Home
—» Luxury
Destination Tours with Castle & King —»
IMPERIAL INDIA TOUR with Ahmednagar
IMPERIAL INDIA TOUR with Ahmednagar
Duration : 9 Days / 8 Nights
Destination Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Varanasi - Mumbai - Aurangabad
- Ahmeadnagar
Day
01 : Home / Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport
in Delhi late in the night or midnight. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with
a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope -
that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi
In the morning take a city tour covering Laxmi Narayan Temple - The Place
of Gods, India Gate - The memorial of martyrs, Parliament House – The
Government headquarters. In the afternoon take a city tour of Old Delhi covering
Jama Masjid - The largest mosque in Asia, Red Fort - The red stone magic,
Gandhi memorial - The memoir of father of the nation. Also enjoy the sound
& light show in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Day
03 : Delhi – Jaipur
By Road 260 kms – 6 hrs
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City – Jaipur.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back
to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the
Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite
of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history
- A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the
Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered
stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite
temples and lush gardens.
In the Afternoon do the Half day sightseeing of Jaipur.
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 - 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 - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of sandstone plastered
pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has
953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal
grandstand for the palace women.
Visit a rug factory and see the ladies at the intricate work or a gem factory
and see the gem cutting and polishing process. Overnight at Jaipur.
Overnight at hotel.
Day
04 : Jaipur - Agra
By road 280 Kms – 5 hrs
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for excursion to Amber Fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant
ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent
Jai Singh I. It’s forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a
beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.
Proceed for Agra, enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri (The old deserted town
of Mughal Dynasty) on arrival check in into hotel. Overnight at hotel.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the
little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire
- giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor
to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and
white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm
that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising,
that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk
down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the
wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
Reach Agra. Check in at hotel.
Overnight at Agra.
Day
05 : Agra - Varanasi
Morning after breakfast time at leisure. Start the sightseeing tour of the Taj
Mahal and Agra Fort.
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 it’s stunning design balance
and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes,
intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for sightseeing to the AGRA FORT - 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.
Visit Itmadullah’s Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father
(The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).
In the Late afternoon company representative will give you the transfer to the
Railway station for the train to Varanasi.
Overnight train .
Day
06 : Varanasi
Reach in the Morning and our company representative will meet you on arrival
nd give you the transfer to the Hotel.
About Varanasi
Standing on the western bank of India's holiest river Ganges, Varanasi is the
oldest surviving city of the world and the cultural capital of India. It is
in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the Kashi
Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara
or Vishwanatha.
Here gravitate the teeming millions of India to seek benediction and spiritual
peace by the darshan of this Jyotirlinga which confers liberation from the
bondages of maya and the inexorable entanglements of the world. A simple glimpse
of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and
puts it on the path of knowledge and bhakti. Vishweshwara jyotirlinga has
a very special and unique significance in the spiritual history of India.
Tradition has it that the merits earned by the darshan of other jyotirlinga
scattered in various parts of India accrue to devotee by a single visit to
Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Deeply and intimately implanted in the Hindu mind,
the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living embodiment of our timeless cultural
traditions and highest spiritual values. The Temple has been visited by all
great saints- Adi Shankaracharya, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand,
Goswami Tulsidas, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, Gurunanak and several other
spiritual personalities. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple attracts visitors not
only from India but abroad as well and thereby symbolizes man's desire to
live in peace and harmony with one another. Vishwanath being a supreme repository
of this spiritual truth thus strengthens the bonds of universal brotherhood
and fellow feeling at the national as well as global levels.
On
January 28, 1983 the Temple was taken over by the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and
it's management ever since stands entrusted to a Trust with Dr. Vibhuti Narayan
Singh. Former Kashi Naresh, as president and an Executive Committee with Divisional
Commissioner as Chairman. The Temple in the present shape was built way back
in 1780 by Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. In the year 1785 a Naubatkhan
was built up in front of the Temple by the then collector Mohd. Ibrahim Khan
at the instance of Governor General Warren Hastings. In 1839, Two domes of the
Temple were covered by gold donated by Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjeet Singh.
Third dome but was remained uncovered, Ministry of cultures & Religious
affairs of U.P. Govt. took keen interest for gold plating of third dome of Temple.
Ghats
Varanasi, Kashi or Banaras, is older than traditions. The divine grace of this
city lies is unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements.
Ghats of Varanasi are natural supplement to the concept of divinity. It is a
city which liberates soul from human body to ultimate. The much quoted Sanskrit
Skloka Proclame ‘ Kasyam maranam mukti’ (death in Kashi is Liberation).
In fact the extension of this belief could be visualized in early concept of
‘ Pancha Trirtha’
Symbolically identified with the human body it is explicitly equated with
the fire elements (Panch Tattva) of which body is composed interesting people
now defining as all the Ghats are points on the divine cosmic road ( 12th
Zodiacs X 7chakras of body thus 98 ) represents its manifest transcendental
dimension. That is how this frame shows a cosmic order and harmonic relationship
between macro cosmos (divine order) and micro cosmos (human order)through
the interlink of mesocosmos (the physical order of ghats). The Gahadvala inscriptions
( c.12th cent) mention only five ghats . A mid 17th cent.
