Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi from Argentina
Day 02 : Delhi
Day 03 : Mandawa
Day 04 : Bikaner
Day 05 : Jaisalmer
Day 06 : Jaisalmer
Day 07 : Jodhpur
Day 08 : Udaipur
Day 09 : Udaipur
Day 10 : Pushkar
Day 11 : Jaipur
Day 12 : Jaipur
Day 13 : Agra
Day 14 : Agra
Day 15 : Khajuraho en route Jhansi, Orcha by Train
Day 16 : Varanasi by Flight
Day 17 : Varanasi
Day 18 : Kathmandu by flight
Day 19 : Kathmandu
Day 20 : Kathmandu
Day 21 : Departure transfer to Delhi
ITINERARY SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR Mrs. ELENA & GROUP (6 PAX)
Duration : 21 Days
Best Time : October - Mid April
Focus : People , Culture , Temples, Deserts, Monuments, Hill Stations , etc!!!
Day by Day Itinerary:-
Day 01 Arrival at DELHI AIRPORT
Arrival at Delhi airport () . Meet & greet with our representative. You will be welcomed in a traditional style… After greetings we drive to the hotel .Check into the Hotel.
Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 02 DELHI
After breakfast in your hotel a city tour introduces you to this imperial British capital of the 20th century. Visit the Qutub Minar – the tallest freestanding minaret in stone in the world; then onto Humayun’s tomb – the first Mughal construction in India from 1565 AD. Also see the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the India Gate built in the earlier half of the 20th century. Drive through the old city past the Red Fort and visit the Jama Masjid – the biggest of its kind in India. Here take a rickshaw through the winding streets of the old city to see the life of the people in this part of the world. A perfect introduction of your tour. The rickshaw puller pulls you through the imperial avenue the Chandni Chowk where you will find each and every small business under the sky. Finally, reach Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where your chauffeur is waiting for you to take you to your next stop the Birla Mandir, a Hindu temple in activity.
Back to the Hotel. Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 03 DELHI TO MANDAWA
Todat after breakfast we leave from Delhi to Mandawa (Approx 280 km/ 7hrs). Reach
Mandawa by early afternoon. After lunch visit the painted township of Mandawa and admire the colour combinations on the walls – mural paintings. Also see the 17th century castle of the erstwhile Thakur king of Mandawa.
Back to the Hotel. Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 04 MANDAWA TO BIKANER
Today after breakfast we start our journey to Bikaner (Approx 180km/4hrs).
In the morning on the way see the beautiful village of Shekhawati that used to be an important caravanserai of the yesteryears. See the many havelis of this quaint little town built by the rich and the famous merchants of the 18th and 19th centuries. These havelis have been painted with activities of daily life and of deities to break the monotony of the desert life.
Then proceed towards Bikaner en route stop at Fatehpur to see the splendid havelis of the local merchants of Shekhawati. Reach Bikaner by lunch time.
See the Junagadh Fort, a royal museum that encompasses history of Bikaner from its days of construction that dates back to the 16th century. Check into the Hotel .Later visit the camel breeding farm, a unique experience.
Back to the Hotel. Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 05 BIKANER TO JAISALMER en route POKARAN
After breakfast we set towards our journey towards Jaisalmer (Approx 330km/5hrs)
across the Thar Desert to reach Pokaran for lunch. Visit the 15th century fortress where the 3rd Mughal emperor, Akbar the Great, was born in 1543. The bazaar in the middle of this village is very colourful and full of local flavours.
After lunch continue towards Jaisalmer and arrive by evening to witness the sunset over the desert with the most imposing edifice of the town behind you.
Check into the Hotel. Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 06 JAISALMER
Morning an exclusive visit of the Jain temples inside the Sonar Kila.. The Jains are a community that respects life and are pure vegetarians by religion. Visit the citadel’s palace that houses a museum with a huge collection of robes and artifacts from the royal family of Jaisalmer. Visit the Patwaon ki haveli with intricately designed latticed windows used by the ladies to view the external world. Also see the Gadisar Lake.
Later, we go to Sam or Khuri village. Here we have loads of excitement in store for you. Upon arrival in the village you will be taken to the nearby sunset point on the dunes to see the sunset by camel carts.
After sunset return to the hotel and relax. Have your Dinner @ the Tent
O/n ROYAL
Day 07 JAISALMER TO JODHPUR
Today we reach Jodhpur (Approx 280km/5hrs) the blue city by early afternoon and drive up to the majestic Mehrangarh fort, the stronghold of the Rathore princes from 1453AD. We see the superb collection of paintings and arms and ammunitions. The view of the city from the rampart walls is breath taking.
Post lunch session introduces you to the fabulous spice market of Jodhpur the 2nd largest city in Rajasthan. Walk along the market to feel the odours of the spices filling the air around you
Then go to Mandore gardens the then capital of Marwar to view some of the fabulous cenotaphs and the hall of local heroes of the wars. Drive back to Jodhpur and see the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the present residence of the king of Jodhpur.
