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Join
us on this abyssal amazing journey from the pink city Jaipur and the
world famous highlight of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal to the
holiest city of India: Varanasi. The Ganges at sunrise with throngs
of the believers and pilgrims, and the erotic art on the temples in
Khajuraho are ditto poignant highlights of this trip. Take the
opportunity and get to know the zestful contrasts of Nepal. In the
beautiful valley of Kathmandu Hinduism, Buddhism and indigenous
beliefs have entered for centuries into a peaceful bond. 
Tour Duration:
23 Days
Season: Throughout the year
Tour Customizable: Yes
Number of Participants: Minimum 1; Maximum 24 |
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Heritage city of hampi |
Mysore Palace, Mysore |
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner |
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Tour Highlights:
. The tour is a personalized individual tour & can be started any
time of year / month. The car, guides will be exclusively for you
only. The tour is based on private departures, whereby you can
benefit from having a private air-conditioned car, stop en-route
for breaks or photo opportunities.
. Being based in India, we offer you the best value of your money.
Having branch and associated offices all over India, Classic
Holidays India guarantees your complete peace of mind and comfort
during your India travel with 24/7 support.
. Finest Hotels in the category chosen.
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Private car round trip: Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Deshnok -
Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur -
Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Orchha - Khajuraho- Varanasi - Delhi - Goa
- Delhi
1. Day: Arrival in Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi welcomed by one of our local staff and
transfer to hotel.
2. Day: Explore! Delhi
Morning & Afternoon: City tour Old and New Delhi
In the morning proceed freshly invigorated towards the city tour
of Delhi.
Delhi: In the capital city of India, the new and old India unites
in a unique way.
New Delhi, laid out symmetrically as a garden city in 1931 by
British architects, is become apparent in a magnanimous, west
oriented style with large shopping areas, luxury hotels, villas
and diplomatic districts.
In Old Delhi, however, burgeoned the splendor of the Orient. The
loud, colorful streets invite you to stroll through the bazaars,
and behind the old walls, the centuries-old palaces, temples and
art treasures await your visit.
In the old city of Delhi, you will visit the majestic Jami Masjid,
the largest mosque in India. You will have the rickshaw (rickshaw)
ride through the bazaars in the narrow alleys of the old oriental
city. Visit the memorial of Mahatama Gandhi. In the colonial part
of New Delhi you will see the government buildings with the
President's Palace and India Gate. Then stand the Qutub Minaret
(symbol of the city of Delhi from the 12th century) and the tomb
of the Mughal emperor Humayun in the program. At last visit the
Akshardham Temple, one of the biggest and most beautiful temples
of north India.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
3. Day: From Delhi to Mandawa
Morning: proceed (approx. 4 hours) to the Shekhawati region -
Mandawa village, On arrival transfer to hotel; Rest
Afternoon: Visit the most beautiful fresco paintings of Mandawa
Mandawa: The Shekhawati region was situated once on the old,
traditional silk route between China and Western Asia. With
palatial-esque country houses (Havelis), the merchants flaunted
here their wealth acquired through trade. The high quality
frescoes on the walls of houses, for which the region is often
referred to as "open-air art gallery", are from the period 1750 to
1930. The former Fort Mandawa Castle has been transformed by the
Maharaja's family in a very stylish hotel. Its frescoes are among
the most impressive of the region. In the afternoon you can watch
on a walk, the most beautifully painted havelis in the town.
4. Day: From Mandawa to Bikaner
Morning: Drive on to the hotel in Bikaner
Afternoon: Excursion to the royal titular-tombs at Devi Kund, and
excursion to the Camel Farm (largest in Asia)
In the afternoon, the first excursion leads to Devi Kund, the dead
memorial of the Maharajas of Bikaner and their wives, with
beautiful marble and sandstone sepulchral-dome constructions.
Then visit the only national camel farm in Asia, whose animals,
now especially used in parades. Bikaner became well known in
Europe, in particular through the camel corps stationed here that
fought in World War I from the side of Lawrence of Arabia for
Britain against the Turks. The ruler Gangha Singh (1887-1943)
served as general of the British Army, the only Indian who signed
the Treaty of Versailles for the end of the 1st World War.
