Day 01 Arrive Gwalior
Arrive Gwalior ex Delhi by train. You will be met by our representative at the railway station & transfer hotel.
Gwalior according to ancient history was Gopalkash, said to be the same place where Bhima from the epic Mahabharata attained victory. Archeological excavations reveal that the city dates back to the middle Stone ages and Iron Age. Suraj Sen, the head of the Kachwaha clan, founded the actual city back in the 8th A.D. Legend has it, that a sage called Gwalipa, cured him of leprosy and thus the king named his city Gwalior.
The city became the seat of power for many dynasties to come. From the 11th – 15th century, the medieval era saw the rule of Rajputs. This was followed by intervention by the Mughals, who were dethroned by the Rajput ruler Raja Man Singh, but only for a short while. The rule of the Mughals gave way to succeeding dynasties of the Jats, Marathas, the British, and finally it was the Scindias who wrested power out of the British hands. The famous Rani of Jhansi fought against the British during the First War of Indian Independence where she succumbed to battle.
Afternoon visit Gwalior Fort.
The first thing you see when you enter Gwalior is the magnificient 15th century fortress towering over the city. Addressed as The pearl amongst the fortresses of India by Emperor Babar, this fort has witnessed many a ruling dynasties, great battles and significant events. Covering an area of 3 sq km, it is home to three temples, six palaces and a number of water tanks. Built by the ruler Raja Man Singh Tomar, it is located on a hilltop, with a winding road, dotted with rocks carvings of various Jain tirthankaras, leading to the walls of the fort. The walls of the fort itself are magnificent running 2 miles in length and standing 35 feet tall. Inside, you set eyes on some of the finest pieces of architectural beauty.
Overnight at hotel
Day 02 Gwalior-Shivpuri
Morning after breakfast leave Gwalior for Shivpuri.
Shivpuri, 112kms away, is famous for the Chhatris built in memory of the various Scindia rulers. These conical shaped monuments are having exteriors covered with carvings. Shivpuri, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, was once the summer capital of the Scindia clan of Gwalior. Prior to that, its thick forests were the hunting grounds of Emperor Akbar. They were home to the tiger, and the site of many a grand shikar, resulting in several big cats being ‘bagged’ by royal huntsmen. The sylvan surroundings and an other – worldly aura that it exuded made it the natural choice as the summer resort capital of the Scindias. Shivpuri’s royal ambience still lives on in its majestic palaces, hunting lodges, exquisitely adorned chhatries (cenotaphs) built by the Scindias. Once the playground and retreat of the royalty, today Shivpuri houses a wildlife sanctuary and thus, holds hope for the conservation of the fast depleting animal kingdom.
On arrival transfer & check in at hotel.
Balance day free for independent activities. Visit Chatri’s etc (Transport at disposal)
Overnight at Tourist Village.
Day 03 Shivpuri-Datia-Chanderi-Orchha
Morning after breakfast leave Shivpuri for Orchha enroute visiting Datia & Chanderi.
Datia lies on the track from Gwalior to Jhansi. In fact it is closer to Jhansi, which is in Uttar Pradesh, than to Gwalior. 26km to the north of Jhansi is the small palace town founded by the Bundela chief Raj Bir Singh Deo.Bir Singh supported Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir) when he rebelled against his father, the Mughal Emperor Akbar (see Orchha for details). The palaces at Datia and Orchha are the best surviving examples of a style of architecture that arose in the late 16th and early 17th centuries in the Bundelkhand area under the reign of the Bundela Rajputs.
The documented history of Chanderi goes back to the early 11th century and is a kaleidoscope of movement and activity prompted by its strategic location. On the borders of Malwa and Bundelkhand, the town dominated the trade routes of Central India and was proximate to the arterial route to the ancient ports of Gujarat as well as to Malwa, Mewar, Central India and the Deccan. Consequently, Chanderi became an important military outpost, prized by rulers with power or ambition, and repeatedly experienced the might of men who mounded the destiny of Hindustan.Chanderi is also famous for its brocades and muslins, especially for its handwoven Chanderi sarees. Here, master weavers use silk and cotton to create dazzling weaves, distinguished by beautiful borders. Usually in subtle hues, the Chanderi sarees have sophistication hard to match. In the silk Zari sarees, influences of the Varanasi style are visible. They generally have a rich gold border and two gold bands on the pallav. The more exclusive ones have gold checks with lotus roundels all over which are known as butis.Chanderi is surrounded by hills, lakes and forests, and there are several monuments of Bundela Rajputs and Malwa Sultans. Noteworthy among them are:
Continue to Orchha.
