01 Day: Delhi
On arrival at Delhi International airport you will be
met by our representative and transferred to the hotel,
where we will be holding the rooms on ready occupancy
basis. Overnight at the hotel.
02 Day: Delhi
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city
visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a
marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque
in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal
fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw
ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk,
the city tour continues covering New Delhi, visiting
Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the
British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised
in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the
Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas,
one of India’s leading industrial families; Humayun’s
Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple , Qutub Minar
, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty;
in the evening you can visit see speculative Light and
Sound Show at Red Fort. Return to the hotel for overnight
at the hotel.
03 Day:
Delhi - Varanasi (By Air)
Early morning after breakfast transfer to the airport
to board the morning flight to Varanasi, arrive at Varanasi
in the afternoon. On arrival transfer to the hotel Relax
for some time. Later take an excursion tour to Sarnath
- 10 kms visit the deer park and Bodhi Tree where Lord
Buddha perched his First Sermon, visit the Dhamekh Stupa.
Drive back to Varanasi, Overnight at the hotel in Varanasi.
04 Day:
Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges at dawn when it
is full of pilgrims is an amazing place to witness the
living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most
important religions. While on the boat you will also
see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindi
Rituals. After lunch visit to Banaras Hindu University
- probably the largest residential university in Asia,
in the university visit Bharat Kala Museum. Later proceed
on a tour of the temples of Varanasi visiting the Golden
Temple dedicated to lord Shiva, the Durga temple dedicated
to goddess Durga. Interestingly the Durga Temple is
also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number
of monkeys found in the Temple premises, In the evening
you can take a walk through the narrow lane to explore
and colourful market of the ancient city. Rest of the
evening free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
05 Day:
Varanasi - Khajuraho (By Air)
Morning after breakfast day free for leisure. Later
checkout and transfer to the airport to board the afternoon
flight to Khajuraho, arrival in Khajuraho early afternoon.
On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later visit Western
group of Temples consisting of the massive Laxman Temple
dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples
dedicated to Vishnu’s consort Laxman, the Kandariya
Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chausath
Yogini temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Also visit
Archaeological museum with its collection of stone sculptures
of the Chandela dynasty. Return to the hotel for overnight
06 Day:
Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh (280 kms - 8 hours):
Early morning visit Eastern group of Temples and visit
the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti
Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman
both dedicated to lord Vishnu. Later check out and drive
to Bandhavgarh, On arrival transfer to the Jungle Lodge
for relaxation. In the evening enjoy campfire and meeting
with the jungle experts. Overnight at the lodge
07 Day:
Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh, prior to becoming a National park, the
forest around Bandhavgarh, had long been maintained
as a Shikargah, or game preserve, of the King of Rewa.
The park is spread over in of 437-sq-kms.One can enjoy
viewing the wildlife by two ways to explore wildlife
life adventure one is by Jeep Safari and another one
if by Elephant Safari.. Jeep safaris are undertaken
during the early morning hours till evening with a naturalist.
Elephant safari trips are organised for tiger tracking
early in the morning. Today take a Jeep Safari to explore
the wildlife to see Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara,
Wild Boar and sometimes a Fox or Jackal. After Jungle
safari return to the jungle resort and visit Kalchuri
Archeological remains, Bandhavgarh, is also famous for
the archaeological remains of the Kalchuri period that
have been found here. Evening, talk by a conservationist
and tiger expert. Dinner and overnight at the jungle
lodge.
08 Day:
Bandhavgarh
Today morning take a Elephant Safari in the park to
spot the Tiger. if you are lucky one, you can see one
out of 25 resident tigers was noted for its high density
tiger population, the park is known for its' white tigers,
Bandhavgarh park is covered with fine trees of Sal,
while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches
of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend
to the north. The main wildlife viewing is still done
in the core of the park with its 32 picturesque, wooded
hills. later return to the Jungle resort. Afterwards
visit to Bandhavgarh Fort the park area is hilly and
is dominated by the majestic Bandhavgarh, fort, built
in 14th century. The fort and the adjacent hills have
a large number of caves belonging to the pre-historic
period. Evening recap of the day’s activity, see
the activities of Tiger Trust supported by the Lodge
and walk through Medicinal Plant garden, study conservation
practices of the Lodge such as solar cooking, solar
water heating, vermiculture, and study the unique architecture
of the Lodge, which is mud huts, and a unique Indian
Village. A lecture on astronomy will follow, including
stargazing with a telescope. Overnight and dinner at
the jungle lodge.
09 Day:
Bandhavgarh - Jabalpur (200 kms - 5 ½ hours)
Morning check out the jungle lodge and drive to Jabalpur,
on arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take
a sightseeing tour of Jabalpur visiting Marble Rocks
and for the city resting on the banks of the Narmada
River. After a picnic lunch at the grounds of the Marble
Rocks, board a rowboat for the leisurely trek 2 kms,
up the gorge and wait viewing the rocks by moonlight.
The Marble Rocks are gleaming white, though are said
to change colours as the sunsets. They are very, very
impressive. Return to the hotel for overnight.
10 Day:
Jabalpur - Jhansi - Orcha (By Train)
Morning after breakfast day free for leisure. Later
checkout and transfer to the railway station to board
the evening train to Jhansi, arrival at Jhansi next
day in the afternoon. On arrival transfer to Orcha 20
minutes drive. Overnight at the hotel.
11 Day:
Orcha
Morning is free for rest. In the afternoon take a sightseeing
of Orcha visiting Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Raj Praveen
Mahal, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Narayan
Temple, Phool Baugh, Dinman Hardaul's Palace, Sunder
Mahal, Cenotaphs, Shahid Smarak. Orcha Palace and Panoramic
view of Betwa River. Overnight at Orcha.
