Classical North India with Kumbha Special at Ujjain

Duration: 12 Nights - 13 Days

Destination Covered: Delhi - Jaipur- Agra- Ujjain – Jhansi – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi Depature.

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.

Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern.Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha fromthe Hindu epicMahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.
Later in first half of 20thcentury much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central adm inistrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.

Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)

 

Day 02 : Delhi
Full Day Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.
In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India.

We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

 

Day 03 : Delhi - Jaipur (262km – 05hr)
Today we drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber.It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.

Optional: Chokhi Dhani
An evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village resort located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground & includes the entertainment by folk dancers & musicians. Later drive back to hotel.

Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (B)

Day 04 : Jaipur
Full Day Tour
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh.We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience like Maharaja and Maharani (Kings & Queen).

Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows).

Overnight Hotel – Jaipur (B)

Day 05 : Jaipur - Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri (260 km - 6 hr)
Today we drive to Agra, en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital),the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. We visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex,Mosque& Tomb of Salim Chisti.
Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from the year 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort& Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Overnight Hotel - Agra (B)

Day 06 : Agra - Ujjain (By Over Night Train)
Half Day Tour
Today we visit Taj Mahal, symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.

Then we will check out the Akbar's Tomb, an excellent example of assimilation of different styles of architecture. The tomb carries the characteristic flavor of the airy tiered pavilions of the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Halt. Than we move to the Itmud-Ud-Daulah-Tomb that is considered as the imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal as far as elaborate carvings and inlay work are concerned. The tomb marks a significant departure from the tombs of the Mughal dynasty built before its construction

Evening we will transfer you to Railway Station to board your train to Ujjain.

Overnight On Board

Main Bathing Dates for Ujjain Kumbh Mela
22 April 2016 (Friday) Purnima – Full Moon (First Snan)
06 May 2016 (Friday)   Vaishakh Krishna Amavasya
09 May 2016 (Monday) Shukla/Akshey Tritya (Second Snan)
11 May 2016 (Wednesday) Shukla Panchami
17 May 2016 (Tuesday) Ekadashi & Pradosh Snan
21 May 2016 (Saturday)  Purnima ( shahi snan)

Day 07 : Arrive Ujjain
Morning we will arrive at Railway Station and transfer you to Luxury Tent for check-in. Ujjain is an ancient city of Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh in central India, located on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River. Ujjain is as one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of the Hindus and is one of the four sites along with Prayagraj (Allahabad), Hardwar and Nasik. Ujjain is also home to maha kaleshwar and millions of Hindu pilgrims come here to seek blessings from Mahakal and attend the kumbh Mela ujjain.

Overnight Luxury Tent - Nasik (B, L, D)

Day 08 : Ujjain (Participation in Kumbha with Sahi Snan / Holy Bath)
Morning Explore Kumbh mela festival. Later visit Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple - The temple of Mahakaleshwar, Dedicated to Lord Mahakal and Lord Indrahal – The Lord Shiva, Temple has its shikhara soaring into the skies. Mahakal-The Lord Shiva dominates the life of the city and its people. Also visit Kal Bhairav Temple - The worship of the eight Bhairavas is a part of Saivite tradition and the chief among them is Kal Bhairava, believed to have been built by King Bhadresen, on the banks of the Shipra. There is mention of a Kal Bhairva temple in the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana. Visit Bhartihari Caves – These caves are situated just above the bank of the Shipra near the temple of Gadkalika. According to popular tradition, this is the spot where Bhartrihari, who is said to have been the step brother of Vikramaditya, lived and meditated after renouncing worldly life

Overnight /Deluxe Tent - Ujjain (B, L, D)

Day 09 : Ujjian – Jhansi (By afternoon Train) – Orchha (15 kms – 30 minutes)
Afternoon transfer to Ujjain railway station to board the train for Jhansi. Arrive Jhnasi by late evening, meet our representative at railway staion and drive to Orchha for night stay.  Orchha, located at a distance of 16 km from Jhansi. It has a medieval town atmosphere attached to it. The Betwa River quietly flows by the town. The 16th century palaces & temples built by its Bundela rulers appear to be suspended in time.

Overnight Hotel - Orchha (B)

Day 10 : Orchha – Khajuraho (166 km – 4.5 hr)
Morning we will visit Orchha Fort complex. Within the Fort complex we visit Jahangir Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Raj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. We also visit Ram Raja temple, palace-turned-temple with soaring spires & palatial architecture. Built by the King Madhukar Shah it is one of the most unusual temples in India & the only place where Lord Rama is worshipped as a King not as a deity.

Afternoon we drive to Khajuraho, built between 950-1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst of creativity. Contain stunningly explicit erotic sculptures. They were rediscovered in the 20th century, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight Hotel – Khajuraho (B)

Day 11 : Khajuraho – Varanasi (By Jet Airways or Air India Afternoon Flight)
Half Day Tour
Today we visit Khajuraho temples, famous for the magnificent carvings depicting numerous exotic postures of the famous Kamasutra, ancient Indian work on sex. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 originally built. In fact, worship is still done today in the Matangeshwara temple, continuing an unbroken 1000 year tradition.

Afternoon we take a flight to Varanasi, picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism.

Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)

Day 12 : Varanasi
Today we start our day with a boat ride on the river Ganges. Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rise, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy. Later we explore the city by foot to get the feel of this Oldest living city of the world.

Later today we take an excursion to Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.

Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)

Day 13 : Varanasi – Delhi (By Indigo Flight @ 10:50 – 12:55) & Departure
Today morning we take a flight to Delhi. Arrive and meet our representative at airport and board the next flight for onward destination with great memory of Kumbha Mela.

Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward to serve you again in near future.