Sarnath :
LOCATION
Sarnath
renowned for ancient remains of Bhuddhist stupas, monasteries and temples, is
situated at a distance of 6 kms. to the north of Varanasi city which is well
connected by road, rail & air.
HISTORY
Sarnath is one of the four most important Bhuddhist pilgrimage centres of India.
Bhudda, the great sage, after. attaining enlightenment (Bhudda-hood) at Bodh
gaya came to Sarnath and delivered his first sermon to five disciples (i.e.
Kaundinya, Bashpa, Bhadrika, Mahanaman and Ashvajit) for redeeming humanity.
It is this place where foundation of a new order of monks (Sangha) and a new
order of religious doctrine (Dhamma) was laid. Sarnath is also sacred to the
Jains because they look upon it as the site of asceticism and death of Shreyamshanath,
the 11th Trithankara.
In ancient Bhuddhist literature the place finds mention as Rishipatna and Mrigdava
or Mrigadaya. The place was called Rishipatna , as it was here the bodies of
five hundred Pratyeka Bhuddhas or Rishis(Sages) fell after their attainment
of nirvana (Salvation). According to the Jataka, in one of his previous births
Bhudha as aleader of a herd of deer,for saving life of a doe, appeared before
the king of Benaras who relished on the flesh of a deer everyday. On being moved
by his sacrifical zeal the king made the place a free roaming ground, thus it
was known as mrigadava (deerpark). The inscriptions of early medieval period
found from Sarnath referred to this place as Dharamchakra or Sadhamacharka pravartana
vihar. The mordern name Sarnath seems to be a contraction of Saranganath (Lord
of deer) still borne by the Lord Shiva enshrined in a temple nearby.
Sarnath
pased into oblivion in the 13th cent. and veil was lifted in 1798 when Mr. Duncan
, the resident of Benaras gave an account of a casket of green marble inside
a stone box exposed by the workmen of Jagat Singh, Dewan of Raja Chet Singh
of Benaras while dismantling the Dharmaralika stupa in order to procure building
materials. This discovery had created wide interest about Sarnath.
Later on excanvations were conducted at the site by Sir Alexander Cunningham
(1835-36), Major Kittoe (1851-52), Mr.C. Horne (1865), Mr. F.O. Oertal (1904-5),
Sir john Marshall (1907), Mr. H. Hargreaves(1914-15), and Mr. Daya Ram Sahni
(1927-32).
Archaeological excavations have brought to light about a dozen carved railing
pillars ascribable to the Shunga period (2nd –lst cent. B.C.).
With the advent of the Kushana (1st –2nd cent. A.D.) in north India Bhuddhism
witnessed a new phase of Religious and artistic activities. Trough Mathura was
the centre of this renaissance, but sarnath also flourished and new monuments
were raised. The colossal image of Bodhisattva imported form Mathura in the
3rd regnal year of Kanishka is now exhibited in the museum.
During the Gupta period (4th-6th century A.D.). Sarnath became a main centre
of structural and artistic activities. Several structures including Mulgandhakuti,
the chief shrine of the Buddha were erected during this period. The Dhamekh
stupa is the best preserved and most impressive edifice at Sarnath. It is a
cylindrical tower 28.50 mts. In diameter at base and 33.53 mts. In height. Fa-Hien
the Chinese pilgrim visited Sarnath at the time of Chandragupta ll (376-414
A.D.) and saw here four stupas and two monastteries.
The reign stupas and Harshavardhan (606-47 A.D.) must have initiated fresh religious
activity and restorations of the earlier building at Sarnath. Hiuen-Tsang visited
Sarnath during the time and left a vivid descriptinued of its monuments.
This place continued to flourish during the reign of the pala kings. But the
monuments of Sarnath experienced a reverse, when Benaras suffered under the
spearhead of Mahmud Ghajni’s invasion which is inferred from a record of
the time of Mahilala, datable to 1026 A.D.
Kumardevi, wife of Givindchandra (1114-1154 A.D.) of the Gahadavala dynasty
built a large monastery at Sarnath which is probably the last impressive monuments
raised here and after which the architectural and artistic activitivs came to
a halt. The glorious heritage remained hidden for a larger period and waite
for the archaeological spade to uncover it.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day
07: Varanasi – Mumbai
Excursion of Sarnath, the place where first prayer of Lord Buddha took place,
in the evening. Pilgrims flock the Ghats to have a ritual bath and perform puja
to the rising sun, following centuries old tradition. The Dasashvamedh Ghat
offers a splendid view of the river front. This is the ghat of the 10 (Das)
horses (shiva) sacrificed (medh). Legend has it that it was performed by Brahma
to pave way for Shiva’s return to Varanasi after a spell of banishment.
