The Essence Of India!!
For someone from the west, India provides an authentic adventure - stimulating,
absorbing, daunting, sometimes moving and shocking. Here is one of the world's great
dramas; an ancient, vast and crowded land committed to the most formidably
challenging exercise in mass democracy. It is a spectacle in which hope, pride, paradox
and uncertainty mingle and struggle. It is conducted on the whole, and to India's credit in
the open. The lasting memories of the land are hospitality, kindness, good humor and
generosity. Here is a society of over a 1000 million people, growing by a million a
month, divided and united by language, caste, religion and regional loyalties. It has often
been described as a functioning anarchy; and it is in many ways an amiable one, of
marvelous fluidity and tolerance. Indeed, the true Indian motif is not the Taj Mahal, the
elephant or the patient peasant behind the ox drawn plough. It is the crowd, the ocean of
faces in the land of multitudes, endlessly stirring, pushing and moving. It is in this human
circulation that one sees India's colour, variety, busyness, and, senses also its power,
vitality and grandeur.
Namaste!! We welcome you with folded hands
Day 01: Arrival / Mumbai
Late night arrival, Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and
escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to
you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank
you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at Hotel Fariyas (Standard Room) (No Meals)
Day 02: Mumbai
Today we will proceed on a full day city tour of Mumbai. Below are the sights we intend to visit
during our tour.
GATEWAY OF INDIA (Stop Over): - This 26m high triple-arch gateway grandeur was built in
1911 to commemorate the visit of George V and Queen Mary to India. The gateway of India
overlooks the Arabian Sea, next to Taj Mahal Hotel and has several ferries to take tourist to the
nearby Elephanta caves and Alibaug.
PRINCE OF WALES MUSEUM OF WESTERN INDIA (Stop Over) :
Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, this building houses one of the finest collections of Indian artin
the world. Designed by George Wittet and completed in 1914 it marked the visit of the Prince of
Wales. The museum has three main sections - art, archeology and natural history.
MANI BHAWAN (GANDHI MUSEUM) (Stop Over): - This bungalow on Leburnun road was
Mahatma Gandhi's Bombay house from 1917-1934, it is now converted into a museum in his
memory. Besides the plain spartan room, there are pictures of events from his life, a research
library, and a mini theatre showing films (on request for group only) on Gandhi and India's
struggle of independence.
FLORA FOUNTAIN (HUTATMA CHOWK) (Drive Pass): - This fountain is situated in a
square in the heart of the city surrounded by banks, and other offices. It is named after the Roman
Goddess of Abundance. Erected in 1869 to honor the Governor of Mumbai, Sir Bartle Frere for
dismantling the Fort and shaping much of modern Mumbai.
VICTORIA TERMINUS (CHHTRAPATI SHIVAJI TERMINUS (Drive Pass): - The
headquarters of Central Railways, it is one of the most complex suburban railways system in
India. It is also the terminus for many inter-city trains. This is the city's most celebrated Gothic
structure. Lavishly decorated with sculptures, it was designed by William Stevens and was
opened in 1887 to coincide with the Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Makes a
striking sight with its cathedral like spires, turrets, arches, Corinthian columns & stained glass
windows
MUNICIPAL CORPORATION BUILDING (Drive Pass): - This is next to the Victoria
Terminus, is a Gothic structure blended with Indian motifs was designed by F.W Stevens and
stands like a guardian angel over Mumbai city. It was constructed in the year 1893. This building
creates a very serene effect on the spectator with its dome and 255 feet high tower.
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI (Drive Pass): The original campus is in Fort, Mumbai, near the
southern end of the city of Mumbai. It houses the administrative division of the university. It is
built in the Gothic style of architecture and also includes a library which holds many original
manuscripts. The University of Bombay was established at the Fort Campus in 1857.
HIGHCOURT OF MUMBAI (Drive Pass): The High Court of Mumbai was inaugurated on 14
August 1862. Although the name of the city was changed from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995, the
Court as an institution did not follow suit and remained as the Bombay High Court. The work on
the present building of the High Court was commenced in April 1871 and completed in
November 1878.
