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On the banks of the Ganges rise the temples and palaces of Benares, the sacred city of the Hindus. Presided over by the God Shiva, Benares is thronged by pilgrims from all over the Hindu world, who come to wash in the waters of the Ganges, to visit the city’s many shrines, or die and be cremated by the holy river.
The lovely and ancient city of Benares is the religious centre of the world for Hindus, and many thousands of pilgrims visit it each year from all parts of India. The city rises from the high northern bank on the outside curve of the wide Ganges, to form a magnificent panorama of buildings in many varieties of Indian architecture. Benares was founded some ten centuries before the birth of Christ. Standing between the two tributaries of the Ganges – Varuna to the north and Asi to the south – it was known as Varanasi. Today the Indians have restored the ancient name.
Along the waterside, stone steps line the river front, and interspersed between them are many ghats or landing places for the boats that ply on the waterway. Crowds of worshippers throng the steps, for the Hindus believe that the sacred waters can cleanse them of their sins. To die on the banks of the Ganges is the gateway to salvation for the pious Hindu, and the smoke from funeral pyres constantly rises from the burning ghats – the riverside terraces for cremation.
The funeral ceremony is simple. Four men carry the body, wrapped in thin cloth, on a stretcher, followed by the mourners. They take it down the steps and immerse it in the sacred river, then lay it on a small stack of dry twisted wood. The fire is lit, and the mourners squat silently round the pyre. Children stand by and watch, for the Indians believe that no aspect of reality should be hidden from their children. The burning takes several hours. Finally water is poured on the hot ashes to cool them before they are scattered in the holy river. The mourners walk slowly away.
Hindus believe in a Universal Soul represented by trinity of Gods: Brahma the father, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer, also the creator of generative power, signified by his phallic emblem, the Lingam. Together they account for the creation, preservation and destruction of the universe and all it contains. Shiva is the presiding deity at Benares. His emblem is everywhere in the temples, worn smooth by the hands of the faithful, sprinkled with holy water from the Ganges and decorated with flowers. These simple rituals are part of everyday living, prayers of the people to the Almighty, the giver and taker of life.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Welcome to India. On arrival, you are received and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi
Embark on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi this afternoon. Begin with a visit to the 17th century Jama Mosque, followed by a drive past the Red Fort which was built by Emperor Shah Jahan, creator of the Taj Mahal. Then onward to Raj Ghat, the site of the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
In the afternoon, set off on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Begin with a drive past Safdarjang's Tomb (1753 AD) when en route to the striking 73m high Qutab Minar (1193 AD). Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands the Iron Pillar which has stood the vagaries of weather and has not rusted for over 1500 years. Continue your tour to visit Humayun's Tomb. Later drive through the Embassy area, Diplomatic enclave, stop for a quick photo shoot at India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan (formerly Viceroy's House) and Connaught Place, New Delhi's main shopping area. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3: Delhi / Varanasi
This morning you are transferred to the airport to board your flight to Varanasi where you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the buried city of Sarnath, one of the holiest cities for Buddhists which is located north east of Varanasi. Buddha came to Sarnath and preached the way to Nirvana. Later, Ashoka, the great Buddhist emperor erected magnificent stupas and monasteries, the ruins of which are visible today. A museum here houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures. Return to Varanasi to witness the evening Aarti ceremony at the ghats. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 4: Varanasi
Varanasi, the holiest of cities for the Hindus, is amongst the oldest living cities in the world. Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the river Ganges while looking out for people on the ghats - the women bathing discreetly in their sarees, the young men displaying prowess in yogic postures and the Brahmin priests offering prayers for one and all. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Later proceed for a city tour of Varanasi including visits to the numerous temples, which dot the banks of the river. Walk through the narrow lanes and stop by at the bazaars to see the world famous Banaras silks. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 5: Varanasi / Khajuraho
Post breakfast you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Khajuraho. We recommend the 9W2423 flight which departs at 1040 hours and arrives at Khajuraho at 1155 hours. Upon arrival at the airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. The tour includes a visit to the famous Chandela Dynasty Temples, which are set in a lovely grass park. These temples are amazing - rising in many peaks and spirals intricately carved and designed with statues and friezes. The erotic carvings on these temple walls have made this one of the most talked about tourist site in the country and, perhaps, unmatched in the world. Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 6: Khajuraho / Orcha /Jhansi / Agra
Post an early breakfast, drive from Khajuraho to Jhansi (172 kms/5 hours) en route visiting Orcha. A beautiful medieval town, Orcha was once the capital of Bundela Kings. Built along the banks of the river Betwa, through a rugged countryside, it still retains the captivating air of a bygone era. Amongst the various imposing edifices, of particular interest are the Jehangiri Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to commemorate the visit of the Moghul Emperor Jehangir. The Raj Mahal and the Laxminarayan temple are both noted for their fine frescoes and mural paintings.
Onward to Jhansi Railway station in time to board your train for Agra. The Shatabdi Express departs Jhansi at 1755 hours and arrives into Agra at 2030 hours. Upon arrival at the Railway Station, you are transferred to your hotel / conference venue.
For assisted tour booking and customization according to your requirement, please call: +91 33 4046 4646
Price on request
Hotels Used or Similar
|
Hotel Category |
Hotels Envisaged |
Package Cost |
|
Deluxe |
The Metropolitan - Delhi, Radisson - Varanasi, Radisson - Khajuraho or similar |
Rs.38,170 per person |
|
Standard |
Royal Plaza - Delhi, Ideal Tower - Varanasi, Clarks Khajuraho - Khajuraho or similar |
Rs.32,410 per person |
Indicative airfare in economy class for Delhi/Varanasi/Khajuraho sectors: Rs. 14,450 per person (Airfare subject to change at the time of booking)
Supplement for using air-conditioned TOYOTA INNOVA CAR: Rs. 2400 per person
Inclusions
05 nights accommodation in a Double room in Hotel categories mentioned above
Daily breakfast at the hotel's regular coffee shop on fixed menu basis
Transport services including airport transfers, as per programme by air-conditioned MEDIUM CAR as per itinerary
Services of a local English speaking Tour Guide to conduct sightseeing in each city
Entrance fee to the monuments as per programme
Train fare by Shatabdi Express using air conditioned chair class for Jhansi/Agra sector
Boat ride on Ganges in Varanasi on sharing basis with other tourists
Assistance at the airport
Road taxes, parking charges and other currently applicable taxes
Exclusions
Airport Taxes, Visa Fees, Insurance of Medical Expenses of any nature
Expenses of a personal nature such as drinks, Laundry, Telephone Bills, tips & Video Camera filming fees while visiting monuments
Anything which is not included in above offer
As suggested and to be customized as per request
Terms & Conditions Apllied
All non-Indian passport holders need a valid Indian Visa from country of Origin. Passport must be valid for six months from the date of entry.
For assisted tour booking and customization according to your requirement, please call: +91 33 4046 4646
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