India Heritage Tour

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi By - International Flight
You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the hotel. India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks. Upon arrival at the hotel, proceed for check-in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. This morning, you will proceed for a full day city tour of Old & New Delhi. You will first visit 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. After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to 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. The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. Return to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel

Day 03 : Delhi - Udaipur (Flight)
Breakfast at hotel. Later, you will be transferred to airport to board flight to Udiapur. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to hotel. Maharana Udai Singh founded the city in 1567 AD on the advice of a sage. Udaipur was last of the numerous Mewar capitals. It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed with Chittaur and the past glories of the Sisodia clan possessed his mind. Maharana Pratap left Udaipur to win back Chittaur from the Mughals. But he failed in his attempts and Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar till India got her independence. The memory of the failure of noble Pratap gives Udaipur its pervading mood of nostalgic wistfulness. Later, proceed for guided tour of city visiting CITY PALACE built in 1725, with various palaces inside. Dilkush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, the Palace of Krishna, all ornately decorated, JAGDISH TEMPLE dedicated to Lord Vishnu and built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Sing I, SAHELIYON KI BARI or the gardens of the maids-of-honor with beautiful lawns, gardens and fountains etc. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04 : Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel. This morning, you will visit Eklingji Temple & Nagda Ruin. EKLINGJI (22 kms from Udaipur) Built in 734 A.D. is the beautifully sculpted temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Mewar rulers. The walled complex encloses an elaborately pillared hall or ‘mandap’ under a large pyramidal roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble. NAGDA (23 kms from Udaipur) the ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for the Sas-Bahu temples (9th – 10th century A.D) with interesting architecture and carvings. The splendid Jain temples of Abdudji are also worth a visit. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05 : Udaipur - pushkar (By Car)
Morning check out from the hotel and drive to pushkar about five hours drives. On arrival check inn hotel. Afternoon visiting pushkar. Most attractions are Holy Lake, Lord Brahma’s Temple only one in the world. Over night in the hotel

Day 06 : Pushkar/Jaipur (By Car)
Breakfast at hotel. Check out from the to Hotel and drive to Jaipur about two and half hours drive. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to hotel. Jaipur, the city capital in the tone of an autumnal sunset, literally blushed pink when Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, stepped on its soil in 1883. Interspersing the play of red and pink were white borders and motifs, painstakingly outlining the architectural highlights of Jaipur’s buildings. Jaipur has been like that since 1727 when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II had it built. In the afternoon, you will proceed for sightseeing of Pink City visiting its palaces and architectures. You will visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), The City Palace-where still resides the Maharaja of Rajasthan, Jantar Mantar etc. In the late afternoon, you will visit the local bazaar, which is vibrant with the daily happenings. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 : Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel. This morning, you will visit the Amer Fort where you will take an elephant ride from the base to the top like the Maharajas did in their time. At Amber fort, you will visit Sheesh Mahal, Ganesh Pol, Shila Devi Temple, and Kesar Kyari Bagh. After the tour, return to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 : Jaipur - Samode (50kms & 1 Hrs. Drive)
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Samode. On arrival, check in at hotel. Samode- according to the Rajputana Gazetteer of 1879 was a large and flourishing town. The Zamidars (landlords) of Samode the principal thakurs of the state of Amber were the Nathawat clan from Chomu, a branch of the house of Amber, tracing their relation to the Jaipur Maharaja the fabled Prithviraj Singhji the 17th prince of the house of Kacchwaha Rajputs. Gopal Singhji one of his 12 sons was awarded Samode, a noble feudatory of the Amber & Jaipur principality. It was among the wealthiest territories in the Amber kingdom. The Zamidari eventually passed within the clan to the hands of Behari Das, a Rajput warrior in Mughal Service. After 6 generations in the hands of his descendants Samode was relinquished to the Rajasthan. In the afternoon, visit Samode Village and Samode Bagh. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 : Samode - Agra (250kms & 6 Hrs Drive)
Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, drive to Agra -the glorious city of Taj Mahal. En-route, visit Fatehpur Sikri-a city built in red sandstone by Emperor Akbar to commemorate the birth of his son-now a deserted city. A royal city perfectly preserved, Fatehpur Sikri provides a marvelous escape into the past. Imposing gateways and light- hearted palaces were built in red sandstone within this fortified city only to be abandoned a few years later. Among its much architectural game are the places for his queens - Jodha Bai, Mariyam and his Turkish sultana, built in varying styles, each perfect in itself. Later proceed for Agra. On arrival, check into the Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel

