---

Duration : 16 Days
Destination : Delhi - Agra - Gwalior -Jhansi- Khajuraho- Varanasi- Lucknow - Kolkata -Bagdogra- Darjeeling- Delhi

---

Day 01
Arrival at Delhi:

You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 02
Delhi:

After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.

Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.

People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.

After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. If time permits then visit the Lotus temple located in south of Delhi. It is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. Its founder, Bahaullah (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahai as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.

Enjoy the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW in the evening. Overnight will be in Delhi.

Day 03
Delhi - Agra:
By Road 201 km in 4 hr

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Start by 10 AM for Agra and reach by mid afternoon.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

Proceed for sightseeing of the unseen places in Agra. You could enjoy beautiful views of THE TAJ from the room and all public areas of the hotel.

Enjoy the hotel. Overnight will be at the hotel.

Day 04
Agra - Gwalior:
By Road 125 km in 2 hr

Drive to Gwalior after a leisurely breakfast.

Reach Gwalior and transfer to hotel.

A little southward of Agra is the ancient city of Gwalior. Centuries of history can be witnessed even today in its monuments, temples, museums and cultural traditions. The magnificent Gwalior Fort, with its reflections of art, religion and military might, is an enduring symbol of this glorious past. The colorful history of this city dates back to the eight century and is a mosaic of Rajput clans of the Pratihasas, Kachwahas and Tomars, each leaving their marks on the city’s magnificent monuments. Gwalior's history is traced back to a legend in 8th century AD when a chief tain known as Suraj Sen was struck by a deadly disease and cured by a hermit-saint Gwalipa. As a gratitude for that incidence, he founded this city by his name. The new city of Gwalior became existence over the centuries. The cradle of great dynasties ruled the city Gwalior. With different Dynasty, the city gained a new dimension from the warrior kings, poets, musicians, and saints who contributed to making it renowned throughout the country. The city is also the setting for the memorials of freedom fighters such as Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi. Today the old settings stand side by side with the trappings of modernity.

Check in at the beautiful palace hotel.

Enjoy the spa at the palace.

In the evening proceed for the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the fort. Return to the palace for a dinner on the terrace.

Overnight will be at palace.

Day 05
Gwalior:

Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city visiting the following interesting monuments.

Gwalior Fort: Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most significant monument. It has been the scene of momentous events, imprisonment, battles and jauhars. A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of the Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor Babur to describe it as “the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind ".

Man Mandir Palace: Built between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh.The tiles that once adorned its exterior have not survived, but at the entrance, traces of these still remain. Vast chambers with fine stone screens were once the music halls, and behind these screens, the royal ladies would learn music from the great masters of the day. Below, circular dungeons housed the state prisoners of the Mughals. Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother, Murad imprisoned, and later executed here. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where in the Rajput tradition, the Ranis committed mass sati after their consorts had been defeated in battle. At Man Mandir Palace, a poignant ambience of those days of chivalry and heroism still lingers in the silent chambers.

Gujari Mahal: Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his intrepid Gujar Queen, Mrignayani. The outer structure of Gujari Mahal has survived in an almost total state of preservation; the interior has been converted into Archaeological Museum housing rare antiquities, some of them dating back to the 1st century A.D. Even though many of these have been defaced by the iconoclastic Mughals, their perfection of form has survived the ravages of time. Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Shalbhanjika from Gyraspur, the tree goddess, the epitome of perfection in miniature. The statue is kept in the custody of the museum's curator, and can be seen on request.

Sas Bahu ka Mandir: Two architecturally beautiful 11th century temples.

Jai Vilas Palace: A splendor of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. Some 25 rooms have been turned into the Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum, and in these rooms, so evocative of a regal lifestyle, the past comes alive. Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets and antique furniture from France and Italy are the features of these spacious rooms. Eye catching treasures include: a silver train with cut glass wagons which served guests as it chugged around the table on miniature rails; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna each Janmashtami, silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan. These are, besides, personal mementoes of past members of the Scindia family: the jeweled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani, four-poster beds and gifts from practically every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. The Scindia Museum offers an unparalled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.

Sun Temple: Located near the Residency at Morar, the newly constructed Sun Temple takes its inspiration from the famous Konark Sun Temple in Orissa.

