Golden triangle with Khajuraho and Varanasi – 08 nights – 09 days

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Tour Details

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Itinerary

Day 1ARRIVAL DELHI BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT – TBA @ TBA

Upon arrival, you will be meeting with our representative at outside the airport and transferred to the
Hotelour representative will be holding placard of “Concord Exotic Voyages” with the guest’s name at exit gate inside the airport Lounge
[DELHI, the capital of India, is home to 16 million people, making it the third largest city in India. The strategic location of the city made it an attractive location for invading armies, and it served as the capital for many great empires that ruled India. Many of these Empires built significant monuments, and whilst the Mughal and the British are the most visible, while driving through the city you will see ruins from previous capitals, the earliest dating back to the 12th century.]
Upon arrival, Check into the hotel
Later Half day city tour of Old Delhivisiting Jama Mosque, Raj ghat and drive past Red fort with Russian speaking escort cum guide.
The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also famously known as the “father of the nation”.
Continue your tour to Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi peddling through the narrow by lanes of Chandani Chowk

Overnight at Hotel in Delhi

Day 2DELHI/JAIPUR – Drive (260 Kms/06 Hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel after breakfast, Check out from the hotel later proceed to Half day city tour of New Delhi IncludingQutub Minar, and drive past India Gate, the parliament buildings and drive past Presidential house
Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-Minar in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of
72.5m. Qutbu’d-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu’azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first floor, to which were added three more floors by his successor and
Son-in-law, Shamsu’d-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36) All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first floorWe will also visit Humayun’s Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India.

Later transfer to Jaipur –Upon Arrival at Jaipur transfer to Hotel Checkin hotel

Overnight at Hotel in Jaipur

[Jaipur- A labyrinth of fascinating bazaars, opulent palaces and a futuristic observatory, Jaipur was the inspiration of the ruler Sawai Jai Singh, who moved the capital from Amber in 1727. Jaipur was designed by a young architect from Bengal and together they planned a city along the ancient Hindu treatise of “Shilpa Shastra”, a science similar to the better known Feng Shui. Jaipur is laid out in a geometric grid of streets and squares making it one of the earliest planned cities in India. In honor of the visit of the Prince Edward, then the Prince of Wales, the City was painted in rich terracotta, a tradition which has continued through the years. This is the reason why Jaipur is often called the “pink city”. Today it serves as the State capital for Rajasthan]

Day 3JAIPUR

Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast at the hotel start a sightseeing tour of Jaipur.
Full day sightseeing of Jaipur visiting Amber fort, City palace, Observatory and Windsor palace

You will also be experiencing Elephant ride while ascending the Amer fort.
(Elephant ride is subject to availability failing Jeep ride will be provided)
Amer Fort Palace – Amer is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

City Palace – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

Jantar Mantar or Observatory – This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

Hawa Mahal or Windsor Palace – The ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storied structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine
Trelliswork and elaborate balconiesthe palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Overnight at Hotel in Jaipur

Day 4JAIPUR / FATEHPUR / AGRA – DRIVE (240Kms/05Hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast drive to Agra en-route visit en-route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India’s Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water.Visit Emperor Akbar’s Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti,Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments,
Agra – This was the seat of the mighty Mughal Empire before it shifted its capital to Delhi, and it is home to some of their most inspired architectural creations including the Taj Mahal. In the 16th and 17th century, the Mughal Courts were at their most powerful, and were great patron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets and musicians from across India as well as Persia and Central Asia, transforming Agra into a cultural and architectural paradise

Optional: In the evening, attend a performance at Kalakriti, a stunning performance art based rendition of the history of the Taj.

Overnight at Hotel in Agra

Day 5AGRA

Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast full day Agra city tour
Taj Mahal- Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist’s visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately vehicleved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen (Taj Mahal Closed on Friday)
After noon visit Agra Fort – The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a four-square formal garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat
Itmad –Ud –Ullah– The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj One of the most beautiful Mughal tombs, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb was built by Nur Jahan, the Empress of Jahangir for her father in 1628. The tomb is a resting place of the powerful personality in Mughal Court, Itmad-Ud-Daulah, whose life is very interesting. Formerly a very poor Persian merchant then named Mirza Ghiyas or Ghiyas Beg he became a minister and a trusted treasure in Akbar’s court. After Akbar’s death in 1605, his son Jahangir rose into power. Jahangir made Ghiyas Beg his chief minister and honored him with the title of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the Pillar of State. Later, Jahangir met a beautiful daughter of Ghiyas Beg named Mehr-Un-Nissa and married

