Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Classical India Tour



Classical India Tour
12 Nights/13 Days
Itinerary: Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Agra - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Kota - Udaipur - Mumbai
Classical India tour packs the best Indian tourist sites and a wildlife sanctuary. You get to visit architectural wonders in Delhi, Khajuraho, Agra and Jaipur. At the Ranthambhore National Park, you can enjoy a wildlife safari and set out in search of the great Indian tiger.

Tour Itinerary:

Extention Tours
Classical India with Beaches of Goa
Classical India with Beaches of Kovalam
Classical India with Historic Aurangabad
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
A Yatra representative will meet you at a location convenient to you in Delhi and transfer you in an air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel of stay. Check-in at your pre-booked hotel.

In the afternoon, you will be taken on a half-day combined city tour of Old and New Delhi, accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Browse the historical sites of the city such as Qutab Minar, India Gate (War Memorial), a drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s Estate), Parliament House and Secretariat building. Further on, proceed to Jama Masjid, and drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk – a traditional shopping hub. After sightseeing in the city, return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 2: Delhi – Varanasi
After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to the religious city of Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi, check-in at a hotel and spend the night. In the afternoon, head out for a half-day excursion to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage centre. Marvel at the huge Buddha statue of Sarnath. After sightseeing in the city, return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 3: Varanasi - Khajuraho
Take an early morning boat ride on river Ganges. The long string of ghats - the chain of stone steps - along the western bank of the Ganges forms the major attraction of Varanasi. There are many fascinating legends associated with these ghats. After the boat ride, tuck into a hearty breakfast and continue to explore the beautiful temples and bustling bazaars.

Later, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Khajuraho. Upon arrival in Khajuraho, check-in at a hotel and spend the night.

Day 4: Khajuraho – Jhansi - Agra
After breakfast, go on a sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. Marvel at the architecture of the temples and the intricately carved sculptures of gods and goddesses from Indian mythology. Made of finely grained stone, the colors of the sculptures range from pale buff, pink, yellow and brown. The human body depicted in various sensuous postures is widely found in Khajuraho.

Visit the largest temple Kandariya Hahodeo, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then, drive to Jhansi Railway Station, visiting Orchha on the way. Arrive at Jhansi Railway Station and board the Express Train to Agra. On arrival in Agra, check-in at a pre-booked hotel and spend the night.

Day 5: Agra – Jaipur
After breakfast, take a half-day city tour of Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1630 to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal (Taj Mahal is closed every Friday). Later, visit the magnificent Agra Fort and learn about its fascinating history.

In the afternoon, leave for Jaipur, visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and other palaces. Jaipur is about 232 kilometers from Agra. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check-in at a hotel and spend the night.

Day 6: Jaipur
After breakfast, set out proceed on a full-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur which includes Amber Fort - the capital of the state till 1728. Visit Jagmandir or the Hall of Victory that glitters with mirrors, Jai Mahal and Temples of Kali. The most interesting part of your day tour will be the ascent to Amber Fort on elephant back while taking in panoramic views of the city.
In the afternoon, visit the Maharaja’s City Palace and Jantar Mantar, and drive past Hawa Mahal or The Palace of Winds and through the rose-pink residential and business areas of Jaipur. After sightseeing in Jaipur, return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 7: Jaipur – Ranthambore
After breakfast, drive to Ranthambhore National Park, the former hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Ranthambhore is about 170 kilometers from Jaipur, an approx. 4-hour drive. Upon arrival in Ranthambhore, check-in at a pre-booked hotel.

In the afternoon, set out on a jeep safari into the wildlife park in search of the Great Indian Tiger. If you are lucky, you might catch sight of him, besides a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 8: Ranthambore
Spend the morning and afternoon taking jeep safari in the park. Ranthambhore is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country. Return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 9: Ranthambore – Kota
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Kota about 180 kilometers from Ranthambhore. Check-in at a hotel upon arrival. Spend an afternoon of sightseeing in Kota; visit the Chambal Garden, Maharao Madho Singh Museum and the Government Museum housed in the Brijvilas Palace near Kishore Sagar. Return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 10: Kota – Udaipur
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Udaipur, a 6-hour drive from Kota. Upon arrival in Udaipur, check-in at a pre-booked hotel and spend the night. Spend the evening at leisure exploring around the 'lake city' at your pace and taking a stroll on the banks of Lake Pichola.

Day 11: Udaipur
After breakfast, take a full-day sightseeing tour of Udaipur city which includes visits to the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, a drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion ki Bari (Queen's Resort for her friends) and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir (folk art museum). Follow it up with an afternoon boat cruise on Pichola Lake surrounded by splendid hills, palaces and temples. Enjoy the brilliant scenery while boating and take back some wonderful pictures. Return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 12: Udaipur - Mumbai
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Udaipur Airport for a flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, check-in at a hotel for your overnight stay. In the afternoon, continue on a half-day sightseeing tour of Mumbai and visit the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum and Jehangir Art Gallery. Drive past the Flora Fountain, the ever-bustling Crawford Market and along Marine Drive. Your tour concludes at ‘Dhobi Ghats’ where you will see hundreds of 'dhobis' (washer-men) and their families busy with their chores. Later, return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 13: Departure from Mumbai
After a sumptuous breakfast, you will be dropped to the airport or any point convenient to you in Mumbai for your onward journey.

Note:
- Standard check-in/check-out times at all hotels will be 12 noon.
- The duration and specifications of the package can be modified as per requirement

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