Ghaus Mohammed's Tomb: The sandstone mausoleum of the Afghan prince, Ghaus Mohammed, is also designed on early Mughal lines. Particularly exquisite are the screens which use the pierced stone technique as delicate as lace.

Sarod Ghar: This Museum of Music has been set up in the old ancestral house of the legendary Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan. It houses ancient instruments of the great Indian Masters of yesteryears. It also houses an impressive collection of photographs and documents. Sarod Ghar is a unique institution devoted to promoting Indian classical music, heritage and culture. Through this 'window' to the past, music lovers can gain a better understanding of the evolution and history of our classical music and a deeper perspective and insight into the context of the art as it exists today.

Overnight will be at the beautiful palace.

Day 06
Gwalior - Jhansi:
By Train
Train Name : Bhopal Shatabdi Express
Train No. : 2002
Departure : 0920 hr
Arrival : 1024 hr
Jhansi - Khajuraho:
By Road 175 km in 4 hr

Enjoy an early breakfast and drive to the station for train to Jhansi.

Reach and drive to Orchha for sightseeing.

It is a medieval city founded by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century - which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory of the kings and the place is flanked by the river BETWA.

Enjoy your lunch at Orchha.

Drive to Khajuraho and reach by early evening.

Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.

In the evening enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the temple complex.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 07
Khajuraho:

Breakfast would be at the hotel.

Visit the Eastern temples before lunch with the newly excavated site. Visit a village and the school.

Enjoy lunch and then proceed to see Western set of temples.

In the evening visit SHILPAGRAM and enjoy the dance program.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 08
Khajuraho - Varanasi:
By flight
Flight Number : 9W 724 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1330 Hrs
Arrival : 1410 Hrs

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed to the airport for flight to Varanasi.

Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the VARUNA and the ASSI, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Varanasi, which was in use till May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi - The land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world - renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi’s cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world today.

Visit Sarnath ﷓ 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

Enjoy the museum at SARNATH and return by late afternoon.

Overnight stay will be at Varanasi.

Day 09
Varanasi:

Morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we’ll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water’s edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed for guided tour of Varanasi.

Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

In the evening visit the GHATS for the evening ceremony and the cremations.

Overnight will be at Varanasi.

Day 10
Varanasi - Lucknow:
By Road 295 km in 5 hr

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Drive to Lucknow and reach by afternoon.

The upcoming METRO CITY of Lucknow is a hallmark of cultural extravaganza, known all over the world for its many splendors. A city that has a magical charm, a charm that's forever and a charm that's apart. Be it the cultural charm or the monumental one - all is well conserved here to make Lucknow "The city of many splendors".

Walking through the lanes and by-lanes of Chowk and Aminabad one finds Lucknow of yore. The 'TEHZIB' or mannerism is still prominent and a topic of great appreciation. This is a city that still speaks the language of “YOU SIR” and the dictum of "YOU FIRST" is still a part of everyday life for a true Lakhnawi - and so natural it is - AADAB or salutation which has its own sophistication and style. Dress forms though have changed noticeably in the span of a century, yet the beauty and charisma of CHIKAN - the intricate and delicate hand embroidery, still rules the wardrobe. Lucknow is in fact among a few cities that duly understands the grace of the 'dupattas' or the covering cloth. Wisdom, women and wine are the three things truly understood and respected by the Nawabs. Not a thing of condemnation but an institution it was the “KOTHAS", where sons of Nawabs were deliberately sent to learn the culture, sophistication and respect for the fairer sex. Love was found in either Paris or Lucknow - a proof of this is the lover’s lane in the posh modern Hazratganj. These lanes were used as a meeting place for the lonely hearts to escape the monitoring eyes of their parents.

Relax at the hotel and enjoy a cultural evening.

Overnight will be at Lucknow.

Day 11
Lucknow:

Proceed for sightseeing of the city after a relaxing breakfast.

BARA IMAMBARA: The hall built by Asaf-ud-Daula for famine relief, is one of the largest in the world. There are excellent views of Lucknow from the top of the Imambara. An external stairway leads to an upper floor laid out as an amazing labyrinth known as the bhulbulaiya. The dark passages stop abruptly at openings which drop straight to the courtyard below. There's a mosque with two tall minarets in the courtyard complex and to the right of this is a well which is said to have secret tunnels opening into. The Imambara is open from morning to 6pm.

