Holy India Travels

Places to Visit  :  Delhi –- Jaipur –  Abhaneri  - Fatehpur Sikri – Agra– Jhansi – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Lumbini – Chitwan – Pokhara – Kathmandu – Delhi

Duration of Tour Package  :    18 Nights | 19 Days

Day 01| Arrival at Delhi |

Afternoon/evening arrive at Delhi International airport. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 02 | Delhi |–Cycle Rickshaw Ride at Old Delhi Markets |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi City. Start from old Delhi monuments.

Raj Ghat–is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and a memorial was placed here. People come here to pay homage to Father of Nation. Foreign ministers, dignitaries, Indian ministers, guests, tourists and local all come here to pay respect to the man who believed in non-violence and helped India gain its independence.

Red Fort– Red Fort which is also known as Lal Qila was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. This monument represents the grandeur of the Mughal Court, constructed during the 17th century. Lal Qila was once the residential area of the Imperial Family of India. It was the capital of the Mughal rulers until 1857. (Visit from outside)

Jama Masjid– The stunning Jama Masjid mosque is the largest in India and the final architectural magnum opus of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Construction of the mosque began in 1644, but it wasn't completed until 1658. 

Here you will enjoy a Cycle Rickshaw Ride at Chandni Chowk market. This is one of famous Old Delhi’s market. The pleasure associated with the rickshaw ride here is ultimate. The rickshaw pullers here take you on a ride through various routes, offering you a different experience all together.

Qutub Minar– Qutub Minar is one of the tallest individual towers in the world, measuring about 234 ft in height. The construction work of Qutub Minar was commissioned by the ruler of Slave Dynasty, Qutubuddin-Aibak in 1199, which was later completed by his descendant Shams-ud-din-Iltutmish.

Lotus Temple– Lotus Temple is one of the most incredible architectures of the Bahai faith. The temple has been constructed to resemble a lotus flower and made of marble.

Gandhi Smriti- This poignant memorial to Mahatma Gandhi is in Birla House, where he was shot dead on the grounds by a Hindu zealot on 30 January 1948, after campaigning against intercommunal violence. The house itself is where Gandhi spent his last 144 days. The exhibits include rooms preserved just as Gandhi left them, a detailed account of his life and last 24 hours, and vivid miniature dioramas depicting scenes from his life (Close on Monday).

India Gate– India Gate is situated on the Raj Path and was commissioned by Sir Edwin Lutyens for paying reverence to the Indian Soldiers, who died during the First World War. The huge walls of India Gate reveal more than 90,000 names of the soldiers who lost their lives during the war.

President’s House– Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India, which is situated towards the west end of the Rajpath. It is a blend of both Mughal and European architectural styles with a copper dome and around 340 bedecked rooms.

Evening free for leisure / shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 03 | Delhi - Jaipur (265 Kms/ 5-6 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Jaipur.

“Jaipur”– The Capital of Rajasthan. It’s popularly known as ‘The Pink City’ for the colour of the buildings in its wonderful old city. On arrival check-in at hotel. In the evening you can excursion to “Chokhi Dhani”– Chokhi Dhani is 5* ethnic resort and located 30Kms from Jaipur city. It is one its own kind, each of the detailed work in the village tells you about the culture and tradition of Rajasthan. It could be Camel Rides, Elephant Rides, Tonga Rides, Bullock Cart Rides, Bow n Arrows, Turbans or Food. It will make you feel a King. Enjoy Rajasthani dinner with live culture dance show. Later return back to hotel (This is optional activity).  Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 04| Jaipur |–Elephant Ride at Amber Fort

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Jaipur city.

Amber Fort and Palace– Amber Fort, also known as Amber Palace, is said to have played a key role in the history of Medieval India. This fort depicts true royal lifestyle of the Rajputs, who are known for their decadent, radical and volatile behaviour. The Amber Palace is a perfect fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture.

Here enjoy the unique experience of an ascent on the back of a brightly caparisoned Elephant up to the Fort. This is one of the highlights of a visit to the stunning Amber Fort is the chance to ride an elephant up the hill to the main entrance. These wonderful animals are painted with traditional designs and almost effortlessly transport visitors up the steep slope to the fort.

