01 Day: Arrival Mumbai
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the International airport, our representative welcomes and escorts you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Overnight at the hotel
Mumbai is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by no time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.
02 Day: Mumbai
After breakfast takes a sightseeing tour of Mumbai, drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India, one can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or other several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Return back to the hotel for overnight.
Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.
03 Day: Mumbai - Aurangabad (By air) – Ellora (Excursion 30 kms: ½ hr) - Aurangabad
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Mumbai domestic airport to board the schedule morning flight for Aurangabad. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take a sightseeing tour of Ellora, one of the highly visited World heritage sites of India. It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It also has some of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva. Later visit Grineshwaram temple and then return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Ellora: The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. 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.
Note: The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday and Ellora caves on Tuesday
04 Day: Aurangabad - Ajanta (105 kms: 1½ hrs) - Aurangabad
After breakfast take an excursion to famous Ajanta caves. Ajanta is one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India. Recognized as the World Heritage Site today, it was discovered during the 19th century by a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt. The Ajanta group of caves, located deep within the Sahyadri hills above the Waghora, depicts the story of Buddhism that prevailed here during 200 BC to 650 AD. Ajanta’s wondrous cave temples are cut into the rocky sides of a dramatic crescent-shaped gorge, at the head of which is a waterfall that drops over the mountain rim in a series of seven steps to a pool far below –deep inside the mountain are the Buddhist chaitya – vihara prayer and monastery caves. They cover a span of 800 years where under the royal patronage of ruling dynasties, professional artists helped Buddhist monks to create magnificent murals narrating the story of Buddha in his cycle of incarnations, while simultaneously creating a painted record of the panorama of life in ancient India. Etched and painted in mineral dyes, the paintings have a languorous stylized beauty and magical eloquence. Overnight at the hotel.
Ajanta: It was only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of caves, lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountain side, above the Waghora river, were discovered. A group of British officers on a tiger hunt, stumbled on these ancient works of art. They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning the period from 200 BC to 650 AD. The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centers of the Buddhist cultural movement
Note: The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday and Ellora caves on Tuesday
05 Day: Aurangabad – Udaipur (By Air)
After take a sightseeing tour of Aurangabad visiting Bibi ka Maqbara Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother, Begum Rabia Durrani, the Queen of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Standing spectacularly on the lawns of the landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white marbled monument rises majestically in an intentional bid to copy and rival the world famous Taj Mahal of Agra and Panchakki - An engineering feat of the time is the Panchakki, or the water mill built by Malik Ambar in 1695. The water, channeled from a spring on a distant hill was used to power the flourmill and grind grain for the pilgrims. Later drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Udaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.
06 Day: Udaipur
Early morning transfer to the domestic airport to board the flight for Udaipur. On arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation and breakfast take a sightseeing tour, visiting City Palace built in 1559, a small palace over looking at the Lake Pichola, the additions were made to it by successive Kings of Udaipur gradually evolved become the largest place in Rajasthan, Main attraction of Place are Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. Later visit Saheli Ki Bari that is a small ornamental garden built in the honour of Royal Ladies for recreational purpose and visit Lok Kala Mandal collection of folk art items like folk dresses, ornaments, puppets ,masks, dolls folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Opened seven days a week, puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening from 1800 to 1900 in an adjacent open air theatre. & Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Followed by visit to Eklingji & Nagda Temples - built in white marble with a double storied porch on the bank of Lake Bageela - 22 kms from Udaipur. Overnight at the hotel.
Udaipur: On the banks of the shimmering lake Pichola, is one of the most romantic cities of Rajasthan. Nestled among the lush hills of the Aravali, it has inevitably been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. It is a kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carries the flavor of the heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Founded in 1568 A.D by Maharana Udai Singh, the city is a harmonious Indian blend of whitewashed buildings, marble palaces, lakeside gardens, temples and Havelis. According to the legend, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder was hunting one day, when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola. Maharana followed the advice of the hermit and founded the city. The marvelous architecture of the palaces is spelled bounding.
07 Day: Udaipur – Chittourgarh – Udaipur (112 kms: 3 hrs)
After early breakfast, first take an excursion toChittaurgarh. Spread over 13 square kms, unlike other forts you can explore this fort by the vehicle you are traveling, Chittaurgarh fort is the mightiest Fort in Indian History, The pride and glory of Rajasthan. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris'in the fort vicinity visit Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple and Kalika Mata Temple, State Archaeological Museum. Later drive back to Udaipur. In the evening you can enjoy boat ride at Lake Pichola andopt for dinner at Lake Palace Hotel, located amidst of the Lake Pichola.Overnight at the hotel.
