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Day 01. Flight
to India (Delhi)
Around midnight arrival in
Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi
is the main gateway for travellers. You are met by an Indo Vacations
representative and transferred to the Hotel.
Day
02. Old - New Delhi
This
morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a
Rickshaw Ride parallel to the
Red Fort through the old city and famous
Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes
"Rajghat", the site where
Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, and
Jama Masjid, the
great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous “Humayun Tomb” which is the first
substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and “Qutub Minar” which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199. Before
we proceed to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we
see the
India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.
Day 03: Delhi - Mandawa (about 270 km)
After having our breakfast we leave the Delhi
and drive to
Mandawa in the
Shekhawati
region. Arrival in Mandawa in the evening. Shekhawati lies in the
North east region of Rajasthan and is the homeland of marwaris. The
marwaris form one of the most important merchant and business groups
in India. Later after having a small break we visit the grand
havellis of the Shekhawati area. The marwaris enjoyed protection by
Maharajas and many of them built grand havellis. The havellis are
mansions, elaborately and attractively decorated with a strong main
entrance. The walls are often covered with murals, local legends and
religious scenes from Hindu Mythology.
Day 04: Mandawa -
Bikaner (about 190 km)
Today we drive from
Mandawa to
Bikaner.
After a short break in Bikaner we visit the
Junagarh Fort
(1571-1611 AD) constructed of red sandstone and marble with kiosks
and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. This imposing
Fort and its palaces are an unforgettable experience for us.
Day 05:
Bikaner - Jaisalmer (about 330 km)
Today we drive through the desert and proceed
for
Jaisalmer.
Very often one can see along the road to Jaisalmer some of the
antelopes of this region. Blackbuck and fast running chinkara are
the most common among them. We have a stop enroute at a village to
observe the traditional life of the villages in
Rajasthan. We arrive
in Jaisalmer in the late evening.
Day 06: Jaisalmer
Sightseeing of the
medieval city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer's crenellated golden sandstone
walls and its narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings
makes this city unique. Jaisalmer is famous for its carved havellis
(grand mansions). In medieval times, its prosperity was due to its
location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia,
Africa and the West. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and
this city remains one of the most exotic city not only in Rajasthan
but in the whole of
India. Some of the visitors called this city "a
living museum". We have a walk through the old city and visit the
Fort and
the Jain temple. In the afternoon we drive around 40 km. away from
Jaisalmer to
Sam dunes
where we enjoy the sunset before we drive back to Jaisalmer.
Day 07: Jaisalmer - Osian -
Jodhpur (about 290 km)
Early morning drive
to
Jodhpur
via Osian. Osian is a great centre of Hindu and
Jain religions. The
oldest Temple here was constructed in 1178 AD. The city was once the
capital of the princely state of Marwar (Land of death). Jodhpur is
the second largest city in Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also known as the
blue city as most of the houses of the old city are painted blue.
The old city is surrounded by a huge 10 km long wall which has 101
bastions and seven gates. Jodhpur lies on the once strategic
Delhi-Gujarat trading route and the marwaris got benefit from the
passing traffic of opium, copper, silk which was traded to China.
Day 08:
Jodhpur
Today we will visit the
Mehrangarh Fort
(majestic fort). Mehrangarh Fort was built on a steep hill and is
among the best in India with exquisitely latticed windows in
residential apartments within. We also visit the
Jaswant Thada, a
royal cenotaph built in white marble. After the sightseeing we have
a walk through the Bazaars of Jodhpur.
Day 09:
Jodhpur - Udaipur (about 290 km)
Today we drive to
Udaipur.
In the evening arrival in Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic
city of Rajasthan. A city built around shimmering, clear, blue water
lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges.
Day 10: Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city
of sunrise. We start our sightseeing with the visit of
Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids of Honour is well laid
out with extensive lawns and shady walks. After the visit of Garden
of Maids we visit a Museum of folk art. This museum has a rich
collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk
musical instruments and paintings on display. After a break we
proceed to
City palace,
the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations of Maharajas added
their contribution, is so carefully planned and integrated with the
original buildings that it is difficult to believe that it was not
conceived as a whole. The museum of the palace includes the
beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian
mythology. Today we have an opportunity to visit a traditional
painting school and see the famous miniature paintings done. In the
evening we have a Boat ride on the lake Pichola. The famous
Lake Palace
of Udaipur was the summer residence of the former rulers. The James
bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made this palace more known in
the west.
