TEMPLE TOURS (10 Days)

Few tours can rival this fourteen day tour which combines the culture of Brahamnical India at Varanasi the city of ghats. The life on the river Ganges, Sarnath the city of Buddhist Stupas & monasteries, the Forts & Palaces of central India, the sculptures of Khajurao, Cenotaphs of Kings of Orcha the monument of love the Taj Mahal. The hindu kingdom of Nepal and its famous Mount Everst and Chitwan national park. The old world charm of one of the oldest capital city of the world Delhi & the unique train journey of India.

“Namaste“ - a warm welcome to this country, a sincere greeting with a bow and folded hands. This politeness and hospitality will face you throughout this tour of discovery. Arrival in Delhi in the morning. Transfer to our 5-star hotel in New Delhi. After a short break we embark on our first journey to discover India. Our introduction to India will be by a " Rickshaw" ride a mode of transport used in small towns and in Old Delhi. We head for a guided city tour to the most interesting sights of the city that is the Red Fort a fort made of red sand stone which once housed the world famous PEACOCK throne and the Jama Masjid mosque. Welcome Dinner at the old Hauz Khas village complex overnight stay at the hotel.

Early morning train journey to Agra transfer to the hotel after a short break leave for the Agra Fort a massive complex with exquisite work on pillars and ceiling. Emperor Shajahan the builder of Taj was held captive here by his son Emperor Aurangzeb who usurped the throne. It was from here that Emperor Shahjahn would view the Taj. From the fort we proceed to the Taj a monument of Love

Early morning drive to Orcha enroute stopping at Gwalior to visit the magnifcant fort from there carry on to Sonagiri a temple complex on a secluded hillock comprising of more than 100 exquisit temples next halt is a stop at Datia palace the inspiration of Luteyan the builder of New Delhi on to Jhansi and overnight at the Orcha Fort or the river side resort .

Early morning visit the temple complex of Orcha and the centophas of the maharajas of Orcha after brunch proceed to Khajurao the city of Erotic temple sculpture. We check in into the hotel in late afternoon after a short break we take the first tour of the temple complex. Overnight at hotel.

Drive to Panna national park lunch on a tree top resturant on the banks of the river outside the national park . We will also try and visit the Panna Diamond mines . On return we take another trip to the other temple complex. Overnight at the hotel in khajurao.

Walk the streets of Khajurao leave for the airport around 11:30 A.M. to catch the flight for Varanasi the oldest living city in India and one of the worlds most ancient previously known as Kashi in the times of Puranas and Vedas. Its also the second most important religious city on the Ganges. After check in and a short break visit the bazar of Benaras which is an experience of a life time even for the Indians living in other cities. Varanasi is a city which can not be described it can only be experienced. Around sunset take a visit to the ghats (Banks of river ganga) and a boat ride in the Ganges to see the AARTI ( culmination of the days prayers with lamps) which are offered to the mother Ganga and left to float in the river. It's a spectacle seen nowhere else in the world. It seems that stars are floating in the river.

Early morning again visit the ghats before sunrise to see people praying to the Sun god another experience of its kind. After breakfast visit Kashi Vishwanath temple the most important temple of Lord Shiva in India Saranath where lord Budha preached his first Sermon. It was here he revealed the eight fold path to Nirvana. Catch the train for Lucknow. Overnight hotel Lucknow.

Lucknow the city of Nawabs. Check into hotel. After breakfast we take a tonga (horse drawn cart) just like the Nawabs of Avadh visit Bara Imambara built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula during the famine of 1784 ranks as a great architectural achievement of the muslim period. Then there is the Chota Imambara built as a tomb with glittering chandeliers, mirrors colourful stuccos and houses the kings throne. The Residency built in 1780 for the British Resident was the scene of fiercest battle of 1857 freedom movement. Apart from the architectural marvel and the lucknowi courtesy Lucknow is also famous world over for its traditional craftsmanship. The most famous art form is chikan work i.e. embroidery on cloth and zardozi.

Morning at leisure evening train Delhi. Overnight delhi hotel.

Sight seeing in Delhi late check out evening farewell dinner and back to airport to catch the flight.