Chittourgarh is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan. The main reason for visiting Chittourgarh is its massive hilltop fort, which is a depiction of Rajput culture and values. The fort stands on a 240-hectares site on a 180m high hill that rises rapidly from the plains below.
08 Day: Udaipur – Jodhpur (276 kms: 5 ½ hrs)
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur En route visiting the Jain temples at Ranakpur Temples of 12 Century – The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, built out of marbles with 108 carved pillars each carved differently from others, Come across as a marvellous feat of architecture. One can have lunch at Maharani Bagh Hotel in Ranakpur and visit to local families on the way. After visit continue to drive to Jodhpur on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you may opt to visit On the Rocks a garden restaurant serving ethnic food followed by live music and folk dance, located at Ajit Bhawan. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Jodhpur: The home of Rathors – The awesome princely city of Rajasthan. Founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, today Jodhpur is one of the largest city of Rajasthan. Once the capital city of the Marwar State, crowning it is the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. The old city is situated at foothill of a hillock. The city built in a high wall 10kms, long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. Umaid Bhawan Palace could be defined as Taj Mahal of North India. The city carries rich heritage and culture and flourishing industry of wood, cattle, camels, salt and agricultural crops.
09 Day: Jodhpur – Bishnoi Village – Jodhpur (Excursion 25 kms: 45 min)
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur including Clock Tower, Mehrangarh Fort situated at an altitude of about 125 meters and is spread over an area of 5 sq. km and it has seven gates, Jaswant Thada is a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, followed by visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace which is a majestic palace, was built by Umaid Singh. This is the only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to famine struck population. It was built in 16 years. A part of the palace has been converted into hotel, one part is the museum and the remaining is still occupied by the royal family. Later take an excursion to Bishnoi Village, the villagers known by cast “Bishnois” Protectors of animals, of course they are vegetarians and therefore they have great respect for all living things. Sure they keep buffaloes, sheep and goats but only for the milk, the wool and the manure. Then visit to the local handicrafts viz shoe makers, pottery hand weaving and also men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral silver Jewellery, en-route watch and photograph wildlife black buck, chinkaras, peacock etc. freely moving in abundance of care by villagers. After visit drive back to Jodhpur for overnight stay at the hotel.
Bishnoi Village: a survivor of a great famine, which raged in 1485, already thought the principles of the ecology of centuries ago. His name: Jambeshwar or Jambhoji. He observed that the famine was the result of the deforestation in the region (already at that time!). He formulated a list of 29 rules, among other things don't kill any animals, don't cut down green trees, take from the fields only what you need, etc. These 29 rules (Bish-noi means '29' in the Hindi language) form the base of the Bishnoi-philosophy. Of course they are vegetarians and therefore they have great respect for all living things. Sure they keep buffaloes, sheep and goats but only for the milk, the wool and the manure. The last one they use as fuel and as construction material for they houses. The Bishnoi people accordingly expect that the tourist respect their way of life, the nature.
10 Day: Jodhpur – Jaisalmer (290 kms: 6 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer en route visit to Osian Village, ruins of an ancient city called Osian, an oasis in the desert, A drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets. Osian has 15 beautifully sculpted Jain and Brahmanical temples. Of these, the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira. On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can visit Gadisar Lake in the main city or the local market to acclimatize with the city atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.
Jaisalmer, the city of the golden fort is a fantasy in yellow sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. Rawla Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput King, founded the city in the year 1156 A.D.Perched atop the Trikuta Hill; it stands tall against miles of gleaming sand. The sunset has a peculiar glow here. As the night descends, the sky goes up in flames, which fade leaving a few embers, till it becomes black. A breathtaking sight indeed! Every house, here, is exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all over. These houses date back to 12th – 15th century. And hence Jaisalmer is called ’the Museum city’.
11 Day: Jaisalmer
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer covering Jaisalmer Fort, builton the highest point of the Tricuta hill, consisting of 99 bastions. Outstanding features are Megh Durbar & various temples, Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli & Patwon-Ki-Haveli - some of the beautiful mansions with stone carving and latticework of breath taking intricacy, later after lunch drive to Sam Sand Dunes - 45 kms en route visit the ancient Temple of Lodurwa, Amar Sagar and Mool Sagar Complex, built in 1815 AD, The complex also houses a summer palace where some beautiful paintings and pictures are displayed.On arrival at Sam Sand Dunes and transfer on Camels and enjoy camel safari to discover the various sights and sounds, the ruins and the temples in and around Jaisalmer in an authentic and leisurely fashion with entertainment by folk performers, visits to villages, and chatter from colorful guides thrown in. After safari drive back to Jaisalmer for overnight stay.
