Following The Ganges - 9D/8N

photo of a view of the Taj Mahal, courtesy of Cox and Kings of India Journey into the cultural center of India, following 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”. Main places of interest: Delhi, Samode, Jaipur, Amer, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi.

Included: 8 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis, with daily buffet breakfast - 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 - A representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers - All currently applicable taxes except 3.09% Government service tax which will be charged over and above the final invoice - Train-fare on sector Agra – Jhansi in air-condition chair car.

Not Included: Visas and passports - Any personal expenses (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 in the itinerary - International airfare.

Notes: Check In / Check Out time will be 12 Noon - Prices are subject to change with any increase in the cost - Our quote does not include any other service, which is not indicated in the itinerary - Minimum 2 passengers.

Departures: Daily.

Accommodation:
Delhi: Intercontinental The Grand (DLX) / The Connaught (EC) or Similar (2 Nights)
Jaipur: Trident Hilton (SC) / Holiday Inn (EC) or Similar (2 Nights)
Agra: Trident Hilton (SC) / Jaypee Palace (SC) / Howard Park Plaza (EC) or Similar (2 Nights)
Khajuraho: Jass Khajuraho (SC) / Usha Bundela (EC) Or Similar (1 Night)
Varanasi: Taj Ganges (DLX) or Similar Clarks (EC) (1 Night)

photo of Ghats, courtesy of Tourism Cox and Kings, IndiaDay by day Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Delhi - Transfer you to your hotel. Delhi. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 2 Delhi - Following a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a combined sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 3 Delhi / Samode / Jaipur - Following an early breakfast, you will drive to Jaipur en route visiting the feudal village of Samode. Browsing through the markets in Jaipur, where skilled craftsmen display jewelry, paintings, carvings and colorful textiles, is an enjoyable experience for tourists. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 4 Jaipur / Amer / Jaipur - This morning, after breakfast, you will proceed on a full day excursion commencing with a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) Following your visit to Amber, enjoy a tour of the Pink City, an “abode of rajahs”. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 5 Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra - Following an early breakfast, you will drive to Agra (240 km / 6hours30mins) en route visiting Akbar’s abandoned capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Agra is amongst the most remarkable city of the world. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 6 Agra - This morning, after breakfast, you will enjoy a guided tour of Agra Fort. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 7 Agra / Jhansi / Orcha / Khajuraho - Following an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the railway station in time to board the Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi. Continue to Khajuraho where on arrival you will check into your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 8 Khajuraho / Varanasi - This morning, after breakfast, enjoy a guided visit to the Eastern Group of temples. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Varanasi better known as Kashi. On arrival, you will proceed on an excursion to Sarnath. Enjoy a visit to the Stupa. In the evening the Ghats and temples are lit with oil-lamp lights or candles. At dusk the Ghats are magical, as hundreds of little lamps float out on the river as offerings. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 9 Varanasi / Delhi - Today bid farewell to India as your ‘Ganges’ tour comes to an end. Early this morning, enjoy a boat cruise on the river Ganges. Varanasi’s principle attraction is the string of bathing Ghats, which line the western Ghats of River Ganges. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival, you will transfer to a hotel, which will be the collection point for your late night transfer to the international airport for your flight back home.

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