A Glimpse of India

MASTERPIECES OF NORTHERN INDIA
FULLY ESCORTED TOUR - 15 nights / 16 days
Delhi - Varanasi - Sarnath - Khajuraho – Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur - Mt Abu - Udaipur
Departure Thursday September 25th 2008 - Return Friday October 10th 2008

Day 1 Thursday 25 Sep 08
Depart Sydney in the morning - transit Singapore - Arrive Delhi closer to midnight - Met on arrival & transfer to hotel (No activity is scheduled for this day).
Overnight in Delhi

Day 2 Friday 26 Sep 08
After breakfast, half day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. The tour of the 17th-century old city includes the great mosque of Jama Masjid, the main street of Old Delhi known as Chandni Chowk (“Moonlit Street”), Red Fort, one of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal architecture built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648 and Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon visit to Akshardham Temple - The sprawling pink sandstone cultural complex spread over 100 acres showcases the grandeur of Indian history, art, culture and values. Completed in just 5 years in 2005, the temple is built in traditional temple architectural styles. The musical fountain open to public only in the late evenings is a must see. Welcome dinner at hotel.
Overnight in Delhi

Day 3 Saturday 27 Sep 08
After breakfast, half day sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath (“the Kingsway,”) passing the India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the President’s House and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colourful Hindu temple. Visit Qutab Minar, one of the most popular landmarks in Delhi built in 1199 by the Slave dynasty, Humayun's Tomb - the precursor of the Taj Mahal and the Bahai Temple -- shaped like a lotus flower and a proof of India's secularism. Evening transfer to railway station to board Shiv Ganga Express train for Varanasi (1825/0730 hrs).
Overnight on board

Day 4 Sunday 28 Sep 08
Arrive Varanasi at 0730 hrs. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel . Morning sightseeing tour of Varanasi city. Varanasi is one of the holiest cities of the Hindus and Jains and has a number of important artistic, learning and cultural sites. It is the longest continuously inhabited city in the world dating back thousands of years. It is the spiritual, learning and literature capital of India and has many prestigious universities and cultural institutions. Above all it is known as the city of temples and Ghats. The tour of this ancient city includes The Bharat Mata Temple, which has a big relief map of India in marble, the Benares Hindu University with its art gallery, and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb built on the side of an ancient Hindu temple, bathing ghats, The Kashivishwanath temple and the Durgakund (temple from the 18th century).
Overnight at Varanasi

Day 5 Monday 29 Sep 08
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Sarnath - one of the four most Holy sites for the Buddhists where Buddha preached his first sermon to his five disciples. Archaeological excavations here date some relics back to the first century BC. Visit Dhamek Stupa - the imposing stupa 39m high was probably erected in 200 B.C in the Mauryan era and the Ashoka Pillar - erected by the Emperor Ashoka, the pillar had his edict engraved on it. At one time it stood over 17m high. Its citadel with the four lions back to back, is also the official symbol of modern India. Chaukandi Stupa - this stupa was rebuilt by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Dhamarajika Stupa - only the ruins of this stupa built by Emperor Ashoka can be seen today. Moolgandha Kuti Vihara - built in more recent times by the Mahabodhi Society, it has a life-size statue of the lord Buddha in the Dharmachakra Pravatan form.
Overnight at Varanasi

Day 6 Tuesday 30 Sep 08
Dawn boat ride on river Ganges, the most sacred of rivers to the Hindus and where millions congregate to ritually bathe in the Holy waters and pay homage to the Sun God. Hinduism, deep and mysterious is everywhere: in a decorated doorway; in a glimpse of a glittering temple; in the sound of the sacred bells; in the chant of the priests, in the fragrance of the flower oblations. From the river we can see some of the important and historic ghats (steps to enter the river) along the banks of the mighty river. Later transfer to airport to board flight for Khajuraho (9W 723 1220/1300 hrs). Met on arrival and transfer to hotel . Time for some private explorations of the city of Khajuraho.
Overnight at Khajuraho

Day 7 Wednesday 1 Oct 08
Morning sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. The tour of this place includes the Eastern and Western Group of temples of Khajuraho which comprises of the Lakshmi and Varaha Temple, the Lakshmana Temple, the Kandariya Mahadev, the Mahadeva Temple; the Devi Jagadamba Temple, the Chitragupta Temple and the Vishwanath Temple. The Western Group also houses the Matangesvara Temple, the only temple where worship continues and the Chausath Yogini Temple, presently in ruins and believed to be the oldest temple in Khajuraho. The Eastern Group of temples houses the Parasvanath Temple, the largest and finest Jain temple in the city as well as the Adinath Temple, the Shantinath Temple, the Ghantai Temple, the Javari Temple, the Vamana Temple and the Brahma and Hanuman Temple. Evening drive to Jhansi railway station to board Shatabdi Express train for Agra (1805/2035 hrs ). Meet on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Agra.

Day 8 Thursday 02 Oct 08
Morning you are collected for half day city tour of Agra visiting one of the new Seven wonders of the world - The Taj Mahal - a poem, a feeling of love, in white marble - is a fine example of the Mughal architectural styles. It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Visit the Red Sandstone Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century, lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years of 1565-1573. Also, view the Taj Mahal from the opposite side of Yamuna river where the Black Taj was started. Evening sun set visit to Taj Mahal.
Overnight in Agra.