Orchha in the Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh was the erstwhile capital city of the redoubtable Bundela kings. 16th and 17th century palaces and temples make Orchha, a famous tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh. Bordered by the beautiful Betwa River, Orchha reflects the sumptuousness and magnificence of the mighty Bundelas. An artificial island with the meaning a ‘hidden place’ Orchha, lives up to its name. Placed in the lustrous Bundelkhand countryside, this pretty locale is bestowed with natural beauty and splendor. With its striking forts, regal palaces, poetry carved temples and chhatris, Orchha presents a matchless spectacle and is a delightful place for photographers. An effervescent city with salubrious climate and glorious past, Orchha is renowned for its world class Mural Paintings. The outstanding fresco on the walls of the marvelous temples and regal palace of Orcha makes the viewer spellbound.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 04 In Orchha
Full day city tour.
Raj Mahal, the first palace within the Orccha citadel was built by Raja Rudra Pratap but completed by his successor, Madhukar Shah. Rani-ka-Mahal, built for Madhukar Shah’s wife, is of notable interest. Her ornate bedroom was decorated with beautiful murals depicting scenes from Ramayana and various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Jehangir Mahal built by Bir Singh Deo is probably the most striking palace in Orchha with its elegant hanging balconies, countless windows with stone pierced screens and a beautiful gateway decorated with turquoise tiles. It was built in honour of Mughal emperor Jehangir during his visit to Orchha. The painted palace of Rai Praveen Mahal was built for the beautiful courtesan and poetess, Rai Praveen, by Raja Indramani, who had great affection for her. Sheesh Mahal built in the 18th century has little of its past splendour, but offers sweeping views of the town from the terraces. It’s a heritage hotel now.
Overnight at hotel
Day 05 Orchha-Jhansi-Bhopal (By Train) ,Bhopal-Sanchi
Morning after breakfast leave Orchha for Jhansi.
Jhansi is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is about 415 km from Delhi and 292 km from Lucknow, and the gateway to Bundelkhand. Jhansi grew in popularity during the reign of the Marathas because of the heroics of its valiant queen, Rani Lakshmi Bai. She had valiantly fought against the Britishers during the 1857 revolt. Jhansi was first known as Shankargarh, when Orchha was the capital of Bundelas. In a bid of strengthening the security of Orchha, its king Raja Bir Singh Ja Deo had constructed a fort on a hill in Shankargarh. And it was when he looked at the site for the new fort from his Orchha palace that he realized the place looked like a jhain-si (blurred shadow). And this is how Jhansi got its present name. This fort is none other than the famous Jhansi Fort. Jhansi fort was built in 1613 and today has a wonderful collection of sculptures that depicts the history of Bundelkhand. It is said that Jhansi grew around this fort which crowns a neighboring rock. There are many sculptures of the 9th to 12th centuries found in the Rani Mahal too. The museum of Jhansi houses regional antiques like sculptures, manuscripts, paintings, arms and silver, gold and copper coins.
After visit transfer to Jhansi railway station to board train Shatabdi Express to Bhopal leaving Jhansi at 1030 hrs arriving Bhopal at 1300 hrs.
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Bhopal railway station & drive to Sanchi.
Sanchi is known for its Stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. The most famous of these monuments, the Sanchi Stupa 1, was originally built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the then governor of Ujjayini, whose wife Devi was the daughter of a merchant from adjacent Vidisha. Their son Mahindra and daughter Sanghamitra were born in Ujjayini and sent to Sri Lanka, where they converted the King, the Queen and their people to Buddhism.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 06 Sanchi-Bhimbhedka-Bhojapur-Bhopal
Morning after breakfast leave Sanchi for Bhopal enroute visiting Bhimbhedka & Bhojapur.
Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh combines scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja. Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its teeming market places and fine old mosques and palaces still bear the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers; among them the succession of powerful Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926. Equally impressive is the new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern edifice.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 07 Bhopal-Gyarspur-Udaypura-Bhopal
Full day excursion to Gyarspur & Udaypura.
