Day
1 : Delhi - VaranasiYou will be transferred to airport for
your flight for Varanasi. Varanasi, the 'eternal city' is one of the
most important pilgrimage sites in India and also a major tourist
attraction. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi has
been a center of learning for over 2000 years. Besides being a
pilgrimage center, it is considered an auspicious place to die,
ensuring an instant route to heaven. Varanasi is still a center of
learning, especially for Sanskrit scholars, and students flock here
from all over India.
The old city of Varanasi is situated
along the west bank of the Ganges and extends back from the
riverbank ghats in a winding collection of narrow alleys. They're
too narrow for anything but walking and tall houses overhang the
picturesque, though hardly clean, lanes. The town extends from Raj
Ghat, near the bridge, to Asi Ghat, near the university.
On
arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to
Hotel Taj Ganges for overnight stay on bed and breakfast basis. The
Taj Ganges is a modern hotel, close to the city center and a member
of the Taj Group. Facilities include swimming pool, tennis court and
shopping, and there is the choice of local and western cuisine.
Afternoon
you will proceed for excursion tour of Sarnath, only 10 km northeast
of Varanasi, is home to one of the major Buddhist centers. Having
achieved enlightenment at Bodhgaya, the Buddha came to Sarnath to
preach his message of the middle way to nirvana. Later Ashoka, the
great Buddhist emperor, erected stupas and monasteries here.
Overnight at the Hotel Taj Ganges.
Day 2 : Varanasi -
KhajurahoEarly morning proceed for dawn boat ride on the
river Ganges. At dawn, the city and the river are coming alive, the
light is magical and Varanasi looks an exotic place. Later proceed
for city tour of Varanasi visiting the following places of interest:
- Asi Ghat
It is one of the five special ghats
which pilgrims are supposed to bathe from in order and on the
same day. The order is Asi, Dasaswamedh, Barnasangam, Panchganga
and finally Manikarnika.
- Durga Temple
It is commonly known as the Monkey
Temple due to the many monkeys that have made it their home. It
was built in the 18th century by a Bengali maharani and is
stained red with ochre. The small temple is built in North
Indian Nagara style with a multi-tiered shikharas (spires). This
temple is also closed to non-Hindus, however, you can look down
on the temple from a walkway at the top.
- Kashi-Vishwanath or Golden Temple
Dedicated to
Vishveswara Siva as the Lord of the Universe, the Golden Temple
is across the road from its original position. Aurangzeb
destroyed the original temple and built a mosque over it -
traces of the earlier 1600 temple can be behind his mosque. The
present temple was built in 1776 by Ahalya Bai of Indore, and
the gold plating on the towers was provided by Maharaja Ranjit
Singh of Lahore. Next to the temple is the Gyan Kupor Well - the
well of knowledge. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the temple
but can view it from upstairs in a house across the street.
In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport to
board flight for Khajuraho. On arrival you will be met by our
representative and transferred to the Hotel Taj Chandela for
overnight stay on bed and breakfast basis. The hotel, set amidst 11
acres of landscaped gardens, is just 1 km from the world famous
temples, and offers a swimming pool and fitness center, besides two
restaurants and bars. Overnight at the Hotel Taj Chandela.
Day
3 : Khajuraho - Delhi or AgraKhajuraho was once the capital
of the Chandela Rajputs of Bundelkhand. It is home to the world
famous 10th century Khajuraho temples. These temples represent some
of the most exquisite specimens of medieval Hindu architecture and
sculpture in the country.
In the morning, you will be
visiting Eastern and Western group of temples. Later transfer to
airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi you will be
met and transferred by our representative to the International
airport for your onward flight. Alternatively you could choose to
fly to Agra and continue tour.
