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This tour goes to the famous cultural hotspots of India namely DELHI, AGRA, VARANASI & KHAJURAHO. Additionally you get a flavour of the SANGAM (Kumbh Mela fame where three most important rivers of India meet) and the old cities of Bhubaneshwar & Kolkata. Enjoy the heritage train ride at Darjeeling and the beautiful imperial hotels at some of the locations. The tour was conceived by the BERNICKS & KRAKOFFS of USA.


Day 01
Arrival at Delhi:

You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Visitor's Feedback On This Tour

Dear Durjay, Now that we have arrived back home, I just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time on our India trip - in spite of the Darjeeling adventure. Every one of your people was terrific and we had a good feeling that someone was watching and protecting us all the time. Since we were in some odd places, that was very important. Any feedback you want or need, please do not hesitate to ask me. All in all, it was a great experience and we learned a lot about your fascinating country. Also, I would not hesitate to recommend that your clients spend time in Bhubaneshwar, Lucknow or Calcutta. They are all very interesting; have lots to see and good hotels. I will most happily recommend your services to people here and hope that you continue to be busy. All the best, Jane Bernick

Day 02
Delhi:

After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.

Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.

People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.

Enjoy the WELCOME DINNER at BUKHARA - one of the finest INDIAN MUGHLAI RESTUARNTS in India and my favorite in the evening.

Overnight will be in Delhi.


Day 03 Delhi - Agra:
By Road 201 km in 4 hr

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Start by 10 AM for Agra and reach by mid afternoon.

SIKANDRA - This beautifully maintained monument is where EMPEROR AKBAR was buried. It is a very low profile monument but it has one of the most awe - inspiring tombs. It is surreal how one of the greatest emperors has been put to rest. The manicured lawns has spotted and other varieties of deer roaming in them.

Visit the tomb and then proceed to the hotel.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.

AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.

Enjoy the hotel. Overnight will be at the hotel.


Day 04 Agra - Jhansi:
By train Train Name : SHATABDI EXPRESS
Departure : 0812 hr
Arrival : 1039 hr
Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho
By Road 175 km in 4 hr

Visit TAJ MAHAL at sunrise.

TAJ MAHAL - Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.

Take packed breakfast and proceed o the station for boarding rain to JHANSI.

Reach and drive to Orchha for sightseeing.

It is a medieval city founded by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century - which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory of the kings and the place is flanked by the river BETWA.

Enjoy your lunch at Orchha.

Drive to Khajuraho and reach by early evening.

Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.

In the evening enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the temple complex.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 05 Khajuraho:

Breakfast would be at the hotel.

Visit the Eastern temples before lunch with the newly excavated site. Visit a village and the school.

Enjoy lunch and then proceed to see Western set of temples.

In the evening visit SHILPAGRAM and enjoy the dance program.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 06 Khajuraho - Varanasi:
By flight Flight Number : 9W 724 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1330 Hrs
Arrival : 1410 Hrs

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed to the airport for flight to Varanasi.

Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the VARUNA and the ASSI, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Varanasi, which was in use till May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue and soul stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi - The land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world - renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi's cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector's items across the world today.

Visit Sarnath ? 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

Enjoy the museum at SARNATH and return by late afternoon.

Overnight stay will be at Varanasi.

Day 07 Varanasi:

Morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed for guided tour of Varanasi.

Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

In the evening visit the GHATS for the evening ceremony and the cremations.

Overnight will be at Varanasi.

Day 08 Varanasi - Lucknow:
By Road 295 km in 5 hr

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Drive to Lucknow and reach by afternoon.

The upcoming METRO CITY of Lucknow is a hallmark of cultural extravaganza, known all over the world for its many splendors. A city that has a magical charm, a charm that's forever and a charm that's apart. Be it the cultural charm or the monumental one - all is well conserved here to make Lucknow "The city of many splendors".

Walking through the lanes and by-lanes of Chowk and Aminabad one finds Lucknow of yore. The 'TEHZIB' or mannerism is still prominent and a topic of great appreciation. This is a city that still speaks the language of "YOU SIR" and the dictum of "YOU FIRST" is still a part of everyday life for a true Lakhnawi - and so natural it is - AADAB or salutation which has its own sophistication and style. Dress forms though have changed noticeably in the span of a century, yet the beauty and charisma of CHIKAN - the intricate and delicate hand embroidery, still rules the wardrobe. Lucknow is in fact among a few cities that duly understands the grace of the 'dupattas' or the covering cloth. Wisdom, women and wine are the three things truly understood and respected by the Nawabs. Not a thing of condemnation but an institution it was the "KOTHAS", where sons of Nawabs were deliberately sent to learn the culture, sophistication and respect for the fairer sex. Love was found in either Paris or Lucknow - a proof of this is the lover's lane in the posh modern Hazratganj. These lanes were used as a meeting place for the lonely hearts to escape the monitoring eyes of their parents.