41 km north-east of Sanchi, Gyraspur was a place of considerable importance in the medieval period. Here, in the ruins called Athakhambe (eight pillars) and Chaukhambe (four pillars) are what remains of the columned halls of two temples belonging to the 9th and 10th centuries AD. The faceted shafts of Athakhambe with their extreme delicacy of carving testify to the high degree of craftsmanship during the period. Other monuments of note at Gyraspur are of the early 10th century: Bajra Math and Mala Devi Temple, the latter distinguished by its carved pillars with foliated motifs, representatives of the richest post-Gupta style. The town’s name is derived from the big fair which used to be held here in the 11th month, sometimes known as Gyaras. Tehsil of Vidisha District, Gyaraspur lies in a gorge of some low steep hills, at distance of about 38.4 km. from the district and Tehsil headquarters town to its north-east. The place is situated on the old high road to Sagar. Buses ply on the road. The extensive ruins, scattered in and around the Tehsil, narrate the story of glory that was Gyaraspur in the late ancient and early mediaeval times. These ruins indicate that the place has passed through the influence of Buddhism, Brahmanism and
Udayeshwara Temple: This temple is located in Udaipur village of the Basoda Tehsil. Its nearest Railway Station is Bareth on Bhopal-Bina main line of the Central Railway. It is also connected by Basoda Tehsil and Vidisha the District Head Quarters. Both these places are linked by road on which buses ply via Basoda.
Overnight at hotel
Day 08 Bhopal-Udaigiri-Vidisha-Bhopal
Full day excursion to Udaigiri & Vidisha.
The spurts of creative outpourings of the Guptas were legendary and served as the hallmark of the dynasty. If you want to have a rich glimpse of architectural legerdemain of the Guptas, just check out the Udaigiri Caves of Madhya Pradesh. 13 km from the stupa-crowned hillock of Sanchi and 4 km from the town of Vidisha, are a group of 20 rock-cut Gupta cave shrines believed to be the abodes of Buddhist monks in 2nd century BC. Sculpted into a sandstone hill, they truly beautify the landscape of the place.
According to an inscription etched on one of these caves, they trace their origin to the imperial rule of Chandragupta II (382-401 AD). If we go by this fact, we can predict their existence to 4th -5th century AD. These cave sanctuaries comprises of both Hindu and Jain caves that run in sequence, one after the other. Two of these are Jain caves and the rest are all Hindu caves. They evoke pictures of Gupta regime and possess all the archetypal characteristics that gave Gupta art its unique vitality and fervor.
The aesthetic way of expressing art and enlivening monuments with inventive designs by the Guptas, deeply resonate in these structures. Skillfully molded capitals and the inimitable treatment of inter-columniation define the traits of their artistic manifestation. Moreover, the beautifully adorned entranceway and richly carved facades and doorways of the caverns are one of the best representations of art in India. The caves are also assigned numbers, probably listing the sequence in which they were excavated.
Vidisha or Besnagar as it is called in the Pali scriptures, once the prosperous capital of the western dominions of the Sungas, contains some remarkable antiquities that throw light on the considerable architectural development of the period. Situated in the fork of the Betwa and Bes rivers, Vidisha, 10 km from Sanchi, occupies an important place amongst the ancient cities in India. In the 6th and 5th centuries BC, it rose to become an important trade centre and a bustling city under the Sungas, Nagas, Satvahanas and Guptas. The Emperor Ashoka was governor of Vidisha, and it finds mention in Kalidasa’s immortal Meghdoot. Deserted for three centuries after the 6th century, it was renamed Bhilsa by the Muslims who built the now ruined Bija Mandal, a mosque constructed from the remains of Hindu temples. It later passed on to the Malwa Sultans, the Mughals, and the Scindias.
Overnight at hotel
Day 09 Bhopal-Ujjain
Morning after breakfast leave Bhopal for Ujjain.
Modern Ujjain is situated on the banks of the river Shipra, regarded since times immemorial as sacred. The belief in the sacredness of Shipra, has its origins in the ancient Hindu mythological tale of churning of the Ocean by the Gods and the Demons, with Vasuki, the serpent as the rope. The ocean bed first yielded fourteen gems, then Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, and finally the coveted vessel of Nectar. Then began the wild scramble for immortality with the demons chasing the Gods across the skies, and in the process, a few drops were spilt, and fell at Hardwar, Nasik, Prayag, and Ujjayini. Hence the sanctity of the waters of the Shipra.
The early history of Ujjain is lost in the midst of antiquity. As early as the time of the Aryan settlers, Ujjain seems to have acquired importance. By the 6th century B.C. Avanti with its capital at Ujjaini, is mentioned in Buddhist literature as one of the four great powers along with Vatsa, Kosala and Magadha.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Afternoon city tour.
Visit the Jai Singh Observatory, the Choubis Khamba Darwazaand the Kaliyadeh Mahal, apart from the numerous temples in the periphery of the town. A dip in the holy river Shipra is supposed to pave the way to Heaven for human beings. The river flows north passing through the bathing sites of Mangalghat, Narsimhaghat, Ramghat and Siddhavat before reaching the Rana Pratap Sagar Dam and finally draining into the Chambal River. The adjoining terrain is interspersed with teak and cultivated farmlands.
