Day 07: Gwalior / Jhansi (Bhopal Shatabadi – 0933 / 1043 Hrs) Jhansi / Orccha / Khajuraho (180 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
Early morning, transfer to the train station for a short ride on India’s premier train service to Jhansi.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Jhansi & we will drive to Khajuraho via Orccha.
Upon arrival in Orccha, we will enjoy lunch at Hotel Orchha Palace and Conventions.
After Lunch, we proceed on a guided tour of the city. The medieval city of Orchha, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. The city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa river, was founded by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, in the 16th century.The word Orchha means 'hidden'. When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15th century, pushed the Bundelkhand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orchha. Apart from the famous landmarks like Jehangir Mahal, the Laxminarayan Temple, the area is peppered with fascinating little shrines and memorials, all of which add to the overwhelming feeling of nostalgia, the city evokes in the visitor
From here we will drive to Khajuraho.
Upon arrival in Khajuraho, check into hotel Radisson
Overnight at Hotel Radisson (Deluxe Room)
Day 08: Khajuraho
After breakfast, 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 sexual fantasies displayed in the sculptures are mind-boggling. It speaks very highly of the artistic creativity and imagination of the sculptors. 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
Afternoon 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 Radisson (Deluxe Room)
Day 09: Khajuraho / Varanasi (SG 2931 – 1210 / 1310 Hrs)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Varanasi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Varanasi and transfer to Hotel The Rivatas by Ideal
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 chantings.
Overnight at Hotel The Rivatas by Ideal (Deluxe Room)
Day 10: Varanasi (Sarnath is closed on Fridays)
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.
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.
Overnight at Hotel The Rivatas by Ideal (Deluxe Room)
Day 11: Varanasi / Delhi (UK 813 - 1520 / 1650 Hrs)
Morning is at leisure for independent activities. You might choose to visit the banks of the Ganges or walk along the narrow meandering lanes of the old city to witness the performance of various rituals.
Later, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to Colonel Retreat.
Overnight at Colonels Retreat - Defence Colony, Delhi (Standard Room)
Day 12: Delhi / Departure
Transfer to the International airport for your onward flight
We do hope the flavor of India will remain on your taste buds for all times to come and hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India
"Please come back soon"
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Tour Cost for 02 People Traveling Together Sharing on Twin Sharing Basis
NOTE: - Hotel Upgrades available upon request
*T & C Apply
Includes: Accommodation on twin share basis; daily American breakfast; air-conditioned private Sedan car for all journeys and tours; local guides; Morning boat ride & Evening Aarti in Varanasi; Sound & Light Show in Khajuraho; Jeep ride in Jaipur, rickshaw ride in Delhi. Airfare for the Khajuraho / Varanasi / Delhi sectors in economy class (Discounted airfare subject to change & availability), Driver expenses and GST.
Cost Does Not Includes: Entrance, Camera & Video fee to monuments, Meals other than as mentioned above, Expenses of Personal nature such as Laundry, Drinks, Telephone calls, Tips etc., Credit Card Transaction Charges.
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