Note: Optionally you can stay overnight at the Sam Sand dunes in luxury tented accommodation, enjoying the starry night with ethnic food, folk dances, bone fire and camel safari in dues in nights hours.
12 Day: Jaisalmer – Bikaner (330 kms: 7 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Bikaner, en route visit to the massive Fort Pokharan, the town Pokhran came to the limelight when several nuclear tests were conducted here during the 1970's and the 1990's. Pokharan Fort is Built in 1532-1584 the yellow sandstone Pokhran fort, though not as grand a fort as some of the others in Rajasthan has a few exquisite palaces like the Mangal Niwas, the Rani Mahal and the Phool Niwas or the Flower Palace, visit to Pokhran Museum: housed inside the fort’s premises is fairly small and contains an assortment of weapons, paintings, pottery and the costumes which the Maharajas wore. After visit continues to drive to Bikaner. On arrival transfer to hotel. The evening free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Bikaner: This is 500-year-old town standing still in time. The rulers here built beautiful forts that echo of opulence and images of monsoon clouds in this dry land. The wealth of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces and temples– magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone are living. Here is a temple where rats are held sacred. Today the city is known for flourishing industries of food, wool and camel breeding .The genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1488A.D, when a Rathors prince, Rao Bikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, chose a barren wilderness called ’Jangladesh’ and transformed it to a charming city called ’Bikaner’, after the founder’s name. Not only do the traditions come alive here in colourful bazaars and Havelis, Bikaner is also famous for the best riding camels in the world.
13 Day: Bikaner – Jaipur (350 kms: 7 hrs)
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Bikaner covering Junagadh Fort - constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Unlike most Rajput forts, which are on hilltops, the Junagarh Fort is the only one built in on the desert plains. Within the fortress lie extravagantly decorated palaces. Amongst the prominent ones are Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, Badal Mahal. Later check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur en route visit Deshnok to see the world famous rat Temple of Karnimata - at this temple rats are held sacred & roam freely within the temple complex. After visit continue to drive to Jaipur, if time permit you can take a stop over at Mandawa visiting old havelis. After visit continue to drive to Jaipur, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening free for individual activities and relax. Overnight at the hotel.
Jaipur Widely known as the ‘Pink City. This city is color washed pink to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria of England who visited India in 1883 A.D. The city was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides, crowned by formidable forts and majestic palaces, mansions and gardens. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is sub-divided in to nine rectangular sectors symbolizing nine divisions of universe. Jaipur is the first planned city designed in accordance with ‘Shilpa Shastra’- epochal treatise of Hindu architecture.
14 Day: Jaipur
Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen, all monuments are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of Jaipur. Later in the evening visit to Birla Temple, speculator marble temple, glitters in the in the night, later at the time of dinner visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic 5 star resort serving Rajasthani & Continental cuisine with live music, astrology, games, folk dances and music, puppet shows in an ambiance of an ethnic village. Overnight at the hotel.
15 Day: Jaipur – Agra (240 kms: 5 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Agra. En route visit the Old Deserted Town of Mughal Dynasty - Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwan-e-Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Bulund Darwaza. After visit, continue to proceed to Agra. On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you may visit to the souvenirs market of Agra, one should visit Oswal Emporium where they have built a Mini Taj Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10 years for the artists to complete the mini replica of the Taj. Overnight in the hotel.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.
Agra is famous as being home to one of the seven wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendant of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra, and the nearby city of Fatehpur Sikri, is conveniently close to Delhi. Besides the Taj Mahal are Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-Ud-Daulah.-35 kms away are the imperial ruins of the Mughal city,FatehpurSikri. Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabanad, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata.
16 Day: Agra – Delhi (200 kms: 4 hrs)
Early morning visit to witness incomparable Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view at the time of Sunrise. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. Later visit Agra Fort, designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., built with barricaded wall of red sand stone; it houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Meena Bazar, Moti Masjid, Sheesh Mahal, Musamman Burj where from Taj Mahal is visible in all its beauty from one side of the fort. So very ironically, Emperor Sahahjahan, prisoner of his son Aurangzeb in his old age was put in a cell from where he could gaze at the Taj Mahal at a distance, from his cell in the fort. So very ironically, Emperor Sahahjahan, prisoner of his son Aurangzeb in his old age was put in a cell from where he could gaze at the Taj Mahal at a distance, from his cell in the fort. Later drive to Delhi, en route; you can visit Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar. After visit drive to Delhi. On arrival trasnfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India. It is one of India's fastest growing cities. It has sprawled over the West Bank of the river Yamuna, straddling the river. Delhi blends an historic past and a vibrant present. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas, the august heroes of the epic Mahabharata, originally founded Delhi, then called Indraprastha, around 1200 B.C. Present day Delhi is built around the ruins of seven ancient cities.
