Validity: 16 Apr - 30 Sep 2012 Departure: Every Monday Departure
Today, take an early morning excursion to Nagarkot (approx 2200 meters), for panoramic sunrise views of the snowy Himalayan peaks. Nagarkot is famous for fascinating unparalleled views of the Himalayan ranges including a distant pyramid of Mount Everest (subject to weather conditions).Return to hotel for breakfast and freshen up. This afternoon, visit Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the world’s oldest Buddhist chaityas, acclaimed to be more than 2500 years old. Also visit the Patan Durbar Square, which is one of the most historically important cities of the Kathmandu valley. Patan is known as the centre of fine arts and for the superb craftsmanship of its artisans. Patan Durbar Square has been acclaimed as one of the finest urban streetscapes in the world.
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Kathmandu. This afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India (also known as Kashi and Benaras). Experience an evening rikshaw ride to the ghats to enjoy the grand ‘Aarti’ ceremony conducted everyday at sunset by white-robed priests. The young priests sway in seemingly choreographed movements, worshiping the river goddess with incense, flowers and earthen lamps.
Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Holy River Ganges. See the ‘bathing ghats’ where thousands of pilgrims pay homage to the Sun God by immersing themselves in the holy water of River Ganges, and the ‘burning ghats’ where cremations are conducted. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later, visit Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century BC to 12th century AD. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the national emblem of India. Visit the ruins, stupa, Buddhist temple and the Sarnath Museum. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Varanasi.
After breakfast, drive to the airport to catch your flight to Khajuraho – a UNESCO world heritage site in central India, famous for its erotic sculptured temples. This afternoon visit the enchanting temples of Khajuraho with sculptures that draw their inspiration from the ancient art of Kama sutra. Khajuraho Temples were built by the Chandela kings between 950 AD and 1050 AD. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Khajuraho.
After breakfast, embark on a short drive to Orchha, a medieval riverside town known for its palaces and temples. Apart from the famous landmarks like Jahangir Mahal and Laxmi Narayan Temple, the town is peppered with fascinating little shrines and memorials. Enjoy an afternoon tour of Orchha. Later, drive to Jhansi Railway Station to board your train to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal. Upon arrival in Agra, you will be transferred to your hotel for 2 nights stay.
This morning witness the surreal views of the Taj Mahal by sunrise. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and appreciate the intricate designs and symmetries that rhyme as a poem written in marble. Taj Mahal is an extravagant display of love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.Later visit the splendid Agra fort, built in red sandstone, encapsulating magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardensEnjoy the evening at leisure in Agra.
After breakfast, embark on a leisurely drive to Jaipur - land of the Rajputs. Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts. Known, as the 'Pink City', Jaipur is home to ancient forts and palaces and is one of India's most well planned cities.En route to Jaipur, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. Upon arrival check in at your hotel for 02 nights stay. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Jaipur.
This morning, visit the Amber fort, which was built in the 16th century. An elephant ride will help you ascend to this hilltop fort (elephants are subject to availability). Alternatively, you could choose to walk or drive up to the fort. This afternoon, visit the City Palace complex with its museums and Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory, and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in the 18th century. This palace with its innumerable windows and screened balconies was especially built for the royal women to view the city and processions from behind their purdahs. Later explore the many facets of Jaipuri crafts such as semi precious jewels, pottery, colourful embroidered fabrics with mirror work, woven carpets etc – watch artisans at work and enjoy souvenir shopping in this colourful city of Jaipur.
After breakfast, drive to Delhi, the capital city of India. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and freshen up. This afternoon, explore New Delhi, visiting to Qutab Minar (built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1199), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, and India Gate (War Memorial Arch). Also, drive past President's House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings
After breakfast, explore the city of Old Delhi, visiting Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Raj Ghat (cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi). Also, drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), the epicenter of Old Delhi.
Later, you will be transferred to the International Airport to catch your flight back home. Travelite (India) services terminate at Delhi.
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