RAJABAI CLOCK TOWERS (Drive Pass): - Situated next to the Mumbai High Courts, in the
gardens of Mumbai University. This 280 feet high gothic clock tower is part of the University
Library, has five elaborately decorated storeys ornamented with statues in oriental grab
representing India's various castes and sects. Designed by Sir Gilbert Scott and built by late Seth
Premchand Raichand in memory of his beloved mother Rajabai in 1878.
MARINE DRIVE (NETAJI SUBHASH CHANDRA ROAD) (Drive Pass): - It was built in 1920
on land reclaimed from the Back Bay. This beautiful promenade stretches from Nariman Point to
Chowpatty in crescent shape along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea. On one side is the Arabian
Sea and on the other is the gracious British-type high rises. When lit up at night the entire drive
gleams like the "Queen's Necklace". Horse driven Victoria rides are available from either ends of
the promenade.
NARIMAN POINT (Drive Pass): - Situated at one end of Marine Drive this land reclaimed from
the sea is now built over with cities tallest and most elegant skyscrappers. Pleasure seekers come
here to take a walk on the wide promenade or to sit on the concrete benches, relax in the cool sea
breeze and enjoy the breathtaking view of Marine Drive.
HANGING GARDENS - Malabar Hill (Stop Over): - Built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. It is
landscaped on top of three reservoirs which stores 30 million gallons of water to supply to the
city.
KAMALA NEHRU PARK - Malabar Hill (Stop Over): - Adjoining the hanging gardens is
Kamala Nehru Park built in 1952 and named after the wife of the then Prime Minister Nehru. It
coverrs an area of 4000 sq. yards and from here one enjoys a magnificent view of Marine Drive.
It also has "old Lady's Shoe" built of concrete ment for children to play in.
DHOBI GHAT (THE PUBLIC LAUNDARY) (Stop Over): - Mumbai’s unique outdoor laundry
system is called Dhobi Ghat is where chaos, color, activity and sounds mix together in a freakish
blend. It’s a fascinating place where Mumbai's laundry gets done. Clothes are hand washed by
hundreds of Dhobis (laundry men and women) on concrete sinks and hung on clotheslines.
CRAWFORD MARKET (Stop Over):- Crawford Market is situated to the north of the
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of Mumbai. It lies just contrary the headquarters of Mumbai
Police.Authoritatively known as Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Market, Crawford Market is counted in
the midst of the popular shopping areas of the city. Crawford Market has been built as per the
Norman and Gothic style of architecture. At a height of 50 feet above its ground is a porthole
awning, which brings sunlight into the market.The exteriors of Crawford Market stand festooned
with wall paintings, which depict the images of Indian farmers in wheat fields. On the inside, one
finds the tone fountains designed by Lockwood Kipling, father of the acclaimed novelist Rudyard Kipling. Spread over an area of approximately 22,471 sq m (24,000 sq ft). This market
is the perfect place to buy food items and fruits.
HORNIMAN CIRCLE (Drive Pass): Horniman Circle Gardens is a huge park of Mumbai,
which sprawls over an area of 10.101 sq m. It is located in the Fort District of South Mumbai.
The park is situated amidst premier banks and was initially known as Bombay Greens. Horniman
Circle Garden dates back to the 18th Century, when it was laid down with the purpose of
providing an open space to the locals living in the walled city area. Since the garden has been
planted with trees of every season; it blossoms with lush greenery throughout the year.
ASIATIC LIBRARY (Drive Pass): - Asiatic Society of Bombay Library started in 1804 by Sir
James Mackintosh along with the startup of Literary society of Bombay in those days. Its one of
the paid membership libraries in Mumbai with about 25 to 30,000 rare collections of books with
Annual membership fees of Rs. 1000 to 1500 and Rs.10,000 to 15,000 for life time membership
with a refundable security deposit of Rs.500/- only. Members are allowed to borrow total of
fifteen books and three magazines. This library has a dust free air conditioned laboratory to store
books which was built in 1991 whose purpose is to conserve old books and so now it is one of the
famous rare collection old books libraries of Mumbai.
JAIN TEMPLE (Stop Over): - Jainism is one of the very old religions that originated in India.
The gods are known as the “Jinas” (the one who has conquered all the inner enemies). It’s a 104
year old Jain temple that has idols of different gods. The temple’s fully made up of white marble
with beautiful carvings in it. It’s indeed a treat to one’s senses.
