Few tours can rival this fourteen day tour which combines the culture of
Brahamnical India at Varanasi the city of ghats. The life on the river
Ganges, Sarnath the city of Buddhist Stupas & monasteries, the Forts &
Palaces of central India, the sculptures of Khajurao, Cenotaphs of Kings of
Orcha the monument of love the Taj Mahal. The hindu kingdom of Nepal and its
famous Mount Everst and Chitwan national park. The old world charm of one of
the oldest capital city of the world Delhi & the unique train journey of
India.
Day 1 -- Delhi
Arrival Delhi in the morning. "Namaste" a warm welcome to India,
a sincere greeting with a bow and folded hands. Transfer to a 5-star hotel
in New Delhi. After a short break we embark on our first journey to discover
India. Our introduction to India will be by a " Rickshaw" ride a
mode of transport used in small towns and in Old Delhi.
We
head for a guided city tour to the most interesting sights of the city that
is the Red Fort a fort made of red sand stone which once housed the world
famous PEACOCK throne and the Jama Masjid mosque. Welcome Dinner at the old
Hauz Khas village complex overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 -- Agra
Early morning train journey to Agra transfer to the hotel after a short
break leave for the Agra Fort a massive complex with exquisite work on
pillars and ceiling. Emperor Shajahan the builder of Taj was held captive
here by his son Emperor Aurangzeb who usurped the throne. It was from here
that Emperor Shahjahn would view the Taj. From the fort we proceed to the
Taj a monument of Love.
Day 3 -- Orcha
Early morning drive to Orcha enroute stopping at Gwalior to visit the
magnifcant fort from there carry on to Sonagiri a temple complex on a
secluded hillock comprising of more than 100 exquisit temples next halt is a
stop at Datia palace the inspiration of Luteyan the builder of New Delhi on
to Jhansi and overnight at the Orcha Fort or the river side resort.
Day 4 -- Khajurao
Early morning visit the temple complex of Orcha and the centophas of the
maharajas of Orcha after brunch proceed to Khajurao the city of Erotic
temple sculpture. We check in to the hotel in late afternoon after a short
break we take the first tour of the temple complex. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 -- Panna National Park
Next day we take another trip to the other temple complex drive to Panna
national park lunch on a tree top resturant on the banks of the river
outside the national park . We will also try and visit the Panna Diamond
mines. Overnight at the hotel in khajurao.
Day 6 -- Khajurao
Walk the streets of Khajurao leave for the airport around 11:30 A.M. to
catch the flight for Varanasi the oldest living city in India and one of the
worlds most ancient previously known as Kashi in the times of Puranas and
Vedas. Its also the second most important religious city on the Ganges.
After check in and a short break visit the bazar of Benaras which is an
experience of a life time even for the Indians living in other cities.
Varanasi is a city which can not be described it can only be experienced.
Around sunset take a visit to the ghats (Banks of river ganga) and a boat
ride in the Ganges to see the AARTI ( culmination of the days prayers with
lamps) which are offered to the mother Ganga and left to float in the river.
It's a spectacle seen nowhere else in the world. It seems that stars are
floating in the river.
Day 7 -- Kashi
Early morning again visit the ghats before sunrise to see people praying to
the Sun god another experience of its kind. After breakfast visit Kashi
Vishwanath temple the most important temple of Lord Shiva in India Saranath
where lord Budha preached his first Sermon. It was here he revealed the
eight fold path to Nirvana. Catch the night train to Gorakhpur.
Day 8 -- Gorhakpur
Arrive Gorhakpur early in the morning transfer to the Royal Retreat Resort
an heritage property. Breakfast at the Resort, after breakfast Elephant
safari and picnic lunch in the jungle. Overnight at Retreat.
Day 9 -- Kapilvastu
Visit
Kapilvastu the ancient capital of Lord Budha when he was still the Prince.
After lunch drive to Lumbani in Nepal associated with Budha and then proceed
to Chitwan National Park in Nepal.
Day 10 -- Kapilvastu
Early morning ride to park on Elephants you will see rhinos and other
animals. Late afternoon canoe ride in the river.
Day 11 -- Kathmandu
Early morning jeep ride to the core of the park to see some more wildlife.
After late breakfast drive to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 -- Kathmandu
Take the special flight along the highest mountain in the world Mount
Everest. Afternoon local sight seeing in the evening dinner at resturant in
the streets of Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 -- Delhi
Half day sightseeing take the evening flight to India.Transfer to hotel.
Day 14 -- Delhi
Sight seeing in Delhi late check out evening farewell dinner and back to
airport to catch the flight.
"I
had heard a lot about Corbett and its fearless animals. Having been to
Africa and other wildlife hubs across the globe, I can vouch that India
can be an exciting option..and a cheaper one at that."
