Glories of India – 15 Nights / 16 Days
NEWSLETTER
Explore the deeply spiritual city of Varanasi, see the carvingsof Khajuraho Temples, visit the Taj Mahal- an iconic symbol of love and explore the Forts & Palaces of Rajasthan. Feel the real heartbeat of India travelling on a train and meet the real people.
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The Itinerary
Day 01 To Delhi
Departure from your home country to Delhi.
Day 02 Delhi
Arrive Delhi
Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel by a private-chauffeur driven, air-conditioned car. Check-in at Hotel Oberoi Maidens for 2 nights (First Class Period Hotel; Superior Room).
(Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many empires and each dynasty of Kings has left behind monuments and memories to commemorate the grandeur of bygone days. Very few cities in the world offer such diversity in architectural styles as Delhi. The Old city of Delhi today stands as an epitome of the whole history of Indo-Islamic architecture).
Afternoon enjoy sightseeing of Old Delhi including an exhilarating cycle rickshaw ride to the Jama Masjid through the bustling Chandni Chowk and it’s back roads, which were the centre of the city Shah Jehanabad in the Mughal times. Finally continue onto the Raj Ghat- Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site, before returning to the hotel.
Day 03 To Varanasi
Morning sightseeing of dynamic New Delhi including the impressive Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and the India Gate. Drive past the Parliament Houses and New Delhi.
Evvening transfer to railway station to board your overnight train to Varanasi.
Depart Delhi Shivganga Express 1855 hrs
(Air Conditioned 1st Class Sleeper Carriage)
Day 04 To Varanasi
Arrive Varanasi 0730 hrs
Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Check-in at Hotel Taj Gateway Ganges for 2 nights (First Class Modern Hotel; Standard Room).
(Varanasi is the holiest Hindu City sprawling along the banks of river Ganga. With its array of shrines, temples and palaces rising in several tiers from the water’s edge, Varanasi is one of the most fascinating cities of the world in the East. It is a city of fairs and festivals (celebrating about 400 of them in a calendar year). Since times immorial Varanasi has been the seat of learning).
Afternoon visit Sarnath (8 kms from Varanasi) which has the 2000 years old Bhudhist Stupa and the deer park where Lord Bhudha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
Day 05 Varanasi
Leave for an early morning boat ride on Ganges River to see meditating sadhus and the life on the Ghats of the city. After breakfast visit the city sights including the Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple and Banaras Hindu University.
Evening enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride to see the devotees offering prayers on Ghats.
Day 06 To Khajuraho
Morning transfer to airport to board your flight to Khajuraho.
Depart Varanasi Jet Airways 9W723 1215 hrs
Arrive Khajuraho 1255 hrs
Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Check in at Hotel Taj Chandela for 1 night (First Class Modern Hotel; Superior Garden Facing Room).(Khajuraho is known for its magnificent temples which are the most fascinating examples of Indian Architecture. The architecture of these temples (built in 950 to 1050 A.D) is sublime and sensuous. Interesting stone carved images depict griffins, nymphs, beasts, demons in revolt, gods in cosmic evolution, fear, doubt, jealousy, ardent love and consummate passion. Khajuraho Temples are world famous for the erotic stone architecture).
Afternoon visit eastern and western group of Chandella Temples.
Day 07 To Orchha
Morning at leisure. Afternoon drive to Orchha (approximately 3½ hrs driving time). Check-in at Hotel Amar Mahal for 1 night (Standard Grade Modern Hotel; Deluxe Room)
(Orchha is set on an island in the Betwa River amidst beautiful forested surroundings. It was founded in the 16th century and then abandoned in the 18th century. Evocative palaces, temples and chhattri cenotaphs stand next to a sleepy village. The fort complex is approached by an arched bridge that leads to the Raj Mahal. It has sober facades crowned by chhatris, and contains an extraordinary interior. The most striking decorative features are the subtle murals. Richer still in its
ornamentation is the later Jehangir Mahal that is adorned by delicate chhatris, trellis work, jali screens and tiles, all introduced by two stone elephants at the main gateway. Other memorable monuments include the soaring spires and the murals of the three temples).
Day 08 To Agra via Jhansi
Morning visit will include the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Laxminarayan Temple, look out for the glorious world famed murals from the Bundela School of painting.
Afternoon transfer to Jhansi railway station to board your train to Agra.
Depart Jhansi Bhopal Shatabdi Express 1755 hrs
(Air Conditioned Executive Chair Car)
Arrive Agra 2025 hrs
Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Check-in at Hotel Taj Gateway Fatehabad Road for 2 nights (First Class Modern Hotel; Standard Room).
(Agra grew in prominence under the rule of the Mughal Empire in 1526, reaching its zenith between 1556 and 1658, under the successive rules of Akbar, Shah Jehan and Jehangir. Akbar’s reign was memorable in the city’s history when it became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture, drawing intellectuals and artists to its Durbars and Haveli).
Day 09 Agra
Early morning enjoy memorable sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal to watch the sun awaken the day and distant memories of love.