PARSI TOWER OF SILENCE (Drive Pass): - This Structure of Mumbai don’t have Perfect
definition of name, Just know as ‘Tower of Silence’ or Parsee Bawdi on top of Malabar hills
surrounded at about 55 acres which is believed that after death, Body of the parsi people are sent
to this Bavdi (Bawdi) a circular big structure like ‘Well’ which is consumed by Birds like Eagles
and Vultures. It is a part of there tradition as they Believe that the death body should not spoil the
environmental air, water or Soil by cremating in it. This place is also called as ‘Dakhma /
Dokhma’ which denoted place for the dead. It is located very high up in the hill and strictly
allowed for members of Parsi community. This community in Mumbai came from Iran in 9th
Century AD and Built this structure for deads, which consists of 3 rings, first for Male Bodies,
Second for Female Bodies and Final one for Children. It is also believed to be best environmental
friendly way of disposing bodies after death.
Overnight at Hotel Fariyas (Standard Room) (B)
Day 03: Mumbai / Jodhpur (9W 315 – 1105 / 1235 Hrs)
Jodhpur / Mirvana (287 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Jodhpur
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Jodhpur and we will ride out through desert country to
Mirvana with packed lunch from Ajit Bhawan. For miles altogether, there is nothing but sand, but
from this aridness one can expect the unexpected as groups of women appear and disappear in
their colourful clothes, apparently going nowhere. Just as suddenly, medieval cities rise,
magnificent for their architectural heritage, and are just as suddenly lost to sight. Mirages? No, in
the Thar, these are only too real. We will have opportunities to stop on the way and interact with
tribals and villagers in remote countryside.
Upon arrival in Mirvana, check into Mirvana Nature Resort. Escape from the hustle and bustle
and enjoy a delightful stay at Mirvana Nature Resort, which offers the tranquility of greenery
within an otherwise harsh desert. Mirvana Nature Resort is a perfect place to experience nomadic
desert life at its best.
Overnight at Mirvana Nature Resort (Tents) (B, L & D)
Day 04: Mirvana
After leisurely btreakfast, we explore the primitive Sadakore village, which exists back in time.
Traditional camel dung plastered homes, crafts, occupation take us back in time. The disarming
hospitality of the natives and their brightly coloured traditional outfits form an indelible imprint
on our hearts and minds
Evening, we visit the nearby Sand Dunes and enjoy camel rides as we explore desert life in all its
peace, tranquility and of course draped in its colourful richness. We enjoy tea as we witness the
Sun setting in the horizon and camels with their shepherds forming nice sillouttes in the
foreground
Overnight at Mirvana Nature Resort (Tents) (B & D)
Day 05: Mirvana
After breakfast, we will visit to Birdaram Panwar Balaji Primary School
Overnight at Mirvana Nature Resort (Tents) (B & D)
Day 06: Mirvana / Jodhpur (287 Km) (04 Hrs Drive)
Morning, we will drive to Jodhpur
Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check into hotel Ratan Vilas, exudes an aura distinctly its own enhanced by its rich and varied collection of paintings, treasure troves and hunting trophies of
yesteryear. Everything is well preserved by the royal family, which still uses a part of the building
as its home. The magnificent sandstone building, built for Sir Ratan Singhji, the Maharajadhiraj
of Jodhpur, tastefully blends the lavish interiors and modern comforts. Present day facilities are
harmonized so as not to disturb the antiquity of the royal abode.
After rest & relaxation, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock Tower Bazaar. This is one of
India’s largest and most colourful wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics,
spices, vegetables etc. It is a fantastic experience to walk through the place observing and
photographing this incredible spectacle of vibrant lifestyles and incredible colours.
Overnight at Ratan Vilas- a Heritage Hotel (Superior Room) (B)
Day 07: Jodhpur
After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. Our tour includes the massive fort. In
olden days this must have been impregnable since its rocky base is scraped straight down making
it nearly impossible to ascend. Once inside, royal palaces abound with fascinating history and
priceless jewels, on to the armoury and Jaswant Tara - the Royal Crematorium.
Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Jodhpur is a veritable shopper's paradise
with entire streets and localities in the walled city devoted to single commodities. The city is
famous for bandhani and lahariya, block printed textiles, silver jewellery, antique furniture, wood
and metal handicrafts. Carpets and durries can be found on the Umaid Bhawan Palace road.
