Updated 11/06/2012
ITINERARY SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR GROUPON GETAWAYS
ETERNAL ROMANCE OF INDIA – 2013 depart/return dates
April 8 – 19, April 15 – 26, Sep 2 – 13, Sep 16 -27, 2013.
SEE MORE DATES IN OPTIONS
Day 01 Lv USA. The vast and exotic sub-continent of India beckons as we depart for New Delhi, India. Mon
Day 02 Arr Delhi
Tue
Evening arrive in the capital city of India, New Delhi.
Upon arrival and after clearing immigrations and customs you will be met and transferred to
THE CLARIDGES - SURAJ KUND or
THE CROWN PLAZA - OKHLA
Delhi is the capital of India. Its history goes back to
3000 years. Eight successive cities were built by various rulers in and around present day Delhi. Few capitals in the world have as many monuments of which Delhi is justly proud.
Day 03 Delhi
Wed (B)
Overnight at the Hotel.
Morning Tour of New Delhi; Designed in 1911 by the
British, New Delhi is one of the greenest capitals in the world. Your tour includes visit to the impressive Qutab
Minar, a 237-foot sandstone tower, an impressive monument built in 1193. Later, visit Humayun's Tomb, a predecessor to the famous Taj Mahal. Later, drive past the government buildings and presidential palace along the broad and majestic Rajpath and Diplomatic enclave.
Afternoon Tour Old Delhi to see the Red Fort, palace for the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
(SPECIAL 1. Enjoy a trishaw ride through Chandni
Chowk) (old shopping street) on to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. On return, visit Raj
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Day 04 Delhi/
Thu Chomu
(B)
2
Ghat, a memorial to the great Mahatma Gandhi.
SPECIAL 2: We will also visit a Temple of the Sikhs
‘Gurudwara’.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Start early to enjoy a brief walk around the Lodi
Gardens and see 15th-16th century tombs.
SPECIAL 3: Lodi Garden, a beautiful landscaped garden set in the midst of New Delhi, contains some exquisite examples of medieval architecture. Spread over 90 acres, it contains, Mohammed Shah's Tomb,
Sikander Lodi's Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara
Gumbad, architectural works of the 15th century
Sayyid and Lodis, a Pashtun dynasty which ruled much of Northern India during the 16th century
Drive to Chomu Palace (4 hours), a grand Heritage hotel, located next to a village. As you leave Delhi, enjoy an orientation drive through the modern city of
Gurgaon.
Upon arrival transfer to
CHOMU PALACE (Palace room)
Chomu Palace, a reflection of the Royal Palaces of
India, is a 300 year old elegant fortified palace hotel and one of the places to visit in Rajasthan. It revives the gracious lifestyles of the princes of Rajasthan and the heritage of India. It is an authentic and historic palace that discreetly blends with the modern amenities and facilities. This historic monument is designed according to the Indian Vastushastra philosophy. An integral part of the Rajasthan Tourism, this palace hotel in Rajasthan reverberates with regal and aristocratic memories.
SPECIAL 4: Later enjoy an escorted easy walk through the colorful local bazaar behind the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05 Chomu/
Fri Jaipur
(B)
Day 06 Jaipur
Sat (B)
3
Morning short drive to Jaipur (1hour)
Upon arrival transfer to
ITC RAJPUTANA (Chamber of Emperors room)
The rose-pink capital of Rajasthan, is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, the city was founded in 1727 by the astronomer-king, Sawai Jai Singh II and built according to the Shilpa Shastra, the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture and sculpture. It is a walled city with seven rectangular blocks. The Maharajah's palace stands in the center of the city amidst lovely gardens.
Jaipur is aptly called the ‘the pink city’ of India.
Later sightseeing tour of Jaipur city, visit Jantar
Mantar, an observatory, which is equipped with instruments of astonishing size and precision, including a 90 foot high sun dial which is remarkably accurate, We will also see the ornate and elaborate
Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal, a famous landmark of Jaipur and the City Palace.
SPECIAL 5: In the evening we have a chance to witness the flavors of Indian cinema ‘Bollywood’ for a short Indian movie at a local movie theatre.
Overnight at the Hotel.
This morning we travel just north of Jaipur to visit
Amber and its famous palace. Riding on elegantly caparisoned elephants, we approach the palace in the traditional way. The high gateways allow us to enter on these broad-backed animals. Inside, we will find lavish courtyards, beautifully decorated halls and the Chamber of Mirrors.
Visit the Albert Museum and art galleries with antique display and collection of sculptures, paintings, objects d’art, natural history specimens, an Egyptian mummy and a beautiful Persian carpet.

