Classico
De India
Duration : 18 nights / 19 days
Destinations : Delhi - Varanasi- Khajuraho - Orchha - Agra - Jaipur -
Pushkar - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Mandawa - Delhi
Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International airport. On arrival in Delhi, you will be met
by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight will be at hotel.
Delhi is just not a city but it is a book-- a book which narrates the history
of India. The city was built and destroyed seven times and has been witness
to the various events which has brought India through the history books. Seven
times this city went through the pain of being built and rebuilt.
Today as the capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration and the monuments
which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there. These icons are testimony to
the grandeur of past and also an attraction for the tourists. With an area of
1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood. The charm of Delhi
has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poor in equally. It is correctly said
that Delhi is a land of 'Dilwalas' or for people with heart. This phrase acquires
a true colour when one goes around the lanes of Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi - Varanasi
After break-fast you will be transfer to airport to take flight for Varanasi.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In afternoon, take city sightseeing tour.
Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, believed to be founded
3000 years ago, is one of the 7 holiest cities of Hindus. It was a flourishing
trading centre 500 BC when the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon.
A city of great wealth and religious importance when the Chinese traveller,
Hiuen Tsang, visited it in the 7th century. Visit the Vishwanath Golden Temple,
the abode of great God Shiva, Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas
Mandir and Banaras Hindu University.
The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus
for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in
the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older
than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as
old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced
to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle
of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi
are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away
the sins of mortals.
Day 03 : Varanasi
Early morning have boat cruise on river Ganges. Thousands of pilgrims throng
the water's edge, bathing, worshipping and meditating. On stone platforms under
palm leaf umbrellas, the Pandas-Brahmin priests preside over rites and rituals.
The boat trip will cover various ghats including the cremation sites. Because
every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi (Varanasi)and to be cremated
on the banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and
death. Afternoon visit Sarnath Sarnath, 7 km from the city where Buddha preached
his first sermon more than 2500 years ago.
Day 04 : Varanasi - Khajuraho Flight
Transfer to the airport for flight to Khajuraho On arrival, transfer to the
hotel. Rest of the day will be free.
Day 05 : Khajuraho
Full day sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. Khajuraho, once the great capital of
Chandela, now a quiet town, Khajuraho temples here were built during the Chandela
period from 950 to 1050 AD. Almost intriguing as the sheet beauty and the size
of the temples is the question of why and how they were built here as Khajuraho
is isolated, 1000 years ago as it is even today. The temples are superb examples
of Indo-Aryan architecture and depict images of gods and goddesses, warriors
and musicians, real and mythological animals and in great detail - women and
sex.
Khajuraho, once the great Chandela capital, is today a village of about a few
thousand people in the interiors of central India, in Chhatarpur district of
Madhya Pradesh. Tradition records the existence of eighty five temples, of which
only twenty five, strewn amidst lakes and fields, have survived. The temples
at Khajuraho, brilliant examples of medieval Indian architecture, were built
under later Chandela kings between AD 950 and AD 1050. Each ancient structure
in India has a fascinating story to tell. But few match the temples of Khajuraho.
Day 06 : Khajuraho - Orchha
After break-fast you we will move to Orcha by road. On arrival, transfer to
the hotel. Rest of time you do city sightseeing tour. Overnight will be at Orchha.
Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy
to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and
the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries
retain much of their pristine perfection.Orchha was founded in the 16th century
by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land
along the Betwa river as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers,
the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir
Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris.
Day 07 : Orchha - Agra
In early morning we move to Agra on arrival cheek in hotel. Later sightseeing
tour of Agra. Agra, the home of the immortal Taj Mahal, the inimitable poem
in white marble is the first expression of love of an Emperor Shahjehan for
his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was completed in 1653 AD. Agra Fort,
the imposing structure on the banks of the river Yamuna is replete with priceless
examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period, including the beautiful pearl
Mosque; it was designed and built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. Overnight will
be at Agra.
Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World -the Taj
Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces
in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire.
Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town,
with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble
and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons. The city is also
famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.
Day 08 : Agra - Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur (221 kms), en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar
as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Buland Darwaza
the largest gateway in the world.
Thereafter continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur - check into the
hotel. Afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight will be at hotel.
Day 09 : Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts
of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the '
Pink City ' because of the pink-coloured buildings in its old city. It sits
on a dry lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted
by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place
of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. All through, Jaipur has retained
its strong Rajputana flavour tempered by several influences - the mughal being
the most prominent. The region's strong cultural heritage is distinctly evident
even today. The city is a visitor's delight. From the intricate, delicate looking
Hawa Mahal to the graphic forms of the Jantar Mantar - an open air observatory
of outsized astronomical instruments, the Badi Chaupar lined with shopsand business
establishments on both sides to the majestic fort-palace at Amber; from the
colorful fountains of life to the sublime Birla Temple; from the architectural
delight of the City Palace to the serene Jal Mahal.
