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Taj Mahal and the Ganges

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  • Taj Mahal and the Ganges

Duration: 8 days | 7 nights

Location: Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajurâho - Varanasi

Highlights of the programme :
  • Gwalior, one of the most impressive fortresses in central India
  • Orchha, a medieval city still prestigious
  • The temples of Khajuraho and sensual sculptures
  • Sarnath, the Buddhist city, site of Buddha’s first sermon

Arrive in Delhi. Reception at the airport. Transfer and overnight at the hotel.

In the morning panoramic tour of India’s capital Delhi having fascinating history. Old Delhi or the ancient city of the Mughal sultans with steep, straight streets teeming with people and New Delhi, the capital of the India with wide avenues suitable for a garden city. Visit the Raj Ghat, the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; visit the Red Fort which was once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal empire and the bustling shopping centr of Chandi Chowk. Then visit New Delhi Qutb Minar minaret, the tallest minaret in the world. Finally Connaught Circus, the heart of public life in New Delhi, Rajpath and India Gate, Parliament and President House. End of the tour by the “Diplomatic Enclave”. Drive to Agra. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

At sunrise, visit the famous Taj Mahal, unforgettable mausoleum built in white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. It is inside the Taj Mahal, in an underground crypt where Empress Mumtaz Mahal rests. Then, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah ornate in mughal style and is considered the precursor of the Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, visit the Red Fort, the largest fort in India declared cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1983, Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Gwalior fortress that evokes the magnificent Rajput chivalry. En route, stop at Dholpur and visit the sacred site of Muchund. Continue to Gwalior. Visit the fort, huge building equipped with 10 meters high walls containing numerous monuments. It is located on a platform overlooking the city almost 100 meters high. This is a beautiful complex of yellow stones decorated with blue glazed earth tiles. In the afternoon, stroll through the bazaar of Gwalior. Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to Orchha. Discover this ancient town known for its temples and the royal palaces which have stunning murals. The grandeur of this magnificent city captured in stone has survived the centuries without any incident. All of its royal palaces and temples were built in the 16th and 17th century and the palaces still bear the prestige of the dynasty. Overnight at hotel.

In the morning, drive to visit Khajuraho temples listed as World Heritage site by UNESCO. Khajuraho was the religious capital of the Chandela dynasty, who built a large complex of temples that had up to 85, but only 22 remain today. Abandoned and overgrown by the jungle, they were  rediscovered only by 1840. They are covered with elegant sculptures of people and animals and are also famous for their erotic figures. Overnight at hotel.

In the morning, transfer to Khajuraho airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, drive to Sarnath, top religious place. This is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after receiving enlightenment. This new religion enjoyed extraordinary popularity and was accepted throughout Asia. Sarnath became a sort of spiritual school from the 16th century BCE. Back to Varanasi and transfer to hotel. In the evening, puja ceremony on the ghats. Overnight at hotel.

Varanasi is entirely located on the left bank of the Ganges, facing the rising sun. Early morning boat ride on the Ganges along the ghats that allow devout Hindus down to the river to practice their prayers and ablutions. The bath in the Ganges is supposed to wash away all sins. It is also on the ghats that cremation is practiced. Then, stroll through the old Benares. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for flight to Varanasi Delhi.

SUGGESTED HOTELS

You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. Hotels indicative subject to availability. The choice of the class of accommodation to you. You will be able to specify it in your quote.

Le Roi – Delhi

Team and cozy enough for this modern hotel. Rooms very clean and well appointed. Wifi access. Complete small lunch.

Siris 18 Hotel – Agra

Located in a quiet street. Small building with spacious and well-appointed rooms. Courteous and friendly staff.

Deo Bagh – Gwalior

A gem of the Neemrana chain opened there two years ago in a unique setting. Get away with these cenotaphs into the park surrounded by several temples and trees. Pleasant and comfortable rooms furnished in Indian style and rooms with practical and functional bathroom. Very good food. Beautiful setting at night with lighting that makes the site worth.

Bundelkhand Riverside – Orchha

Old palace in an enchanting setting, near a river, where it is good to rest. The rooms are spacious and tastefully furnished. The staff is attentive and friendly. A little distance away from Orchha which is however still accessible on foot.

Ramada Hotel – Khajurâho

A good place for American Ramada brand. No surprises.

Rivatas by Ideal – Varanasi

Located near a mall, this new hotel with modern decor and furniture has a swimming pool. Very helpful and very friendly staff. Spacious rooms. It feels good at the hotel away from the noise.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

You will find below our suggestion for activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact an advisor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.

Horseback ride

Expect a complete change: in the saddle on the beautiful Marwari horses with amazing earrings shaped like a crescent moon, discover the breathtaking surroundings and go out to meet the locals. A walk to discover treasures, off the beaten path.

Bike ride

We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.

Ballooning

Take a step back to admire the pink city Jaipur, it is possible. Climb aboard the platform of your balloon and fly over the capital of Rajasthan and the impressive Amber Fort which is necessary not far from it. In the early morning light, the emotions are at their peak by the glipse by the history of vastness and beauty which has exisred here for last many centuries.

Polo match

Polo on horseback or elephant, a unique show in Jaipur, Jodhpur or Delhi. Sport in vogue in India, polo on horseback is still today one of the spearheads of the sport in the Indian aristocracy. Polo on elephant back, meanwhile, is not a sport as such. Nevertheless, it attracts large crowds because of the originality of a rapid game with elephants struggling to move on the ground. Very entertaining!

Cricket match

Catch a game of cricket, a sport that is truly thrill the crowds in India. Unknown in France, cricket crystallizes all the passions in the Indian subcontinent, where millions of fans follow live matches of their national team. The best players are idolized as real stars, like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev considered one of the best cricketers of all time.

Vintage car

Experience the charm side with a vintage ride in Rajasthan. These old cars of the maharajahs take you as a prince through the main streets of the cities. A timeless adventure not to be missed.

Local family

What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.

Film show

Indians like to say that what unites them is a passion for cricket and love of cinema. India is the largest film industry in the world in terms of production and the number of entries. Attend the screening of a film, it’s a unique experience and share a moment of jubilation.

Yoga

Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of “pranayama” (breathing), “asanas” (positions) and ‘dhyana’ (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.

Henna session

Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!

Cooking lessons

You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.

Ayurveda massage

Ayurveda invites us to stay in harmony with nature, in touch with the elements of nature by practicing yoga and meditation which help us to purify and nourish our body and mind. A massage on the eye helps to rebalance the body and its functions. Enjoy your visit to the birthplace of Ayurveda to experience a massage in the purest tradition.

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