Taj Mahal Tour Packages

As the name implies, the Pushkar Fair with Classical India Tour package, presents India in all its ancient and modern grandeur. All these scintillating destinations of Delhi, Jaipur, Pushkar, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Jhansi, Orchha, Khajuraho and Varanasi makes this tour, a north India classical tour package, a rewarding experience for tourists looking forward to experience India in all its incredible hues. All these tourist places included in this package tour for India carry a classical charm of their own. Enjoy the various shades of India tourism with us and have a great time.

DESTINATION	TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
DELHI	RAJ GHAT, RED FORT, RICKSHAW RIDE AT CHANDNI CHOWK, JAMA MASJID, INDIA GATE, PRESEDENTIAL PALACE, BIRLA HOUSE, HUMAYUN'S TOMB, KUTUB MINAR
JAIPUR	ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT, CITY PALCAE, JANTAR MANTAR, HAWA MAHAL
PUSHKAR	PUSHKAR FAIR, VARIOUS TEMPLES AT PUSHKAR, CAMEL RIDE ETC
FATEHPUR SIKRI	FATEHPUR SIKRI
AGRA	RED FORT, ITMADULLAH'S TOMB, TAJ MAHAL & SIKANDRA
ORCHHA	JEHANGIR MAHAL, LAXMINARAYAN TEMPLE
KHAJURAHO	EASTERN AND WESTERN GROUP OF TEMPLES
VARANASI	VISHWANATH GOLDEN TEMPLE, BHARAT MATA TEMPLE, DURGA TEMPLE, TULSI MANAS MANDIR, BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY, BOAT CRUISE IN RIVER GANGES

ITINERARY

Day 01 Arrival at Delhi
On arrival in New Delhi, the guests will be received at the International Airport by the Castle & King rep. – please keep a lookout for him as soon as you collect your luggage and walk towards the exit gate in the arrival terminal (we request you not to leave the terminal building until the rep. has made contact with you and there is a lot of construction presently at the airport). Assistance and transfer by car to the hotel where room is reserved for immediate check-in.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 02 Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the full day sight seeing of DELHI.
DELHI – Capital for many ancient and medieval Empires. The city of Delhi was built on the banks of the Yamuna River and the history of Delhi dates back more than 3000 years. Indraprastha according to legends was the old Capital of Delhi and founded by the Pandavas in the times of the Mahabharata 1500 B.C. and was located near the Old Fort. Today the city is a unique blend of Old and New which is very evident in the two parts – Old Delhi and New Delhi the latter mainly built by the British.

10 a.m. Castle and King's car and guide will report to the hotel and provide sightseeing of Old Delhi visiting the Red Fort - built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 of the Mughal Dynasty. Opposite the Red fort is the Jama Masjid – the mosque also built by Shah Jahan and is the largest in India. A Rickshaw ride through the Market Place of Chandni Chowk (Moonlit Square) will be provided through the narrow lanes famous for its small silver stores, antique, Indian Saree shops. Incense and 'Ittar' (the raw form of perfume products) and the ancient Bird hospital. Also visit the Kinari Bazaar (bridal Market) and the Spice market both of which offer a wonderful photo-opportunity.

Drive past the India Gate and Presidential Palace area (photo stops) known as Raj Path (Kings Way) is a wonderfully planned wide boulevard with ornamental ponds on each side and trees that are now more than 100 years old that the British had planted to give shade in the summer and are pollen free. An integral part of Lutyen's Delhi – At the eastern end of Rajpath is India Gate – 42 meter high Stone memorial constructed to commemorate who died in the North Eastern Frontier (towards Afghanistan) and nearly 85000 names are inscribed on the walls. At the far West side of the Boulevard is Rastrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) – the home of the former Viceroy of India and now the Residence of the President of India. The building was completed in 1929 and is an interesting blend of both Mughal and Western Architectural styles (visit inside the Palace is not permitted due to security reasons).

Also visit Mahatma Gandhi's residence where he was assassinated and is now an interesting Museum based on Mahatma Gandhi's life and ideology.

Stop for lunch at one of Delhi's fine restaurants. Castle & King recommends the following:

» Bukhara at the Sheraton (Indian Barbeque and perhaps India's finest restaurant)
» Olive Beach at the Diplomat Hotel – stylish Italian Restaurant
» Spice Route at the Imperial hotel (South East Asian food)
» Ego Thai (Friends Colony for Thai Food)
» Olive (Fashionable Bar and Restaurant serving Italian and Mediterranean food)
»'Taipan' the Chinese Restaurant at the Oberoi or Oberoi 360 which is a world cuisine   restaurant.
» The Veda Restaurant in Connaught Place. (Indian)
» The 1911 Gardens of the Imperial Hotel.

It is recommended to make table reservations and do advise the driver/guide your preference and he will arrange for the same. (lunch on direct payment).

