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North India 13 nights / 14 days

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A trip that takes you through the diverse cultures of the Sub Continent. The Capital City New Delhi. Visit the holy city of Benares, also known as Varanasi or the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Asi. The splendor of the Taj Mahal. The Holy City of Pushkar. Stay at Exotic Palaces in Rajasthan. Rejuvenate at a Spa located on hills overlooking the sacred river Ganges.

 

ARRIVE IN DELHI Arrive Delhi at Night on this day After you go through the immigration and custom formalities you will be met by our representative at the arrival hall with a paging board,. Transfer to your hotel. Our representative will complete formalities related to Check-In. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Qutab MinarDelhi, the capital of the country, and one of India's fastest growing cities, has spread far beyond the "seven cities", created between the 13th and the 17th centuries. It has sprawled over the west bank of the river Yamuna, straddling the river. Remnants of the glorious past survive cheek - by - jowl with soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. Delhi has speciality restaurants to please the gourmet, sprawling parks and gardens ablaze with flowers, and in the winter months, a variety of cultural events. The myriad faces of the city are simply tantalizing, and entice the curious traveller into a fascinating journey of discovery.

 

DELHI Buffet American Breakfast at the Hotel. This morning will be at leisure for you to overcome the tiredness of your journey to India. Afternoon sightseeing of the Mosque and walk in Old Delhi. Visit a Sikh Temple called the Gurudwara. End the day with the visit of Humayun's Tomb at Sunset. Overnight at Hotel.

 

DELHI / VARANASI Breakfast at Hotel. Transfer by Coach to the Airport. Assistance for Checkin on the flight to Varanasi. (9W-723 Departure 1030 AM Arrival 1140 AM). Transfer to Hotel. Afternoon visit Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Varanasi, known to the devout as Kashi, is said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe. One of the oldest living cities in the world, as also one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, Varanasi is a major tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, the city has been a centre of learning and civilisation for over 2000 years. It was at Sarnath, only 10 km away from Varanasi, that the Buddha, first preached his message of enlightenment, 25 centuries ago.

 

 

Varanasi derives its present name from the two tributaries of the Ganga - Varuna and Asi - between which it is situated. According to historians, the city was founded around ten centuries before the birth of Christ. The city finds mention in holy scriptures like 'Vamana Purana', Buddhist texts and the 'Mahabharata'. The unique relationship between the mighty Ganga and the city forms the essence of Varanasi - 'the land of sacred light'

 

 

Varanasi's principal attraction is the long string of ghats, which line the west bank of the Ganges. Ghats are the steps which lead down to the river. There are around 100 ghats in Varanasi, each with its own significance. Most Indians believe that anyone dying on the banks of the river, in Varanasi, attains instant 'moksha' or enlightenment. The Dasaswamedh Ghat is the most significant ghat here, and conveniently placed at the centre. The Manikarnika ghat is associated with Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva's wife. The five ghats where pilgrims are supposed to bathe in order, and on the same day are Asi ghat, followed by Dasaswamedh, Barna Sangam, Panchganga, and finally, Manikarnika, in that order. Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats, are the ghats used primarily for the cremation of the dead. Other main ghats include Kedar ghat, a shrine popular with Bengalis; Mansarovar ghat built by Man Singh of Amber; and PanchGanga Ghat where the five rivers are supposed to meet.

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges. Visit of the City and Temples. Towards evening walk on the Ghats. Overnight at Hotel.

 

VARANASI/AGRA
Breakfast at Hotel. Transfer to the Airport. Assistance for Check-In on the flight to Agra. (CD-7408. Departure 1355 Hrs. Arrival in Agra at 1545 Hrs). Meet and greet on arrival at Agra Airport and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal (This day should not be a Friday). Return to Hotel for breakfast and transfer by surface to Jaipur, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival checkin at Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

 

TajmahalAgra is globally renown as the city of the Taj Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many monuments that epitomise the high point of Mughal architecture. In the Mughal period, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of India. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and Shahajahan embellished it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble.

 

Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It has, long been established, on tourist itineraries as the third corner of India's Golden Triangle.The old city of Jaipur is partially encircled with seven gates - the major gates are Chandpol, Sanganeri, and Ajmeri. The 'pink city' label, applies specifically, to the old walled quarter of the Rajasthani capital, while in the northeast of the town, glorious palaces and temples, in an assortment of styles, spanning centuries, are scattered throughout the, predominantly, urban area.

 

JAIPUR / PUSHKAR
Breakfast at Hotel. Visit the Amber Fort, City Palace etc. After lunch drive to Pushkar. (150 Kms. 3 Hours drive).

This somewhat somnolent town, reverberates with hectic activity during the festivities in November. Extensive arrangements are made to cope with the large attendance. A host of cultural programs are staged to enthrall the audience. The biggest draws of the events, are the cattle auction and the camel race. Puppet shows are the other major crowd - pullers.

Checkin at Hotel or at the Special Tented Camps during the Pushkar Fair. The camps will be comfortable with double / twin beds, attached toilette / shower etc.