RUMI DARWAZA (GATE): This huge 60-feet-high door was also built by Asaf-ud-Daula. It is also called the 'Turkish Darwaza,' it is the entrance to the Bara Imambara. It is a massive gate on the western side of the front of Bara Imambara.

CHOTA IMAMBARA: Hussainabad or Chota Imambara, was built by Mohammed Ali Shah in 1837 as his own mausoleum. The appeal of this structure lies in its furnishings comprising exquisite chandeliers of Belgium glass. The glittering brass-domes and ornate architecture of this building made a Russian Prince call it the "Kremlin of India." It contains the tombs of Ali Shah and his mother. A small bazaar, known as the Gelo Khana or "Decorated Place", lies inside the imposing entrance of the Imambara.

CLOCK TOWER: It is located very near to the Rumi Darwaza. Built in 1881 by the British, this 67 m-high clock tower on the river Gomti is said to the tallest clock tower in India. The tower has European style artwork. The parts of the clock are built of pure gunmetal and the pendulum hangs 14 feet. The dial of this clock is shaped like a 12-petalled flower and has bells around it.

SHAH NAJAF IMAMBARA: It holds the tombs of Ghasi-ud-Din Haidar and his two wives. Situated on the south bank of Gomti towards the west of Sikandar Bagh, the building is almost an exact replica of the tomb of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, at Najaf Ashraf in Iraq. The interior is used to store chandeliers, and elaborate creations of wood, bamboo and silver paper which are carried through the streets during the Muharram Festival. It is open from 6am to 5pm.

RESIDENCY: Built in 1800 by Saadat Ali Khan for the British Resident. There is a model room in the main Residency building which is worth visiting and a small museum on the ground floor. This group of buildings became the stage for the most dramatic events of the 1857 Mutiny the Siege of Lucknow. There is cemetery near by with graves of those who suffered in the mutiny. The Residency is open from 9am to 5.30pm.

NOOR BAKSH: Noor Baksh Kothi (Light giving palace) is in Lal Bagh area next to the Methodist Church and now known as Noor Manzil. It was believed to be built by Saadat Ali Khan as a school for royal children. Some say Agha Mir - the then Prime Minister was its owner. Rafi Us Shan, son of Muhammad Ali Shah made this his residence till the end of Nawabi rule. Now it houses a psychiatric clinic for the mentally disturbed.

CHATTER MANZIL: The two Chattar Manzils near the Begum Hazarat Mahal Park, on the banks of the Gomti were Royal pavilions. The name comes from the gilt chattars or umbrellas atop the two main buildings. The Greater Chattar Manzil was once a king's palace. Under the existing river terrace was the ground floor with the tykhanas (cool underground rooms), cooled by the waters of the Gomti which lapped against its outer walls. Considering their size, surprisingly little is known about the Chattar Manzil Palaces. Today this building houses the Central Medicine Research body. The Lal Baradari was also the part of Chattar Manzil and was built as Coronation Hall and Durbar Hall.

In the evening take a horse drawn carriage ride in the old city.

Overnight will be at Lucknow.

Day 12
Lucknow - Delhi:
By Flight
Number : S2 6138 (Jetlite)
Aircraft : CRJ Jet
Departure : 0735 hr
Arrival : 0835 hr
Delhi - Kolkata:
By Flight
Number : S2 324 (Jet Lite Airlines)
Aircraft : Airbus 320
Departure : 1335 hr
Arrival : 1535 hr

Take morning flight to Delhi.

Breakfast will be served on the flight.

Reach and take connecting flight to Kolkata (Kolkata).

Kolkata, now named KOLKATA is one of the oldest cities of India and used to be the British Capital of India. Once it was a flourishing city and port before Bombay gained importance. It is rightly named “The city of Joy” as the city is known to be home for the homeless from the perched villages of Eastern India.

Reach and check in at hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Kolkata visiting the KALI TEMPLE at KALIGHAT first. This is the most famous KALI TEMPLE in Kolkata and considered very sacred by the followers.

Relax in the evening.

Overnight will be at Kolkata.