Back to the Hotel. Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 08 JODHPUR TO UDAIPUR via Ranakpur
Today after breakfast we proceed towards Udaipur (Approx 300km/6hrs) en route we
reach Ranakpur another big pilgrimage centre for the Jains. Just few hours’ drive from Jodhpur is the eternal Jain pilgrimage centre of Ranakpur. Admire the workmanship from the 16th century. The temples are built out of marble and the main shrine of Adinath with 1444 columns is awe inspiring and none of these are similar. Also see the sun temple and the other temples in the campus. Proceed towards Udaipur and on the way stop by the fields to see the local way of farming and irrigation. Walk into the villages to mingle with the locals around to know more about their lifestyle.
Reach Udaipur by late evening and check into your hotel .
Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 09 UDAIPUR
After breakfast, visit the City Palace the richest palace museum in the entire Rajasthan.
Later see the temples of Nagda and Eklingji.
The temple at Eklingji is a temple that belongs to the Maharana of Mewar (royal family) and he is often there to pray. The temple complexe of Nagda is a group of temples of which only two remain intact and those are that of Saas and Bahu.
Rerun to Udaipur and enjoy the sunset with Boat ride on famous Lake Pichhola.
Back to hotel.
Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 10 UDAIPUR TO PUSHKAR
Today cross the entire stretch of Mewar to reach the most holy cities of Pushkar (Approx 250km/5hrs) and Ajmer. Pushkar happens to be the holiest places according to the Hindus as it is considered that Lord Brahma (the Creator) and his wife Saraswati (the goddess of learning and music) performed a ritual in the lake. Here we visit the only Brahma temple of the world before intermingling with the local colours in the local bazaar. Pushkar is the world famous for its cattle fair held each year in the month of October/November. Proceed towards Ajmer.
Ajmer is the pious city for the Muslims. Surprisingly both the cities are at distance of 11km from each other. Visit the Durgah built in fond remembrance of Khwaja Muin ud Din Chisti where the Muslim pilgrims from all over India throng during the festival times. Later visit Mughal emperor Akbar’s Palace where his son Jehangir received Sir Thomas Roe to grant him the permission of trade to East India Company with India, that changed the history of India completely and slowly and steadily India became colony of the British Empire.
Check into the Hotel. Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 11 PUSHKAR TO JAIPUR
Leave Pushkar in the morning and reach Jaipur( Approx 140km/3hrs). Upon arrival check into your hotel .
Day free to relax or do your Shopping..
Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 12 JAIPUR
In the morning visit the Amber fort in the morning; included is an elephant ride at the Amber fort. See the marvelous Shish Mahal built in the 17th century in a fusion style of Hindu and Islamic art. Also see the hall of public audiences and Maharaja Man Singh’s Palace who had twelve queens.
After lunch set off to see the Pink city visiting the observatory Jantar Mantar built in 1727 by Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh II who was a mathematician, an astronomer an astrologer and a great musician of his era. He built five observatories throughout India – Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, Mathura and Delhi but only the one at Jaipur is functional.
Then visit the City Palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur with a fabulous collection of robes and saris in cotton and silk with gold lattice work. The City Palace houses a collection of paintings also in the painting gallery and of course a collection of arms and ammunitions in the ammunition gallery.
Back to the Hotel.
Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 13 JAIPUR TO AGRA en route Fatehpur Sikri
Leave Jaipur after breakfast and proceed towards Agra (Approx 270km/5hrs).On the way to Agra, we visit Fatehpur Sikri and reach there by early afternoon. Visit this abandoned city built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the second half of the 16th century. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar after his Hindu wife bore him the long awaited son who was born after the renowned Sufi saint Salim Chisti blessed Jodhabai Akbar’s Hindu wife with a son. Also visit Jodhabai’s palace the biggest palace in Fatehpur Sikri even bigger than the emperor’s palace himself as this was the queen who bore him his heir to the throne.
Continue towards Agra and reach Agra by early evening.
Relax at your hotel or go to the local bazaar to see the lifestyle of the people.
Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 14 AGRA
Taj Mahal is awaiting your arrival today morning. A must see with the rising sun as the Taj Mahal is bathed in the golden rays of the morning sun. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial that houses the tomb of 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 anywhere in the world.
Then see the Agra Fort built by Akbar where Shahjehan was imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb.
Post lunch visit Itmad ud Daulah – it is the first Mughal building built out completely of marble. In many contexts it is referred to being the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. Then visit Sikandara the tomb of the great emperor Akbar.
Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 15 AGRA TO KHAJURAHO via Orchha
After breakfast board your train for Jhansi. On arrival in Jhansi, drive to Orchha.
Orchha is a medieval village where time has stopped. You feel the timelessness of this spot. Orchha is a medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century – which have remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The river Betwa picturesquely flanks the city.