5. Day: From Bikaner to Jaisalmer
Morning: Sightseeing of Bikaner and nearby situated Deshnok
Temple. After sightseeing drive on through the Thar Desert to
Jaisalmer
Afternoon: Upon arrival transfer to hotel, Rest of the time at
leisure.
Bikaner was once an important station along the caravan route
between East and West Asia. It is surrounded by a 7 km-long city
wall (18th century) with 5 gateways and conveys with the historic
buildings of the old city until today the image of a medieval
desert metropolis. The main attraction is the Junagarh Fort, built
in the years 1571-1611. It was expanded over the years by 37
pavilions and temples, which were masterfully built onto the
original building.
Deshnok: The Karni Mata temple is located 31 km south of Bikaner.
Its special attraction is thousands of rats that inhabit the
temple. The rats in the temple enjoy complete protection and are
fed by pilgrims and priests and are venerated and worshiped. The
rats are always sated and thus totally harmless. (This excursion
can also be deleted, of course, upon request)
6. Day: Explore! Jaisalmer
Morning: Sightseeing in Jaisalmer
Afternoon: opportunity to go for a stroll around town
Jaisalmer: The fairytale-like "Golden City" in the desert of Thar
Desert is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In 1156
AD, built directly on the ancient caravan route, Jaisalmer was an
important trading center. Still the life pulsates here. The
approximately 20,000 residents of the desert city Jaisalmer still
live in the perfectly preserved fort. It is perched on a single 80
m high rock, protruding from the desert landscape, and - like also
the part of the "new town" at its feet - all built out of warm
yellow sandstone. It is in the present state mainly from the 16th
century. The exotic uniqueness of this medieval town from the
storybook with its subtly decorated buildings and its friendly
people lets you to take a trip into the past that is more
impressive than any museum visit. The with virtuosically filigreed
stonemason worked decorated temples and the mansions of earlier
rich merchants (havelis) are still preserved in their original
beauty and will amaze you. The streets are narrow, with high rise
buildings on both sides, whose bays and balconies and turrets
protrude over the street and consequently bestow shadows. In
contrast to the buildings in the Shekhavati region the mural
paintings play no role here. You will visit the medieval fortress
city with the 7-storey palace, temples and havelis. A stroll
through the bazaars with a wonderful arts and crafts, should not
be missed by you.
7. Day: From Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Morning: Drive on to Jodhpur, On arrival transfer to hotel.
Afternoon: Sightseeing of Jodhpur
Jodhpur: Here you can visit the titular tombs Jaswant Tada and the
mighty Mehrangarh Fort, the fortified palace complex enthrones
majestically on a 125 m high cliff above the town. Within the
fort, which still belongs to the Maharaja of Jodhpur, there is a
whole series of spacious courtyards and palaces with lattice
windows and balconies, which were carved from red sandstone with
very fine details. In the former premises of the Maharaja is now
an interesting display of weapons, miniature paintings, musical
instruments, costumes, etc. to see.
8. Day: From Jodhpur to Udaipur via Ranakpur
Morning: Drive on to Udaipur, on the way visit the Jain
temples of Ranakpur
Evening: Drive on to the hotel in Udaipur
Ranakpur: The prodigious temple complex is a highlight of the Jain
architecture. The construction of the temple was started here in
the 16th century from a donation and foundation by a merchant. And
after the 60 years of building one of the most beautiful temples
built in Rajasthan. The main temple with 29 geometrically arranged
halls covering the vast area of 3716 mē, supported by 1444
pillars. In addition, the unique sun light behavior gives the
interior an aura that almost no visitor can elude.