Overnight at hotel
Day 10 Ujjain-Indore
Morning after breakfast leave Ujjain for Indore.
Planned and built by Rani Ahilyabai, the brave Holkar queen, Indore lies to the extreme west of Madhya Pradesh on the banks of the rivers Saraswati and Khan which unite at the centre of the city. The bustling and vibrant city, 186 km from Bhopal, derives its name from the 18th century Indreshwar temple. The history of Indore is inseparable from the history of the Holkar State. The founder of the House of Holkars was Malhar Rao Holkar, born in 1693 AD. His soldierly qualities brought him to the forefront under the Peshwa and he was rewarded with the gift of territories comprising the Indore region. Malhar Rao was succeeded by his grandson, on whose death, without issue, his mother, Maharani Devi Ahilya Bai ascended the throne.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Afternoon free to explore Town.
Overnight at hotel Sarovar Portico.
Day 11 Indore-Mandu-Maheshwar
Morning after breakfast leave Indore for Maheshwar enroute visiting Mandu.
Perched along the Vindhya ranges at an altitude of 2,000 feet, Mandu, with its natural defenses, was originally the fort capital of the Parmar rulers of Malwa. Towards the end of the 13th century, it came under the sway of the Sultans of Malwa, the first of whom named it Shadiabad – ‘city of joy’. And indeed the pervading spirit of Mandu was of gaiety; and its rulers built exquisite palaces like the Jahaz and Hindola Mahals, ornamental canals, baths and pavilions, as graceful and refined as those times of peace and plenty. Each of Mandu’s structures is an architectural gem; some are outstanding like the massive Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah’s tomb, which provided inspiration to the master builders of the Taj Mahal centuries later. Mandu is a celebration in stone, of life and joy, of the love of the poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his beautiful consort, Rani Roopmati. The balladeers of Malwa still sing of the romance of these royal lovers, and high up on the crest of a hill, Roopmati’s Pavilion still gazes down at Baz Bahadur’s Palace, a magnificent expression of Afghan architecture. Under Mughal rule, Mandu was a pleasure resort, its lakes and palaces the scenes of splendid and extravagant festivities. And the glory of Mandu lives on, in legends and songs, chronicled for posterity.Maheshwar was a glorious city at the dawn of Indian civilization when it was Mahishmati, capital of king Kartivarjun. This temple town on the banks of the river Narmada finds mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Revived to its ancient position of importance by the Holkar queen Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Maheshwar’s temples and mighty fort-complex stand in quiet beauty, mirrored in the river below. Today, Maheshwar is also known for its distinctive handwoven sarees called Maheshwari.
Continue to Maheshwar.
Maheshwar was a glorious city at the dawn of Indian civilization when it was Mahishmati, capital of king Kartivarjun. This temple town on the banks of the river Narmada finds mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Revived to its ancient position of importance by the Holkar queen Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Maheshwar’s temples and mighty fort-complex stand in quiet beauty, mirrored in the river below. Today, Maheshwar is also known for its distinctive handwoven sarees called Maheshwari.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 12 In Maheshwar
Morning visit of Ghats & Temples.
An awesome fort dominates the dusty landscape of Maheshwar. A palace on its premises has now been converted into a museum displaying heirlooms, paraphernalia and other trivia belonging to the Holkar Dynasty. A really special exhibit is the small shrine on a palanquin which is carried down from the fort during the annual festival of Dusshera. Another must-see is the beautiful statue of Rani Ahilya Bai seated on her throne.
The ghats of the serene Narmada are charming and definitely cleaner than those of the Ganga or the Yamuna. Running along the banks are countless temples dedicated to the numerous Hindu deities. Most of the temples are multi-storeyed and have intricately worked doorways and overhanging balconies.
Afternoon excursion to Omkareshwar.
Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, ‘Om’, has drawn to it hundreds of generations of pilgrims. Here, at the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri, the devout gather to kneel before the Jyotirlinga (one of the twelve throughout India) at the temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata. And here, as in so many of Madhya Pradesh’s sacred shrines, the works of Nature complement those of man to provide a setting awe-inspiring in its magnificence. The island comprises two lofty hills and is divided by a valley in such a way that it appears in the shape of the sacred Hindu symbol ‘Om’ from above. Between the precipitous hills of the Vindhya on the North and the Satpura on the South, the Narmada forms a deep silent pool which in former times was full of alligators and fish, so tame as to take grain from human hand. This pool is 270 ft below the cantilever type bridge constructed in 1979. The bridge has enhanced the scenic beauty of the place, making it look exceedingly picturesque. Soaring in glittering splendor, the Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat rise to a hundred feet on either side of the Narmada. The serene loveliness of the scene is one of cool quiet, the sunlight sparkling on the marble-white pinnacles and casting dappled shadows on the pellucid waters. These white rocks with views of black and dark green volcanic seams are truly majestic, and produce a magical effect on moonlit nights. The holy river flows by tranquilly flanked by the towering cliffs which reflect in it like a mirror the changing moods of nature. A little distance away, it becomes turbulent as it plunges in a mighty water fall known as Dhuandhar.