Jodhpur is home to many talented and skilled craftsmen like textile dyers, metal engravers and
die-makers and probably the last of the tailors of the classic Jodhpur breeches
Overnight at Ratan Vilas- a Heritage Hotel (Superior Room) (B)
Day 08: Jodhpur / Ranthambhore (Intercity Express – 0610 / 1315 Hrs)
Early morning, transfer to the train station to board your train to Ranthambhore
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Ranthambhore and transfer to Ranthambhore Regency
Afternoon jungle excursion in Canter (Community safari vehicle)
Overnight at Ranthambhore Regency (Standard Room) (B & D)
Day 09: Ranthambhore
Morning & afternoon Jungle excursions in canter
Ranthambhore is known to have India's Friendliest
tigers Assured of protection; these nocturnal creatures
are seen often in the day. Sprawled on the Aravalli
and Vindhya ranges of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore
National Park encompasses an area of 410 Sq. km. in
which lives a healthy population of about 40 tigers. A
large number of deer inhabit the area and leopards are
occasionally sighted. The Pandam Taloa lake, located
adjacent to the Jogi Mahal hunting lodge, is the park's
favorite water source. Smaller pools at Raj Bagh and
Milak also attract a variety of wild life The best way to explore Ranthambore is in jeep as the
park is well connected by arterial roads and tracks. Some of the popular sighting areas are Nal
Ghati, Lahpur, Bakuala, Anantpur and the Kachida valley. Mammals: Tiger, Panther, Hyena,
Jackal, Jungle Cat, Caracal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Indian hare
mongoose. Birds: Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, great Indian horned owl, grey partridge
Sandgrouse, quail, spurfowl, common peafowl, tree pie, paradise flycatcher, and pheasant tailed
jacana, painted stork, black stork, spoonbill, green pigeon, and ducks.
Overnight at Ranthambhore Regency (Standard Room) (B, L & D)
Day 10: Ranthambhore / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (270 Kms) (06 Hrs Drive)
Morning jungle excursion in canter (Community safari vehicle)
After breakfast, we drive to Agra stopping at deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri. This
abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire’s
splendour. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted
buildings. From here we continue riding to Agra.
Upon arrival check into The Retreat
Overnight at The Retreat (Superior Room) (B)
Day 11: Agra (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most
photographed monument in the world. However, there is
a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a
building so much and once you see so many pictures of a
building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter
how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets
you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human
imaginations. At sunrise we visit one of the greatest sights of one’s lifetime - Taj Mahal. A dawn
visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the
changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building. Later we return back to
our hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an
interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the
maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal
Empire The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian
architects.
Afternoon we visit the itmad -ud -daula Tomb which was build by the empress Noor Jehan as a
memorial to her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, is beautifully ornamented with pietra dura inlay and
lattice work marble screens. The queen of Jehangir and the daughter of Itmad-ud-daula Nurjahan
built the tomb. It was in the year 1628 that the pioneer of the white marble tomb was constructed.
Itmad-ud-daula i.e. the pillar of state was a tile bestowed on him by emperor Jehangir. The tomb
is at times refereed to as the baby Taj. The mausoleum rests in a walled garden with a view of the
river Yamuna. In fact it is approximately one and a half kilometers upstream of the Taj Mahal.
The structure is renowned for its pietra dura decoration i.e. the inlay works and the carvings.
It way quiet different from the other Mughal tombs in terms of its architecture. The sight of the
tomb is a spectacular indeed even though the structure is not as large as the Taj Mahal. The man
Mirza Ghiyas himself laid out the char bagh style of architecture six years before his death that
has been used in the construction of the tomb.
The beauty of the white marble with the mosaic and the lattice is simply awesome. The tomb
structure has a minaret on each one of its four corners. The walls of the cenotaph reveal the
intricate inlay work with a variety of illustrations.
The cypresses and the geometrical designs are worth
watching. The depiction of the wine flask with the
snakes as handles is a recurrent theme on the walls of the
chamber. The adjacent chamber has the tombs of the
other members of the family.
The decoration of the main chamber has been done with
the extensive use of the semi-precious stones on the
mosaics. The ornamentation that displays the indian
version of the pietra dura is believed to have been
different from the symbolic decoration followed in
Europe.