HerMehr-Un-Nissa soon played a significant role in the Jahangir’s court and was called Nur Mahal, the light of the Place. Owing to her influence, her father and brother were granted with privileges in the court. When
Ghiyas beg (Itmad-Un-Daulah) dies in 1622; Nur Mahal decided to build a mausoleum for him. Queen Mumtaz Mahal or the lady of the Taj was also from this prevailing family. The mausoleum is entirely made of white marble and graced with intricate decoration of inlay work, and marble-screen work belonging to the Islamic style. With its tranquil, small garden on the bank of Yamuna River, the tomb stands impressively elegant from a distance
Overnight at Hotel in Agra

Day 6Agra – Jhansi –KhajurahoBy train – [New Delhi –Bhopal Shatabdi 12002] @ 0810/1045 Hrs.

Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast transfer to Agra Railway station for Jhansi departure at 0810hrs and arrival in Jhansi at1043hrs, arrival in Jhansi straight drive to Khajuraho, upon arrival transfer to hotel

Overnight at Hotel in Khajuraho

Day 07Khajuraho–Varanasi [9w-2424 at 1405hrs / 1455hrs]
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of the famous western temples of Khajuraho.
The Western group of temples: Primarily built in one style the temples have the ardhamandapa or the entrance, the mandapa or the assembly hall, the antarala or the vestibule and finally a pradakshina or a circumambulation running around the grabhagriha or the inner sanctum. The temples are divided in three major zones, the western, the eastern and the southern temples of which the western temples are the most popular ones.
The arch of Kandariya Mahadev shrine has meticulously carved various themes of life. Celestial beings, lovers serenading musicians all the movements captured in stone, frozen in time, yet retaining a quality of warm, pulsating life. The very stone seems to have taken on the living, breathing quality of the carved figures. Outer walls have three horizontal panels showing deities of the Hindu pantheon, and groups of lovers, a pageant of sensuousness, vibrantly alive. The Chousat Yogini temple dedicated to kali is also present but without the deity in the sanctum. The Matangeshwara temple is the only shrine used for worshipping. The temple is almost devoid of ornamentation. The Varaha Temple stands opposite the Matangeshwara temple and is dedicated to the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu in form of a Boar. The monolithic figure is Exquisitely carved with 764 divine figures around itThe Lakshmana Temple, dedicated to the four armed and three headed man-lion-boar statue of Vaikuntha is the best preserved and the most evolved Vishnu temples. There are sculptures depicting many mythological stories such as the churning of the ocean and Kalia mardan. On the exterior the entire range of the Khajuraho temples is on display. Ecstatic street singers and the architect of the temples, surrounded by his apprentices are among the noteworthy images on this temple. The Vishwanath temple was supposed to be embedded with jewels, but only a stone lingam is what remains now. The exteriors of this temple however are the most stunningly beautiful. Here one can see nymphs can be seen playing on their flutes, removing thorns from their feet, fondling children and looking
Into a mirror some of the most erotic depictions are seen as well. Another interesting temple is dedicated to the Sun God, the Chitragupta temple. It shows the Sun God driving the chariot drawn by seven horses. The exteriors show, royal processions, elephant-fights, hunting scenes, group dances and the lavish lifestyle of the Chandela kings and their court in its all pomp and glory
The Eastern Group of temples: The Brahma and the Hanuman temples are the most famous and well preserved temples of this group. The Vamana temple shows all the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
This place also has a few temples belonging to the Jain religion, probably because one of the descendants of the Chandela dynasty may have adopted Jainism. The prominent among these are the Ghantai temple, the Parsvanath and the Shnatinath temple.
Later transfer to Khajuraho airport for HJR-VNS Flight
Upon arrival at Varanasi transfer to hotel, later Rickshaw ride to proceed for Aarti Ceremony at Ghat
Overnight at Hotel in Varanasi

