Faces of North India (IE-03)

(From Delhi/To Varanasi)

This tour offers the most well-known places of interest in the northern part of India, Start from the bustling capital Delhi full of contrasts with medieval buildings and modern towers. Move to the Shekhavati Region, famous for imaginative frescoes and colourfully painted havelis. The pink City Jaipur is capital of Rajasthan, the centre is still dominated by the huge Maharaja palace.A must for every visitor in Agra is the world famous Taj Mahal.Here Indian honeymooners mix with tourists from all parts of the world.

Still unknown it Gwalior, a town topped by one of the mightiest forts 100 m above the town. In Orcha, the erstwhile capital of the Bundela Rajputs, visit the fort, palaces and Hindu temples which are masterpieces of the Bundelas. The Hindu temples of Khajuraho are well-known for its erotic sculptures on the outer walls of its temples. Varanasi , the city of pilgrimage at the holy river Ganges, adds another highlight to the tour. Savour the spiritual atmosphere in the morning on a boat ride at sunrise watching the pilgrims taking their ritual bath in the river.

Day 1: Flight to Delhi. Arrival around midnight. Transfer to Hotel.   Day 2: Delhi: Sightseeing of Red Fort, Friday Mosque (Jama Masjid), Raj Ghat, Humayun’s Tomb and the India Gate with the government buildings in New Delhi. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3: Delhi - Shekhawati: Move to the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The business community of the Marwaris earned considerable profits when this place was on the caravan routes. They invested the money in erected beautiful mansions and buildings and decorated them with frescoes on the inner and external facades, depicting the local life of yesteryears. Overnight in a Heritage Hotel.

Day 4: Shekhawati – Jaipur: Drive to Jaipur. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, well-known as "Pink City" ever since the visit of King Edward VII. All streets in the city centre are built rectangular according to and old Indian architecture book. Overnight in Hotel.   Day 5: Jaipur: Visit the old capital Amber, a fortified palace. Experience the glory of the Rajput court, its gardens and glittering palace rooms. Sightseeing of the royal City Palace and museum - until today a half of the palace buildings constitute the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, observatory (Jantar Mantar) and the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Overnight in a hotel.

Day 6: Jaipur – Agra: Drive to Agra. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, Moghul Emperor Akbars deserted capital made of pure pink sand stone with the famous tomb of the holy saint Chisti and the bombastic Buland Darwaza (Gate of Victory). Overnight in Hotel.

Day 7: Agra – Gwalior: Drive to Gwalior, a town topped by one of the mightiest forts 100 metres above the town and 3 km in length. Visit Gujari Palace, formerly a palace (15th cent.), built by Man Singh for his favourite wife Mrignayani. See the Fort with Man Singh Palace (1486-1516), delightfully whimsical building with 4 stories, also known as "Painted Palace" because of the tiled and painted decorations of ducks, elephants and peacocks. The Jai Vilas Palace is current residence of Scindia Family and museum, housing numerous curiosities, e.g. a silver miniature railway and two chandeliers, hunging only after 10 elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Overnight at Hotel Usha Kiran Palace.

Day 8: Gwalior - Orcha: Drive to the little town of Orcha, erstwhile capital of the Bundela Rajput rulers. Visit the fort, palaces (16th/17th cent.) and the 7 storied Chatturbhuj temple, which are architectural masterpieces. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 9: Orcha - Khajuraho: Drive to the Khajuraho, (9th-13th cent.), built during reign of the Chandela Rajput dynasty, decorated with charming and lively sculptures from the Hindu mythology. The western group offers the most gigantic and perfect north Indian style of temple, the Kandaria Mahadev. Overnight in Hotel.

Tag 10: Khajuraho – Varanasi: Visit the eastern group of temples, which are predominantly of the Jain faith. Flight to Varanasi. Visit Sarnath, one of the major Buddhist centres. Having achieved enlightenment in Bodh Gaya it was at Sarnath where Buddha came to preach his message of the middle way to final Nirvana. Later emperor Ashoka, the great Buddhist Emperor, erected many magnificent stupas and other buildings here. Sunset and evening Aarti-ceremony at the Ganges. Overnight Hotel.

Tag 11: Varanasi: Early morning proceed to the Ghats for a boat excursion on the holy river Ganges. You can see the ghats and how pilgrims take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges. Transfer to airport. End of programme. Continuation possibilities: Flight to Kathmandu (Nepal) or flight back to Delhi.

Faces of North India   11 days from Delhi to Varanasi Tourcode: IE 03 Category Superior Deluxe Luxury Price per person in INR sharing a double room       01.10.08 - 14.12.08 78,670 93,881  1,42,458                 15.12.08 - 05.01.09     Price s on request as peak season  06.01.09 - 30.04.09  78,670 93,881  1,42,458  01.05.09 - 31.08.09  66,035 75,780  1,18,867  01.09.09 - 30.09.09 69,160 81,405 1,26,617

Category Place Superior place Superior Delhi Maidens Hotel The Claridges/Taj Palace  The Imperial Shekhavati Mandawa Castle Alsisar Mahal Mandawa Castle Jaipur Alsisar Haveli Jai Mahal Palace Rambagh Palace Agra Mansingh Palace The Gateway Hotel(Taj View) Oberoi Amarvilas Gwalior Usha kiran Palace Usha kiran Palace Usha kiran Palace Orcha Amar Mahal Amar Mahal Amar Mahal Khajuraho Taj Chandela Taj Chandela  Grand Temple View varanasi HHI Varanasi The Gateway Hotel(Taj Ganges)  The Gateway Hotel(Taj Ganges)

Minimum participants: 02 Program modifications and group prices on request Our prices include: 10 overnights with breakfast in the mentioned hotels or similar, transfers, round trip in passenger car with air-condition, flight Khajuraho to Varanasi, English speaking local tourist guides for the sightseeing, excursions, entrance fees as per program. Our prices do not include: Flight to India and back, airport taxes, landing and security duties as well as duties on departure, visa for India, travel insurance, health insurance etc., lunch and dinner, beverages, camera/Video film fees, tips, personal expenses, compulsory Christmas and New Year dinners. Travel documents: To visit India every traveller needs a visa and a valid passport, valid 6 months beyond the date of return journey We recommend a travel and a health insurance.