A sight that has remained unchanged and unspoilt-by time, wars or even man himself.
Other special ghats are the Asi, Barnasangam, Panchganga and Manikarnika, Ghats.
Afternoon our company representative will give you the transfer to airport
for the flight to Mumbai.
MUMBAI’S SKYLINE IS RECOGNISABLE IN ADVERTISEMENTS AND PICTORIAL DEPICTIONS
STATING THE COUNTRY’S TECHNOLOGICAL AND FINANCIAL HUB. IT’S AN IMPOSING
SKYLINE. THE CONTOURS ARE HAZY BUT THE RESIDENTS DON’T SEEM TO MIND. THEY
LOVE THIS PLACE AND THIS ALL-ENCOMPASSING LOVE IS INFECTIOUS.
WHAT ARE THE FEW NAIL-ON-THE-HEAD CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CITY? A WALK ON
MARINE DRIVE, THE GATEWAY OF INDIA, WARDEN ROAD, UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS, FORT,
TOWNHALL, MUMBAI HIGH COURT TO NAME A FEW. THE WAVES SPLASHING AGAINST THE
EMBANKMENT ESTABLISH AN ESSENCE OF MUMBAI TOO, MUCH IN THE SAME GENRE AS THE
SKYLINE. THE PUB AND BAR SCENARIO HERE IS QUITE STATE OF THE ART AND RANGES
FROM THE SOPHISTICATED ONES IN THE FIVE STARS TO THE HIP AND TRENDY ONES IN
COLABA AND THE SUBURBS. MUMBAI IS ALSO KNOWN AS THE HOLLYWOOD OF INDIA OR
BOLLYWOOD (FROM THE NAMES BOMBAY AND HOLYWOOD) AND IS THE BIGGEST FILM INDUSTRY
OF THE WORLD.
Reach and our company Representative will meet at the Airport and give you the
Transfer to the Hotel.
Overnight will be at Mumbai.
Day
08: Mumbai - Aurangabad
Breakfast will be at hotel or onboard the aircraft.
Relax in the morning or visit the local market. Transfer to airport for flight
to Aurangabad.
Reach and check in at hotel.
The city of Aurangabad was founded in 1610, on the site of a village, Khirki
by Malik Ambar - the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II. When Fateh Khan,
Malik Ambar's son turned successor in 1626, he gave the city the name 'Fatehpur'.
Later in 1653, when Prince Aurangzeb became Viceroy of the Deccan, he made the
city his capital and called it Aurangabad. Aurangzeb added the walls that enclose
the central part of the city in 1686 in order to withstand attacks from the
Marathas. There are four principle gateways to the city - the Delhi Darwaza,
the Jalna Darwaza, the Paithan Darwaza and the Mecca Darwaza. Nine secondary
gateways also formed a part of the defensive system of this city.
Aurangabad district has always been a prominent region on the Deccan plateau.
Having been inhabited since the Stone Age, it has a long artistic and cultural
history - to which several dynasties have made major contributions over the
years. Maurya rule marked the arrival of Buddhism in Maharashtra.
Aurangabad today is a bustling city of Maharashtra with diverse big and small
industries, fine silken textiles, and exquisite hand woven brocades of silver
and gold fabrics, Himroo of world frame. To scholars and lovers of art and culture
the city is more familiar as the gateway to the ancient caves of Ajanta and
Ellora, both famous as treasure houses of Indian Art and Sculpture.
Daylong excursion to Ajanta Caves, located 99-km away from Aurangabad. Ajanta
Caves were carved out from the 2nd century BC to 6th century AD. The paintings
and sculptures of Ajanta, considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art,
have had a considerable artistic influence.
Overnight will be at Aurangabad.
DAY: 09 : Aurangabad – Ahmednagar
After breakfast drive to visit the ellora caves.
Ellora Caves: Impressive in their own right is the rock-hewn temples and monasteries
of Ellora that lie just 30 km away from Aurangabad city. In all, there are 34
cave temples, 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (550-750 AD), 17 Hindu caves (600-875
AD) and 5 caves of the Jain faith (800-1000 AD) 22 more caves, dedicated to
Lord Shiva, were recently discovered. Kailas Temple (cave16), the central attraction
at Ellora, is the most remarkable. Chiseled by hand from a single massive rock,
it includes a gateway, pavilion, courtyard, vestibule, sanctum, sanctorum and
tower which bear testimony to the excellence of Dravidian art. It is believed
to have taken 7000 laborers, working in continuous shifts and 150 years to build.
Ever since the first European visitors in 18th Century, Ellora has attracted
chroniclers, antiquarians, scholars and in more recent years, ever- increasing
number of tourists.
IMPERIAL INDIA TOUR with Ahmednagar Reservation Form
Copyright
©, Destination
Taj Mahal India. All Rights Reserved