Evening we visit the Dayal Bagh Garden which is located 15 km from Agra & also known as the
"garden of the Supreme Lord". It is an important pilgrimage site. The Dayalbagh Garden is also
the head quarter of the Radhasoami religious sect, founded in 1861 by Shri Shiv Dayal Singh.
The Radhasoami movement combines elements from Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism and
Buddhism.
Shiv Dayal Sahib, popularly known as Soami Maharaj by his disciples, lived from in Dayalbagh
from 1818 to 1878. He is worshipped at this grand memorial that is a combination of temple,
gurudwara, vihara and mosque. The Radhasoami memorial is 110 feet high, has impressive pillars
and is made of pure white marble. The building is under construction now. Surprisingly, work has
been going on at this building for the last 100 years. The Dayalbagh Garden would surely be an
interesting place to visit for connoisseurs of art, who would love to watch the skilled artisans and
marble cutters at work.
Overnight at The Retreat (Superior Room) (B)
Day 12: Agra / Jhansi (Bhopal Shatabdi – 0817 / 1048 Hrs)
Jhansi / Orccha / Khajuraho (180 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
Early morning, transfer to the train station for a short ride on India’s premier train service to
Jhansi.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Jhansi & we will drive to Khajuraho via Orccha.
Upon arrival in Orccha we will enjoy lunch at Hotel Amar Mahal
After lunch, we proceed on a guided tour of the city. The medieval city of Orchha, in the state of
Madhya Pradesh, seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their
original grandeur. The city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa river, was founded by the
Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, in the 16th century.The word Orchha means 'hidden'.
When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15th century, pushed the Bundelkhand rajas
out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orchha. Apart from the famous landmarks like
Jehangir Mahal, the Laxminarayan Temple, the area is peppered with fascinating little shrines and
memorials, all of which add to the overwhelming feeling of nostalgia, the city evokes in the
visitor
Following the tour, we will drive to Khajuraho
Upon arrival in Khajuraho check in to Hotel Radisson
Overnight at Hotel Radisson (Deluxe Room) (B & L)
Day 13: Khajuraho
Today, proceed on a tour of the world famous western group of
temples depicting erotic sculptures of love making images of Gods
and Goddesses and celestial Nymphs. The sexual fantasies displayed
in the sculptures are mind-boggling. It speaks very highly of the
artistic creativity and imagination of the sculptors. The frank
depiction of uninhibited sex does hint towards a liberated society and
times where people believed in dealing openly with all aspects of
life. The graphic and realistic illustrated scenes of lovemaking
elaborated on the Tantric texts
Afternoon, we proceed on a tour of Eastern group of Temples .If pictures speak a thousand
words, then the temples of Khajuraho form a magnum opus... an expression of Indian sculptors of
yore. These temples of Khajuraho were built by the Chandela kings following the tradition of
Tantric art. Although famed for their erotic sculptures, the philosophy behind the temples is much
more vast and encompassing. They are in fact a celebration of life!
Sound & Light Show: Evening, we visit temple complex to enjoy Sound & Light Show, where the history of the temples
is narrated through the medium of Sound & Light. This fascinating Son-et-Lumiere spectacle
evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples
from the 10th century to the present day. Amitabh Bachhan, the Indian Super Star, narrates the
story of Khajuraho in his mesmerizing voice
Overnight at Hotel Radisson (Deluxe Room) (B)
Day 14: Khajuraho/ Varanasi (9W 2424 – 1345 / 1435 Hrs)
Morning is at leisure for your independent activities
Afternoon, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Varanasi
Meeting & assistance upon arrival in Varanasi and transfer to Hotel Radisson
Varanasi is quite possibly the world’s oldest living city.
Religious artifacts link it to the sixth century B.C. Said to be
founded by Shiva, Varanasi’s Vedic affiliation goes back to
the beginning of time. It is also a city of many names. The
present name, Varanasi (derived from the names of two
nearby rivers) is mentioned in the Mahabharata. The ancient
name is Kashi, the City of Light. To the devout it is also
called Kashika, the shining one, referring to the light of
Shiva. Many others prefer the anglicized Benares. Revered
by Hindus, Buddhists and Jain alike, Varanasi is considered
the holiest city in all of India. It is presided over by Shiva in his manifestation as Vishwanatha,
Lord of the Universe. Buddha delivered a sermon in nearby Sarnath and Mahavira, the founder of
Jainism, lived in Varanasi. As a result, more Indians will make a pilgrimage to Varanasi in their
lifetime than any other place.
