Following the Ganges - 9D/8N

IndiaJourney into the cultural center of India, folloeing the mighty Ganges where, every day, thousands of Hindu pilgrims congregate to bathe in its holy waters. The cultural roots from Varanasi and Khajuraho of ancient India to the medieval Mughal cities of Jaipur, Agra and Delhi to the pre and post independent India, all come into light and are received as a story of India - one of the most diverse and fascinating countries in our world. Varanasi, or Benaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world, with its earliest descriptions in the Buddhist scriptures as also in the epic Mahabharat. Mark Twain, enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.

India – the very name conjures images of vibrant colours, mysticism, royalty; an amalgam of religions, a kaleidoscope of art and culture, all of which fi nd expression in the beautiful temples, sculptures and monuments. India is undoubtedly one of the most diverse nations in the world. It is a land of credible paradoxes and yet underlying the contrasts, there are patterns of continuity, an indefi nable essence that is quintessentially Indian. Much of India’s fascination perhaps lies in the fact that it is both a young nation and an ancient country rolled into one where past and present co-exist in a beautiful mosaic. A land of myriad images, the Indian subcontinent takes you from the towering snow capped Himalayas to the great Indo-Gangetic plains, the blazing Thar desert to the placid backwaters of Kerala, the enchanting walking trails of Kathmandu to the sapphire blue seas and miles of golden beaches of Goa. Travelling through the country is not just a journey but an experience of a lifetime. The rich tapestry that is India cannot be captured in a single word or expression. At times unbelievable, at times overwhelming and always Incredible! For a fi rst time visitor, India can be overwhelming at first, but she gradually unfolds her rare delights. You may fi nd it in the centuries old temples, tombs and forts, in the exquisite crafts still made in traditional ways, in the riot of colours and aromas of its bazaars or in the sudden glimpses of its serene beauty that fi lters through the hustle and bustle of daily life. To explore India is to discover unending secrets to the mystery of life, to enjoy India is to celebrate the very fact of living.

This is a Guaranteed Seat In Coach Tour traveling with a minimum of 2 passengers.

HIGHLIGHTS

India is an awakening of the senses, a feast for the eyes, music to the soul and a celebration of the spirit. And how to better experience than with one of these Guaranteed Departure Tours. We offer everything from the awesome Taj Mahal, the capital fascinations of Delhi, the stupendous majesty and royalty of Rajasthan, the master pieces of Khajuraho, the spirituality of Varanasi, the rejuvenating backwaters of Kerala and all the grandeur of the fascinating South.

ACCOMODATIONS: You can choose from Superior or from Economy value hotels and both can justifiably boast of quality and convenient locations. All rooms listed are air-conditioned, single/twin or double bedded with a private bath or shower. All prices include hotel taxes.
Delhi: Superior Class - Intercontinental The Grand or Similar. Economy Class - The Connaught or Similar.
Jaipur: Superior Class - Trident Hilton / Lal Mahal Palace. Economy Class - Holiday Inn.
Agra: Superior Class - Trident Hilton / Jaypee Palace. Economy Class - Howard Park Plaza or Similar.
Khajuraho: Superior Class - Jass Khajuraho. Economy Class - Usha Bundela Or Similar.
Varanasi: Superior Class - Taj Ganges Or Similar.Economy Class - Clarks.

NOTE: Check In / Check Out time will be 12 NOON. On Triple occupancy basis One child up to 12 years can stay in the same room where a roll in mattress/extra bed will be provided. Prices are subject to change with any increase in the local costs and tax changes. Please be advised that during the summer period (May to August), the Lal Mahal Palace in Jaipur is not operational. Rates are not valid for the Christmas & New Year Period, incase clients would like to travel during that period we shall advise the cost of the same on case to case basis.

INCLUDED: 8 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis at hotels mentioned above or similar. Accommodation on daily buffet breakfast at all the hotels mentioned. All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours will be by air-conditioned vehicle as per the services mentioned in the itinerary. Entrance fee at all monuments, road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes, porterage at all hotels and airports. Services of English speaking local guide for all sightseeing tours and excursions. Rickshaw- ride at Delhi. Local representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers. All currently applicable taxes including 4.9% Government service tax (subject to increase).

NOT INCLUDED: Any airfare. Expense of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc. Meals other than those specified.

DEPARTURES: (Dates are the date of arrival in India): August 06th, 20th - October 01st , 08th, 15th, 22nd, 29th - November 05th , 12th , 19th , 26th, 2007 - January 07th , 14th , 21st , 28th - February 04th , 11th , 18th , 25th - March 03rd, 10th , 17th , 24th - August 04th,18th, 2008

SKETCH ITINERARY:

  • Day 1: Delhi: You will arrive in the evening at New Delhi International Airport.
  • Day 2: Delhi: Sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.
  • Day 3: Delhi - Samode - Jaipur: Driven tour to Jaipur en route visiting the feudal village of Samode (260 km / 5 hours 30 mins).
  • Day 4: Jaipur - Amer - Jaipur: Full day excursion commencing with a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).
  • Day 5: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra: Drive to Agra (240 km / 6 hours30 mins) en route visiting Akbar’s abandoned capital, Fatehpur Sikri.
  • Day 6: Agra: Guided tour of Agra Fort.
  • Day 7: Agra - Jhansi - Orcha – Khajuraho: Train to Jhansi. On arrival in Jhansi, you will be met and transferred to Khajuraho (170 km / 5hours). En route visit the medieval city of Orcha.
  • Day 8: Khajuraho - Varanasi: Guided visit to the Eastern Group of temples.
  • Day 9: Varanasi - Delhi: Boat cruise on the river Ganges, followed by a flight to Delhi for a late evening flight home.

Also tagged with: Escorted Journeys, Asia, India, Cultural, Special Interest, Groups, Join-In Tour, Module