Relax at the hotel and enjoy a cultural evening.

Overnight will be at Lucknow.

Day 09 Lucknow:

Proceed for sightseeing of the city after a relaxing breakfast.

BARA IMAMBARA: The hall built by Asaf-ud-Daula for famine relief, is one of the largest in the world. There are excellent views of Lucknow from the top of the Imambara. An external stairway leads to an upper floor laid out as an amazing labyrinth known as the bhulbulaiya. The dark passages stop abruptly at openings which drop straight to the courtyard below. There's a mosque with two tall minarets in the courtyard complex and to the right of this is a well which is said to have secret tunnels opening into. The Imambara is open from morning to 6pm.

RUMI DARWAZA (GATE): This huge 60-feet-high door was also built by Asaf-ud-Daula. It is also called the 'Turkish Darwaza,' it is the entrance to the Bara Imambara. It is a massive gate on the western side of the front of Bara Imambara.

CHOTA IMAMBARA: Hussainabad or Chota Imambara, was built by Mohammed Ali Shah in 1837 as his own mausoleum. The appeal of this structure lies in its furnishings comprising exquisite chandeliers of Belgium glass. The glittering brass-domes and ornate architecture of this building made a Russian Prince call it the "Kremlin of India." It contains the tombs of Ali Shah and his mother. A small bazaar, known as the Gelo Khana or "Decorated Place", lies inside the imposing entrance of the Imambara.

CLOCK TOWER: It is located very near to the Rumi Darwaza. Built in 1881 by the British, this 67 m-high clock tower on the river Gomti is said to the tallest clock tower in India. The tower has European style artwork. The parts of the clock are built of pure gunmetal and the pendulum hangs 14 feet. The dial of this clock is shaped like a 12-petalled flower and has bells around it.

SHAH NAJAF IMAMBARA: It holds the tombs of Ghasi-ud-Din Haidar and his two wives. Situated on the south bank of Gomti towards the west of Sikandar Bagh, the building is almost an exact replica of the tomb of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, at Najaf Ashraf in Iraq. The interior is used to store chandeliers, and elaborate creations of wood, bamboo and silver paper which are carried through the streets during the Muharram Festival. It is open from 6am to 5pm.

RESIDENCY: Built in 1800 by Saadat Ali Khan for the British Resident. There is a model room in the main Residency building which is worth visiting and a small museum on the ground floor. This group of buildings became the stage for the most dramatic events of the 1857 Mutiny the Siege of Lucknow. There is cemetery near by with graves of those who suffered in the mutiny. The Residency is open from 9am to 5.30pm.

NOOR BAKSH: Noor Baksh Kothi (Light giving palace) is in Lal Bagh area next to the Methodist Church and now known as Noor Manzil. It was believed to be built by Saadat Ali Khan as a school for royal children. Some say Agha Mir - the then Prime Minister was its owner. Rafi Us Shan, son of Muhammad Ali Shah made this his residence till the end of Nawabi rule. Now it houses a psychiatric clinic for the mentally disturbed.

CHATTER MANZIL: The two Chattar Manzils near the Begum Hazarat Mahal Park, on the banks of the Gomti were Royal pavilions. The name comes from the gilt chattars or umbrellas atop the two main buildings. The Greater Chattar Manzil was once a king's palace. Under the existing river terrace was the ground floor with the tykhanas (cool underground rooms), cooled by the waters of the Gomti which lapped against its outer walls. Considering their size, surprisingly little is known about the Chattar Manzil Palaces. Today this building houses the Central Medicine Research body. The Lal Baradari was also the part of Chattar Manzil and was built as Coronation Hall and Durbar Hall.

In the evening take a horse drawn carriage ride in the old city.

Overnight will be at Lucknow.

Day 10 Lucknow - Delhi:
By Flight Number : S2 6138 (Air Sahara)
Aircraft : CRJ Jet
Departure : 0735 hr
Arrival : 0835 hr
Delhi - Bhubaneshwar:
By Flight Number : IC 877 (Indian Airlines)
Aircraft : Airbus 320
Departure : 1145 hr
Arrival : 1345 hr

Take morning flight to Delhi.

Breakfast will be served on the flight.

Reach and take connecting flight to Bhubaneshwar.

Bhubaneshwar is the capital city of the modern state and ancient Kingdom of Kalinga. It is also popularly known as the "Temple City of India". Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or 'Lord Lingaraj', Bhubaneshwar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Hundreds of temples dot the landscape of the Old Town, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Bhubaneshwar is the place where temple building activities of Orissan style flowered from its very inception to its fullest culmination extending over a period of over one thousand years. The new Bhubaneshwar with its modern buildings and extensive infrastructure perfectly complements its historic surroundings. With facilities to cater to every type of visitor, Bhubaneshwar makes an ideal tourist destination.