9. Day: Explore! Udaipur
Morning: Sightseeing of Udaipur
Afternoon: Boat ride on Lake Pichola
Udaipur: The old city is surrounded by a city wall. Through seven
gates, you can get inside. At the time your scouting expedition,
you will see the City Palace with Museum. In the palace rooms, the
famous "peacock mosaics" can be seen, as well as beautiful inlay
work with tiny mirrors. The Jagdish Temple is located near the
palace and was built in 1651 in the Indo-Aryan style. Udaipur is a
bustling city with many small bazaars. Its fun to stroll around
the city and to go on a scouting expedition. The unmitigated
splendor of this city can be enjoyed in the afternoon with a boat
ride across the artificial Lake Pichola. It is over 4 km and 3 km
wide. The island in the south is home to the 17th Century built
Jag Mandir Palace, the northern island that was built in 1757 as
Jag Niwas Palace is now the famous Lake Palace Luxury Hotel. To
moviegoers and television viewers, the sight is perhaps known from
the movies "Tiger of Eschnapur" and James Bond's "Octopussy",
which have been filmed here.
10. Day: From Udaipur to Pushkar
Morning: Drive on to Pushkar, on arrival check in at hotel.
Afternoon: Sightseeing of Pushkar
Pushkar is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India.
400 temples testify to the importance of this place, even the 52
ghats that lead down to the lotus-lake. These ghats are the main
attraction of Pushkar, because the pilgrims perform here their
rituals in the firm belief, in order to cleanse themselves from
the sins of their lives. Pushkar is the only place in India with a
Brahma temple, which is dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of
the world. The dawn in Pushkar does not begin with the twittering
of birds, but with the drums and bells of the Brahma temple at
four clock in the morning.
11. Day: From Pushkar to Jaipur
Morning: Drive on to Jaipur, on arrival transfer to hotel.
Afternoon: Opportunity for your own explorations and shopping.
Evening: Excursion to Choki Dhani village resort, the artificially
created village but giving true inpact of an Indian village.
Dinner at the resort.
12. Day: Explore! Jaipur
Morning: Tour of Amber Fort including Elephant ride / Jeep
Tour
Afternoon: Sightseeing of Jaipur
Today you can anticipate the wonderful trip to the magnificent and
majestic Amber Fort. On an elephant back or by jeep - you crest
the sloping path to the fortress, hear their story and see the
beautifully decorated mirror pavilions and halls during the
extensive tour. From the galleries and terraces, you have a
wonderful panoramic view over the valley and the mountains of the
Aravalli range.
In the afternoon you will visit Jaipur. In the year 1727 Raja Jai
Singh II began with the construction of this extraordinary city of
India. The city of Jaipur was laid out on the basis of an ancient
Hindu treatise in accordance with the regular grid network
principle created with fine, uniformly designed buildings. The
streets were each allocated to different professional groups such
as the potters, the weavers, the dyers, the jewelers and bankers.
You will visit the City Palace, even today home of the local
Maharaja, and can admire in the museum the private collections of
historical miniatures, carpets, weapons, showy clothes. The Palace
of Winds (Hawa Mahal) with its unique facade belongs to the
tourist highlights. Besides, you will also visit Jantar Mantar,
the very interesting observatory from the 17th century. Your tour
guide will explain the preserved site, astronomical instruments of
the observatory. In a rickshaw ride you will experience up close
the colorful goings-on in the glittering bazaars of the old town.
13. Day: From Jaipur to Agra via Bharatpur and Fatehpur Sikri
Morning: Drive to Agra en route visit to the Keoladeo National
Park of Bharatpur and the "ghost town" of Fatehpur Sikri
Evening: After arriving in Agra, transfer to hotel
The Keoladeo National Park, which is located 55 km west of Agra in
the state of Rajasthan, is also known as Ghana Bird Sanctuary
Gahna. It was declared in 1985 by UNESCO as the world natural
heritage. The National Park was earlier the hunting grounds of the
Maharajas of Bharatpur, especially the duck hunting. In the large
29 sq km area, in total over 364 species of birds are observed. In
winter season the birds hibernate in the park include cranes,
pelicans, geese, ducks and eagles. In summer, partridges,
peacocks, storks, cormorants and innumerable other species of
birds seen. A very special visitor to the national park is the
Siberian crane. This species is threatened with extinction. The
stock of Siberian cranes has fallen from 100 in 1976 to 5.
