14 Nights / 15 Days

Delhi / Agra / Gwalior / Orchha / khajuraho / Varanasi / Calcutta / Bhubaneshwar / Puri / Konark / Puri / Bhubneshwar / Calcutta

Day 1 – Your Country / Delhi

Late night arrival. Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you! Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2 – Delhi

Following a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi.
DELHI – India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising then, that what constitutes Delhi today is a conglomerate of seven cities.
Morning: Proceed for tour to Old Delhi. Visiting, Red Fort (From outside) – The old walled city from Mughal India, the chief attraction is the huge fort that contains within it palaces and impressive public buildings. Chandni Chowk – The main street of Old Delhi is the colourful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk. Jama Masjid – The great mosque of Old Delhi is both the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. Raj Ghat – On the banks of the Yamuna River, a simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures.

Afternoon: Continue to visit New Delhi, Rajpath – The Kingsway is another focus of New Delhi. It is immensely broad and is flanked on either side by Ornamental ponds. India Gate – This 42 mtr high stone arch of triumph stands at the eastern end of the Rajpath. It bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WWI and Afghan fiasco in 1919 Rashtrapati Bhawan – The official residence of the President of India stands at the opposite end of the Rajpath from India Gate. Qutab Minar – This is a soaring tower of victory which was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. It is nearly 73 mtr high and tapers from a 15-mtr diameter base to just 2.5 mtr at the top. Humayun's Tomb  - This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3 – Delhi / Agra

Breakfast will be at Hotel. Proceed to Agra. Upon arrival check into hotel.
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are, the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations.
Leave for Sight seeing tour of Agra
VISIT TAJ MAHAL [ built by Shah Jehan for his queen Mumtaj Mahal ], perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the World & the construction of Taj Mahal believed to have taken 22 Years to complete with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. Taj Mahal witness the spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable
Visit Red Fort  - Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandson. The colossal walls are 20 feet high and the whole fort is encircled by a fetid moat. Amar Singh gate towards the south is the only entry point in the fort. The building and structures inside the fort gives an impression of a city within the city. Many of the building inside the fort is now closed for the public. The marble pearl mosque inside the fort is one of the most stunningly beautiful mosques in India
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 4 – Agra / Gwalior / Orchha

Breakfast at hotel. Leave for Orchha. Enroute visit Gwalior :
Gwalior was the capital of the Scindias, who were one of the ruling families of the Marathas, who ruled over the Deccan, after the disintegration of the Mughal Empire. Gwalior has many historic monuments.
We can visit Gwalior Fort - where a sun temple is believed to have been constructed within the area of the fort. Also visit Man Mandir which is a six towered palace & which forms the eastern wall of the fort. The fort has monuments dating back to 8th century A.D. onwards and is one of the largest forts in India. Also visit the Gujri Mahal, a turreted palace of stone now houses the archaeological museum.
Gwalior also offers the Tomb of Muhammad Ghaus, a saint worshipped by the Mughals & the Tomb of the famous musician Tansen.
Later Leave for Orchha - The medieval city of Orchha, is 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.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 – Orchha / Khajuraho

Breakfast at Hotel. Visit Orchha and later leave for Khajuraho. Upon arrival check in at hotel

Following rest and relaxation we 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.
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!
Overnight at Hotel

Day 6 – Khajuraho / Varanasi

After the breakfast depart for Varanasi. Arrive in Varanasi. Checkin at hotel.
Varanasi : formerly known as Kashi – the city that illuminates. The religious capital of Hinduism , Varanasi is the oldest living city of India & one of the worlds’ most ancient. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna & Asi
excursion to Sarnath - the buried Buddhist city where Buddha preached his first sermon. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya the Buddha went to Sarnath; and it was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park to set in motion the 'Wheel of the Dharma'. It is one of the most holy sites as in this place the stream of the Buddha's teaching first flowed. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 16th century BC to 12th century AD. Visit the ruins, the stupa, the Buddhist temple & the museum (closed on FriDays). At the museum is the Ashok Pillar with its four guardian lions, used as independent Indias’ national emblem. Overnight at Hotel

Day 7 – Varanasi

Early morning, leave for boat ride on the Ganges to see the bathing Ghats (river bank) & cremation site. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. The life on the Ghats bound in an endless string of rituals, ever-changing aspects of the river & the wide landscape across have fascinated visitors from all over the world. Return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, city tour of Varanasi - Visit the Bharat Mata temple with a big relief map of India in Marble, Durga temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Benaras Hindu University which has an art gallery & the mosque of Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb.
Overnight at Hotel

Day 8 – Varanasi / Calcutta

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport to board on flight to Kolkatta. On arrival Checkin at hotel. Spare time rest in hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9 – Calcutta

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Calcutta.
Calcutta also known as Kolkata is a bustling city with a teeming population. It is the cultural capital of India and the gateway to the East. More than 300 years old, the city gained eminence when the British developed Calcutta as the second city of their empire, next only to London. It became the capital of India. When Queen Victoria died, Lord Curzon the then Viceroy of India built the white marbled Victoria Memorial in her remembrance.
Calcutta is an Anglicized version of Kalikata. According to some, Kalikata is derived from the Bengali word Kalikshetra, meaning "Ground of (the goddess) Kali." Some say the city's name derives from the location of its original settlement on the bank of a canal (khal). A third opinion traces it to the Bengali words for lime (kali) and burnt shell (kata), since the area was noted for the manufacture of shell-lime. Still another opinion is that the name is derived from the Bengali term kilkila (meaning, "flat area"), which is mentioned in the old literature. Maybe the name springs from the fact that being the home of the 'Kol' tribe known as 'Kolka Hota

You will discover there the Eden gardens, the Law courts, the French National Assembly and one of the missions of Mother Theresa.

