Just a century ago, the British
moved the seat of their empire from Kolkata to Delhi. And it has been the
Capital of India ever since. Now a thriving, cosmopolitan metro, the city has
much to celebrate as it has already reached the milestone of completing 100
years as a Capital. With a history that goes back many centuries, Delhi
showcases an ancient culture and a rapidly modernising country. Dotted with
monuments there is much to discover here. The seat of many powerful empires in
the past, its long history can be traced in its many carefully-preserved
monuments, ancient forts and tombs.
Day 01 Arrival in Delhi
Arrive
in New Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our representative and transfer
to your hotel. India's capital & a major gateway to the country, Delhi is
contemporary and a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold
the ancient and the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons
why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also
reflects the legacy the British left behind. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 02 Match Day
Following breakfast, awake to a morning at leisure. In the evening you will be transferred to the Stadium for the match. End of play you will be met at the stadium for your transfer back to your hotel.
Day 03 Sightseeing in Delhi
After
breakfast, proceed for a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi. This fascinating
city has been in existence since the 6th century BC and has seen ups and downs
from the rule of the Pandavas right up to the British Raj. Visit Jama Masjid,
which is the largest mosque in India, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. The
courtyard of the mosque can hold about 25,000 worshippers. Enjoy a rickshaw
ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi…noisy, chaotic and
uniquely Indian. You will then drive past to the Red Fort, which was
constructed during the rule of Emperor Shah Jahan and served as the residence
for the Mughal royal family. It continues to be significant till date, as every
Independence Day, the Prime Minister makes a speech from its ramparts as the
Indian flag is hoisted. Later, drive past President House and several other
government buildings in Edwin Lutyen’s Delhi before you head toward Rajghat,
the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple memorial marks the spot where
Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Thereafter, visit Humayun’s Tomb,
commissioned by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562. It was the first
garden tomb built in the Indian sub-continent where the Persian architect used
red sandstone on a large scale. Later in the evening visit the Qutab Minar,
which is the tallest brick minaret in the world; it was commissioned by
Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 04 Delhi – Agra (210 km/approx. 5 hours) I Sightseeing of Agra
This
morning after breakfast proceed to Agra, arrive and check-it to your hotel.
Later, proceed for a half day city of Agra. Visit the Red Fort, which was
commissioned in 1565 by The Mughal Emperor, Akbar and subsequently embellished
by other Mughal Emperors. The beautiful yet forbidding structure is a handsome
example of Mughal architecture. Later, visit the Taj Mahal … a mausoleum built
as a symbol Emperor Shah Jahan’s devotion to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.
Considered an architectural marvel, its construction took thousands of workers
over 21 years to complete. Evening return back to hotel. Overnight in Agra.
Day 05 Agra – Jhansi – Orchha – Khajuraho
This
morning after breakfast proceed to Railway Station to board the train for
Jhansi. Arrive Jhansi and drive to Khajuraho by road (220 kms / approx. 5
hour), enroute visiting Orchha. Visit the Orchha fort complex. The Jahangir
Mahal in the fort is known for its delicate work balanced with strong masonry.
Raj Mahal, the second palace in this fort complex is well known for its murals,
depicting religious themes. Later, visit the Raja Ram Temple. Lord Ram is
worshipped here as a king. Also visit the Laxmi Narayan temple, a unique blend
of temple and fort architecture. Arrive Khajuraho and check in to your hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 06 Khajuraho – Allahabad (275 km/approx. 7 hours)
This
morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed for a half -day
tour of Khajuraho. Visit the Western Group of Temples -the Kandariya Mahadeo is
dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the largest of Khajuraho's temples. The temple of
Devi Jagdamba is considered to be one of the most erotic temples of Khajuraho.
Later, visit the Eastern Group of Temples- The temple of Parsvanath is the
largest of the Jain temples in Khajuraho India and the finest…without any
sexual motifs. Later proceed to Allahabad. Arrive in Allahabad and transfer to
your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Allahabad.
Day 07 Allahabad – Varanasi (120 km/approx. 3 hours)
In the
early morning, proceed towards Triveni Sangam in Prayag (Allahabad), which is
the point of confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. Take a holy
bath in the sangam as it is believed to wash away all sins and relieve from the
rebirth cycle. Furthermore, make a visit to Bade Hanuman Temple and Akbar Fort.
Bade Hanuman Temple is one of the most popular attractions here that houses a
huge statue of Lord Hanuman. Akbar Fort is a large fort situated by the banks
of River Yamuna, built by the famous Mughal emperor Akbar. Later proceed to
Varanasi. Arrive in Varanasi and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at
leisure. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 08 Varanasi
Early
morning, enjoy a sublime boat ride on the Ganges River. View the numerous ghats
along the bank of the Ganges, presenting a varied scene from dawn to dusk.
Later back to hotel for breakfast. Visit the Benares Hindu University, the
largest residential university in Asia, a center of Sanskrit, Indian art,
culture, and music. Later, proceed to Sarnath, located eight km from Varanasi.
It is famous as the place where the Buddha first preached his message after
attaining nirvana. Visit the Dhamek Stupa… it marks the spot where the Buddha
proclaimed his faith in front of his first five followers. The earliest and
most important relic is found here is the Ashoka pillar, erected in 250 BC.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 09 Departure from Varanasi
After
breakfast, proceed to Varanasi airport to board the flight for onward destination.