17 Day: Delhi
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk, the city tour continues covering New Delhi, visiting Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war;the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India’s leading industrial families; Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple , Qutub Minar , built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening you can visit see speculative Light and Sound Show at Red Fort. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.
Light and Sound Show: A spectacular sound and light show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the tranquility of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and legendary past are vividly brought to life. Special effects combine with the unique ambience to make this show a hauntingly unforgettable experience.
18 Day: Delhi- Lucknow (By Air)
Today morning transfer to the domestic airport to board the connecting flight for Lucknow. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. After relaxation you can take a short sightseeing of Lucknow visiting Bara Imambara Built in the year 1784 by the champion of charity, Clock Tower, tallest tower (221 ft) in India and one of the finest examples of British Architecture in India, Jama Masjid; The construction of this mosque was started in 1840 by Mohammad Ali Shah but it was finally completed by his wife Begum Malika Jahan after his death. Overnight at the hotel.
Lucknow: The Gomti River divides Lucknow, the erstwhile city of the Nawabs, into two. Formerly called Oudh, or Avadh, Lucknow is now the capital of Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state of India. It is a medieval city that continues to retain its old-world charm. Its once broad and tree-lined streets now gasp for breath, as smoke-spitting automobiles roll over them. In 1784, when the Nawab of Lucknow, Asaf-ud-Daula decided to transform Lucknow into a city of spectacular monuments, he went on a building spree. The result was a phenomenal number of monuments, and a completely depleted royal treasury.
19 Day: Lucknow – Ayodhya – Lucknow (Excursion: 150 kms: 3 hrs: One Way)
After early breakfast take an excursion to Holy destination of Ayodhya. Here you can visit some important temples like Nageshwarnath Temple, Hanuman Garhi, which is significant place both in terms of architecture as well as religion. Also visit Kanak Bhawan, the temple which is nick named Sone-ka-Ghar (house of gold). This temple houses images of Lord Sri Rama and Sita dressed in gold crowns. There are a lot of Jain temples in Ayodhya. After visit return to Lucknow for overnight stay at the hotel.
20 Day: Lucknow – Allahabad (200 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Allahabad. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for rest and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.
Allahabad - the city has played an important part in the formation of modern India. Hindu mythology states that Lord Brahma, the creator god, chose a land for 'Prakrishta Yajna'. This land, at the confluence of three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, blessed by gods, came to be known as Prayag' or 'Allahabad'.
21 Day: Allahabad – Chitrakoot – Allahabad (Excursion: 150 kms: 3 hrs: One Way)
After breakfast take an excursion to Chitrakoot. Visit the peaceful Ramghat located on the banks of the Mandakini River reverberates every morning with the chanting of hymns and the sweet fragrance of incense as devotes make their way to take a purifying dip in the waters and invoke the blessings of the gods. Janki Kund; where Sita is said to have bathed. Sphatik Shila; a huge rock resembling a reddish-white crystal which bears the footprints of Lord Rama and Devi Sita. The rich forest covered Kamadgiri Hill with the Shree Kamatanath Temple & Bharat Milap Temple located nearby marks the place where Sri Rama met his brother Bharat. The scenic Hanuman Dhara where a spring is said to have been created by Rama to assuage Hanuman when the latter returned after setting Lanka afire. Other places of interest include the Rama Janaki Raghuveer Temple and the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple near the Janaki Kund. After visit return to the hotel in Allahabad for overnight stay at the hotel.
Chitrakut: Situated in Banda District of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of river Paisuni (Mandakini), Chitrakoot Dham is one of the most ancient holy pilgrim places of India. Goswami Tulsidas the creator of the epic " Shri Ramcharitmanas" spent many years on the soil of Chitrakoot sacred with the touch of the Lord's feet. He composed many of his verses surrounded by Nature in its fullest splendor. Wrapped in peace and tranquility, broken only by the flutter of birds and the murmur of gushing streams, Chitrakoot is a symbol of Faith - dotted with myriad temples and filled with the reverberating sound of bells - truly, an Abode of the Gods.
22 Day: Allahabad – Varanasi (150 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast take a sightseeing tourof the holy city of Allahabad. Visit the massive Allahabad Fort built by Emperor Akbar in 1583 AD stands on the banks of the Yamuna, Saraswati ghat, Allahabad Museum, Allahabad University - established on 23rd September 1887, Hanuman temple - It is said that the each year during the floods, the water of the Ganga rises to touch the feet of the idol before receding. Followed by visit to Alfred Park, Khusrau Bagh, Mointo park, Anand Bhawan - the family home of the Nehru family and the boyhood home of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. In the evening visit the Sangam one of the most sacred pilgrimage spot in Hindu religion and is the site for Ardh-Kumbh and Kumbh Mela. Later drive to Varanasi. On arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Varanasi: Sandwiched between the rivers Varuna and Ashi as they join the Ganges, Varanasi takes its name from its location. It is also called Kashi, the city of light, but the British, in an endeavor to simplify matters, had coined their own name for the place—Benaras. Varanasi is the city of a thousand temples. The main object of all devotees is the Kasi Vishwanath Temple. According to Hindu belief, Benaras or Varanasi as it is known is the cosmic center of the Universe. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain 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.
23 Day: Varanasi - Bodhgaya (200 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Bodhgaya en route visit Sarnath, located at 10 Kms from Varanasi where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to the five holy men; visit at Dharmarajika Stupa The 110 ft tall Dhamekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon., also visit to Archaeological museum, the collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images, also see the Ashok Pillar with 4 lions, built in 3rd Century BC., symbolize both Ashoks's imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha. The four-lion capital was adopted as the emblem of the modern Indian republic. After visit continue to drive to Bodhgaya. On arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Bodhgaya is one of the sacred places for the Buddhists as well as for the Hindus. Here under the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the `Enlighted One'. The Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya, under the Bodhi tree, which still stands in the temple premises. The magnificent Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries’ cultures and many heritages that came to pay their homage here. The temple definitely has architecture of the Gupta and later ages, inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and China between 7th and 10th century AD.
24 Day: Bodhgaya- Rajgir – Nalanda – Patna (180 kms: 5 hrs)
After breakfast visit Mahabodhi Temple. Bodhgaya- the place where Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree followed by visit to Chinese Temple. In the afternoon visit Niranjana Temple and River. After visit drive to Patna, en route visiting Rajgir and Nalanda. Rajgir, a great center of Buddhist learning and one of the most famed university citadels of ancient times. Rajgir, it was once the ancient capital of the powerful Kingdom of Maghada. From the out - skirts of Rajgir, a historic road leads to Gridhakuta. Nalanda Mahavihara an institute for the study of Pali literature houses rare Buddhist manuscripts. Though Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, this famous centre of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during 5th - 12th centuries. Lunch at a local restaurant and proceed for Rajgir the ancient capital of Magadha kings. The Buddha often visited Rajagriha to retreat at the Jivkamaravana monastery, preaching and meditating on the Gridhakuta Hill. The disciples of the Buddha built many structures here. Rajgir is also sacred to Jains as Lord Mahavira studied and meditated here. The first Buddhist Council was held here after the Buddha's nirvana. Later continue to drive to Patna. On arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Rajgir the ancient capital of Magadha kings. The Buddha often visited Rajagriha to retreat at the Jivkamaravana monastery, preaching and meditating on the Gridhakuta Hill. The disciples of the Buddha built many structures here. Rajgir is also sacred to Jains as Lord Mahavira studied and meditated here. The first Buddhist Council was held here after the Buddha's nirvana.
Nalanda is believed to be the oldest university in the world. Founded in the 5th century BC, it became a renowned centre of Buddhist and Jain learning. Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller, spent several years here in the 7th century AD. Nalanda Archaeological Museum has a magnificent collection of Pali and Mauryan statues, bronze and manuscripts. Nalanda Mahavihara an institute for the study of Pali literature houses rare Buddhist manuscripts. Though Buddha visited Nalanda several times during his lifetime, this famous centre of Buddhist learning shot to fame much later, during 5th - 12th centuries.
Patna: Situated on the southern bank of the holy river Ganges, Patna is a large city with a considerable population and quite a few places of interest. A typical tropical city of northern India, Patna is famous for its glorious past, especially the period of Magadh and the Mauryan rule. The historical monuments and beautiful countryside make it an interesting place to visit. It is the capital city of the Indian state of Bihar. Patna is a part of the Buddhist Circuit of Bihar, as it is the ideal gateway for all the places on this circuit. The magnificent monuments standing in and around the city take one down the passages of history to the glorious past of the city. One of the best views in Patna is that from the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, one of the longest bridges in the world at 7.5 km, which crosses the Ganges 5 km west of the city centre. Moreover, the nearby sites have several special local products, which act as an added incentive for the tourist.
25 Day: Patna – Delhi – Home Town
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to the airport to board the scheduled for Delhi. And on arrival at Delhi transfer to the international airport to board the scheduled flight for home town. On departure services concludes with happy memories.
