Ganges and Central India Duration of Central India Tours
11 Days
Destinations of Central India Tours - Delhi,
Varanasi,
Khajuraho,
Orchha,
Gwalior,
Agra,
Jaipur,
Day 01: - Arrive Delhi, India
Arrive at Delhi International Airport.
Delhi - A bustling metropolis and a city of 14 million inhabitants,
is also Indias capital. A near perfect blend of the
ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting two parts Old &
New Delhi, is a city with something for everyone. From Forts
and monuments that are almost 500 years old, to modern shopping
malls, nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is Indias
crown jewel.
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our
representative who will present you with a welcome pack including
all necessary documentation and arrange for your transfer
to your hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today,
since most of the International flights arrive into India
close to midnight only. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 02: In Delhi
This morning you are collected from your hotel for full day
tour of Old and New Delhi.
The tour of the 17th-century old city includes the great
mosque of Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the
colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk (Moonlit
Street). Drive past Raj Ghat, the cremation site of
Mahatma Gandhi.
The tour of New Delhi includes the Humayun's Tomb, the precursor
of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath (the
Kingsway,) passing the India Gate (the memorial built
to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the Presidents
House, and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite
from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern
and colourful Hindu temple.
Evening at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover the
city or its many restaurants on your own. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Delhi - Varanasi
This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted
from your hotel to the Delhi airport in time for your flight
to Varanasi.
Varanasi - One of the holiest cities in India, Varanasi is
one of the most important pilgrimage sites and also a major
tourist attraction. It has been the religious capital of Hinduism
since time immemorial. Situated on the banks of the sacred
Ganges, Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization
for more than 2,000 years. Written records of the Skanda Purana
and the Mahabharata mention its existence as long as 3,000
years ago. It is probably the oldest living city in India,
and one of the world's most ancient. Varanasi has been a great
cultural centre, especially in the fields of music, learning
and the craft of silk weaving.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc. Early afternoon, you are collected from your
hotel for a half-day tour of Varanasi.
The tour of this ancient city includes The Bharat Mata Temple,
which has a big relief map of India in marble, the Benares
Hindu University with its art gallery, and the Mosque of Mughal
Emperor Aurangazeb built on the side of an ancient Hindu temple,
bathing ghats, The Kashivishwanath temple, The Durgakund.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Varanasi
Khajuraho
Early morning enjoy a boat ride on the holy river The Ganges.
A highlight of any trip to Varanasi - this incredible scene
as multitudes of devotees comes to the river to pay homage
to the Sun God. The riverfront, as seen from a boat at sunrise,
is a spiritually uplifting sight. Hinduism, deep and mystical,
is everywhere: in a decorated doorway; in a glimpse of a glittering
temple; in the sound of a sacred bell; in the chant of the
priests; and in the fragrance of flower oblations.
Return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast, and early
afternoon, met by our representative and escorted from your
Hotel to the Varanasi airport in time for your flight to Khajuraho.
Khajuraho - Famous for its temples that are India's unique
gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life,
to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression.
Life, in every form and mood, has been captured in stone,
testifying not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to
the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs
under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed
in the short span of a hundred yeas, from 950-1050 AD, in
a truly inspired burst of creativity.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc. Evening at leisure and overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Khajuraho Orchha
This morning you are collected from your hotel for half-day
City tour of Khajuraho visiting eastern & western group
of temples.
Afternoon drive from Khajuraho to Orchha (180 kms/04 hrs.).
Orchha - In the central part of India, once the capital of
Bundela rulers, Orchha is now a village set among a wonderful
complex of well-preserved palaces and temples which date back
to the 16th century. Many of the temples are still in use
and are visited regularly by thousands of devotees who go
there to worship at the shrine of Rama. A relatively undiscovered
spot it is definitely worth visiting Orchha for its peaceful
beauty. Strewn around the area are little shrines and memorials,
each with its own poignant history, each contributing to the
nostalgic beauty that is Orchha.
Upon arrival check-in to the Orchha Resort. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Orchha
Gwalior
Morning at leisure to explore & visit Jahangir Mahal,
Rai Praveen Mahal the Chaturbhuj temple and the Royal Chhattris
by the Betwa river.
Afternoon drive from Orchha to Gwalior (120 kms/03 hrs.).
Gwalior Situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh,
Gwalior is the city of true royals, the Scindias. City is
well known for its majestic fort, considered as one of the
best in the world. The huge Gwalior fort that dominates this
dry & dusty city witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties
which have held sway over the centuries. Once resplendent
in gold mosaic tiles, the main palace, Man Mandir, still exhibits
intricate carvings and art from the 9th century and the dungeons
below give a graphic illustration of the Mogul prisoners
fate. This fort has been described by Babur as 'the pearl
among the fortresses of Hind'.
Upon arrival check-in to your hotel. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Gwalior
Agra
This morning your are collected from your hotel for half-day
City tour of Gwalior visiting the Gwalior Fort, Museum, Rani
Laxmibai Memorial and Tansens Tomb.
Afternoon drive from Gwalior to Agra (120kms/3hrs.).
Agra - The Land of Taj was once the capital
of the Mughal Empire and even today it seems to linger in
the past. Not surprising, for the Mughal emperors with their
passion for building, endowed the city with some of the finest
structures in the world. Agra is an old city and it is said
that its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest thats
finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. In more recent times
Agra came into prominence when Sikandar Lodi made it his capital
city in 1501. Later it passed into the possession of the Mughals.
It was during the time of the third emperor Akbar
that Agra came into its own and later on his grandson Shah
Jehan ornamented the city with that masterpiece of
Mughal architecture - The Taj Mahal.
Upon arrival check-in to your hotel. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Agra
This morning you are collected for half day city tour of Agra
visiting The Taj Mahal - a poem, a feeling of love, in white
marble, is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural
styles. It has been described as the most extravagant monument
ever built for love. Your tour also includes a visit to the
Red Sandstone Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the
16th century, lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost
in the heart of town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the
years of 1565-1573.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Agra
Jaipur
This morning you drive to Jaipur (250 kms/05 hrs.), visiting
Fatehpur Sikri en-route often called the ghost city
, built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as
the capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously
abandoned 13 years later. Later continue your drive to the
Pink City of Rajasthan Jaipur
Jaipur- Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance, and song
with the traditional arts and crafts. It's one of India's
most well planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads,
streets and lanes in a grid system. The great warrior/astronomer
Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's foundation.
Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed specifications
from an epochal Hindu treatise on architecture.
This "Pink City," so called because its buildings
are painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses
the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs. The
royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The
palaces and forts of yesteryear, once witness to royal processions,
now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments, juxtaposition
accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing
people.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Jaipur
This morning, you are collected from your hotel for a city
tour of Jaipur.
Visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds, one
of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually
little more than a façade. The five-story building
was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household
to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.
The City Palace, located in the heart of the old city, is
a large complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and
also houses an interesting museum.
Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient
astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion
for astronomy was even
more notable than his prowess as a warrior.
Your tour also includes a visit to the Amber fort, situated
on the outskirts of the city. Here; you are transported back
in time today, riding like royalty atop elegantly draped and
painted elephants into the high mountain fortress. Amber Fort,
was the ancient capital of the State until 1728 and inside
the fort, you visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of victory glittering
with mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Depart Jaipur - Delhi
Check out of your Hotel at noon and leisurely drive from Jaipur
to Delhi Airport (265kms/05 hrs.) in time for your flight
home.
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