CLASSIC INDIA
DELHI / VARANASI / KHAJURAHO / AGRA / DELHI
Pre Conference Tour
Departing on 12th August 2004
Arrival on 16th August 2004
Tour Code ANQTC09
Cut off Date for Booking 30th July 2004
Post Conference Tour
Departing on 20th August 2004
Arrival on 24th August 2004
Tour Code ANQTC10
Cut off Date for Booking 05th August 2004














Day 01 DELHI / VARANASI
0840 hrs Transfer to the Airport to board Flight no. 9W 333 for Varanasi at 1040 hrs.
1150 hrs Meeting and Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Afternoon: Visit Sarnath
Evening: Witness the Aarti at the Ghats of the Ganges

Varanasi

Varanasi is one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus. Known also as Kashi and Benaras, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest living cities, and has been a centre of learning and culture for well over 2000 years.

Sarnath

This is the place where the Buddha delivered his first Sermon ‘Turning of the Wheel of Law’. See the Chowkandi and Dhamek Stupas, the ruins of 9th and 10th century monasteries and temples, the temple built by the Mahabodhi Society in 1931, and the Tibetan Temple. Visit the famous Sarnath Museum (closed on Fridays).


Overnight in Varanasi – TAJ GANGES
Day 02 VARANASI / KHAJURAHO
0500 hrs Boat ride at dawn down India's most sacred river, The Ganges
0800 hrs Breakfast at the Hotel.
1020 hrs Transfer to the Airport to board Flight no. 9W 333 for Khajuraho at 1220 hrs.
1300 hrs Meeting and Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Evening: Enjoy the Sound and the Light Show at the Temple

Khajuraho

Created by the Chandela kings around 925 AD, Khajuraho emerged when the west was still finding its place in the Sun. The temples are a spectacular feat of architectural excellence, carved with the roughest of tools, all within the span of a hundred years. 85 temples in all portrayed the civilisation of the times’ zest for life, They potray spirituality, love, music, dance hunting and feasting. Today, 22 temples survive. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of the erotic sculptures. But, these form only part of the wealth of the site which depicts everyday life of the people and the court in the 10th and 11th centuries.

Architecturally the temples have some unique features. They stand on high platforms and do not have customary enclosure. Each temple has a large number of spires in ascending order representing man's aspirations towards spiritual goals. The sculptures describe the moments of truth, amazement and bliss in which one forgets everything and surrenders completely to spiritual emotion. And this wonder is the elusive theme of the temples at Khajuraho.


Overnight Khajuraho – THE JASS
Day 03 KHAJURAHO
0800 hrs Breakfast at the hotel
Morning Visit the Western Group of temples

The Kandariya Mahadeo temple of the Western group is the largest, dedicated to Shiva. The main shrine is exquisitely carved and features in delicate detail, gods, goddesses, celestial maidens and lovers. Also visit the Chausat Yogini temple dedicated to Kali and Chitragupta temple dedicated to the Sun-God Surya.
Afternoon : See the Eastern & Southern group of temple

The Parsvanath temple of the Eastern group is the group’s largest Jain temple. The themes depict, in charming detail, everyday activity. Also visit the Duladeo temple dedicated to Shiva and the Chaturbhuj temple of the Southern group.


Overnight Khajuraho – THE JASS
Day 04 KHAJURAHO / ORCHHA / JHANSI / AGRA
0800 hrs Breakfast at the hotel
0900 hrs Leave Khajuraho for Jhansi (180 Kms) visiting Orchha enroute

Founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap, Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone. The palaces and temples retain much of their pristine perfection.

Jehangir Mahal was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Its strong lines are counter balanced by delicate “chhatries “ and trellis work,the whole conveying an effect of extraordinary richness. Raj Mahal Palace with its plain exteriors, crowned by chhatris, give way to interiors with exquisite murals, boldly colourful, on a variety of religious themes. Rai Praveen Mahal - the palace built for the beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani is a low, two storeyed brick structure, designed to match the height of the trees in the surrounding, beautifully landscaped gardens of Anand Mahal, with its octagonal flower beds and elaborate water supply system. Skillfully carved niches allow light into the Mahal which has a main hall and smaller chamber. Ram Raj Temple - the palace-turned temple with its soaring spires and palatial architecture - is one of the most unusual in India; so also are the Chaturbhuj temple and the Laxminarayan temple.
1600 hrs Arrive Jhansi and proceed to board Train to Agra at 1755 hrs
2010 hrs Meeting and assistance on arrival at Agra and transfer to hotel