Fatehpur Sikri: Approx. 40 km from Agra, you will visit the famous
ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Built
in 1569 by Mughal emperor Akbar, but was abandoned after 15 years
due to water shortage. The red, well-preserved sandstones
buildings are amongst the most important examples of Mughal
architecture. Today, you can stroll, just as four hundred years
ago, through a intact, lordly city: Multi-storey palaces, gardens
and a marketplace, a waterworks, countless covered corridors,
staircases and terraces. They are testimony to the architectural
masterpiece of Akbar. The lost city unites two contrasts: the
figurative architecture of the Hindus and the geometric
architecture of Islam.
14. Day: Explore! Agra
Morning: Visit the Taj Mahal
Afternoon: Visit the Red Fort
Agra: Here you will find the highlight of your North India tour:
The visit of the world famous Taj Mahal, a Unesco World Heritage
Site. The beyond comparison perfection and beauty of this "dearest
proof of love ever" shines even today in white marble. A mausoleum
erected by mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1631 for his beloved wife
Mumtaz Mahal. 20,000 workers built it in 22 years: A dream in
white marble, which rises in perfect proportion in an elegant
garden of fountains. The magisterial architecture and the
sumptuous inlays of semi-precious gemstones will amaze you. Agra,
between 16th and 17th century, was the main city of Indian Mughal
Empire. The "Agra Red Fort", a Unesco World Heritage Site, that
you visit ongoing, bear witness to this golden age. Mughal era was
so glorious that at the time of Mughal rule, especially during the
reign of mughal emperor Akbar, gross domestic product (GDP) of
India was considered to be the highest in the whole world. The
unity between Hindus and Muslims was at its peak. With its
audience halls, its beautiful gardens and opulent mosques, Agra
fort is counted amongst the most beautiful fortresses in India.
The construction of the massive Agra Fort was started in 1565 as a
defence work and seat of government. Over time, however, it was
rebuilt, more and more to the palace, wherefore the completion
lasted almost 90 years.
15. Day: From Agra to Khajuraho via Orchha
Morning: Super-fast train to Jhansi. Pick up at railway
station and proceed to Orchha (19 km). Visit the medieval city of
Orchha.
Afternoon: Drive on to Khajuraho. Arrival and transfer to hotel.
Evening: Cultural program at Kandariya Art Cultural Center
Orchha: Orchha is a medieval city, in which the time seems to
stand still. The once flourishing capital of the Bundela Rajputs
later came under the rule of the Mughals. The medieval city has
palaces and temples dating from the 16th and 17 Century, most of
which are very well preserved.
16. Day: From Khajuraho to Varanasi
Morning: Visit of West and East group of temples of Khajuraho
Forenoon: Transfer to airport to board the flight to Varanasi
Evening: Arrival in Varanasi and Transfer hotel
Khajuraho: A visit to the temples of Khajuraho is one of the
highlights of any immersive North India trip. In the period from
950 AD to 1050 AD this 1,000-year-old town experienced a
remarkable florescence of Indo-Aryan architecture. These
masterpieces of stone masonry art reflect many aspects of Indian
life. The sculptures and reliefs depicting gods, warriors,
musicians, animals, and especially time and again women and
couples in love in a perfect passion. The figures of Apsaras
(celestial dancers), and erotic sculptures let the Kama Sutra to
be alive again. But in the context of Hindu mythology, the erotic
images must be properly interpreted. In the act of love, you see
not only the union of man and woman, but also the generative act
of the world's creation by the gods. The western group of temples
are erected in hinin the West, the plant is in the Hindu style,
while the east group of temples are erected in the Jain style.
17. Day: Explore! Varanasi
Early morning: Boat trip on the Ganges at sunrise. After boat
ride return to hotel for breakfast.
Morning: Sightseeing of Varanasi and Excursion to the ruins of
Sarnath
Evening: Witness the evening Aarti (daily religious ceremony) on
the bank of river Ganges.