Day 11: Udaipur
– Ranakpur (about 98 km)
Today we drive to
Ranakpur.
Ranakpur is known for its superbly carved marble
Jain Temples.
An enormous basement of this temple covers 48,000 sq. feet. There
are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls. The total
number of columns is 1,444, all of which are intricately carved, no
two being alike. The Ranakpur Jain Temples were built during the
15th century.
Day 12: Ranakpur -
Pushkar (about 222 km)
Today we leave Ranakpur and drive to
Pushkar.
Pushkar being one of the most religious places for Hindus has the
atmosphere of an ancient religious town. The only
temple of God Brahma
is in Pushkar thus making Pushkar an important pilgrimage city for
Hindus. Pushkar has become famous in the world due to its Pushkar
Festival which takes place in the month of November when the whole
of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground where
thousands of pilgrims come to bath in the holy water of
Pushkar lake
and the biggest cattle and camel markets take place here where
Farmers, breeders and camel traders buy and sell.
Day 13: Pushkar –
Jaipur (about 155 km)
Today we drive to
the Pink City,
Jaipur.
This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the
great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is
the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious
and semiprecious stones. In the afternoon we visit the
City Palace
which is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a
blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of
the city palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur
Maharajas. We continue to
Jantar Mantar,
a stone observatory, the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable
observatories. Its complex instruments reveals us the secrets of
medieval Indian astronomy.
Day 14: Jaipur
After breakfast we
drive to the ancient capital of
Amber,
laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of
Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly
created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of
an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we visit the
Hawa Mahal
(Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small
casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool
air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without
being seen. In the afternoon we have a walk through the colourful
Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block
printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening
we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit “Laxmi Narayan
Mandir”, a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an
opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony. Today we have dinner
with a presentation of Indian music and dance.
Day 15: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 260 km)
Today we leave
Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of
fields, small towns and villages in direction of Agra. Enroute we
make a stop and visit
Fatehpur Sikri,
which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by
Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed
by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built.
It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water
supply. Late evening arrival in
Agra.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 16:
Agra – Varanasi (by train)
We start today our
sightseeing by a visit to the
Agra Fort,
built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of
this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and
continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who
built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit
of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of
India, the
Taj Mahal,
an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty.
It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a
tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the
Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child.
We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory
home. After the visit of Taj Mahal transfer to Agra Fort Railway
Station for night train to Varanasi, Overnight in Train.
Day 17:
Varanasi
Today in the morning
arrival in
Varanasi.
The rest of the day at leisure. Varanasi is without doubt India’s
most sacred city and thus visited by over one million people.
Varanasi is also called the city of light. Buddha visited this city
in 500 BC.
Optional: A drive
can be organised to
Sarnath (10
km). Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon at
deer park.
Day 18:
Varanasi
In the early morning
we take a boat ride on the Holy River Ganges and enjoy sunrise on
the boat.
Ghats
(flight of steps) and the activities of pilgrims on that are the
principal attraction for visitors to Varanasi. Thousands of pilgrims
and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and
to purify themselves through taking a bath in the holy river Ganges.
In the noon we visit the city of Varanasi.
Day 19:
Varanasi
- Lumbini (about 325 km)
Breakfast at Hotel
in Varanasi. Today we drive from Varanasi to
Lumbini. On arrival
check into the Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel in Lumbini.
Day 20: Lumbini - Pokhara (about 194 km)
In the morning after having our breakfast, we
will drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is the gateway to Himalaya. The
Pokhara valley is the second biggest valley in the central hilly
region of Nepal after Kathmandu. The town of Pokhara itself, at an
altitude of just 900 m on the Seti Khola river is overshadowed by
the fishtail mountain (6999 m), one of the most beautiful mountain
of the world. We will drive further to the north of Pokhara.
Day
21: Pokhara
In the early morning we drive to the north of
Pokhara to the view point and enjoy the panorama view of the
Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains which are only 30 km away from
us. In the morning time these mountain appears to be in the golden
light. After the breakfast in Pokhara we drive 15 km to Begnas lake
and have a Boat ride on the lake. The Begnas lake is the biggest
lake in the Pokhara valley with beautiful surrounding. We can have a
walk here and see the life in the villages of
Himalayas. It is a
home to thick forests, gushing rivers and emerald lakes.
