Then, Varanasi is an eternal city. It is living today, just as it used to 2000 years back in time. In spirituality, rituals and traditions exist with the same belief as it used to be then when the city was set up in distant Varanasi also move you and change you. The city also explains how all are equal, and at the same time how unequal they are in terms of their status, dignity and possessions. A visit to Varanasi is a very humbling experience where, we need to endlessly thank God for being kind to us when he caused the accident of our birth.
Not to forget Wonder of World Agra Taj Mahal Tours. The beauty of the monument is difficult to describe in words.
Day 01: Arrival / Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at Hotel
Day 02: Delhi
Morning, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the capital.
Later we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 03: Delhi / Agra (205 Kms)
Following
a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Agra along one of the India's
finest freeways.Upon arrival check into your hotel
Afternoon we proceed on a guided tour of massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sun set we visit the Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 04: Agra / Jhansi (Shatabadi Express - 0820 / 1040 Hrs) Jhansi / Khajuraho (180 Kms)
Morning, transfer to the train station for a short ride on India's premier train service to Jhansi.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Jhansi train station and drive through fascinating tribal country to Khajuraho
Upon arrival check into your hotel
Following wash and change we proceed on a tour of Eastern Group of Temples .If pictures speak a thousand words, then the temples of Khajuraho form a magnum opus... an expression of Indian sculptors of yore. These temples of Khajuraho were built by the Chandela kings following the tradition of Tantric art. Although famed for their erotic sculptures, the philosophy behind the temples is much more vast and encompassing. They are in fact a celebration of life!
Sound & Light Show: -
Evening, we visit temple complex to enjoy Sound & Light Show, where the history of the temples is narrated through the medium of Sound & Light. This fascinating Son-et-Lumiere spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th century to the present day. Amitabh Bachhan, the Indian Super Star, narrates the story of Khajuraho in his mesmerizing voice.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 05: Khajuraho / Varanasi (9W 724 - 1300 / 1410 Hrs)
This
morning, we will proceed on a tour of the world famous Western Group
of Temples depicting erotic sculptures of love making images of Gods
and Goddesses and celestial Nymphs. The western block is the biggest
and the richest in artistry. The sheer elegance and grace seems to
have been chiseled by the craftsmen. Their patient hands have
transformed even the mundane to excellence, from a maiden stretching
her limbs in the morning, to one wringing water out of her hair
after a bath to a surasundari taking out a thorn out of the sole of
her foot. Besides erotic sculptures there are court scenes and
scenes of battle and advice to the citizens of the kingdom. It is
very interesting to note the tremendous eye for detail in these
sculptures like the depiction of strained muscles and cuts on the
calf muscles or the biceps. The frank depiction of uninhibited sex does hint towards a liberated society and times where people believed in dealing openly with all aspects of life. The graphic and realistic illustrated scenes of lovemaking elaborated on the Tantric texts.
Later, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Varanasi.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to hotel
Varanasi is quite possibly the world's oldest living city. Religious artifacts link it to the sixth century B.C. Said to be founded by Shiva; Varanasi's Vedic affiliation goes back to the beginning of time. It is also a city of many names. The present name, Varanasi (derived from the names of two nearby rivers) is mentioned in the Mahabharata. The ancient name is Kashi, the City of Light. To the devout it is also called Kashika, the shining one, referring to the light of Shiva. Many others prefer the anglicized Benares. Revered by Hindus, Buddhists and Jain alike, Varanasi is considered the holiest city in all of India. It is presided over by Shiva in his manifestation as Vishwanatha, Lord of the Universe. Buddha delivered a sermon in nearby Sarnath and Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, lived in Varanasi. As a result, more Indians will make a pilgrimage to Varanasi in their lifetime than any other place.
Evening, we visit the ghats of Varanasi to witness the performance of Ganges Aarti. We enjoy a special evening cruise on the Ganges. See the Hindu devotees performing the "Puja" with lighted lamps. The view is very mesmerizing and the ambience is spectacular in the backdrop of the beating of cymbals and bells as well as the incessant chanting.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 06: Varanasi
At
dawn we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride. Every morning at
dawn hundreds of worshippers can be seen bathing in the sacred
waters. The great river banks are lined with an endless chain of
stone steps-the ghats-that stretch from one end of the city to the
other. The Ghats form an impressive part of the religious landscape
of the city. Proceeding downstream at a leisurely pace, you would be
pointed out the significant temples and buildings as well as the
changing architectural style. Life and death go hand in hand in
Varanasi. While young people seek prosperity and protection from
harmful influences, the older generation comes to Varanasi to
cleanse their souls in the forgiving waters in preparation for their
ultimate dissolution. Believing that anyone who dies in the river of
life in Varanasi gains freedom from the cycle of birth and death,
the City of Light has become a haven for the sick and aged waiting
out their final days. The smoke that billows from the crematoriums
on the edge of the river gives testimony to their final release from
life's earthly confines. We would dock our boat at Manikarnika
(Cremation) Ghat. On any given day, anywhere from a few dozen to a
few hundred corpses are cremated here; the ghat is assiduous with
activity as the cremated bodies threw up smoke and fire.Following the boat ride we set off on foot to explore the inner city. Through a twisted maze of narrow alleys, home to numerous shrines and pilgrim shops, we walk back a few centuries. Life here has stood still for years. The homes, the shops and even the cattle have not changed over the centuries. It is a brilliant nostalgic experience of timelessness!
Afternoon we will visit several temples and the Hindu University at Benares. First stop would be the Bharat Mata (temple of Mother India). Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, it features a huge marble map of India on the ground floor. Next up, the Durga Temple. Known for its bright red color and the playful, if sometimes aggressive, monkeys that run amok there, the Durga Temple is one of the most imposing architectural monuments in Varanasi.
The university, which occupies a large piece of land at the southern end of town, is also home to the New Vishwanatha Temple. The New Temple is modern in design and open to Hindus and non-Hindus alike. Surrounded by palm trees, it is a splendid white marble structure that shines in the afternoon sun against a pale blue sky. Inside, the temple is spacious and airy. The interior walls are covered with Vedic art above inscriptions from the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. In the center of the first floor is the Shiva linga.
Later you will visit the bustling Gadolia bazaar. You would never have seen so many cycle rickshaws and heard the cacophony of so many cycle rickshaw bells! It is an amazing spectacle of colour and lifestyles as you need to watch out for the pavement shops - especially the pavement dentist with a laughing set of dentures!!
This evening we take a short trip to the Buddhist city of Sarnath .It is here that the Buddha preached his first sermons after attaining enlightenment. The highlight of this tour would be a participation in the evening prayer service (aarti) of the main Buddhist temple here - the synchronized chanting of hymns to the accompaniment of traditional temple music is a sole stirring experience.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 07: Varanasi / Delhi (IT 334 - 1330 / 1450 Hrs)
Morning is at leisure to observe & absorb the religious spirit of Varanasi
Later transfer to the airport to board your flight to Delhi
Meeting & assistance upon arrival & transfer to hotel
Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner with an Indian Family: This evening we would visit an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 08: Delhi / Departure
Transfer to the International airport to board your flight back home
