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Romancing the Taj

Experience the beautiful history and ravishing culture that has brought reknown to the country. Capture the immaculate marble monument of love “Taj Mahal “ in the colors of sunrise or even on a glittering full moon night. Evolve in the spiritual land of devotionas you land in the holy city of Varanasi. Capture the images of the pink city walls of Jaipur and the blue buildings of Jodhpur. Explore Udaipur, the city of lakes and forest-clad temples far more wondrous than the stories of India ever could be.

Travel Route

Delhi-Varanasi-Khajuraho-Agra-Jaipur-Bijaynagar-Jodhpur-Jojawar-Udaipur

  • A contrast of Old & New part of the capital city New Delhi is a photographer’s delight
  • Visit Sikh Temple and enjoy a meal to experience their community kitchen which runs 24 hrs at the temple to feed all
  • Visit an architectural marvel of Eastern and Western group of Khajuraho temples famous for its erotic sculptures.
  • At Sarnath ,Buddhagave his first sermon to the five monks was his first sermon
  • Cruise down the River Ganges to experience the daily rituals of the holy city of Varanasi
  • Inspiring Aarti ceremony at the ghatsof Ganges
  • Taj Mahal , one of the seven wonders of the world
  • Find the iconic colors of the celebrated Pink City of Jaipur and Blue City of Jodhpur
  • Discover the magnitude of size and opulence of the Mehrangarh Fort
  • See the traditional culture and life of villagers at Masuda
  • Enjoy the romance and scenery of the incredible city of Udaipur

Day 01- Arrive Delhi

Your journey begins before you land in India. Your thoughts are focused on the soon to have imagined the culture and the architecture, the food and the landscape and, as the plane lands in the capital city of Delhi, you are ready to experience it all.

Welcome to Delhi, a city that brings together its historic architecture and modern culture. You are met at the airport and escorted to your hotel by a private transfer.

Explore and discover the city’s ancient walls you can find in Chandni Chowk, the old market that continues to brim with life, filled with the enticing smoky aromatics of grilled kebab , street food and Spices

From the old market to the Raj Ghat, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, you venture through the new streets that eventually bring you to the QutubMinar. You find the mystique of the seasoned structures alluring; the minaret climbs over 217 feet into the air, constructed almost a millennia ago.

Drive pass India Gate and Parliament , before you settle back into your hotel for the evening.

Overnight at hotel

Day 02-   Delhi – Varanasi  by flight

Arrive Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city where millions of Hindu travels for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn or to die. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities. Some Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also known as the favourite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva as it has been mentioned in the Rigveda that this city in older times was known as Kashi or “Shiv kiNagri”.

Evening witness the Aarti ceremony on the Ghats of Ganges. River Ganga is considered as the most sacred and holy river of India. It is life, purity, and a goddess to the people of India. The river is Ganga Ma, “Mother Ganges.” It is the story of how she poured herself down from heaven upon the ashes of King Sarga’s sons. Her waters would raise them up again to dwell in peace in heaven. Anyone who touches these purifying waters even today said to be cleansed of all sins.
Every morning thousands of Hindus, whether pilgrims or residents, make their way into the holy water of the Ganges. All of them face the rising sun with folded hands mumering prayers.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 03- Varanasi

Early morning transfer to the river Ghats for the 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. 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.

Later visit the Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, which, instead of  gods and goddesses, houses a relief map of India carved out of marble.  Durga (Goddess of Power) Temple. Emperor Aurangazeb’s Mosque built in the 17th century on the site of a Hindu Temple. The rear of the mosque reveals specimens of the ancient temple art of India. The Sacred Bull, the Well of Knowledge, Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple) erected by Rani AhilyabaiHolkar of Indore in 1776.  The shikharas of the temple are gold plated. The sanctum is for Hindus but ceremonies can be seen from the entrance. Visit Banaras Hindu University, a great seat of learning.  It started as a centre of education in Sanskrit, Indian art, culture and music.