In the afternoon visit the Lingraja Temple of Shiva and Mukteshwara Temple.

Overnight will be at Bhubaneshwar.

Day 11 Bhubaneshwar:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed for a full day excursion to Puri.

Puri is not only one of India's holiest pilgrimage centers, it is also gifted with a fabulous coastline and lovely beaches.

En-route visit DHAULI, PIPLI and BALAKATI - HIRAPUR. The tribes and textiles of these areas have a long history.

Overnight will be in Bhubaneshwar.

Day 12 Bhubaneshwar:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Visit the craft villages and RAGHURAJPUR in the morning.

In the afternoon visit KONARK temple and the famed dance school.

Overnight will be in Bhubaneshwar.

Day 13 Bhubaneshwar - Calcutta:
By Flight Number : IC 7541 (Indian Airlines)
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1225 hr
Arrival : 1320 hr

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Take flight to Calcutta around noon.

Calcutta, now named KOLKATA is one of the oldest cities of India and used to be the British Capital of India. Once it was a flourishing city and port before Bombay gained importance. It is rightly named "The city of Joy" as the city is known to be home for the homeless from the perched villages of Eastern India.

Reach and check in at hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Calcutta visiting the KALI TEMPLE at KALIGHAT first. This is the most famous KALI TEMPLE in Calcutta and considered very sacred by the followers.

Relax in the evening.

Overnight will be at Calcutta.

Day 14 Calcutta - Bagdogra:
By Flight Number : 9W 617 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1210 hr
Arrival : 1310 hr

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Take flight to BAGDOGRA and drive to Darjeeling.

Years ago the mountain spurs, on the slopes of which the hill station of Darjeeling now stands, formed a part of the independent kingdom of Sikkim and was covered with dense forest. The town of Darjeeling alone now has thousands of people belonging to different creeds and races, but there were not more than two hundred inhabitants when the East India Company, which then controlled British interests in India, first came into contact with it.

When India became independent, Darjeeling remained a part of West Bengal. From 1986, a powerful agitation began in the Darjeeling hills seeking an independent state in the Indian Union. The agitation ended with the establishment of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council under the Chairmanship of Mr. Subash Ghissing and has been given considerable autonomy in administrative matters.

Enjoy the mall in the evening and overnight will be at Darjeeling.

Day 15 Darjeeling:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Take a morning excursion to Tiger Hill and during the day visit the TENZING NORWAY INSTITUTE.

Spend day with the locals and drive out to villages.

Overnight will be at Darjeeling.

Day 16 Darjeeling:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Visit GHOOM and the monastery. Visit villages and enjoy the weather. Enjoy the toy train ride - this is one of the most scenic narrow gauge railways journeys in the world.

Overnight will be at Darjeeling.

Day 17 Darjeeling - Calcutta:
By Flight Number : 9W 618 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft : ATR Jet
Departure : 1345 hr
Arrival : 1445 hr

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Drive down to Bagdogra and take your flight to Kolkata. Check in at hotel.

In the evening enjoy the cruise on the GANGES and watch the city of Calcutta as it was 250 years back. Nothing much has changed here and your guide will give you an insight into the culture and the life by the Ganges. The port here used to be the main port for the British when they ruled the country and the city was then the capital of India.

Overnight will be at Kolkata.

Day 18 Calcutta:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed on an excursion of the KUMARTULI which to every Bengali around the world is like "good old days". All through the year thousands of artists work on the clay idols of thousands of Gods and Goddesses which are then finished and taken to the homes, temples and make shift decorated tents for the "PUJA". Here you will see the idols in every stage - raw clay, the basic structure, the finished structure, the part painted ones, the completed ones and half finished ones. There are families who are doing this for generations and have confirmed orders years in advance from all over the world.

Your guide will give the insight again as to the "clay" used for the making of these idols and their importance. Visit the famous families and their workshops.

In the evening end your stay in Calcutta with a special dinner of Bengali cuisine at AHELI which is the most authentic Bengali Restaurant in town.

Overnight will be in Calcutta.

Day 19 Calcutta - Delhi:
By Flight Number : 9W 913 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1715 hr
Arrival : 1930 hr

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Relax and proceed for shopping.

In the evening take flight to Delhi. Reach and check in at IMPERIAL. Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 20 Delhi:

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Start sightseeing of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence. If time permits then visit the Lotus temple located in south of Delhi. It is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. Its founder, Bahaullah (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahai as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.

Return to the hotel and relax. Check out at 1800 hr (late check out organized) and proceed to the airport for flight home with sweet memories of India.

TOUR ENDS

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