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| Architectural Splendor of India Tour |
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| Duration : 18 Nights / 17 Days |
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| Itinerary : Delhi – Varanasi - Khajuraho - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur - Udaipur - Aurangabad - Ajanta - Ellora - Mumbai |
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Day 01 : Delhi |
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Arrive Delhi. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel. In case of F/N arrivals, evening at leisure.
Late evening, at the hotel you will watch an Indian Classical dance troupe. Overnight in Delhi. |
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Day 02 : Delhi |
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This will be your second day in Delhi. In the morning a slide show presentation will be made to acquaint with the architectural spectrum to which you will be exposed in Delhi, followed by a full day sightseeing tour of both Old and New Delhi.
Old Delhi was the capital of the Mughals and here you will get you first exposure to Mughal architecture.
In New Delhi, the portion of the city that was largely developed in the colonial era, one gets to see European and modern architecture, though there is also a sprinkling of ancient pieces of heritage. Later, you will be visiting the National Museum – a must see on a trip of architectural discovery in India. The museum houses 2,00,000 works of exquisite art and is an apt exposure to the heritage of India. You will also visit the Craft museum. The craft museum showcases extraordinarily rich handicraft. The highlight is the presence of craftsmen who go through the paces of creating pieces of art. Overnight in Delhi. |
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Day 3 : Delhi – Varanasi ( 1 hr 20 mins by air) |
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People often refer to Varanasi as "the City of Temples", "the Holy City of India" or "the Religious Capital of India", The Kashi Vishwanath Temple built by the temples is another famous tourist attraction of the city. In addition, the Bharat Mata Temple, Alamgir Mosque, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Krishna Balarama Temple, built in 1975 by ISKON, Ram Nagar Fort and the Archaeological Museum are some of the place worth visiting. Overnight in Varanasi. |
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Day 4 : Varanasi - Khajuraho( 40 mins by air) |
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From Varanasi you will move to the World Heritage Site of Khajuraho which is known for its erotic architecture of its temples built by the Chandella kings. The remarkable monuments perhaps drew their inspiration from the Kamsutra. Divided into three sets – the Western, Eastern and Southern - the temples encapsulate the best of ancient Indian architecture.
On day one forenoon in Khajuraho, you will explore the Eastern and Southern set of temples. Post lunch, you will explore the Western group of temples. In this group, you have Chitragupta, Kandariya Mahadeo, Chaunsat Yogini, Lakshamana and Matangeswara Temples. Overnight in Khajuraho. |
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Day 5 : Khajuraho - Orchha - Khajuraho |
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Next morning , you will drive to Orccha or tourists can opt for an Optional visit to Panna National Park situated 57 kms away. Here you could enroll yourself on a safari - jeep or elephant - and behold the spectacular beauty of the region. The safari enables you to have a closer look at the flora and fauna.
Alternatively, you could also opt for a trip to Ken Nature Trail , Kalinjahar Fort and Pandav Falls.
Orchha was founded in 16 th and 17 th centuary by a Rajput king. Famous for its temples and palaces, the city houses a number of attractions which include Orchha Fort Complex, Ram Raja Temple and Phool Bagh.
While travelling from Khajuraho to Orchha, you will halt at the nearest ‘Dhaba’. In Dhaba, good food will be served. Visit the nearest Jhanghir Mahal Palace. This is one of the most admired palace of all time. The temple was constructed by Bir Singh Deo. From Orrcha, you will drive back to Khajuraho.
Overnight in Khajuraho. |
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Day 6 :
Khajuraho - Agra ( 2hrs 20 mins by air to Delhi and 55 mins by another flight to Agra) |
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Next morning you will catch a flight to Delhi and later change to another flight at Delhi for Agra. Transfer to Hotel.
In Agra, there are number of tourist attractions to explore. In the evening, you will see Taj Mahal at night.
Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World - is a magnificent architectural wonder. It is an ultimate monument of Love and was constructed by Shahjahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. You can purchase a miniature Taj Mahal, made of soft marble.Overnight in Agra. |
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Day 7 :
Agra Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur |
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In the morning you will see Taj Mahal. Later you will visit Agra Fort which reflects the Indo-Persian architecture of the period of Mughal era (Timurid Dynasty).
From Agra, you will move to Jaipur by road. In between, you will also visit Fatehpur Sikri which falls on the way to Jaipur. Fatehpur Sikri is a perfect blend of Mughal and Hindu architectures. Late evening you will drive into Jaipur. Overnight in Jaipur.
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Day 8 : Jaipur |
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In Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, you will get to see Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Palace and Jantar Mantar.
In the evening, you will revert back to your hotel. a puppet show will be organized within the resort. Overnight in Jaipur. |
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Day 9 : Jaipur – Udaipur : ( 55 mins by air) |
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From Jaipur, you will catch the flight to Udaipur. Check into your hotel.
Post lunch a general introduction on Udaipur and session on Rajput architecture will be given. Overnight in Udaipur. |
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Day 10 : Udaipur |
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In Udaipur, there are an array of attractions to explore. You will visit City Palace and its museum. It will give you a chance to have a look at the world-famous miniture paintings. You will also visit Saheliyon ki Bari – the Ladies Garden,Hathi Pol, Bada Bazaar, Chetak Circle. Overnight in Udaipur. |
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Day 11 : Udaipur - Ranakpur Temples - Udaipur |
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This will be your second day in Udaipur. The Jain Ranakpur temples form a major attraction of the Udaipur region. Nestled in the Arravali Ranges, Ranakpur temples were constructed in 15th century AD and span over an area of 48,000 sq. ft, It is believed that these temples took 50 years to complete. This road excursion will take you the better part of the day.Overnight in Udaipur. |
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Day 12 : Udaipur - Aurangabad |
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From Udaipur, you have a flight to Aurangabad located 375 kms due East of Mumbai, Aurangabad is world famous for its caves. The city was founded by Malik Amber in the early 16th century and was initially named as Khadke or the Big rock. Overnight in Aurangabad. |
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Day 13 : Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves - Aurangabad |
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| After breakfast move out on your exploration of Ajanta Caves which have been declared as a World Heritage Site. Ajanta caves are located 99-km away from Aurangabad. Overnight in Aurangabad. |
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Day 14 : Aurangabad – Ellora Caves - Mumbai |
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Ellora Caves are another World Heritage Site in the vicinity of Aurangabad. 34 in number, the Ellora Caves showcase some of the finest temple architecture. The 12 caves to the South are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the North are Jain.
Post Lunch, you will fly to Mumbai and visit Prince of Wales Museum, the largest Fine Art Museum in India and Hanging Gardens. We have chosen just two tourists spots as it will be difficult for you to actually explore more than that. Overnight in Mumbai. |
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Day 15 : Mumbai |
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Mumbai derives its name from Mumba Devi. This will be your second day in Bombay and you will be exploring many tourists spots. Gateway of India, Flora Fountain and Ellora caves are just the best locales to explore
Try the Bhel Puri Chaat at the Juhu beach which is the perfect localite dish. Late evening, you rock the dance floors . Bombay boast a number of discotheques which will make your travel an experience by itself. Overnight in Mumbai. |
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Day 16 : Mumbai |
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After breakfast, you will venture out to shop. You can choose your desired destination. Chor Bazaar or Crawford Market. There are number of shopping destination in Bombay from where you can shop almost anything.
Post lunch, you will be engaged in Bombay Heritage Walking Club (art & architecture students /professionals). They organize a 2 hr. walk through the old part of Bombay and also interact with the local people. This will be a nice experience on your part as it will make you understand the city better.
Late in the evening, transfer to airport to board a flight back home. |
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Maximum Spots : 11
Fitness Level : n/a |
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