After breakfast explore Agra Fort seeing the many varied architectural styles of the complex, built by successive Mughul rulers. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah.
(The 17th century Taj Mahal is a marble mausoleum built by Shah Jehan for his Empress Mumtaz Mahal. The construction is believed to have taken 22 years to complete with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. However many images you may have seen of the Taj Mahal, the reality is still breathtaking, its scale stupendous and its surface ever changing with the light).
(The Red Fort or Agra Fort, on the banks of the River Yamuna, is surrounded by high red sandstone walls. It was built by successive emperors from the 1570s and combines Akbar’s walls and tiled gates with Shah Jehan’s delicate Pearl Mosque and once-elegant palace. Other attractions here include The Diwan-i-Am, the Diwan-i-Khaas and Jodhabai’s Palace).
(The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Duala is situated opposite the Taj Mahal, on the other side of the River Yamuna, and houses a magnificent mausoleum of Ghias Beg, the father of Empress Noor Jehan).
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 10 To Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri
Morning drive to Jaipur (approximately 6 hrs driving time), en-route visiting the deserted mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.
(Fatehpur Sikri, about 37kms from Agra, was one of the capital cities of the Emperor Akbar, and derives its name from the fact that Akbar marched from here and conquered Gujarat in 1652. The city is rectangular in shape with nine huge Darwazas or gates. The whole complex is made of red sandstone and is an architectural masterpiece, which has been declared a world heritage site. Also situated here is the tomb of the famous Sufi Saint, Skeikh Salim Chisti).
Check-in at Hotel Shahpura House for 2 nights (Standard Grade Royal Residence; Suite Room).
(Jaipur – designed by a young Bengali architect in 1727, is the only city in the world symbolising the nine divisions of he universe. Jaipur is also known as the Pink City of India. Palaces, Forts, sublime architecture with a strong influence of Hindu, Jain and Mughal styles make Jaipur most interesting. Colourful bazaars and warm people are the pride of Jaipur).
Day 11 Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort where you will ascend this hilltop Fort on elephant back.
(The 10th century Amber Fort is ringed by hills, with ramparts guarding all approaches and watchtowers set at strategic points. Windows pierce the high walls at points impossible to break in from the outside, and staircases are deliberately narrow so that they could be held by a single warrior allowing members of the royal family and the army to flee to more strategic locations of special interest in the fort is the Sheesh Mahal or Hall of Mirrors. It is a sumptuous apartment made opulent through tiny mirrors studded into its walls and ceiling. It glows like a jewelled cavern in the early morning or evening light, but with all doors closed and a candle lit at its centre, transports you into the heart of a diamond).
Afternoon sightseeing of Jaipur visiting the Palace of Winds, City Palace Complex and the Jantar Mantar Observatory.
Day 12 To Deogarh
Morning drive to Deogarh (approximately 6 hrs driving time). Check-in at Deogarh Mahal Palace for 2 nights (Standard Grade Heritage Hotel; Standard Room).
(Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel by the present owner Rawat Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his king. The family is closely associated with the hotel and personally supervises and monitors the on goings. The care is reflected in the minute details which have made Deogarh a benchmark of Heritage Hospitality in Rajasthan. Every guest here is special and is treated with the customary Mewari hospitality).
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 13 Deogarh
Day at leisure to relax in the hotel’s swimming pool and jacuzzi. Enjoy an optional Ayurvedic massage from Keralan trained masseuses, work out in the gym or simply walk in the beautiful grounds.
Day 14 To Udaipur
Morning drive to Udaipur (approximately 3 hours driving time). Check-in at Fatehgarh Palace Hotel for 02 nights (First Class Heritage Hotel; Renaissance Rooms).
(Cradled in green hills and surrounded by lakes, Udaipur with its marble palaces, is romantic and is referred to as the “Venice of the East”. It was founded in the 16th Century and has elaborately planned gardens and island palaces that sparkle on artificial lakes).
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 15 To Udaipur
Morning sightseeing of Udaipur visiting the City Palace Museum, Sahelion-ki-Bari and the Jagdish temple.
(The City Palace Museum built in 1725 is the largest is Rajasthan and famous for its ornate decorations . Its white exterior weathered to ivory, stands on a ridge overlooking the lake. The sprawling structure has preserved its harmonious design, enhanced by massive octagonal towers surmounted by cupolas and connected by a maze of narrow passageways. The rooms of the palace contain beautiful paintings, colourful enamel, inlay glasswork, and antique furniture. The City Palace is actually one of a complex of palaces, two of which have been converted to hotels and one of which houses the current Maharaja).
(Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour) is a beautiful garden with colourful fountains having its carved pavilions an monolithic marble elephants. In the 189th Century, men were forbidden in this garden, where their queens and their ladies-in-waiting came to relax, though the king still found his way in).
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 16 Homeward Bound
Morning transfer to airport to board your flight to Mumbai, than change your flight to your onward destination.
