to the 1st century A.D. Even though many of these have been defaced
by the iconoclastic Mughals, their perfection of form has survived the ravages
of time. Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Shalbhanjika from Gyraspur,
the tree goddess, the epitome of perfection in miniature. The statue is kept
in the custody of the museum's curator, and can be seen on request.
Sas Bahu ka Mandir: Two architecturally beautiful 11th century temples.
Jai Vilas Palace: A splendor of a different kind exists in the Jai
Vilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. Some 25 rooms have
been turned into the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, and in these rooms, so evocative
of a regal lifestyle, the past comes alive. Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure
which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing
Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung
only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked
out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets and antique
furniture from France and Italy are the features of these spacious rooms.
Eye catching treasures include: a silver train with cut glass wagons which
served guests as it chugged around the table on miniature rails; a glass cradle
from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janmashtami, silver dinner services
and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan. These are, besides,
personal mementoes of past members of the Scindia family: the jeweled slippers
that belonged to Chinkoo Rani, four-poster beds and gifts from practically
every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. The Scindia Museum
offers an unparalled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely
India.
Enjoy the spa and overnight will be at the palace.
Day 08 Gwalior - Agra:
By Road 120 km in 2 hr
Enjoy breakfast at the palace and drive to Agra.
Reach Agra and transfer to hotel.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little
village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving
it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra
is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white
marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that
this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that
modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
Relax at the beautiful hotel with a view of the TAJ.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 09 Agra:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder
which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra.
Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife
Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed,
and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design
balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant
domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the
fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect
Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of
the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel
over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing
gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered
better than the Taj.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 10 Agra - Jaipur:
By Road 221 km in 5 hr
Drive to Jaipur after breakfast visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route.
Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's
son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri
his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated
Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar,
who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him
in the year 1568. The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar
ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As
a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri
and built various secular buildings like the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai
palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.
Continue your drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in at Hotel.
Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent
palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts
and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA
warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes.
However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority
locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus,
many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the
British Raj that followed.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated
founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal.
Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that
the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur
is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings.
This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856,
when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince
Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating
religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985,
houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty)
and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly
luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways
include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin
Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony,
which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke
the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 11 Jaipur:
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his
descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where
a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow
but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured
fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years
to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the
lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the
walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City
Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five
observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This
observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The
palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal
was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping
is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery,
tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 12 Jaipur - Delhi:
By Road 260 km in 5 hr
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaars.
Jaipur is renowned for textile block printing, blue pottery, carpet weaving,
semi-precious stones and local crafts which still thrive from the day of Maharaja
Jai Singh's patronage when he designed special areas in the city for the 'bandhanas',
the 'cheepas' and the 'meenakari' workers.
Proceed for Delhi after lunch and reach the airport and board the flight
for home with sweet memories of India.
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