Overnight at hotel
Day 13 Maheshwar-Indore
Morning after breakfast leave Maheshwar for Indore.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Balance day free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel
Day 14 Indore-Jabalpur (O/n Train)
Morning free at leisure.
Late afternoon transfer to railway station to board train Narmada Exp leaving Indore at 1700 hrs arriving Jabalpur at 0630 hrs (on 19th early morning)
Overnight on Train.
Day 15 Arrive Jabalpur
Meeting and assistance on arrival at railway station & transfer to hotel.
Pleasure resort and capital of the Gond Kings during the 12th century, Jabalpur was later the seat of the Kalchuri dynasty. The Marathas held sway over Jabalpur until 1817, when the British wrested it from them and left their impression on the spacious cantonment with its colonial residences and barracks. Today Jabalpur is an important administrative centre, abustle with commercial activity.
Balance day free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel
Day 16 In Jabalpur
Full day city tour.
Madan Mahal Fort
Built by the Gond ruler, Raja Madan Shah, in 1116 atop a rocky hill, the fort dominates the skyline and provides a panoramic view of the town and the country side around it.
Sangram Sagar and Bajnamath
These medieval constructions were built by the famous Gond King, Sangram Shah, between 1480-1540.
Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum
Dedicated to the memory of the great Queen Durgavati, it is her memorial and museum which houses a fine collection of sculptures, inscriptions and prehistoric relics.
Tilwara Ghat
From where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in the Narmada, and venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939.
Late afternoon visit Bhedagaht
Overnight at hotel
Day 17 Jabalpur-Chitrakoot (By Train)
Morning at leisure.
Late afternoon transfer to railway station to board Narmada Express leaving Jabalpur at 1810 hrs arriving Chitrakoot at 2258 hrs.
Chitrakoot, ‘the hill of many wonders’, nestles peacefully in the northern spurs of the Vindhyas, a place of tranquil forest glades and quiet rivers, and streams where calm and repose are all pervading. This loveliest of Nature’s gifts is also hallowed ground, blessed by the gods and sanctified by the faith of pilgrims. For Chitrakoot’s spiritual legacy stretches back to legendary ages: it was in these deep forests that Rama and Sita spent eleven of their fourteen years of exile; here that the great sage Atri and Sati Anusuya meditated; and here where the principal trinity of the Hindu pantheon, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, took their incarnations.
Meeting and assistance on arrival at railway station & transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 18 In Chitrakoot
Day free to explore town. (Transport at disposal)
Overnight at hotel
Day 19 Chitrakoot-Khajuraho
Morning after breakfast leave Chitrakoot for Khajuraho.
Khajuraho, which has lent its name to a complex of exquisite Hindu and Jain temples, is a small town located amidst the forested plains of Bundelkhand in north-central Madhya Pradesh. The beautiful temples that dot Khajuraho are believed to have been built by the mighty Chandela rulers in the 9th and 10th century AD. The engravings on these temples are highly sensual and erotic that depict in graceful forms intimate scenes of the whole range of human emotions and relationships. These sculptures congeal in stone a lyrical paean to love and passion and reflect the Chandela dynasty/’s immense appreciation for art. Architecturally, the temples are built in the north Indian Nagara style. The sculptor/’s fine skill and a sense of imagination have given form to human emotion in the form of spiritual and physical love. Every façade—wall, window, pillar, and ceiling—is carved with figures of mythical and historical origins, and while many of these depict full-breasted, girdle-waisted women in forms of innocent play, they also depict carnal love.
On arrival transfer & check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel Taj Chandela.
Day 20 Khajuraho-Satna-Lucknow (O/n Train)
Full day visit Temples.