Day 10 – Calcutta / Bhubaneshwar

After the breakfast, a little spare time for your personal discovery of the city, then transfer to the airport to take the flight for Bubaneshwar, capital of Orissa. Arrival, checkin at hotel and spare time to walk down the city and to discover some temples. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 – Bhubaneshwar

After Breakfast Leave for City tour you will discover their 500 temples. The city counted some more than 7000 at the period. Visit temple of Lingaraja, largest and more impressionant of all, Parsumeshwara, Mukteshwara. All are gathered around a crowned basin. The afternoon, visits of the sanctuaries of Udaigiri. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 – Bhubaneshwar / Puri

Breakfast at hotel and continue to puri, Checkin at hotel
Visit Jaganath Temple is dedicated to Lord Jaganath (the Lord of the Universe) who is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The original temple, built in Orissan style of temple architecture with a Deul or Sanctum and Jagmohan or the Audience Hall, was completed in 12th century AD. The Nata Mandir or Dance Hall and Bhog Mandir or Hall of Offering were added in the 14th or 15th century AD. The Sanctum is enshrined with the wooden idols of Jaganath, Balabhadra and Subhdra beautifully ornamented with fineries, ornaments and garlands by the priests. Only the eyes of the deities are visible because they are believed to be unfinished work of the Vishwakarma, the architect of the gods. According to mythology, it is believed that the king had commissioned Vishwakarma to build the idols of the Gods. Vishwakarma started the work on the condition that the king would not interfere or disturb him till the time the work is completed. He worked according to his will with long breaks in between which irritated the king. When he could no longer restrain himself, the king questioned Vishwakarma about his work. This angered Vishwakarma and he left the work unfinished. The temple complex is a self-sufficient unit with 6000 priests and more than 10,000 others whose livelihood comes from the temple activities. There are four sacred tanks within the temple complex of which the Narendra Tank is the most famous. Only the Hindus are allowed inside the temple
In the afternoon, road for Pipli, small artisanal village specialized in weaving and the embroidery and visits Japanese monastery. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 – Puri / Konarak / Puri

After the breakfast, Leave for Konarak excursion, small village of fishermen of Orissa. You will discover there the famous Sun temple classified with the world inheritance. This is devoted to Surya, and its architecture symbolizes the Tank of the god Surya. Return to Puri and overnight at hotel.

Day 14 – Puri / Bhubaneshwar / Calcutta

After the breakfast, transfer to the airport to take the flight bound for Delhi. Arrival in Delhi, Checkin at hotel.  transfer downtown to carry out your last purchases or some visits. The vehicle remains at your disposal. Overnight at hotel

Day 15 – Calcutta / Your Country

after transfer to the international airport for your onward flight back home with the sweet memories of India

Hotel Proposed – LUXURY

Delhi- The Imperial/ The Grand/ The Park/ The Claridges/ Hotel Taj Palace / The Oberoi/ The Taj Mahal/ The Manor/ The Metropolitan Hotel Nikko
Agra- Jaypee Palace/ Taj View/ The Trident Hilton
Orchha- Orchha Resorts/ Amar Mahal
Khajuraho- The Grand Temple View/ The Jass Radisson
Varanasi- Radisson Hotel/ Taj Ganges
Calcutta- Peerless Inn/ Radisson Fort
Bhubhaneshwar- Trident Bhubaneshwar/ Hotel Swosti
Puri- The Hans Coco Palms/ Mayfair Beach Resort

Hotel Proposed – DELUXE

Delhi- Hotel Marina/ The Connaught/ Hotel Dee Marks/ Hans Plaza
Agra- Howard Park Palza/ Utkarsh Vilas/ The Grand Imperial/ Hotel Mansingh Palace
Orchha- Orchha Resorts/ Sheesh Mahal
Khajuraho- Hotel Clarks
Varanasi- Rashmi Guest House/ Hotel Ganges View
Calcutta- Lytton Hotel
Bhubhaneshwar- The Crown
Puri- Toshali Sands

Hotel Proposed – ECONOMY

Delhi- Hotel Metro Heights/ Hotel Metro City/ Hotel Singh Sons/ Hotel Singh Palace
Agra- Hotel Amar/ Hotel Atithi / Hotel Royal Regency
Orchha- Betwa Cottages
Khajuraho- Green Wood Hotels
Varanasi- Temple On Ganges
Calcutta- Hotel royal Garden
Bhubhaneshwar- Ginger Hotel
Puri- Toshali Sands

Tour Package Includes:
❂ Hotel accomodation as per the itinerary with daily breakfast.
❂ Surface Travel by airconditioned car
❂ All airport, railway station, other transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary.
❂ Local English speaking guides.
❂ Elephant ride in Amber Fort, Jaipur (Subject to availability),
❂ Boat ride in Udaipur (common Boat).
❂ All applicable taxes, parking fees, driver allowances etc.

Tour Package does not include:
❂ International or domestic flights.
❂ Airport taxes, Visa Charges, Insurance.
❂ Entrance fee to monuments.
❂ Minibar, Tips, laundry.
❂ Any item not shown in Cost Includes.

Notes:

• There will be a supplement for Christmas / New Year / Pushkar festival time.
• There can be some variation in the price according to the hotels finally booked