Day 7Varanasi

Early morning boat excursion on the holy river Ganges to see the bathing ghats and cremation site For the Hindus, bathing in Ganges signify purifying oneself, also it is a belief that to die in Kashi and to be cremated on the banks of River Ganges leads to Nirvana – the release from the cycle of birth and death. During the boat ride one can see people taking bath at the ghats and offering prayers, also see the cremation ghats important ones being the Harishchandra and Manikarnaghats where the funeral pyres burn 24 hours.
Later half day city tour of Varanasiis considered to be one of the oldest cities of India, also one of seven holy cities for the Hindus, stands as a chief centre of learning. The places of interest include visit to the Bharat Mata Temple dedicated to the motherland has a big relief map of India in marble; drive through the famous Banaras Hindu University. Walk in the narrow lanes of the city passing the Vishwanath Temple (non-Hindus not permitted entry) and visit the Alamgir Mosque, built on the original Vishnu temple by Aurangzeb in 17th century
Afternoon excursion of Sarnath Buddha gave his first sermon in 4th century BC in Sarnath (about 10 kms from Varanasi) and it became a centre of learning during 4th century BC to 9th century AD. Visit the ruins, the Dhamekh stupa, and Buddhist temple containing frescoes by a Japanese artist depicting scenes from Buddha’s life. The museum (closed on Fridays) has a well displayed collection of sculptures and pieces found from the site, including the famous Ashoka Chakra.
Overnight at Hotel in Varanasi

Day 8Varanasi –Delhi FLIGHT TBA [Jet /Air India Airways arrives at T-3 there is no require for the transfer]

Breakfast at Hotel
Morning at leisure, later transfer to Varanasi airport for Varanasi – Delhi, upon arrival in Delhi T-3 to connect your international flight for Own destination

General Travel Guidelines for India

We hope that you will find this over view useful – should you need more detailed information on subjects that are mentioned or anything else that we may be able to assist with please do let us know.

Currency India’s currency is ‘Rupee’, abbreviated as ‘Rs’. One Rupee is equal to 100 paise. Coins are in various small denominations of 10, 25, 50 Paisa (these are rarely in circulation these days) & 1, 2, & 5, Rupees. Notes (Bills) are in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 Rupees.

You cannot purchase Indian Rupees outside India. Therefore we suggest that you carry some cash in Dollars, Pounds or Euros which can be changed upon arrival in India at the airport (where you will find a fair exchange rate). Please ask us for any further assistance or guidance on this.

Dress / Packing suggestion

Most of the hotels are smart but not hugely formal and the smart casual label is the best description for suggested dress code. Do carry a warm coat/jersey for early morning starts and especially for any train journeys and safaris. Places of religious worship should be respected by covering shoulders and above the knee – it is therefore advised that on any days when you are out sightseeing or exploring that you follow this guide line to be on the safe side. It is strongly advised that you carry a hat when there is chance you will be out in the sun in the middle of the day. Ladies will always find a shawl or Pashmina very useful. If travelling in the hotter times of the year, it is important to wear light cotton clothing and to keep your head covered when out in the heat of the day. (Its very easy to dehydrate, so a note here is to ensure you keep fluids up and consider carrying rehydration salts.)

Dress Code for National Parks / Packing suggestion

Please wear appropriate colours when in any National Park or Tiger Reserves – these should be muted earthy colours.  We would also suggest a sun hat and sunglasses for game drives.

Please note from mid-November until end February, the early morning and evening games drives can be very cold – this is attributed largely to the wind factor of the ‘open air’ jeep.  We highly recommend you to carry fleeces, jackets, hats, gloves and scarves.  By about 8/9am, the sun is out and you will begin ‘de-layering’ and be comfortable in a t-shirt for the majority of the midday. 

Electricityin India voltage is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles, though some areas also have DC supplies. Visitors are advised to check the voltage before using electrical appliances. Socket sizes vary, so it is as well to take a set of plug adapters, available from most electrical stores.

Foreign Exchange

Visiting foreigners can exchange money at international airports where 24-hour exchange facilities are available, through banks and approved moneychangers. Or, one may change money at the big city hotels.

One can also change money at national or international banks such as Standard Chartered, Citibank, Bank of America, Hong Kong Bank and others in the major metro cities. Most of these have 24-hour ATMs. American Express and Thomas Cook offices may be found in major metros and tourist cities.

Bank timings are usually from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs on weekdays and 1000hrs to 1400 hrs on Saturdays. Please remember that not all banks will exchange foreign currency or travellerscheques particularly in small towns.

Exchange money only through authorized banks or Money Changers. Insist on a receipt/encashment certificate when changing money. Retain all receipts to facilitate re-conversion of unspent money on departure from India. Current exchange rates of British Pound and US Dollar are: 1 US $: Rs 50 / 1 GBP: Rs 95

Inoculations/Vaccinations:

Before traveling to India it is advised that you get vaccinations for tetanus, malaria, hepatitis, rabies and typhoid. Consult your doctor before taking them / also take advice on other vaccinations for meningitis and tuberculosis. Most vaccination courses are completed within four weeks, best taken before the trip. Malaria preventive course may be taken before your trip, but again this should be consulted with your doctor.