The Western Group has numerous temples worth observing, of which Lakshmana Temple is an important one. The entrance of this beautiful Vaishnavite temple shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva along with Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort. The finely carved sanctum has a three-headed idol of Vishnu’s incarnations, Narasimha and Varaha. The largest, most enchanting Khajuraho temple, Kandariya Mahadeo with its entrance arch, massive pillars and ceilings that are adorned with exquisite carvings, is dedicated to Lord Shiva while the Devi Jagadamba Temple, which is slightly older with simple design elements, was probably dedicated to Lord Vishnu originally.
The Eastern Group, on the banks of the Khajur River, comprises of Jain and Hindu temples. The group’s largest Jain temple, Parsvanath Temple is exquisite in its details. The sculptures on the northern outer wall are particularly noteworthy. Although originally dedicated to Adinath, an image of Parsvanath was installed about a century ago. Lavishly embellished with sculpted figures, the Adinath Temple, dedicated to the first Jain prophet Adinath, lies close by.
After sightseeing drive to Satna railway station to board Chitrakoot Express to Lucknow leaving Satna at 2310 hrs arriving Lucknow at 0935 hrs (arriving on 25th early morning)
Overnight on board.
Day 21 Arrive Lucknow
Morning arrive Lucknow. Meeting and assistance on arrival at railway station & transfer to hotel.
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, extends along the banks of the River Gomti. The creator of Lucknow as it is today was Nawab Asaf ud Daula. The city became known as a centre for Urdu poetry and courtly diction, and reached its acme during the reign of Wajid Ali Shah who was a connoisseur of music and poetry. It was during his reign that the British appropriated Awadh. Today, the city is dotted with remnants of its rich historic past
Afternoon city tour of Lucknow.
Sightseeing of Lucknow includes visiting the Rumi Gate Picture Gallery, Clock Tower, Jama Masjid, Residency, Hussainabad Imambada and Asaf-ud-Daula Imambada.
Overnight at hotel
Day 22 Lucknow-Ayodhaya
Morning after breakfast leave Lucknow for Ayodhaya.
The city of Ayodhya is an important pilgrim place for Hindus in India. It is one of the seven holiest cities of India. Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram, who is an important deity in the Hindu pantheon. This small, quiet town attracts pilgrims from all over the country. Hindu pilgrims visiting Ayodhya during festivals and important religious functions consider a holy dip in the sacred Saryu River very auspicious.Ayodhya is located in center of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on the south bank of river Saryu. The climate of Ayodhya is tropical. The summers are hot (April-June) while the winters are cool (November-February). The southwestern monsoon rains hit Ayodhya in July-September. Ayodhya is 130 km east of Lucknow and 6 km from Faizabad.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Later proceed for sightseeing of Ayo dhya .
Overnight at hotel.
Day 23 Ajodhya-Allahabad
Morning after breakfast leave Ayodhya for Allahabad.
Allahabad, also known as Prayag in Hindu tradition, is a peaceful city where life usually moves at a slow pace. Regarded as one of the holiest places in Hindu religion, it is the famous venue of Kumbh Mela which is held here after every twelve years. In Allahabad stands one of Ashoka’s stone pillar carrying his own epigraph and those of later kings of the Gupta period (335-75 AD). Places of interest include the historic Akbar Fort, Palace and garden Khusro Bagh, which contains an impressive tomb of the Mughal Prince Khusro and his family. The town also has a fine museum, housing ancient sculptures and paintings and a famous university. The renowned Triveni Sangam – the confluence of India’s three major rivers, besides being the venues for the Magh Mela and the Kumbh Mela, it offers beautiful views of the sunrise and sunset.
On arrival check in at Hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing.
The Triveni Sangam (the confluence of the three rivers), where the Ganges, the Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati meet, is sacred to Hindus. Allahabad is therefore of great religious importance. It was originally known as Prayag – ‘place of sacrifice’. Other interesting places in Allahabad are the University and Anand Bhawan – ancestral home of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 24 Allahabad-Varanasi
Morning after breakfast leave Allahabad for Varanasi.
Varanasi’s or Kashi’s as it was earlier known antiquity, like its spirituality, is shrouded in immortal time. Puranic and other ancient literature date its existence to at least 3,000 years ago. Life in the Varanasi of today revolves around the ghats along the River Ganges where the bulk of the temples are located. From dawn to dusk a steady stream of devotees perform rituals. Every devout Hindu’s ambition is to visit Varanasi once in a lifetime and to bathe in the sacred River Ganges. For several thousand years, pilgrims have cleansed themselves of their sins here and sought release from the cycle of rebirth – “Nirvana”. The town itself is a maze of small streets and alleyways, hiding in disorderly array not less than a thousand temples and shrines. Hinduism, deep and mystical, is everywhere. In a decorated doorway, in a glimpse of a glittering temple, in the sound of a sacred bell, in the chant of the priests and the fragrance of flower offerings. This is Varanasi – the city that is a prayer.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 25 In Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on the holy River Ganges- 2&1/2 hrs Over three miles in length, steps lead down from a steep bank to the sacred river. The time to see the ghats is early dawn when out of the morning mist, forms descend the steps, their numbers increasing by the minute until a silent multitude, lit by the sun’s first rays, moves in the same direction to immerse itself in the holy stream and to salute the sun. These rituals remind one of the nature worship prevalent in India during the Aryan age, 3,000 years ago.