12 Day:
Orcha - Gwalior - Agra (280 kms 5-6 hours)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Agra en route
visiting the seven storied of palaces of Datia. Later
proceed to Gwalior. On arrival in Gwalior visit the
majestic Gwalior fort is one of the largest and mightiest
forts in India. Also visit Sas-Bahu Temples are 11th-century
temples of Lord Vishnu while Teli-ka-Mandir is a 300-metre-high
Vishnu temple of the 9th Century. One can have lunch
at Gwalior & proceed to Agra, on arrival transfer
to the hotel. Evening free to relax, overnight in Agra
13 Day:
Agra
Early visit to witness incomparable Taj Mahal with its’
speculative view at the time of Sunrise Taj Mahal, the
architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument
is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural
styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Taj,
endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the
world. The tour continues with a visit to the Agra Fort
from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj
from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which
lies, across the river Jamuna. Later visit the Pearl
Mosque and the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula built by Empress
Noorjehan in memory of her father. In the evening you
may visit to the souvenirs market of Agra, one should
visit Oswal Emporium where they have built a Mini Taj
Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10 years for
the artists to complete the mini replica of the Taj.
The show room conducts free sound & light show showing
the eras of Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on
every Friday.
14 Day:
Agra - Jaipur (230 kms - 5 hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Jaipur en route
sightseeing of Old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty -
Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honour of Saint
Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor
Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with
originality. Each important edifice here represents
a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane Khas;
Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland
Darwaza. After visit continue to proceed to Jaipur.
On arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening free for shopping
and relaxation. Overnight stay at Jaipur.
15 Day:
Jaipur:
Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an
excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city,
enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and
from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart
of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal
architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar
Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built
by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of
Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch
the royal processions without being seen, all monuments
are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of
Jaipur. Later late afternoon is kept free to visit the
famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts.
Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. One can
also visit Nahargarh Fort to see it illuminated over
the floodlights. Late evening visit to Chokhi Dhani
ethnic 5 Star resort with ethnic village ambience to
enjoy traditional or continental dinner enjoying puppet
shows, folk dances, games, camel ride. Return to the
hotel for overnight.
16 Day: Jaipur - Jodhpur
(340 kms - 6 to 7 hrs):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Jodhpur en route
visit the only Temple of Lord Brahma on the bank of
Pushkar Lake surrounded by the Ghats and one can see
devotees praying and taking a dip in the holy water
of Pushkar Lake. Later proceed to Jodhpur, on arrival
transfer to hotel. Later take an excursion tour to the
Heritage Palace of Balsamand - 20 kms away over looking
the lake of Balsamand. In the evening you may opt to
visit On the Rocks a garden restaurant serving ethnic
food followed by live music and folk dance, located
at Ajit Bhawan. Later return to the hotel for overnight
stay.
17 Day: Jodhpur - Bishnoi
Village – Jodhpur (Excursion 25 kms 45 min)
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jodhpur
including Clock Tower, Mehrangarh Fort situated at an
altitude of about 125 meters and is spread over an area
of 5 sq. km and it has seven gates, Jaswant Thada is
a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja
Jaswant Singh, followed by visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace
which is a majestic Palace building that presently functions
as a hotel and museum. Later take an excursion to Bishnoi
Village, the villagers known by cast “Bishnois”
Protectors of animals, wildlife and tree, there is a
list of 29 rules, among other things don't kill any
animals, don't cut down green trees, take from the fields
only what you need, etc. These 29 rules (Bish-noi means
'29' in the Hindi language) forms the base of the Bishnoi-philosophy.
Of course they are vegetarians and therefore they have
great respect for all living things. Sure they keep
buffaloes, sheep and goats but only for the milk, the
wool and the manure. Later visit to the local handicrafts
viz shoe makers, pottery hand weaving clothes and also
men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral
silver Jewellery, en-route watch and photograph wildlife
black buck, chinkaras, peacock etc. freely moving in
abundance of care by villagers. Later drive back to
Jodhpur for overnight stay
18 Day:
Jodhpur - Bikaner (240 kms 5 hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Bikaner. On arrival
transfer to the hotel. Later take a sight seeing tour
of Bikaner covering Junagarh Fort - constructed between
1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 meter
long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bandh
Sagar Temple - The 16th century Jain temple, is the
most important of this temple complex, take an excursion
tour to Deshnok to see the Temple of Karnimata - at
this temple rats are held sacred & roam freely within
the temple complex. Spotting a white rat in this temple
is believed to by lucky. Return to the hotel for overnight.
19 Day:
Bikaner - Mandawa (190 kms - 3 ½ hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Mandawa. On arrival
transfer to the hotel. Later visit compact little town
of Shekhavati region comprising of Forts and Havelis
of beautiful frescoes. While touring this town a painted
arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows
leads to the bazaar. Its Havelis still bear witness
to the rich & prosperous Marwari era of the 19th
century. Worth visiting are the Aath Haveli complexes,
Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli &
Chokhi Haveli. Evening enjoy folk dance and music while
you dine at the courtyard of the Resort. Overnight at
hotel
20 Day:
Mandawa - Delhi (260 kms - 5 hours) Delhi - Back home:
After a relaxing morning, including a well-deserved
sleep. Checkout and drive to the Delhi. On arrival transfer
to International Airport to board the schedule flight
back home in the evening. On departure the tour concludes
with happy memories.
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