Day 10 : Jaipur - Pushkar
Proceed for Pushkar after breakfast. Reach Pushkar and check in at the Swiss
Tents / Hotel. Overnight will be at hotel. Rest of day will be spent in PUSHKAR
excursion.
Surrounded by hills on three sides, Pushkar, 11 kms from Ajmer, abounds in temples.
of these the most famous is the Brahma temple - the only temple dedicated to
Lord Brahma in the country. Once a year, during the Kartik Purnima, the entire
region comes alive with a pulsating Camel and Cattle Fair. There is a week long
celebration with an explosion of fun, frolic, games and laughter with threads
of religious fervour. Bedecked and festooned cattle wait in the clouds of sand
and the pious gather at the break of dawn to take a dip in the holy Pushkar
Lake to absolve themselves of all their sins.
Day 11 : Pushkar - Udaipur
Start for Udaipur after breakfast. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom
ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. Relax in the evening. Overnight
is at Udaipur.
Day 12 : Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first
at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory
doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Overnight is at Udaipur.
Udaipur, the city of Dawn, is the Jewel of Mewar -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia
Dynasty for 1200 years. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples,
gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past,
epitomizing valour and chivalry. Their reflection of these building in the placid
waters of the Lake Pichola is an enticing sight.
Day 13 : Udaipur - Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Relax in the hotel and visit the museum of
Umaid Bhawan Palace and MehranGhar Fort. Overnight is at Jodhpur.
At the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales
of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh
Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 mts. above the plains. A
high wall encompasses the city -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with people wearing lovely
multi hued costumes, artistically designed. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a
heady experience with a colourful display of the rich collection of exquisite
handicrafts. The tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered "jutis" or slippers
in suede, camel skin, velvet and leather, beautiful silks, durries, marble souvenirs
from Makrana, an extensive range of useful and decorative items etc., are of
interest. The Mehrangarh fort is one of the most impressive and formidable structures.
Invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding
road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels
with latticed windows These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings
of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs,
miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.
Day 14 : Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
Proceed for Jaisalmer. Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight is at Jaisalmer.
Rising from the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. The
Jaiselmer fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendour.
The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in
its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelies, temples and typical
desert life of men women cattle and camels. The 80 meter high fort, perch on
the hill, houses the entire township within its ramparts. It has enchanting
narrow lanes dotted with exquisite havelis, beautifully sculptured Jain temples
of the 12th-15th century and palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways
-Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. Some of the most exotic mansions
or havelis, all intricately latticed, are strewn all over Jaisalmer each with
a different facade. The Havelis of Nathmalji, Patwon and Salim Singh all in
Yellow Marble of Jaisalmer are exquisite works of art. A camel safari through
the interesting and remote desert villages of Roopsi, Doojasar, Kanoi, Kuldara
and the Cenotaphs of Barabagh can be interesting. The villages are very special,
as different communities inhabit them.
Day 15 : Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of The Golden
City - Jaisalmer. It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temple,
fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately
carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT
- The oldest living Fort in the world. Stay overnight at the SWISS TENT CAMP.
Day 16 : Jaisalmer to Bikaner
Breakfast at the camp. Continue with the safari and reach Bikaner via NAGAUR.
Check in at hotel. Relax in the evening. Overnight is at Bikaner.
Bikaner, the royal fortified city, with a timeless appeal in the North State
of Rajasthan, retains the medieval splendour that pervades the city's lifestyle.
More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding
camels in the world. This city stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed
by a seven-km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and
palaces, in reddish-pink sandstone created with delicacy, bear testimony to
its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful bazaars
and bright and cheerful folks make the visit Bikaner an interesting experience.
Visit the Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 AD by Raj Rai Singh, one of the best
in Rajasthan. It comprises of 37 palaces with pavilions, mosaic courtyards,
carved balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The Shish
Mahal, the Grand Durbar Hall, the 17th century Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal and the
Phool Mahal bring to life the grandeur of a bygone era. The Fort museum has
a rare collection of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts and miniature painting.
Day 17 : Bikaner - Mandawa
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Reach and check
in at hotel. Overnight is at Mandawa.
Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own.
The open-air art galley, as it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora
of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of
this region. It is famous for its Havelis (mansion) built by rich merchants
of the region, display a unique architectural style that evolved around the
courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the women folk and protection from
the heat of the long and harsh summers. The Havelis, painted predominantly in
blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn
their walls.
Day 18 : Mandawa - Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. Also visit Mahensar and Dundlod meeting the local village
chief. Later we leave for Delhi. Reach by evening. Overnight is at Delhi.
Day 19 : Delhi - Home
Breakfast at Delhi. Proceed for a full day tour of Old & New Delhi. Latter
transferred to international airport for onward flight.
Classico De India Reservation Form
Copyright©,
Exotic Travel Package.
All Rights Reserved