Afternoon, you will proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, a major Buddhist center in the world. After achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Buddha, the ‘Awakened One’, delivered his first sermon here. It was the sixth century then, when he also set in motion the wheel of law, the Dharmachakra. This dwelling place of the rishis, it was also known as ‘Rishipatana’ (the place of the Rishis or sages). Buddha gave his first sermon in the Deer Park where he initiated his first five disciples into Buddhist monkshood. Buddhism found its roots in Sarnath, the birthplace of this way of life

Overnight at hotel

Day 04- Varanasi  -Khajuraho  by flight

You will take flight for Khajuraho today morning.  Khajurahois a fascinating village with a quaint rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India’s unique gift of love to the world represent the expression of a highly matured civilization. Khajuraho temples were constructed between 950 and 1050 A.D. during the reign of Chandela Empire. Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. These temples are considered the “high point” of Indian architectural genius in the medieval period. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD – 1050 AD, saw the completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity.

 

Sightseeing of The Eastern Group of temples include the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple dedicated to the “Vamana” or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Javari Temple. There are also three Jain Temples with beautiful carvings and non-erotic sculptures

 

Overnight at hotel.

Day 05-Khajuraho – Orchha – Jhansi – Agra  by train

Morning  drive to Orchha (Meaning Hidden place)the picturesque city of Orchha situated on the banks of the River Betwa, was founded in 16th century A.D. by RudraPratap Singh who was one of the Rajput rulers belonging to the Bundela Dynasty.

Visit to the famous palace complexes. The palace was built to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. The strong lines of the palace are counterbalanced by delicate chhatris and trellis work, which on the whole convey an effect of extraordinary richness. The palace has been designed to match the height of the trees in the surroundings, complete with beautifully landscaped gardens of Anand Mahal, featuring octagonal flower beds and elaborate water supply system. Lord Rama is not considered as God like in the other parts of the country. They worship him as a great king.

Timely you will be transferred to the railway station to board Shatabdi express for Agra

Overnight at hotel.

Day 06-  Agra

The exquisite architecture of the Taj Mahal is situated at the edges of a lush courtyard like a crowning jewel. The complex dates back to the 17th century and was built as a tomb for the wife of emperor Shah Jahan. The entire structure is made of marble, which accounts for the way the opulent walls and Moorish dome catch the changing light throughout the day. Standing at the entrance of the complex gives the structure an entirely new look.

The garden is lush with manicured trees and bushes and lined with walkways and placid ponds. The water reflects the image of the Taj Mahal when the fountains aren’t trickling. The minarets rise over 120 feet tall with a backdrop of open sky. The central structure contains pieces of semi-precious stones that bring different colors to the floral carvings.

Also visit the magnificent Agra fort – one of the most important and strongly built strongholds of the Mughals, with richly decorated buildings of Mughal style of art and architecture. It was constructed by the third Mughal emperor Akbar with red sandstone, 4000 builders daily worked on it and it took 8 years  to be completed(1565-1573).

Overnight at hotel.

Day 07-Agra – Jaipur  by road  ( 237 kms / 6 hrs Approx)

Drive to  the famous Pink City of Jaipur enroute visiting FatehpurSikri. You arrive in the afternoon and will settle yourself in the comforts of your hotel before you make your way through the city on a guided tour. The city was founded in the 18th century. The precious pink coloration stems from the use of sandstone to construct much of the Mughal city which was repainted in the 19th century.

In the evening you will delight in a traditional home-cooked meal with a local family where the essential flavors and aromas of Jaipur will be savored.

Overnight at hotel

Day 08- Jaipur

The day is yours to drift through the Pink City and experience the majesty of sandstone buildings that date back centuries. Witness the lavish interior of the powerful Amer Fort. Within the walls you find the palace of the Rajput Maharajas that dates back to the 15th century. The first impression of the exterior walls is pure strength but when you step inside you discover the lavish adornments that bring elegance and beauty to the interior.