Day 22: Pokhara - Chitwan National Park
Breakfast at Hotel
in Pokhara. After breakfast drive to Chitwan. On arrival transfer
and check into the Hotel. Late afternoon elephant safari at
Chitwan
National Park. Chitwan National Park is the most famous national
park in Nepal which offers 450 species of birds including four
species of deer, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar & many other
wildlife. This park is well known for one horned Rhinoceros & it is
a shelter for few Royal Bengal Tigers. Besides this Chitwan also
supports a great variety of flora & fauna. Dinner at Hotel.
Overnight at Lodge at Chitwan.
Day 23:
Chitwan National Park - Kathmandu (about 194 km)
Today we leave Chitwan National Park and drive
to Kathmandu. Evening is at leisure. We have enough time today to
discover the coloured bazaar of Kathmandu.
Day 24:
Kathmandu Excursion: Swayambhunath, Bodnath, Pashupatinath
In the morning we
start our sightseeing by visiting Durbar Square.
Durbar Square is
the spiritual heart of Kathmandu. The old royal palace at the centre
of the city was surrounded by temples and other important buildings.
This is the most important point in Kathmandu to observe the culture
and religion of Nepal. We also visit the temple of living goddess Kumari. After Durbar Square we will visit Swayambhunath. The stupa
at Swayambhunath is the most important and oldest site of Buddhist
worship in Nepal. Swayambhunath Stupa is famous for the eyes of
Buddha which seem to observing the world from all 4 directions.
After Swayambhunath we visit Bodnath. Bodnath is the largest Stupa
of Nepal. Around the octagonal base of Stupa there are 108 images of
Buddha where prayer ceremonies of Buddhist Lamas are taking place
since over 2000 years. Now we proceed to the temple city of
Pashupatinath which is Nepal’s most important Hindu pilgrim site on
the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple of Pashupatinath is
dedicated to god Shiva.
Day 25:
Kathmandu Excursion: Patan, Bhaktapur
Today we drive to
Patan. Patan was the second largest town in the valley but it has
been absorbed into Kathmandu. Patan was previously known as Lalitpur
(the beautiful city). The famous King Ashoka built the Stupas at
four corners in the 250 BC. The temple architecture here gave this
city fame to be unique and most beautiful. After Patan we proceed to
Bhaktapur, the third biggest city of the valley. Bhaktapur has
preserved its medieval character better than Patan. We visit the
golden door, the Palace of 55 windows (15th century) and Pagoda
Nyatapola (18th century).
Day 26:
Kathmandu Excursion: DakshinKali Kathmandu - Delhi (by air)
Today we drive to Dakshinkali. On the way we
pass through the villages and small localities. Today we see the
rural area where most of the people make their living by cultivating
their fields. The temple of Dakshinkali is a place of pilgrimage for
Hindus where animals sacrifices for the goddess Kali are still
performed. In the afternoon flight to Delhi.
Day 27: Flight to
Home
Around
midnight flight to home destination.
Tour Reservation
To get more
information or to book this tour please submit the
Query Form
or send us an
e-mail ! Your
booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from
your side.
About
Hotels:
We provide you the accommodation as per your
budget mentioned above in the table of hotels category for any of
the booked tour. Hotels provided by us are from budget to luxury
class hotels. The criteria for selecting hotels by us remains the
best value of your money. We also provide you wherever possible
accommodation in heritage hotels. Heritage Hotels are old Palaces,
Forts and Grand mansions of Maharajas which have been later renovated
and converted into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all individually.
Rooms are comfortable, romantic and present the flair of olden Maharaja
days.
Our Services
Include:
Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath and WC
in the
chosen category.
Rooms
on the departure day.
American/continental Breakfast.
Rickshaw
Drive in Delhi.
Elephant Ride in
Amber.
Boat ride on the holy river Ganges.
One
Dinner will be with a presentation of Indian music and dance in
Jaipur.
Services of qualified local guides (English speaking
or languages of your choice)
at every place of sightseeing.
All
Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo
Vacations
representative.
All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an
air-conditioned Car with
driver. For groups an individual air-conditioned bus (Except
Standard Hotels) will be
provided.
Exclusions:
Any Kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills
and Alcoholic
beverages.
Camera Fees (Still
or Movie).
Any Flight Charges.
Monument Entrances.
Unspecified Meals etc.
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by you for your individual trip. |
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If you are willing to travel in a group - the
Group
Departure dates are available
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Check
our
Festival calendar
to know about the dates of various festivals of North
India
during your travel ! |
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India Tours for more Tours &
information on North India |
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interested in the above tour please
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us with the number of participants
and the wished dates to enable us to workout the
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traveled with us. |
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