Reach Orchha by 1130 hrs and see the beautiful Palace Complex – Jahangir Mahal and the Raja Mahal. Closely study the intricacies of the mural paintings in the Raja Mahal and visit the Laxminarayana Temple.
Post lunch continue towards Khajuraho about 182 km away by road.
Upon arrival Check –into the Hotel.
Rest of the day free to relax…Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 16 KHAJURAHO TO VARANASI
Morning sightseeing shows us the temples built during the 9th to the 11th centuries by the powerful dynasty of Chandela Rajputs. The temples with their erotic sculptures are a feast to the eyes. The Chandelas built 85 temples in all but today only 20 temples stand intact. Visit the eastern and western group of temples
Transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Varanasi.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel and relax. Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 17 VARANASI Day excursion to Saranath
Early in the morning (0500hrs) we take you to banks of the river Ganges where we board a boat to see the morning ablutions of the Hindus from the security of our boat. The boat ride starts from Dasashwamedh Ghat and ends at Manikarnika Ghat along the sacred Ganges. Don’t forget to see the sun rise along the Ganges. See the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Gyanvyapi kund and the mosque attached to it. Also visit the Benares Hindu University the largest residential university in India with more than 3000 residential students. Also worth a visit is the Bharat Mata Mandir (Mother India temple) where you see the undivided India – Mahatma Gandhi’s Dream.
Return to your hotel for breakfast.
Also visit Sarnath – the sacred Buddhist city where Gautama Buddha preached his first sermon to his 5 disciples under the Bodhi tree. Visit the site and the temple attached to it. See the frescoes related to the life of Buddha inside the temple. Also visit the archaeological museum that houses artifacts from the 3rd century BC. Most interesting is the lion capital of Ashoka Maurya from 272 BC. Adjacent to the museum is the ancient seat of learning from the 2nd century BC now completely in ruins. Also see the Dhamek stupa and the Dharmarajika Stupa where hundreds of Buddhist pilgrims offer their prayers.
In the evening, we will take you to holy Ghats to witness the evening AARTI.
Return to your hotel and relax. Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 18 VARANASI TO KATHMANDU
Transfer to airport to board your flight for Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu airport, complete the formalities to procure the VISA for Nepal. (Please carry 3 passport sized photographs and the fee of USD 25 will be charged along with application form). Later drive to your hotel and relax.
Check-into the Hotel. Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
O/n HOTEL
Day 19 KATHMANDU
After breakfast visit Kathmandu City: Hanuman Dhoka (Durbar Square), Built between the 12th and the 18th centuries, this complex of palaces, courtyards and temples is the historic seat of royalty. It used to be the seat of ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu.
The durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO World heritage site, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. Other than a 17th - century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages, interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple (Built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D., Kal Bhairav, the god of Destruction Nautalle Darbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of king Pratap Malla, the big bell, big drum, the Jagannath Temple and three museums including the numismatic museum and the Tribhuvan Museum.
Pasupatinath: Situated five kilometres east of Kathmandu on the bank of sacred
Bagmati River, the temple of lord Shiva Pasupatinath 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.
Boudhanath: Boudhanath is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Boudhanath. They established many gompas, and the "Little Tibet" of Nepal was born. This "Little Tibet" is still the best place in the Valley to observe Tibetan lifestyle. Monks walk about in maroon robes.
Many people believe that Boudhanath was constructed in the fifth century, but definite proof is lacking. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage who is venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. One legend has it that a woman requested a Valley king for the donation of ground required to build a stupa. She said she needed land covered by one buffalo's skin and her wish was granted by the King. She cut a buffalo skin into thin strips and circled off a fairly large clearing. The king had no choice but to give her the land.
The Boudha area is a visual feast. Colorful thangkas, Tibetan jewellery, hand-woven carpets, masks, and khukuri knives are sold in the surrounding stalls. Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Boudhanath. Conveniently situated restaurants with roof-top patios provide good food and excellent views of Boudhanath.
Return to your hotel and relax. Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
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Day 20 KATHMANDU tour to Nagarkot
Early morning we will take a ride to Nagarkot to get a humbling experience by watching the sun set over the mountains in the background; a sight truly to behold. The famous hill station of the country, from where we can view the panoramic mountain ranges; Nagarkot provides a beautiful view of the breathtaking Himalayan ranges of the Mt. Everest, Manaslu and Gauri Shankar. Nagarkot is most popular for its magnificent sunset and sunrise, along with its lovely weather.
Return to your hotel and relax. Have your Dinner @ the Hotel.
O/n HOTEL
Day 21 Departure transfer to Airport to Delhi
Transfer to airport to board your flight back to Delhi followed by taking flight back to your home country.
So after a long stay in the Northern part of India you are saying good bye with heart full of sweet & unforgettable memories of an excellent vacation….
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