Morning city tour of Varanasi to see the Bharat Mata Temple dedicated to Mother India, which, instead of Gods and Goddesses, houses a relief map of India carved out of marble. Also visit the Emperor Aurangzeb’s Mosque, built in the 17th century on the site of a Hindu temple. The rear of the mosque reveals specimens of the ancient temple art of India.
Afternoon excursion to Sarnath.
Sarnath – 10 kms. from Varanasi – The Buddha preached his first sermon to five disciples at the Deer Park here, enshrining the principals of his teaching into laws. The Dhamek Stupa marks the location of a once resplendent monastery. A large complex of ruined monasteries cover the area north of the stupas. Some of the buildings belong to the Kushan and Gupta period. The first monk communities probably settled here in the 3rd century BC. Near the Dhamek Stupa does the Buddhist Mahabodhi Society build a new monastery. The major events of Buddha’s life are depicted here in wall paintings by a Japanese artist. Sarnath has an interesting archaeological museum which has preserved the famous Sarnath pillar whose capital forms India’s national emblem.
Overnight at hotel
Day 26 Varanasi-Gaya
Morning after breakfast leave Varanasi for Gaya.
In the Buddhist circuit tours, Gaya and Bodh Gaya form one of the most important places to be visited. Situated in the Central Bihar, on the foothills of the Chotanagpur plateau, Gaya is today counted among one of the most famous places in Bihar. This is the place where Gautam Buddha attained Enlightenment or the knowledge of life. Gaya is also known as one of the pilgrimage for the Hindus. Gaya is located on the Banks of river Falgu and people come here to perform rituals that provide peace to the departed soul of their ancestors.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 27 In Gaya
Full day tour of Bodgaya.
Major attraction of Bodhgaya includes: -Museum, Vishnupad temple, Mahabodhi temple, Chankamana, Surya Temple, Bodhi Tree, Bodhi Sarovar & Chankamana.On the Moria Ghat of river Falgu, along the Gaya-Jahanabad road is located the Gaya museum. This Museum was built by one of the residents of Gaya, Baldeo Prasad in 1952. There are around 3,000 ancient artifacts displayed in the galleries of the museum. In 1787 Queen Ahilya Bai also built the Vishnu temple on the banks of river Falgu. This temple again has some great architecture that has been an attraction for the devotees as well as the tourists. A 30-meter high octagonal tower shadows this temple. The architecture of Mahabodhi Temple is unparalleled in North India. It is believed that in the 3rd century B.C emperor Ashoka built this temple. Towards North of the Bodhi Temple is a platform with foot impressions of Buddha. Apart from these ponds and platforms, there are many temples built by the various nations like the Tibet temple, the Japanese, the Thai, the Lankan and the Bhutan temple. These temples are also a major attraction for the tourists and devotees who visit Bodh Gaya on the West of the Vishnu temple is a pond called the Surya temple. In the Hindu months of ‘chaitya’ (March-April) and ‘Kartikya’ (September-October) is held the festival of Sun God, ‘Chhat’ on this pond. A fair is organised on these occasions at the Kund.Towards the West of the Maha Bodhi temple is the tree where Gautam Buddha did his meditation and attained enlightenment.
Overnight at hotel
Day 28 Gaya-Patna
Morning after breakfast leave Gaya for Patna enroute visit Rajgir & Nalanda
Nalanda is situated 90 Km from Patna, Bihar..Nalanda, a part of the Budhist circuit, is famous for the the ancient International Monastic University. Established in 5th century BC by the Gupta Emperors, it was a famous learning centres in ancient times. The university had centres for studies in Buddhism, Vedas, Logic, Grammar, Medicine, Meta-Physics, Prose Composition and Rhetoric. Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira have also taught here. The university library had a mammoth collection of 9 million volumes. The university remains are scattered around an area of 14 hectares. Though a large part of the university has been explored, a huge portion remains unexcavated. It is believed that the university could accommodate 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers easily. Hsuan Tsang, the renowned Chinese traveler was also involved with the university foe 12 years. There is a monument built here in his memory. In 12th century AD, the whole university complex was destroyed by Bakhtiar Khilji, a Turkish Invader. There is a museum where the rare collections of the glorious days can be seen. In 1951 an international center for Buddhist studies was founded. Another modern institution is the Nava Nalanda Mahavir Research Centre treasuring many rare manuscripts.