Day 07 Jaipur/
Sun Agra
(B)
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SPECIAL 6: Late afternoon enjoy a Heritage walk, a unique way to explore the living traditions of the city.
Experience the spiritual side of the locals by visiting colorful temples, interact with residents in their homes and discover some of the architectural wonders of this fascinating area of Jaipur. See a demonstration on hand painting – the art of ‘Mehndi’ with natural ‘Henna’ powders.
SPECIAL 7: Visit Moti Doongri Temple, dedicated to
Lord Ganesha and walk through the colorful temple market
SPECIAL 8: Explore the ‘Bazaars’ in the old walled city by Rickshaw– Visit ‘Bapu Bazaar’ (textiles and fabric), ‘Tripolia Bazaar’ (ironware and brassware),
Jhalaniyon ka Rasta, Thatheron ka Rasta, Maniharon ka
Rasta and ‘Johari Bazaar’ (jewelry)
Overnight at the Hotel.
Morning we drive to Agra (5 hours) visiting en route the ornate step-well at Abhaneri.
Also, visit en route Fatehpur Sikri, the once fabled
Mughal capital, which has taken on a sleeping beauty quality, lying quietly but wonderfully, preserved. We will see the Halls of Public and Private Audiences, the
Tower of Victory, and the Tomb of Salim Chisti, which is laced with mother-of-pearl.
Upon arrival transfer to
RADISSON BLU (Superior room)
The earliest reference to Agra is in the epic The
Mahabharat. Ptolemy, Alexander the Great's geographer also called it Agra. It was, however, in the medieval period that Agra earned prominence as a capital city under the Mughals. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all.
Overnight at the Hotel.

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Day 08 Agra
Mon (B)
The Taj Mahal, simply, is beauty - not just in design and technique, but in desire and intent. It was built as a monument to love, a manifestation of life's most powerful emotion. When his wife died unexpectedly,
Emperor Shah Jehan vowed to honor her with a memorial of unmatched beauty. He commissioned the world's best craftsmen and 20,000 workers to build this beautiful structure. The result stands before you today - a delicately carved, white marble jewel, which seems to float on a sea of red limestone.
Morning we will visit the Taj Mahal and the Agra
Fort, the massive red sandstone Mughal Fort built in
16th century by Emperor Akbar and additions made to it until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan.
SPECIAL 9: Afternoon visit a private collection of marble inlay work as used in Taj Mahal and a private collection of gems/jewelry and embroidery/tapestries in Agra (as mentioned in National Geographic magazine, *KOHINOOR). Later, visit an orphanage to meet the children and teachers.
Optional: Re-visit the Taj Mahal on your own at sunset. Your motor-coach with driver and guide available for round trip transfers to the Taj Mahal but please pay entrance fee directly approx. $20.00 per person.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 09 Agra/
Tue Jhansi/
Orchha/
Khajuraho Dep : Agra at 08:17am by Shatabdi Express
(B)
Morning transfer to the rail station for your train ride to Jhansi
Arr : Jhansi at 10:48am
On arrival you will be met and we will drive to
Khajuraho (5 hours) visiting en route the medieval
Forts and Palaces of Orchha.