After lunch sightseeing of New Delhi will be arranged visiting Qutab Minar (13th century) built by the Slave Dynasty King Qutab-ud-din-Aibaq. After visiting Qutab Minar stop at the statue of Mahavir (Jain Sect) which is perched on a hill near the Qutab Minar and offers very nice view of the area. Drive past the Chattarpur Temple Complex – the largest Hindu temple complex in Delhi where all the different types of Indian Temple architecture (ancient and modern) can be seen.

Evening visit the Humayun's Tomb at sunset which is a wonderfully preserved Mughal monument.

Overnight will be at the hotel.

Day 3 DELHI-JAIPUR
BY SURFACE: 265 KMS / 05 HRS

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the drive to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur, the guest will be received by local representative of Castle & King, who assist you in check-in and provide the time for the sightseeing tour of the city.

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 its 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 honour 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.

Enjoy evening at leisure in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 04 Jaipur
10 a.m. Castle & King's car and guide will report to the hotel and provide excursion to Amer Fort where elephant ride will be arranged to the Fort. Amber is known as Amer in local Jaipur dialect and is owned by the Jaipur family trust and was founded around the tenth century A.D. The entire sprawling complex of courtyards, halls, palaces and apartments is separated by several gates.
Continue city tour of Jaipur visiting the City Palace - the private residence of Maharaja Bhawani Singh of Jaipur and his family where part of the palace is open to public and has a museum with a very interesting armory, Astronomical observatory known as `Jantar mantar' was built by the Maharaja of Jaipur's grandfather who had a passion for astronomy. All except one of its astronomical instruments are still functional. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five story façade which overlooks the walled city's main thoroughfare and is built in quaint pink sand-stone and is studded with 953 little windows and was used for the ladies of the royal household to sit and watch local people and their activities.

After sight-seeing in the evening, car and driver is available at disposal for local shopping. Jaipur is a great place for shopping for precious stones, silks, home furnishing, sari's etc. - Castle and King recommends the following places to shop:

- Anokhi or Soma or Cottons (for Cotton Clothing and home furnishing)
- Channi Handicraft and Textiles
- Hot Pink at the Narain Niwas Haveli (for Indian Fashion clothing)
- Gem Palace or Gem Plaza for Jewels
-We recommend walking down the famous Johari Bazaar of Jaipur which has many stores   selling silver, traditional costumes etc.
- Rana's in Johari Bazaar for Saris and Silks

Enjoy evening at leisure at the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 05:
Jaipur – Pushkar
By Surface: 180 KMS / 03 HRS

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the drive to Pushkar – hosting one of the world's most colourful folk festivals. This drive would last for three hours. On arrival in Pushkar, the guest will be received by local representative of Castle & King, who assist you in check-in and provide the time for the sightseeing tour of the city.

PUSHKAR: History of Pushkar Festival lies in the Hindu scriptures. According to these scriptures, Pushkar itself is one of the five holy cities mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. The most remarkable thing about this place is that the land houses one of the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. Apart from that the city also has nearly 400 temples. Popular belief is that on the day of Poornima (full moon night) in the month of Kartika (October-November), all the 330 million deities of Hinduism remain present in the lake of Pushkar. So hundreds and thousands of devotees look forward to taking a dip in the lake. A dip in the lake on this day implies washing away the sins. The water of the lake is believed to have healing properties. A cattle fair is held in conjunction with the holy festival. Hundreds of shops sell camels, horses, bulls, cows and much more. This is an ideal example of how the religious faith and commercial interest of the human society come together. In this way Pushkar fair embodies the true spirit of India.

In the afternoon proceed for the sightseeing tour of this colourful place known as Pushkar. This colourful fare provides a wonderful photo opportunity to the tourists from all over the world. Enjoy a camel ride, enjoy the festivities and many interesting events or visit the many temples along the Pushkar Lake including the famous Brahma temple.

Overnight stay will be in deluxe tents in fair grounds.

Day 06:
Pushkar
Enjoy your full day in the festival atmosphere.

During the Pushkar fair, Cattle fair are one of the main activities. The stalls of the vendors start lining up the ground. The actual commerce takes place during this time. Although there are more interesting activities like camel race, tug of war etc you will notice during the festival. The fair ground becomes a crazy mix of camels, cattle, shops, bangles, sweetshops, clothes, potteries as well as men and women in colourful turbans and Ghagras, which turn it to a multihued pallet. Ash smeared sadhus in saffron are a common sight. The tiny village seems to burst at seams with a huge population comprised of buyers, sellers, tricksters, musicians, pandas, priests and tourists during the Festival. The nights are livened up by the medley of sounds and sights with folk music and dances, dramas and camel calls.


Overnight stay will be in deluxe tents at fair grounds.

Day 07:
Pushkar
Another full day at the Pushkar Fair

Overnight stay will be in deluxe tents at fair grounds.

Day 08:
Pushkar - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
By Surface:
After breakfast at the tent, proceed for the drive to Agra. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar's capital for approximately 12 years. Akbar selected Sikri as the seat of his government believing it to be auspicious for himself. He experimented both with architecture and art and built a city expressing his ideals and vision. Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted, phantom city. But the inner citadel is immaculately preserved. The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, and the Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques In India).