Varanasi: Located at the middle of the Ganges basin, Varanasi (Benares),
also known as Kashi, is, like Rome, considered as the "Eternal
City". Varanasi is the most important of the seven sacred cities
of Hindus and also one of the oldest cities in the world. The city
is not only a place of pilgrimage, but also unanimously the
spiritual capital of traditional Hindu culture and literature. On
the ghats (steps leading to the river) of the holy river, you will
always see the crowds of the Hindu faithful and pilgrims, taking
bath and performing religious ceremonials. The bath in the Ganges
cleanses the sins and promises absolution.
During a boat trip on the Ganges, experience the unique colors of
the sunrise. Here - surrounded by the sound of bells, hymn singing
of the priests, the fragrance of flowers and the sights of
"bathing ghats" - you can gain insight into the religion of
Hinduism. He who vanquishes the disconcertment, will see Varanasi
with different eyes and be amazed. On the return journey to the
hotel you will visit the "golden" Vishwanath temple. After
breakfast and a refreshment break at the hotel, visit among the
most important of the many shrines of the city, the Bharat Mata
Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Durga Tempel. Later, you drive
through the 5 kmē large premises of the Banaras Hindu University
and then visit the New Vishwanath Temple, which is accessible to
people of all religions.
Sarnath: 10 km north of Varanasi are the ruins of Sarnath. Here
Buddha, after his enlightenment, preached his five followers in a
deer park his first sermon. Later, King Ashoka erected there a
number of monasteries and stupas. Local attractions of Sarnath
include the Dhameka stupa, an important religious building, and an
Ashoka pillar. The local archaeological museum has beautiful
sculptures, which were discovered during excavations.
18. Day: From Varanasi to Lumbini (Nepal)
Morning: Drive to Sunauli Border. After some immigration
formalities, you will drive 1.2 miles to Bhairawa where you can
see more of Nepal. From Bhairawa transfer to Lumbini. Overnight at
Lumbini
19. Day: From Lumbini to Chitwan (Royal National Park)
You will first visit Lumbini, and then drive on to the Chitwan
Royal National Park. Your visit to India will not be complete
without an elephant ride in the jungle, where you can see the
rhino and other wildlife where animals in their natural
environment. With some luck, you can also see the rare tigers and
leopards.
20. Day: Wildlife Safari in Chitwan
An early morning trip will allow you to explore the jungle and
see more than 400 types of birds. There, you will have the
opportunity to speak with them, to see their homes, and while
watching the birds, enjoy a hot cup of tea. Afterwards, you will
go to a Tharu-village and spend the night at the Chitwan National
Park.
21. Day: From Chitwan to Kathmandu
After breakfast you will drive to Kathmandu. You will also see
the Pasupatinath Temple and Bodnath Stupa, and visit Durbar
Square. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu
for dinner and an overnight stay.
22. Day: Excursion to Bkatapur and Patan
After breakfast, there will be an excursion to Bkatapur and
Patan, which are the medieval cities of Nepal. You will then stay
overnight in Kathmandu.
23. Day: Final Stop: From Kathmandu to New Delhi
You will be transferred to Kathmandu International Airport to
board your flight to Delhi. After arrival in Delhi, you will be
transferred to Delhi international airport for the flight back to
your country.
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| Akshardham Temple, Delhi |
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| Bahai Lotus Temple, Delhi |
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| Mandwa castle Haveli |
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| Jungarh fort, Bikaner |
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| Haveli in Jaisalmer |
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| Golden Fort, Jaisalmer |
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| Jaisalmer-fort |
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| Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur |
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| Jain temple at Ranakpur |
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| Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur |
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| Herds of Camels at Pushkar |
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| Palace of Winds, Jaipur |
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| Observatory, Jaipur |
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| Fatehpursikri Complex, Nearby Agra |
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| Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur |
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| Red Fort, Agra |
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| Taj Mahal |
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| Girl Ganges in Varanasi |
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| Ghats Ganges in Varanasi |
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| Pilgrims at varanasi Ghats |
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| Girl Ganges in Varanasi |
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| Haridwar |
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| Sacred Garden and Temple in Lumbini |
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| Kathmandu, Nepal |
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