Day 10 : Agra
Breakfast at hotel. In morning, you will visit the Taj Mahal, the biggest attraction of this trip. This is one of the 7 Wonders of the modern world and is the most extravagant monument ever maid for love. To people the world over, the Taj Mahal, mausoleum of the Mughal Empress Mumtaz Mahal is synonymous with India. Followed by a trip to Red Fort, which has been the seat of Mughal rulers for several years. The fort has palaces with pavilions, gardens, mosques, baths etc. Rest of the day is free to pursue independent activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 : Agra - Orcha
Morning check out from the hotel and drive to Orcha about five hours drive. On arrival check in hotel. Orcha is a small town between Jhansi and Khajuraho. Its claim to fame was rulers who managed to stay on friendly terms with the Mughals. Mughals made India their homestead in the 16th Century and ruled for about 250 years. And produce marvelous palaces and temples. On the outskirts of the city, along the river, presenting a thrilling site against the sky, are a group of Hindu temples, which have been abandoned. The palace-fort complex in Orcha is a 17th century structure. It contains three palaces or mahals. Jahangir Mahal is the most commanding of the palaces built by Bir Singh Deo to honor the Emperor Jahangir's visit to the city. It is a magnificent example of medieval palace-fort architecture. .. Much of the impressive structures were built by the Mughals who migrated to India in the 16th century and ruled for 250 years until the takeover by the British The square in Orcha provides a place for residents to visit the temple as well as transact business in the open air market. Over night in the hotel.

Day 11 : Orcha - Khajuraho
Breakfast at hotel. Later, Check out from the hotel and drive to Khajuraho (200Kms & 5 Hrs drive). On arrival, check in hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 : Khajuraho
Breakfast at hotel. This morning, you will visit the world famous Western group of temples. These temples are built by Chandela rulers out of sandstone, decorated with charming and lively erotic sculptures from Hindu Mythology the Kama Sutra. Also visit the Eastern Group of Temples, which includes the famous Jain Temples, followed by visit to Southern group of Temples like the Chaturbhuj and the Duladeo Temples. Later in the afternoon, you will be transferred to airport for your flight (9W 724 (1335/1415) to Varanasi. You will be met upon arrival in Varanasi and transferred to your hotel. On arrival, check in at hotel. In the evening, you will take a rickshaw ride to witness the evening Arti on holy river Ganges. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 : Varanasi (Flight)
Breakfast at hotel. Early in the morning, you will taken for a boating trip in the holy Ganges and observe the vibrant activities that go along the Ghats every day that includes the cremation services of Hindu dead. Other places of interest are Tulsi Manas Temple, Alamgir Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, and Kashivishvanath Golden Temple. Come back hotel for breakfast. Later, you will visit the city including some temple & Bazaar. In the afternoon, you will visit the nearby Sarnath and its Deer Park. Sarnath- where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after being enlightened. There are magnificent Stupas built by Emperor Ashoka in the third century BC. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 : Varanasi/ Kathmandu (Flight)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure OR visit the city, as the car will remain at disposal for local run. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to airport to board flight to Katmandu. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel. Katmandu valley consists of the three main cities of great historic, artistic and cultural interest: Katmandu the capital of the Kingdom, Patan and Bhadgaon or Bhaktapur. From the air, the oval-shaped Katmandu Valley, the hub of the country, looks like a large chessboard with the sacred river Bagamati and its tributary Bishnumati wending their way to the south. Surrounded by green hills and mountains with snow-capped peaks against its northern and eastern background the Valley is indeed beautiful. In the evening orientation tour of the city visiting HANUMAN DHOKA, the historic palace of the ancient kings of Nepal. A complex of many temples and monuments, guarded by a huge statue of the Monkey God, Hanuman, it has evolved to its present state of maturity over a period of centuries with contributions from a number of dynasties, headed by Malla kings. It is here that the kings of Nepal are crowned, and their coronations solemnized. There are complex examples of Nepal’s art and architecture all round. Most outstanding of them being the towering nine-storied edifice known as Kailash. Also visit RESIDENCE OF THE LIVING GODDESS near the DURBAR SQUARE, which is residence of Kumari, the Living Goddess (Virgin Goddess). Its wooden balconies and windows are profusely carved. King Jaya Prakash Malla built it in 1960. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 : Kathmandu
Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit Swayambhunath said to be 2000 years old and one of the world’s oldest Buddhist chaityas. The stupa, which forms the main structure, is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a cornice of copper and gilt. Painted on the four sided based of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Afternoon Half day excursion to PATAN visiting the Old Newar City, the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the sky piercing temple of Teleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla, other temples, old carved windows and balconies of wood, curio shops and bazaars. Also visit Godavari.Overnight at the hotel

Day 17 : Kathmandu/ Pokhara (200kms & 4 Hrs. Drive)
Breakfast at hotel. This morning, drive to Pokhara. On arrival, check in at hotel. In the afternoon, proceed for sightseeing of the valley visiting the Mahendra Pool to view Seti River Gorge, the Bindebasani Bhagawaiti Temple & the Old Pokhara city with one-hour Boat ride on Lake Phewa. Also visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp to watch the carpet weaving. Walk down to the David Falls to hear the sounds of a mythical river believed to be flowing underground. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18 : Pokhara - Kathmandu/Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure. Later, drive to Katmandu to board flight to Delhi. You will be met upon arrival and transfer to city center for dinner (not included). Later in the evening, transfer to International airport to board onward flight at 0155Hrs.

Day 19 : Delhi/Out
Fly back home according to your flight timings.