Agra

Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven modern Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. This city having been the capital of the Mughal dynasty for over hundred years till 1650 has many Mughal monuments of repute.
Day 05 AGRA/ DELHI
0800 hrs Breakfast at hotel
0900 hrs Morning: Excursion to Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri

The exquisite city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone, with its various palaces and mosques. It was abandoned 14 years after its creation on account of political reasons. The Diwan-i-am, a vast courtyard where the emperor gave public audience, daily, whenever he was in town, Diwan-i-khas, a large quadrangle meant for private audience and conferences, the treasury, Pachisi court, the Emperors private living quarters, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Mariam’s Palace, Birbal’s Palace, the Turkish Sultana’s Palace, the School for the royal children, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the important buildings of this residential complex. The Friday Mosque and the exquisite tomb of Sheik Salim Chisti are in the religious grounds set aside in a separate enclosure adjacent to the secular buildings.
1300 hrs Afternoon: Sightseeing Tour of Agra visiting the Fort and Taj Mahal

The Agra Fort was built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD. The fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings including Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal,Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas and Musamman Burj - the Octagonal Tower, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal was imprisoned by his son Aurangazeb for seven long years and died a prisoner.

The Taj Mahal - the inimitable poem in white marble was built over a period of 22 years (1631-1653), using a workforce of 22000 people, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. (The Taj is closed on Fridays). The Taj Mahal presents a wonderous sight at different time of the day – at dawn, during the day, at sunset and even on a moonless night. Needless to say it is exquisite on a moonlit night.
1900 hrs Arrive Railway Station to board train to Delhi at 2018 hrs
2300 hrs Meeting and Assistance on arrival at Delhi and transfer to hotel
 
TOUR COST
On Sharing basis : INR 15,615.00 Per Person
Single Room Supplement : INR 4,275.00 Per Single

Current Economy Class Airfare (Subject to change)
Delhi/Varanasi/ Khajuraho : USD 225 Per Person
Delhi/Varanasi/Khajuraho :INR 7605 Per Person for Indian nationals
 
Please read the Terms and Conditions
 
The rates include the following specific services:
  • Hotel accommodation in the hotels mentioned or similar based on sharing a double or a twin-bedded room with attached bath for a total of 04 nights based on Bed & Breakfast (CP), as per the itinerary. This includes presently applicable Government taxes, which are subject to change. Check in and check out time at all hotels is 12 noon unless otherwise specified
  • Sightseeing and excursions by air-conditioned car, with English speaking guide as per the itinerary
  • Inter-city transportation by air-conditioned car, as per the itinerary
  • Air-conditioned Chair Car Train Fare Jhansi / Agra / Delhi
  • Professional and service charges for preparation and operation of the tour program.

The rates include only the services listed above and those mentioned in the enclosed itinerary.

The rates do not include:

  • Entrance fees to monuments as per itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature such as cost of telephone calls and telegrams, table drinks, laundry, tips etc.

We suggest that clients should be covered by Travel, medical, health and other types of insurance. These cannot be obtained in India.

Sightseeing Tour of Varanasi (OPTIONAL): INR 420.00 per person

Visit the the Benaras Hindu University, which was founded in 1916 and its famous Museum - Bharat Kala Bhavan which houses a fine collection of Mughal miniature paintings and brocade textiles. The Bharat Mata and Durga Temple and see the famous Vishwanath temple with its spires covered with gold, dedicated to Shiva, the presiding deity of the city.

Liability:
The above quotations are subject to amendment should suppliers amend their rates prior to commencement of the tour.

Unforeseen conditions may necessitate some modifications to the itinerary. INDEBO (INDIA) PVT LTD reserves the right to make such changes, alter or omit any part of the itinerary as the situation demands.

INDEBO (INDIA) PVT LTD, while undertaking tours, transportation, hotel accommodation and other services only act as an agent on the clear understanding that they shall not be, in any way responsible or liable for any accident, damage, loss, delay or inconvenience caused in connection with the travel facilities arranged by the Company, its employees or agents.

All bookings are accepted and executed with utmost care, yet no responsibility is undertaken for any change or deviation on account of factors beyond control.

INDEBO (INDIA) PVT LTD is not responsible for the re-routing of the itinerary due to flight and/or train cancellation. Any additional expenses necessitated by such an event will be borne by the client/s.