As you continue through the fort and along the immaculate décor, including the Mirror Palace that was built to make a candle flame twinkle like endless starlight, you will return to the pink walls of City Palace to find a richer sense of the past.

Further stop at Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds for photo stop. The honeycomb structure was built in the 18th century. The lattice windows allowed the women of the royal family to watch the processions of the city, from daily markets to parades, without jeopardizing their virtue.   Also visit the seven-story structure is commanding in its beauty from both the outside and the inside is the Jaipur’s City Palace where still resides the descendants of Jaipur’s former royalty. The ground floor displays manuscripts and many personal belongings of the historic royal family.

Overnight at hotel.

 

 

Day 09- Jaipur – Bijaynagar by road (180 kms / 3 hrs Approx.)

You will leave to explore some village life and reach village of Masuda. The villagers are filled with curiosity and are eager to show you their way of life. The scent of masala chai emanates from the local homes. Children are energetic wanting to show you around. The local market looks colourful with vegetables, bangles, utensils etc.  Watch and may be if you like to engage in some street games played by the village children. Later you will settle into your evening at Bijaynagar.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 10-Bijaynagar  – Nimaj  – Bishnoi – Jodhpur by road (200 kms  / 5 hrs Approx.)

Today you will be driven to another village of Nimaj. Some of the surrounding temples dates back to the 9th century and were built by the Pratihara Empire. On the outskirts of town you come to Magarmandi Mata, one of the temples constructed by to the GurjarPratihar. The brick platform holds up elegant reliefs along the temple’s flanks. The stones are carved with geometric shapes and intricate depictions of dancing women and warriors.

In the streets of Nimaj women carry clay pots on their head. They fill the gourd at the local well and carry it home to use for cooking.  On the way  you come to a Bishnoi Village. The villagers are known for their strict stance against harming animals and trees. You join the locals for a tasty meal and come to Jodhpur in the late afternoon.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 11-Jodhpur  -Jojawar by road ( 125 kms / 3 hrs Approx.)

The powerful stone of Mehrangarh Fort stands atop the cliff and looms over the ancient buildings. You are guided around the clock tower on a rickshaw tour of the old city. The streets are aromatic with spices.  Spend the morning meandering through the Mehrangarh Fort, rising over 400 feet above the city. You can see historic palanquins, a means of travel for noble women who were once carried through the streets within the dome like protectorate.

Later in the day your private transfer will escort you to Jojawar for the night.

Overnight at hotel

Day 12-Jojawar   – Ranakpur  – Udaipur  by car (150 kms  / 4 hrs  Approx.)

Enjoy a local train ride this day.

Enroute to Udaipur you stop at  Ranakpur Jain temples. The temple is known for having over 1,444 marble pillars, each one detailed with unique figures. One fabulous piece of decoration was carved from a single rock and shows 108 different snakeheads and numerous tails. A marble elephant stands beneath the central dome.  You can also try a Jain (vegetarian) thali  served at the temple complex.

Drive to Udaipur,  beside the shimmering Lake Pichola and purple ridges of the wooded Aravalli Hills stretching away in every direction, Udaipur has a romance of setting unmatched in Rajasthan. Fantastical palaces, temples, havelis, lakes and  colourful streets adds to the city’s natural charms.

Overnight at hotel

 

Day 13- Udaipur

Take a tour of the city, the Venice of the East, Udaipur. The guided sightseeing tour starts from the magnificent City Palace – towering over the lake, this is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The Jagdish Temple that treasures a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, after that visit the beautiful Saheliyonkibari a small ornamental garden with fountains, stone elephants and a enchanting lotus pool.

Boat ride on lake Pichola or this  afternoon is free for you to further explore the town or enjoy the facilities and services of the hotel .

Overnight at hotel.

Da 14-  Udaipur – Delhi by flight

You take a flight for Delhi.. Your private transfer will take you from your hotel to the airport where you will catch your return flight to Delhi.