Day 01 DELHI

Arrive Delhi.

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

(Check in time 1200 Noon)

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 DELHI

Full day visit Old Delhi and New Delhi.

OLD DELHI: An ancient walled city. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire: Raj Ghat, the memo -rial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city.

NEW DELHI: This city designed and built by the British in the 1920's - a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. First you will visit two monuments from Delhi's past Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Then your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 Jaipur

Morning visit Amber fort with elephant ride.

AMBER FORT: 11 kms from Jaipur - A marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. The magnificent old citadel, a labyrinth of massive walls and towers, shrouds an exquisite marble palace, pillared and carved glimmering with a million tiny mirrors, which create tantalising reflection effect. The ascent to the fort is on gaily caparisoned elephants.

Afternoon visit

JAIPUR CITY: City Palace Museum - an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art. The Museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and procession, Jantar Mantar (Observatory) - an accurate Observatory built in 1726 AD : Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storeyed wonder with a spectacular pyra midal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 Jaipur / Agra

Leave Jaipur for Agra by surface enroute visiting

FATEHPUR SIKRI : A fascinating ghost town, lies a little beyond Agra the deserted Red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the marble tomb of the Saint Salim Chisti, enclosed by delicately carved marble screens.

After the visit continue your drive, on arrival check in at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.
 

Day 06 Agra

Full day visit city and Sikandra.

AGRA CITY : is the medieval city of the famous 17th century master piece Taj Mahal, which of course is the most splendid of all buildings - perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. It was built in the memory of the beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal of one of the greatest kings Shah Jehan of the Mughal Empire - Agra is not only famous for Taj Mahal but the impressive Mughal Red Fort known as the Agra Fort. (Taj Mahal closed on Mondays)

SIKANDRA : 8 Kms South West of Agra is the tomb of the Emperor Akbar, built in white marble. Built on the outskirts of the city is in its own way, splendid specimen of the Mughal Architecture. Beware of Monkeys!!!

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 Agra / Khajuraho

Transfer to airport in time to connect flight IC 7407 for Khajuraho.

Dep Agra : 1135 Hrs.

Arr Khajuraho : 1215 Hrs.

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Afternoon visit

KHAJURAHO CITY: Founded in the 9th and 10th century by the rulers of Chandela Dynasty, influenced by tantrism, in eroticism becomes a theme of philosophical interest and the aim is submlimation of sexual relationship in the sexual act or "Maithun", women being regarded as the incarnation of the divine energy or "Shakti".

It is also possible that the Khajuraho were influenced by "Kama Sutra".among the temples to visit are the Kandariya Mahadeo, the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple, it soars 31 mts. high.Chaunsat Yogini, the only granite temple and the earliest surviving shrine of the group (900 A.D.) it is dedicated to Kali. Chitragupta temple is the temple dedicated to the Sun God : Surya.

Vishwanath temple, a three headed image of Brahma is enshrined in this temple, and various other temples.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 Khajuraho / Varanasi

Transfer to airport in time to connect IC 7407 for Varanasi.

Dep Khajuraho : 1245 Hrs.

Arr Varanasi : 1325 Hrs.

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 Varanasi

Early morning boat ride on holy river Ganges.

Later visit

VARANASI CITY : The consists of visiting the city temples – the durga temple, better known as the Monkey temple on account of the large number of monkeys residing there and the temple of Vishwanath (or Vesheshwar "Lord of the Universe") are the most sacred spots in the city. Visit will also include Bharat Mata or Mother India Temple and the Benares Hindu University.

Afternoon excursion to Sarnath

SARNATH : 10 kms from the centre of the city, Sarnath symbolises the birth of Buddhism. It was here that Lord Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The Museum at Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles - Archaic, the covering work of sculptors from 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Kathmandu

Full day visit city and Patan.

KATHMANDU CITY: It is the unique and fascinating capital of Nepal. First visit the 2000 year old stupa at Swayambhunath, then drive to the Central Durbar Square where you will see fine examples of Nepalese architectre in Kathmandu's Palace and Pagodas.

PATAN: You drive through the Nepalese country-side and visit Patan, known as the 'City of Grace and Fine Arts' where you will witness interesting and beautiful places of art and architecture. Enroute you will also be able to visit a particularly interesting exhibit and salesroom at the Tibetan Refugee Craft Centre.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 Kathmandu

Full day visit Pashpatinath,Bodhnath and Bhadgaon.

Pashupati : Situated five kilometers east of Kathmandu on the bank of sacred Bagmati river, the temple of lord Shiva Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its super architecture. It is a centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Maha Shivratri. Entrance to the temple precinct is permitted to the Hindus only however, visitors can clearly see the temple and activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river.

Bodhnath : The stupa of Bodhnath lies eight kilometers east of Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient stupa, one of the biggest in the world has the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It was built by Lichchhavi king Mana dev in the fifth century A.D. it is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels.

Bhadgaon : Situated at an altitude of 140 lm, is a home of medieval art and architecture. The urban city covers an area of 4 square miles. Shaped like a conchshell, Bhadgaon means the city of devotees. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. The city lies about 14 kms. East of Kathmandu.

Overnight at the hotel.