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Orchha is the erstwhile capital city of the Bundela rulers. The town is steeped in history and is famous for its palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The architectural splendor of the monuments in Orchha reflects the glory of its rulers. The Betwa
River, on whose banks Orchha lies, and the forests around it attract tourist to this place.
Visit the Orchha fort complex, located on an island on
River Betwa. A four-arched bridge leads to the fort complex on the island. The Jahangir Mahal, which was built by Bir Singh Deo in the early part of the 17th century is known for its delicate work. Raj Mahal, the second palace in this fort complex is known for its murals, depicting religious themes. Also visit the Raja
Ram Temple, which was formerly a palace. Also visit the famous ‘chhatris’ or memorials of the rulers of
Orchha, situated near the Kanchan Ghat on River
Betwa.
Upon arrival transfer to
TAJ CHANDELA (Superior room)
Khajuraho is known for its magnificent temples, which are among the most creative examples of Indian architecture. Built between 950 and 1050 A.D., only 22 temples out of 85 now survive. Khajuraho sculpture is sublime and sensuous, the center of new imagery in art.
The popular theme is woman: reflecting, playful, amorous. The carvings also depict griffins, nymphs, beasts, and demons in revolt, gods in cosmic evolution, fear, doubt, jealousy, ardent love and consummate passion.
SPECIAL 10: Evening attend an Indian Classical
Music and Dance performance.
Overnight at the Hotel.

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Day 10 Khajuraho/ Morning tour of the western and eastern group of
Wed Varanasi temples. Later we will visit a local village school.
(B)
Later transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi
Dep : Khajuraho
Arr : Varanasi at 01:45pm by Jet Air 2424 at 02:35pm
Upon arrival transfer to
TAJ GATEWAY GANGES (Standard room)
Varanasi is believed to have been created when this universe itself was created. According to historical records, it is a city contemporary with Niniveh and
Thebes and therefore is the oldest living city in the world. It is today the most important place of pilgrimage for Hindus, and the sight of devout Hindus praying, standing waist deep in water is a moving experience. Varanasi has been a seat of learning from time immemorial. It was at nearby Sarnath that the
Buddha preached his first sermon.
Visit a silk factory with demonstration on the various stages of ‘sericulture’, designing and manufacturing process. You will also witness a demonstration on the traditional Indian outfit for women, ‘Sari’.
SPECIAL 11: Sunset cruise to witness the evening prayers ceremonies on the ‘ghats’ (steps leading to water) of river Ganges.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 11 Varanasi/
Thu Delhi/
Early morning you will be picked up from your hotel for a boat ride on the holy river Ganges. To see
Homebound thousands of devout Hindus descend to the holy
(B) waters of the Ganges for prayers and rituals may be one of the most extraordinary experiences of your visit to India. Varanasi has over 100 bathing Ghats but the
Manikarnika is the most sacred of them all. During holy

Day 12 Lv Delhi
Fri occasions it is visited by a multitude of pilgrims who offer flowers, milk, sandalwood and sweetmeats.
Return to your hotel for breakfast. Later sightseeing tour of the city includes visit to Bharat Mata relief map of India and a drive through the Benares Hindu
University, one of the oldest universities of India.
Constructed in the beginning of the 20th century, founded by Pandit Malviya as a centre of education in
Indian art, culture and music, and for the study of
Sanskrit
Later we will visit Sarnath and its fine museum.
Afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to
Delhi.
Dep: Varanasi
Arr : Delhi at 03:35pm by Spice Jet 119 at 04:55pm
Please stay in transit to connect flight home.
Day rooms are available at the Transit Hotel inside the airport at approximately $90 for six hours stay or you can use a ‘pay as go’ PLAZA LOUNGE with shower facilities. OR a full overnight at nearby COUNTRY
INN AND SUITES approximately $95 per person including breakfast and round trip transfers.
HOMEBOUND FLIGHT.
Arrive USA same day.
Tour Ends!!
Happy Landings!!
ALL MENTIONED ‘SPECIALS’ are provided at
NO EXTRA COST.
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