Hindu Pilgrimage Tour in North India
DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI
Assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 02 DELHI-VARANASI
Morning sightseeing tour of Delhi - believed to have been founded by the Pandava brothers around 2nd or 3rd century B.C., is one of the oldest cities in India. The city has been raised out of ashes and ruins seven times. Be it the Tomars of the 7-8th century or the Ghori's, The Khaljis, the Tughlaqs, the Saiyads, The Lodis, the Moghuls and finally the British rulers, each has contributed to the colourful history of the city.
Among some of the most interesting highlights of your city tour of Old and New Delhi are the Red Fort, the Chandni Chowk and Raj Ghat in the old city area and the Government Buildings, a drive through the majestic Rajpath to the India Gate, the Laxmi Narayan Temple, the Qutab Minar, ISKON Temple and the Chattarpur Temple Complex.
Evening transfer to railway station to board Magadh Express at 2000 hrs to Varanasi. Overnight on board train.
DAY 03
VARANASI
Arrive Varanasi at 0717 hrs. Assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel.
Afternoon excursion to Sarnath - the fabled place bear testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples expounding the principles of Buddhism. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04 VARANASI-AGRA
Early morning boat-ride on Ganges. In Varanasi life and various activities revolve around the river. Life begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims - and devotees - come down to the river to offer early morning prayers. Also visit the famous ghats and enjoy a spectacular view of sunrise from river Ganges. Return to hotel.
After breakfast sightseeing tour of Temples of Varanasi including Kashi Vishwanath Temple: (Non-Hindu are not allowed inside the shrine), Durga Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Durga, consort of Lord Shiva. Bharat Mata Temple: This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and houses one of the most perfect relief of India carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Temple: Built in white marble this unique temple has the whole of Ram Charit Manas (Ramayana) inscribed on its wall. Well laid out landscaping around the temple adds to its beauty and Banaras Hindu University.
Afternoon transfer to airport to board CD 7408 at 1700/1850 hrs to Agra.
Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 05 AGRA
Morning excursion to Mathura. One of the oldest towns situated on the bank of river Yamuna, Mathura is the birth place of Lord Krishna, who is set to be the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu - the preserver of the Universe, according to Hindu belief. Throughout the year, devotees visit the place. The marble galleries adjoining the ghats are of great elegance. In ancient times, Mathura was an important centre of the Hindu, Buddhist and jain faiths. The museum has one of the finest collections of sculpture, terracotta and inscriptions. It is closed on Mondays, but remains open on Holi, Janamashatami, Dussehra, Diwali and other holidays and shall be closed on the following day. Ten kilometers (6 miles) from Mathura is Brindaban, a town of temples with some of the most magnificent shrines in North india.
Later sightseeing tour of Agra city. Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, this beautiful mausoleum is built of pure white marble and is an architectural marvel. Built in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. The building was conceived as a garden tomb with the mausoleum rising at the far end of the complex with the river Yamuna flowing below. Beneath the dome are the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jehan.
Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar over the years 1565 - 1573 with its maze of courtyards, mosques, and private chambers. Most of the buildings originally built by Akbar were destroyed and were replaced by his grandson Shah Jehan. The only surviving structure from Akbar's period apart from the solid sand stone ramparts and the gateway is the Jehangir Mahal. It is the biggest private residence in the complex and its architecture indicates strong influences from Hindu overtones. Nearby are the various buildings, which were built by Shah Jehan, Including the Khas Mahal, The Jasmine Towers, the Octagonal Tower, the Sheesh Mahal, and the Hamam's. Ironically it was within these apartments that Shah Jehan spent his last years when his son Aurangzeb imprisoned him. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 06 AGRA-FATEHPUR SIKRI-JAIPUR
Morning drive to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Mughal India. Among the principal attractions of Fatehpur Sikri are the large audience halls, palaces, the Mosques, the tomb of Salim Chishti, The Panchmahal, and the Buland Darwaza, which is among the biggest gates in Asia.
Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 07 JAIPUR-DELHI
Morning excursion to Amber Fort with Elephant ride. Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the State until 1728. Visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur - the capital of erstwhile Kachwaha Rajputs, Jaipur city was founded in 1727 AD. By the great King Maharaja Jai Singh who was not only a great statesman but also a keen astronomer and an architect. Among the principal sights are the Jantar Mantar or the Observatory, The Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal, The City Palace & Museum and choki dhani. Jaipur is also a major center of precious and semi precious stones, jewellery, cotton textiles and the typical Blue Pottery.
Later transfer to railway station to board Shatabdi Express at 1755/2215 hrs to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 08 DEPART DELHI
In time departure transfer to the airport to board flight back home.
END OF THE TOUR |