Rajgir is just 15 kms from Nalanda is located the complex of temples and monasteries. It is one of the most important tourist places in India. Being located in a valley, Rajgir is a very scenic place. The small hill town is covered with lush green forest which adds to the beauty of the place.The place is also associated with Buddhism and Jainism as Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira spent some of their time here meditating and preaching.Rajgir, “House of the King”, is an important religious place for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. This ancient town has reference in Mahabharata, Buddhist and Jain texts. Lord Buddha lived here in the sixth century BC while Vardhman Mahavir spent 14 years here. It was in Rajgir that Lord Buddha delivered some of his famous sermons. King Bimbisara of the Magadha Kingdom got converted here. A small town, Rajgir is witness to a glorious and legendary past. The historical monuments here presents the real scene of the glorious past. The monuments are said to be built by the business class who devoted themselves to Buddha. Jivaka, the legendary physician of Magadha kingdom, also resided here and once served Buddha for illness. Lately, the Japanese have built a Stupa on top of the Ratnagiri hill, linked by a rope way. It was here that the teachings of Buddha were penned down for the first time. Rajgir also has the Nipponzan Myohoji, the Japanese temple, and the Centaur Hokke Club which offers some traditional facilities to Japanese pilgrims.
Continue to Patna.
The present capital of the state of Bihar and the erstwhile capital of the mighty Mauryan Empire, the historical city of Patna is located at the meeting point of the Rivers Ganga and Sone.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 29 Patna-Kolkata-Shantiniketan
Morning transfer to airport to connect flight to Calcutta.
Meet and assist on arrival at the airport & drive to Shantiniketan.
Shantiniketan is situated at a distance of 164 km form Calcutta. Shantiniketan was founded by Maharishi Debendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore, who also established an ashram here, later known as the Abode of Peace. In 1901, his son started an experimental place of learning with a classroom under the trees and a group of five pupils. This place later became to be known as Vishva Bharati University in 1921 which attracts students from all over the world and aspires to be a spiritual meeting ground in a serene, culturally rich and artistic environment. Today, Shantiniketan is a great centre for higher studies in arts and known for the famous Vishva Bharati University. The whole place is steeped in the memory of the great poet, Rabindranath Tagore.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 30 Shantineketan-Kolkata
Morning visit Shantiniketan.
Later leave Shatiniketan for Kolkata.
Calcutta over the years has been ‘The City of Paradoxes’. Living up to this name, Calcutta had done away with the so-far-accepted story of its birth. After a legal battle, the courts have ruled that Job Charnock was not the founder the city, and that August day in 1690, the 24th, when he landed on the banks of the Hooghly River, is not the birthday of Kolkata. The courts have ruled that sufficients evidence is available to accept that Kolkata existed before Job Charnock’s arrival. So after quite a long period of accepting 24 August 1690 as Kolkata’s Birthday and Job Charnock as the city’s Founding Father, the city is currently ‘fatherless’ and without a birthday. Past history may have got shrouded in doubts, but there is no doubt at all about the current –history –in –the –marking. The city is fast expanding eastwards with landmarks –type residential building and institutional /commercial complexes of the most impressive, contemporary stylish kind coming up at many places on and around the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and the road to the airport. A city center is coming up in the Salt Lake area, Satellite Township has been planned at Rajarhat; and much more that is beautiful and impressive is being created. All this coupled with a number of flyovers, widening of roads, continued explosion of quality retail shopping malls/high class stores, and many other such activities show that Kolkata is on the fast track of development and modernization.The almost – religious attachment and following of the city’s famous football clubs is making way for the greater popularity of cricket. If this be taken as an indication, Kolkata is firmly in the grip of the winds of change. The results of these changes can only be told by the future. Wherever it may reach, Kolkata remains a wonderful, humane and throbbing living megapolis.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 31 In Kolkata
Morning after breakfast proceed for city sightseeing tour visiting the Jain Temple, Zoological Gardens, Victoria Memorial, Drive past Howrah Bridge, Dalhousie Square, Fort Williams, Secretariat Building and Old Court House Street.
Also visit to Mother Teresa’s Center.
Afternoon free.
Overnight at hotel
Day 32 Leave Kolkata
In time transfer to airport to board flight for HOME.
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