Day 9 Friday 03 Oct 08
Drive Agra - Jaipur (250 kms /05 hrs) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Often called the ghost city, built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. The city is a perfectly preserved example of a Moghul architecture and includes the Diwan Khana-i-Am (a great courtyard for public audiences), the Diwan-i-
Khas (private audience hall) and the beautiful five-tiered Panch Mahal. On arrival check-in at hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur

Day 10 Saturday 04 Oct 08
In Jaipur - Full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur - the Pink City. The tour includes the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds,” one of the major landmarks of Jaipur, a five-story building originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The City Palace, located in the heart of the old city, is a large complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and also houses an interesting museum. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior. Your tour also includes a visit to the Amber fort, situated on the outskirts of the city. Here, you are transported back in time today, riding like royalty atop elegantly draped and painted elephants into the high mountain fortress. Amber Fort was the ancient capital of the State until 1728 and inside the fort, you visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali.
Overnight in Jaipur

Day 11 Sunday 05 Oct 08
Day at leisure in Jaipur. Evening optional Bollywood film in the famous ornate Raj Mandir Cinema House.
Overnight in Jaipur

Day 12 Monday 06 Oct 08
Fly Jaipur - Udaipur (9W 709 0700/0745 hrs). Met on arrival and drive to Mt Abu (215 kms/4½ hrs). On arrival check-in to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Mt Abu. A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis in the barren desert scape of Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range Mount Abu is the only hill station and summer retreat in Rajasthan. The City tour of Mount Abu includes the stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain temples, dating back 11th-13th centuries, which make it a popular pilgrimage centre. The intricate ornamental carvings in the temples represent the climax in the art of decoration in stone. Also visit Nakki Lake, Toad Rock and Achalagarh Fort.
Overnight in Mt Abu.

Day 13 Tuesday 07 Oct 08
Drive Mt Abu -Udaipur (225 kms/05 hrs) enroute visit Ranakpur Jain Temple. Renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the Jain community. These temples were created in the 15th century AD. The central Chaumukha or four faced temple is dedicated to the venerated Tirthankara Rishabhji. Two temples, dedicated to Jain saints Parsvanath and Neminath, face the main temple. The temples have beautiful carvings similar to that of Khajuraho. On arrival check-in at hotel. Evening Sound and Light Show at City Palace, Udaipur.
Overnight in Udaipur.

Day 14 Wednesday 08 Oct 08
In Udaipur - Half day sightseeing tour of Udaipur. The tour includes a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum. Saheliyon-Ki-Bari or “Garden of the Maids of Honor” is a small ornamental garden with fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and delightful lotus pools. Jagdish Temple is an Indo-Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. Rest of the day at leisure. Evening boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Overnight in Udaipur

Day 15 Thursday 09 Oct 08
Morning at leisure. Fly Udaipur - Delhi (1530/1640 hrs). Met on arrival & transfer to International airport to board flight back to Sydney.
Overnight on board

Day 16 Friday 10 Oct 08
Transit in Singapore arrive Sydney late evening.

Tour Accommodation

• Delhi The Connaught
• Varanasi Radisson
• Khajuraho Taj Chandela
• Agra Howard Park Plaza
• Jaipur Shahpura House
• Mt Abu Connaught House
• Udaipur Fateh Prakash Palace

Hotels chosen are good quality 3 and 4 star hotels.
Upgrades to 5 star hotels can be arranged for additional payments when requested, provided that these arrangements do not affect the smooth operation of the group tour.

Tour Inclusions
# International flights from Sydney, Australia to Delhi and return flying Singapore Airlines in economy class (connections from other cities to Delhi can be organised)
# Arrival - departure transfers
# Land transportation using a suitable air-con vehicle.
# Accommodation on twin sharing bed & breakfast basis.
# Fully escorted tour and local English speaking guides in all cities
# Sightseeing tours
# Entrances to the monuments
# Domestic airfare for the sectors Varanasi / Khajuraho and Jaipur / Udaipur / Delhi in economy class.
# Train tickets II Class Aircon sleeper train ticket for the sector Delhi /Varanasi and Chaircar train tickets for the sector Jhansi/ Agra.
# Pre-tour meeting in Sydney and tour notes
# Welcome and farewell dinners

Tour Prices
Twin share Aus Dollars 5675 per person
Single room supplement Aus Dollars 1250
Not included in holiday price:
# Airport taxes, costs of passports, visas, travel and other insurances, immunisation, excess baggage, meals (excluding breakfasts and two dinners), tips to tour guides, items of personal nature such as phone calls, taxis, laundry, room service, drinks etc.
# Terms and Conditions apply; must be agreed upon at the time of booking.

World Heritage Monuments
(UNESCO) seen on this tour:
• Agra Fort (1983)
• Taj Mahal (1983)
• Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
• Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
• Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
• Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
• Red Fort Complex (2007)

Contact
Phone: 0732791701
Email: anjila@brisvaani.com