Insurance

While traveling in India it is important that you obtain good personal travel insurance from an insurance agent in your country. A suitable policy will include an unlimited amount for medical, hospital and additional health associated costs. Most policies cover loss of baggage, personal money (usually limited) delay and curtailment. Do make sure your policy covers you for unexpected cancellation of your trip in this unlikely event you will then be covered for financial cost. You should carry your insurance policy with you at all time, preferably in your relevant details in a separate place, with your passport photocopy.

Meet and Greet

On arrival in India at the international airport, when you disembark the aircraft please move promptly to the immigration counter as large queues can build up at this point.

You will first pass through immigration control, and then collect your baggage and pass through customs before the Concord Exotic Voyages representative meets you. He/She will be carrying a paging board with your name on it. This procedure will be followed for domestic flights, albeit without the customs & immigration.

Once you have exited customs you will find a large number of people including taxi tout. Please move very slowly so that you can spot the Concord representative. In the rare event that the Concord representative is not to be found please call up Concord’s emergency number (found on Contact Details).

Payments All foreign nationals must pay their hotel bills in foreign currency (cash, Traveler’s Cheques or even by Credit Cards). This can be paid in Rupees if the visitor has a receipt to show as a proof of currency exchange.

Passport

You must be in possession of a valid passport, which will not expire for at least six months after your journey is due to end. It should have to clear pages for entry and exit stamps as well as your visa. A wise precaution is to carry a photocopy of your passport kept separately, extremely useful in the event of loss or theft.

Photography Visitors to India find varied subjects for photography including people, monuments, wildlife, festivities, and landscapes. Note, however, these formalities, in respect of photography:

Special permission of the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, is required for use of tripod and artificial light on monuments.

Special permission of Government of India is required for any photography for the purpose of publicity and commercial use.

Photography is prohibited in tribal areas.

Taking photographs of airports, railway stations, bridges, military installations, and from the air is prohibited.

Prohibited Articles

The import of prohibited articles such as dangerous drugs, live plants, gold/silver bullion and coins, not in current use, is either totally prohibited or restricted. The law provides heavy penalties for the infringement of this restriction, and in some cases punishment can extend to the death sentence. Also, by law, visitors are banned from taking antiques and wildlife products out of the country – any infringement is punishable by fines and imprisonment

Shopping

India can be described as a shopper’s paradise with products such as hand-woven rugs, inlaid marble, semi-precious stone jewelry, silk fabrics, brassware, etc. India’s diversity is expressed though the creation of master craftspeople. Each state has a unique handicraft to proudly reflect the inherited and improved skills to near perfection. Souvenir shops and art & craft emporiums are to be found everywhere. Consult your guidebook or the local guides and people. Usually the “pavement markets” do not guarantee the products and they do not accept credit / debit cards. Genuine products can only be guaranteed at a government showroom or branded showroom. Shopping can be one of the ways to interact with a local. For people who like to bargain, shopping is a true pleasure. For others, fixed priced stores are a relief. Whatever transaction you prefer, we hope your purchase that was made in India, will remind you of your trip. Yes, the guides do take you to shops and showrooms, while you are on tour. You can say “no” when you don’t want to visit the shops or not interested in shopping with a guide. But when you do visit the store with the guide, you do not necessarily pay a higher price for a substandard product. As this is a worldwide phenomenon, we accept it too with its “blues”. What we have done is, selected a few stores both privately owned & government owned (but in both cases Government recognized) at important destinations, where we are sure of two things;

1) Quality of the product 2) The product if too heavy should be delivered at your doorstep without any extra cost even if the extra cost needs to be added to the price of the product. As for price, some are fixed price & some are bargain shops. So go ahead and enjoy the shopping – and please ask our advice at any time.

Travelers Cheques/Credit Cards

Travelers’ Cheques should be of well-known brands like Thomas Cook, American Express and Visa. Large establishments generally accept Major Credit Cards like American Express, Master Cards, Diners Club, Visa, etc, including hotels, shops and airlines.

Unless we have informed you separately you are NOT travelling to a restricted area and it is best to apply for a multiple entry 6 month visa.

They have been known so far to change the details required from time to time, therefore if you have any questions whilst going through the application please do let us know – therefore it is advisable to complete the process during the working day so you can call to clarify anything during the process rather than having to start again.

Visiting Places of Worship

Removing one’s shoes before entering temples, mosques or Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) is essential. Avoid taking leather goods of any kinds (bag, belt etc.) and cigarettes into places of worship, as these are often not permitted. Do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops in places of public worship.

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