Pushkar is a religious town. Within the municipal limits of the town Meat and Alcohol are not allowed. During the Pushkar Fair all boarding will be pure vegetarian and alcohol will not be served.

Visit the Brahma Temple and see the life around the Pushkar Lake. If attending the Pushkar fair then you will be witness to a lot of activities.

If you are visiting Pushkar during the Cattle Fair in November, then we recommend an additional day and night in Pushkar to witness the Fair for atleast one full day.

Overnight in Pushkar. 

 

PUSHKAR

The idyllic township housing the sacred lake of Pushkar, lies 11 km from Ajmer. Pushkar is separated from Ajmer, by the Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain). This beautiful lake surrounded by bathing ghats, has its religious significance, rooted in a myth. A lovely and gigantic fair is held every year, on Kartik Poornima (full moon in Pushkar Fair October-November). About 1,00,000 pilgrims gather here, to take a dip in the holy lake. The fair is also the biggest camel market. Besides camels, horses and bullocks are sold here. The colourfully dressed people enhance the exuberant mood of the fair. Pushkar abounds in temples, the special attraction being, the temple of Lord Brahma, the only temple in India, dedicated to Brahma.

 

PUSHKAR / SAMODE
After breakfast drive to Samode located 170 Kms from Pushkar. Checkin at SAMODE PALACE.

Visit Samode Bagh a garden paradise situated 4 km from Samode Palace, nestled on 20 acres of beautiful grounds combines warmth and luxury, an atmosphere that is quiet, relaxed & elegant. It is a romantic hideaway where you can be as active or contemplative as you wish. The garden is about three blocks long and is enclosed by a 15-foot high stone wall.

Overnight at the SAMODE PALACE.

SAMODE PALACE

The winner of the award for the best Heritage hotel in the country, for 5 consecutive years, the Palace has been meticulously restored offering a retreat into an aesthetically beautiful environment where visitors can enjoy India's natural beauty and rich history. 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, it is the flagship of the Samode Hotels.

 

SAMODE / DELHI
Breakfast Samode Palace. Transfer to Delhi by road. 230 Kms. Around 5 Hours drive. On arrival Check-In at Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

 

DELHI / HARIDWAR / NARENDRA NAGAR
Early wakeup and transfer to the New Delhi Railway Station. Board the train to Haridwar. Shatabdi Express. Departure from New Delhi at 07:00 AM. Arrival 11:22 AM. Breakfast on board. Meet and greet at Haridwar Railway Station on arrival and transfer to Narendra Nagar. 1 Hours drive. Arrive by Lunch time. Check-In in Deluxe Rooms at THE ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS Resort and Spa.

South Asia's finest Resort and Spa; 'Ananda-In the Himalayas'. 'Ananda' translates from Sanskrit to mean 'happiness and self contentment'. Soothe your senses with serene silences throughout a hundred acres of Ananda as you acquire enhanced health, vigor, and experience a spiritual awakening.

Discover tranquility, in the embrace of the Himalayas and India's holiest river, the Ganges. Venture into the heart of spirituality, neighbouring the birthplace of Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda.

Journey into royal antiquity and reside in the stately splendour of the palace and estates of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal. Enjoy the sublime comfort of a luxury boutique hotel and revel in an unsurpassable resort and spa experience.

Acquaint yourself with your inner being and the holistic sciences of Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda, close to Rishikesh, the land of ageless saints where the air is pavitra (pure) and the promise of artful living awaits you.

Spend three nights at the Spa. Day 10, 11 and 12.

 
Go to

 the Ananda Spa tour for detail.

 

NARENDRA NAGAR / HARIDWAR / DELHI
Breakfast at Hotel. Day at leisure. Checkout at 12 Noon. Transfer in time to the Haridwar Railway Station. Board the train Shatabdi Express. Departure from Haridwar at 18:10 PM. Arrival 22:40 PM. Dinner on board. Meet and greet at New Delhi Station on arrival and transfer to Hotel. Overnight.

 

DEPARTURE FROM DELHI
Breakfast at Hotel. Full day at leisure in Delhi. Checkout time from the hotel will be 12 Noon. Late evening transfer to the International Airport. Our representative will assist you to Check-In on your flight back home.

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SUGGESTED HOTELS
City Superior Deluxe Luxury Heritage
Delhi The Imperia The Imperia The Imperia  
Varanasi The Clarks Taj Ganges    
Agra The Trident Jaypee Palace Amar Vilas  
Jaipur The Trident Rambagh Palace Raj Vilas  
Pushkar Pushkar Palace Pushkar Resorts    
Pushkar during Fair Swiss Cottages Maharaja Tents    
Samode       Samode Palace
DATES
13 nights / 14 days

No fixed group departures but tailor-made private tours only! Why travel in a group when you can visit India on your own terms when you want to travel!

Follow the sample itinerary on this page, design your own or ask us to prepare one for you!

Land Costs
On request

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