Day 13
Kolkata - Bagdogra:
By Flight
Number : 9W 617 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1210 hr
Arrival : 1310 hr

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Take flight to BAGDOGRA and drive to Darjeeling.

Years ago the mountain spurs, on the slopes of which the hill station of Darjeeling now stands, formed a part of the independent kingdom of Sikkim and was covered with dense forest. The town of Darjeeling alone now has thousands of people belonging to different creeds and races, but there were not more than two hundred inhabitants when the East India Company, which then controlled British interests in India, first came into contact with it.

When India became independent, Darjeeling remained a part of West Bengal. From 1986, a powerful agitation began in the Darjeeling hills seeking an independent state in the Indian Union. The agitation ended with the establishment of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council under the Chairmanship of Mr. Subash Ghissing and has been given considerable autonomy in administrative matters.

Enjoy the mall in the evening and overnight will be at Darjeeling.


Day 14
Darjeeling:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Take a morning excursion to Tiger Hill and during the day visit the TENZING NORWAY INSTITUTE.

Spend day with the locals and drive out to villages.

Overnight will be at Darjeeling.

Day 15
Darjeeling:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Visit GHOOM and the monastery. Visit villages and enjoy the weather. Enjoy the toy train ride - this is one of the most scenic narrow gauge railways journeys in the world.

Overnight will be at Darjeeling.

Day 16
Darjeeling - Delhi:
By Flight
Number : 9W 601 (Jet Airways)
Aircraft : ATR Jet
Departure : 1445 hr
Arrival : 1650 hr

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Drive down to Bagdogra and take your flight to Delhi.

Check in at hotel for wash and change.

Relax in the evening or you could go out for some last minute shopping.

Proceed for farewell dinner hosted by MALGEV and then to the international airport for flight home with sweet memories of India.

TOUR ENDS

THE TOUR INCLUDES:
· ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
· DAILY BREAKFASTS,
· SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
· ALL TOURS AND TRANSFERS IN AC PRIVATE SUV OR TRAVELER,
· ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
· SARNATH EXCURSION AT Varanasi,
· SUNRISE & SUNSET GANGES CRUISE IN Varanasi,
· EVENING AARTI IN GANGES GHATS AT Varanasi,
· SOUND & LIGHT SHOW AT KHAJURAHO,
· DANCES SHOW AT KHAJURAHO,
· GANGES EVENING CRUISE IN KOLKATA FOR THE BERNICKS,
· TOY TRAIN RIDE FOR ALL AT DARJEELING,
· ALL MONUMENT ENTRANCE FEES,
· ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
· ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES AND
· ALL ROAD TAXES, GOVERNMENT TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES.

HOTELS:
Destination Luxury Hotels Nights
Delhi IMPERIAL (HERITAGE ROOMS) 02
Agra OBEROI AMARVILAS (WITH TERRACE) 01
Gwalior TAJ USHA KIRAN PALACE 02
Khajuraho TAJ CHANDELA (DELUXE) 02
Varanasi TAJ GANGES (DELUXE) 02
Lucknow TAJ RESIDENCY 02
Kolkata OBEROI GRAND (PREMIER) 01
Darjeeling WINDAMERE 03
Delhi TAJ PALACE DAY USE

Please note that only lunches and dinners are not included (except when mentioned) along with personal expenses and camera, etc. fees, tips, (if any) at places where applicable. All hotels are subject to availability and all flights are subject to confirmation.

About Customised itinerary of Offbeat India Experience : Allow us to work out itineraries made specific to your requirements and desires. Simply fill the form below with the basic details including activities wanted, routings and dates required and we will send back a tailor made package ASAP, to you with all the necessary details, to ensure you have a holidays at exactly the pace ideal for you.

 
Ask us for Quote

Just take a few moment to fill up the form below enabling us to give you best of your holiday dream. Any information, even if tentative, will help us a lot in proper planning of your tour.
Name : *		Email : *
Address :		People Travelling :*	Adults 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15+ Children 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15+
Your Country : *		Tentative Date of Travel : *	MM Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec YYYY 2010 2011
Phone : *		Tour Duration : *	Days 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31+
Please Send Your Tour Details : *
Please Enter Image code: