The Mystery of India

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Duration: 13 days/ 12 nights
Destination: Delhi - Mandawa - Samode - Jaipur- Agra - Delhi - Varanasi - Kathmandu - Delhi

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Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
On arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport, you would be met by our representative and given assistance for transfer to the hotel. Rest of the Day is free for independent activities. Overnight Stay in Delhi

Delhi is just not a city but it is a book-- a book which narrates the history of India. The city was built and destroyed seven times and has been witness to the various events which has brought India through the history books. Seven times this city went through the pain of being built and rebuilt. ToDay as the capital of India Delhi is the

seat of administration and the monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there. These icons are testimony to the grandeur of past and also an attraction for the tourists. With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood. The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poor in equally. It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of 'Dilwalas' or for people with heart. This phrase acquires a true colour when one goes around the lanes of Delhi.

Day 02 : Delhi - Mandawa
Morning: Drive to Mandawa and on arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the Day visit Havelis in and around Mandawa. Overnight Stay in Mandawa

Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own. The open-air art galley, as it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region. It is famous for its Havelis (mansion) built by rich merchants of the region, display a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers. The Havelis, painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls.

Day 03 : Mandawa - Samode
After breakfast, we leave for Samode. Arrive Samode and check-in at Hotel Samode Palace - Samode Palace is one of India's most charming and romantic hotels. It offers a quiet, elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Considered India's finest hotel for its consummate standards of modern hospitality, accommodation, services, cuisine and amenities. Rest of the Day is free for individual activities. Explore the Palace & its surroundings.

Day 04 : Samode - Jaipur
Morning, leave for Jaipur - The city owes its names, foundation and its careful planning to the great warrior - astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. In 1727, with Mughal power on the wane, Jai Singh decided to move down from his hillside fortress at nearby Amber to a new site on the plains. He laid out the city, with its surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks, according to the principles of town planning set down in Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. Arrive Jaipur and check-in at pre-booked hotel. Rest of the Day is at leisure.

Day 05 : Jaipur
After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride from the foothills of the Aravallis to the fort entrance. Amber Fort: At a distance of 11 kms from Jaipur, Amber was the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Construction of the fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Afternoon, city tour of Jaipur. Visit the City Palace which has museum having an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamel ware and weapons; Jantar Mantar - the observatory built my Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728 and the façade of Hawa Mahal.

Day 06 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast, we leave for Agra. En-route visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri: built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory. Continue drive to Agra. Arrive Agra and check-in at pre-booked hotel.

Day 07 : Agra - Delhi
After breakfast, city tour of Agra. Visit Red fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structues; Itmad-ud-daulah, which was contructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan; the highlight of the Day - The Taj Mahal, which was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Contruction of the Taj began in 1631 and was not completed until 1653.
Afternoon, leave for Delhi, enroute visit Sikandra - The Mausoleum of Mughal Emperor - Akbar. Arrive Delhi and check-in at prebooked hotel.

Day 08 : Delhi - Varanasi
After break-fast you will be transfer to airport to take flight for Varanasi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing tour. Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, believed to be founded 3000 years ago, is one of the 7 holiest cities of Hindus. It was a flourishing trading centre 500 BC when the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon. A city of great wealth and religious importance when the Chinese traveller, Hiuen Tsang, visited it in the 7th century. Visit the Vishwanath Golden Temple, the abode of great God Shiva, Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Banaras Hindu University.

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Day 09 : Varanasi
Early morning boat cruise on river Ganges. Thousands of pilgrims throng the water's edge, bathing, worshipping and meditating. On stone platforms under palm leaf umbrellas, the Pandas-Brahmin priests preside over rites and rituals. The boat trip will cover various ghats including the cremation sites. Because every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi (Varanasi)and to be cremated on the banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. Afternoon visit Sarnath Sarnath, 7 km from the city where Buddha preached his first sermon more than 2500 years ago.

Day 10 : Varanasi - Kathmandu flight
Transfer to the airport for flight to Kathmandu. Assistance on arrival and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the Day is free.

Day 11 : Kathmandu
Morning city sightseeing tour to visit Machhendra Nath Temple, a two tiered bronze roof pagoda, Hanuman Dhoka - the historic seat of Royalty, Durbar Square which houses Teleju temple built in 1549 AD, figure of Kal Bhairav - God of Destruction, statue of King Pratap Malla, Temple House of Kumari - the residence of living Goddess.

Day 12 : Kathmandu
Morning visit Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur) means the city of devotees, situated at an altitude of 4600 ft., 13 kms east of Kathmandu. Durbar Square - the main Square of the city contains the Lion Gate with the lovely stone figures of Hanuman. Boudhnath - the colossal Stupa, one of the biggest in the world, has the all seeing eyes of the Buddha. The shrine is ringed by houses of Goddess Mani Jogni. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels and is situated 8 kms east of Kathmandu . Pashupatinath Temple - situated 5 kms east of Kathmandu on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, the temple of Lord Shiva with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its super architecture. It is a centre of annual pilgrimage on the Day of Maha Shivaratri.

Day 13 : Kathmandu - Delhi flight
Transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi Assistance on arrival and connect flight for onward destination