On arrival in Agra, the guests will be received by local representative of Castle & King, who assist in check-in and provide time for the sight seeing.

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 favourite 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.

Enjoy evening at leisure in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 09:
Agra
Arrangements to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise - perhaps the best time to view and visit the monument as the morning light is fresh and it is also not very crowded early morning. The Castle and King guide will advise the guests the night before the time for pick-up in the morning for the sunrise visit. Enjoy battery van ride to the Taj.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Guide will report to the hotel and proceed for the sight seeing again visit to The Agra Fort also built by Akbar in1565 Ad - the construction is dominated by red-sandstone and houses the beautiful pearly mosque also it is from here that Shah Jahan imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb looked across the Yamuna River in the last few days of his life at the Taj Mahal also visit Itmadullah's Tomb known as the Baby Taj Mahal and built between 1622-26 Ad by Nur Jahan the wife of Jahangir in memory of her father Ghias-ud-Din-Beg. From Itmadullah's Tomb – a wonderful view of the River and the public laundry can be seen which is very interesting.

Enjoy evening at leisure in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 10:
Agra-Jhansi-Orchha-Khajuraho
By Train:
By Surface:

Board the train (Bhopal shatabdi) from Agra departs at 0800 hrs reach Jhansi at 1000 hrs. Surface Travel to Khajuraho en-route Orchha.

ORCHHA: Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap who chooses this stretch of land along the Betwa River as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal a tiered palace crowned by graceful. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are interiors which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela School of painting. In the Laxminarayan Temple, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes bring the walls and ceilings to rich life.

Continue driving to Khajuraho. On arrival in Khajuraho, the guest will be received by Castle & King's representative at the hotel who assists in check-in and provide time for the sightseeing.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 11:
Khajuraho
Full day sightseeing tour of Khajuraho.

KHAJURAHO, once the great capital of Chandela, now a quiet town, Khajuraho temples here were built during the Chandela period from 950 to 1050 AD. Almost intriguing as the sheet beauty and the size of the temples is the question of why and how they were built here as Khajuraho is isolated, 1000 years ago as it is even today. The temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture and depict images of gods and goddesses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals and in great detail - women and sex.

Enjoy evening at leisure in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 12:
Khajuraho - Varanasi
By Flight:
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for the drive to the airport for flight to Varanasi. On arrival in Varanasi, the guest will be received by the local representative of Castle & King who assist in check-in and provide time for the sightseeing.

Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, believed to be founded 3000 years ago, is one of the 7 holiest cities of Hindus. It was a flourishing trading centre 500 BC when the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon. According to the Chinese traveller-Hiuen Tsang, who visited it in the 7th century, Varanasi is a city of great wealth and religious importance.

In the afternoon, Visit the Vishwanath Golden Temple, the abode of great God Shiva, Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Banaras Hindu University.

Enjoy evening at leisure in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 13:
Varanasi
Early morning boat cruise on river Ganges. Thousands of pilgrims throng the water's edge, bathing, worshipping, and meditating. On stone platforms under palm leaf umbrellas, the Pandas-Brahmin priests preside over rites and rituals. The boat trip will cover various Ghats including the cremation sites. Because every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi (Varanasi) and to be cremated on the banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. In the afternoon visit Sarnath, 7 km from the city where Buddha preached his first sermon more than 2500 years ago.

Enjoy evening at leisure in the hotel.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 14:
Varanasi/Delhi
By Flight:

In the afternoon, proceed for the drive to airport for the flight to Delhi. In the evening, proceed for the DANCES OF INDIA SHOW. After the show you will have FAREWELL DINNER before reaching the airport for flight home with sweet memories of India.

TOUR ENDS

PACKAGE INCLUDES :

» ACCOMMODATION IN ALL THE HOTELS ON TWIN SHARING BASIS, AS PER THE LIST ABOVE.
» SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY.
» BREAKFAST ON ALL DAYS.
» PRIVATE VEHICLE EXCLUSIVELY USE BY THE GUESTS ONLY.
» ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMBER FORT.
» BOAT RIDES IN VARANASI.
» PUSHKAR STAY IN DELUXE SWISS TENTS WITH ATTACHED BATHROOM. s
» PUSHKAR FAIR ACTIVITIES.
» ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE FOR THE ALL MENTIONED TOURS.
» DANCE AND DINNER AT THE END
» ALL PREVAILING TAXES LIKE LUXURY TAX IN ALL HOTELS AND EXPENDITURE TAX WHEREVER    APPLICABLE.
» ALL TRANSFERS TO OR FROM HOTELS, CITY TOURS, EXCURSIONS, DRIVES BY AIR-CONDITIONED      TRANSPORT.
» INTER STATE ROAD TAX, TOLL TAX, AND PARKING ETC.

Tour Cost

1200$

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