Evening, we visit the ghats of Varanasi to witness the
performance of Ganges Aarti. We enjoy a special evening
cruise on the Ganges. See the Hindu devotees performing
the "Puja" with lighted lamps. The view is very mesmerizing
and the ambience is spectacular in the backdrop of the
beating of cymbals and bells as well as the incessant
chantings. Later return to the hotel
Overnight Hotel Radisson (Superior Room) (B)
Day 15: Varanasi
After breakfast, we will visit several temples and the Hindu University at Benares. First stop
would be the Bharat Mata (temple of Mother India). Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, it features
a huge marble map of India on the ground floor. Next up, the Durga Temple. Known for its bright
red color and the playful, if sometimes aggressive, monkeys that run amok there, the Durga
Temple is one of the most imposing architectural monuments in Varanasi.
The university, which occupies a large piece of land at the southern end of town, is also home to
the New Vishwanatha Temple. The New Temple is modern in
design and open to Hindus and non-Hindus alike. Surrounded by
palm trees, it is a splendid white marble structure that shines in the
afternoon sun against a pale blue sky. Inside, the temple is
spacious and airy. The interior walls are covered with Vedic art
above inscriptions from the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. In the
center of the first floor is the Shiva linga.
Evening, we take a short trip to the Buddhist city of Sarnath .It is
here that the Buddha preached his first sermons after attaining
enlightenment.
Overnight Hotel Radisson (Superior Room) (B)
Day 16: Varanasi / Mumbai (SG 119 – 1505 / 1925 Hrs)
Mumbai / Departure
At dawn we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride. Every
morning at dawn hundreds of worshippers can be seen
bathing in the sacred waters. The great river banks are
lined with an endless chain of stone steps—the ghats—that
stretch from one end of the city to the other. The Ghats
form an impressive part of the religious landscape of the
city. Proceeding downstream at a leisurely pace, you
would be pointed out the significant temples and buildings
as well as the changing architectural style. Life and death
go hand in hand in Varanasi. While young people seek prosperity and protection from harmful
influences, the older generation comes to Varanasi to cleanse their souls in the forgiving waters in
preparation for their ultimate dissolution. Believing that anyone who dies in the river of life in
Varanasi gains freedom from the cycle of birth and death, the City of Light has become a haven
for the sick and aged waiting out their final days. The smoke that billows from the crematoriums
on the edge of the river gives testimony to their final release from life’s earthly confines. We
would dock our boat at Manikarnika (Cremation) Ghat. On any given day, anywhere from a few
dozen to a few hundred corpses are cremated here; the ghat is assiduous with activity as the
cremated bodies threw up smoke and fire.
Following the boat ride we set off on foot to explore the inner city. Through a twisted maze of
narrow alleys, home to numerous shrines and pilgrim shops, we walk back a few centuries. Life
here has stood still for years. The homes, the shops and even the cattle have not changed over the
centuries. It is a brilliant nostalgic experience of timelessness!
Afternoon, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Mumbai
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Mumbai and transfer to airport hotel to use washroom
facilities in public areas. You may also choose to have refreshments or dinner before you are
transferred in time to the airport for your onward flight
END OF SERVICES
We do hope the flavour of India will remain on your taste buds for all times to come and
hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you
for being our guest, and as we say in India ‘Please Come back Soon”
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
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Cost Includes:
Accommodation on Triple Sharing Basis
Meals per the Itinerary (B – breakfast, L – lunch & D – dinner)
Jeep Safari & Camel ride at Mirvana
Horse carriage ride to Clock Tower Bazaar – Jodhpur
Sound & light show in Khajuraho
Morning boat ride & evening aarti in Varanasi
Jungle excursions in Ranthambhore
All journeys as per itinerary in a fine air-conditioned Deluxe Coach
Train Journeys as per the itinerary
Inner India airfares as per the itinerary
Local guides, all applicable taxes
Entrance fees to the monuments
Cost Does Not Include:
Camera & Video fee to monuments.
Meals other than as mentioned above.
Expenses of Personal nature such as Laundry, Drinks, Telephone calls etc.