City’s Palace Complex– City Palace, a beautiful palace in the city of Jaipur, is surrounded by large walls on all sides. It also houses audience halls, pavilions and many other important buildings. The construction work of this palace was commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during the early 1730s.

Jantar Mantar– Between 1727 and 1734 Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five astronomical observatories in west central India. The observatories, or "Jantar Mantars" as they are commonly known, incorporate multiple buildings of unique form, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement.

Hawa Mahal– (Palace of the Wind)– It is a five-storey structure that has more than 950 windows. The latticework was built for allowing women to watch everyday life of the city. Hawa Mahal is situated near the Johari Bazaar and provides a beautiful view of the entire Pink City.

Jal Mahal– Jal Mahal was built during the 18th century in the middle of Mansarovar Lake. This is one of the biggest artificial lakes in Jaipur, which was constructed using red sandstone. It is a five-storey structure built in Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles.

Later free to visit the local markets/bazaar for shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 05 | Jaipur -  Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (235 Kms/ 5-6 hrs) |  

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Agra. On the way visit to Abhaneri & Fatehpur Sikri.

Abhaneri- The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest stepwells in the world and also one of the most beautiful ones.

“Fatehpur Sikri”– Constructed by Akbar in 1569 to honor Sufi saint Salim Chisti. Akbar’s court occupied this city till it was abandoned due to non-availability of water but still in a state of perfect preservation. Here one can visit Asia biggest door Buland Darwaja, Dargah of Sufi Saint Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal etc. Further drive to Agra.

“Agra”– Agra is famous in worldwide for the Taj Mahal (Monument of Love). On arrival check-in at hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra. 

Day 06 | Agra |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of  Agra city.

Taj Mahal (Monument of Love)– one of the most recognisable structures in the world, attracts around four million visitors annually. This beautiful structure of white marble was built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took 20,000 workers to complete this monument in a period of 22 years from 1632 to 1653. ( Taj Mahal is close on Friday ).

Great Red Fort of Agra– Built by the Mughal dynasty's greatest Emperor Akbar in 1565. A number of the fort’s beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens were built by his successors in later years.

Itmad ud Daulah Tomb - is one of the most beautiful Mughal tombs. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, this tomb comprises cenotaphs of Mirza Ghiyas and Asmat Begum, who were parents of Mughal Empress Nur Jahan. The tomb is primarily built in white marble with mosaic and lattice.

Rest of the day free for leisure / shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.

Day 07 | Agra -  Jhansi (by train ) -  Orchha - Khajuraho (175 Kms/ 3.5 hrs) |  

Breakfast at hotel and take train to Jhansi. After reach Jhansi drive for Khajuraho, enroute visit Orchha– Orchha is known for is resplendent rural attractions. Situated on the banks of River Betwa. On arrival visit Temples & Orchha Fort. Later continue drive to Khajuraho.

“Khajuraho”– Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. The monuments of Khajuraho, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site are extremely controversial yet showcase exceptions artwork and craftsmanship.   Overnight stay at hotel in Khajuraho.

Day 08| Khajuraho |  

Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit Western & Eastern Group of Temples–Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. The Khajuraho temples do not contain sexual or erotic art inside the temple or near the deities however, some external carvings bear erotic art. The Temple also knows as the “Kamasutra Temple”.

In the evening one can see Light & Sound Show at temple. Light & Sound Show– The Light & Sound show on the Western Group of temples complex the reminds the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and mark out the story of the exclusive temples from the 10th Century to the present day. The 50-minute fascinating show is held in every evening (This is optional Tour).Overnight stay at hotel in Khajuraho.

Day 09 | Khajuraho –Varanasi (By flight or by train) |  

Breakfast at hotel and take flight to Varanasi.  Varanasi, is one of the oldest famous city in the world also famous for Holy river Ganges.  On arrival pick up from Varanasi airport and transfer to hotel.

In the evening enjoy the Aarti at river Ghat– Worship of the river goddess with incense, camphor, flowers and earthen lamps. Thousands of illuminated lamps are immersed in the waters of the holy Ganges and the floating lamps add a divine look to the river at dusk.

Further return back to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 10 | Varanasi |

Today an early morning enjoy boat ride at river Ganges– The boat ride takes you past the various Ghats of

Varanasi, offering a glimpse of the city at its religious best, with the men getting ready for their daily Prayer, the sages lost in prayer and ritual. After boat ride come back to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Bharat Mata Temple– Dedicated to the mother India, the Bharat Mata temple is open to people of all the faiths.

Banaras Hindu University– Scattered over a vast area of 2,000 acres, the Banaras Hindu University has the privilege of being the largest and the oldest university of north India.

Also excursion to Sarnath– Renowned as a Buddhist shrine, is a city located about 13 kilometers north-east of Varanasi. The place is known for being among the four major Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The name of this place was derived from the name of Saranganatha (God of Deer). It is believed that this deer was born in the Deer Park, which is also a place where Buddha preached the Dharma for the first time. Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 11 | Varanasi  Lumbini   (300 Kms/ 7-8 hrs) |  

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Lumbini. Lumbini is birth place of Lord Buddha. Overnight stay at hotel in Lumbini.

Day 12 | Lumbini  Chitwan (198 Kms/ 3-4 hrs) |  

Breakfast at hotel and morning visit Bodhi Tree, Ashokan Pillar & Bodhi Tree.

After visit above places drive for Chitwan. CHITWAN, The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna - read further for more details. The fauna and landscape are not as impressive as those found in Africa but still, the experience. Overnight stay at hotel in Chitwan.

Day 13 |Chitwan |  

Breakfast at hotel and enjoy morning and evening enjoy jeep / Elephant safari at Chitwan National park.  Overnight stay at hotel in Chitwan.

Day 14 | Chitwan - Pokhara ( 145 kms / 5-6 hrs) |  

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Pokhara. POKHARA, It is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m above sea level and 200km west of the Kathmandu valley, the city is known as the center of adventure. The charming city with a population of around 95,000 has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of the himalayan peaks of Pokhara. The serenity of the lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas that rises behind him create an ambience of peace and magic. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 15 | Pokhara |  

Today early in the morning, visit to Sarangkot, to see the sunrise. Later I return to the hotel for breakfast. We also stop to see the Seti River Gorge, which crosses the city through a narrow and deep gorge that reaches a depth of 50 m.

After a deserved breakfast we continue with the typical visits of Pokhara, starting with the Cascada del Diablo, also known as Devi's Fall, in reference to the Swiss visitor who died there drowned with his girlfriend after rushing both of them inside. Next to the waterfall, there is also the Gupteswar Mahadev cave, which has a temple inside dedicated to Shiva.

Barahi- Temple This temple is built on an island right in the center of Phewa Lake. This pagoda double peak as the temple dedicated to boar a manifestation of Ajima.

Tibet Rifugee Camp and Lake Phewa- The second largest lake in the Kingdom, is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the glow of Pokhara.

We continue our trip to the Pagoda of World Peace, located on the top opposite Mount Sarangkot, on Lake Pewa. It is a Buddhist stupa built by the Buddhist monks of the Japanese organization Nipponzan Myohoji and designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite in the search for world peace. The first pagodas of peace were built as a symbol of peace in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Overnight stay at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 16 | Pokhara - Kathmandu ( 210 kms / 5-6 hrs) |  

Breakfast at hotel and drive to back to Kathmandu. Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 17 | Kathmandu |  

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city.

Visit Durbar Square– Durbar Square is UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal. It is home to Katmandu’s Old Royal Palace and several beautiful temples.

Boudhanath– Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupa in Asia. The eyes of the Buddha over the white stupa in Kathmandu is the most common images seen in an around the city and very common throughout the country.

Swayambhunath–The most ancient and enigmatic of the Valley's holy shrines the golden-spired stupa of Swayambhunath tops a wooded hillock.

Also visit Patan, , also known as ‘Lalitpur’, the city of artisans, lies 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, and is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen.The city retains much of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments.  Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 18 |Kathmandu - Delhi (by flight) |    

Breakfast at hotel and take flight for Delhi. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day  19| Delhi / Departure |  

Breakfast at hotel and drop at New Delhi international airport to board on flight for onward destination.

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