"Experience the majestic elephant show & colourful Holi celebration"
Francis Bacon ( 1561 – 1626 )
Itinerary:
Day1: Europe -Delhi
Day2: Delhi
Day3: Delhi - Jaipur
Day4: Jaipur
Day5: Jaipur - Ranthambore
Day6: Ranthambore
Day7: Ranthambore - Bharatpur
Day8: Bharatpur-Agra
Day9: Agra - Varanasi
Day10: Varanasi
Day11: Varanasi Day12:
Varanasi - Delhi
Day13: Delhi - Europe
Introduction:
India captivates - from its exquisitely carved fortresses and temples to the
colourful bustle of everyday life. Its rich cultural heritage during its
spectacular festivals brings hope and happiness. On a journey to the
evocative cities of Rajasthan and the fascinating spiritual centre of
Varanasi, experience the Elephant and Holi festivals in March.
Enjoy the colourful events of the elephant festival, including procession of
these magnificent animals lovingly painted and attired in glittering
ornaments and embroidered velvets and games such as elephant polo and
elephant tug-of-war. Observe the special rites of Holi, in which people toss
coloured powder and water over each other in an ancient celebration of
spring, followed by offering special sweets and drinks to each other.
Explore the Tiger Country of Ranthambore National Park and the wetlands of
Keoladeo Ghana Bird National Park by rickshaw, venture into Fatehpur Sikri,
admire Taj Mahal, and observe ancient rituals on the Ganges River.
Highlights:
. Exploration of cultural heritage, wildlife, and contemporary life of India.
. Search for the elusive Royal Bengal Tigers.
. Watch the rising and setting sun transform the glorious Taj Mahal.
. Experience village life in Bharatpur and spot wildlife in Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
. Participate in the celebrations during India's legendary festivals.
. Witness timeless Hindus ceremonies as you cruise past scared sites that line the banks of the Ganges River.
Outline Itinerary (Elephant Festival & Holi Festival in March)
|
Day 1: Europe - New Delhi
|
|
| |
Day 2: Delhi
On arrival in Delhi at International Airport, you will be received by
Discovery Journey's Representative, with traditional garland welcome &
transfer to your pre-booked hotel. After a morning at leisure, set out into
New Delhi. Explore Humayun's Tomb, a milestone in the history of Mughal
architecture, and the looming sandstone tower of Qutab Minar. O/n hotel.
|
|
|
| |
|
Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur (Elephant Festival )
Early morning drive to the "pink city" of Jaipur (245 km, about 4 hrs),
named after its buildings of soft rose-colored stucco. Spend time at the
Amber fort, a majestic fortress-palace decorated with intricate paintings
and mosaics. In the late afternoon, experience the annual Elephant Festival,
where ornately decorated elephants stroll by in graceful processions.O/n
hotel.
|
|
| |
Day 4: Jaipur (Holi Festival)
Today, immerse yourself in the celebrations of Holi, the spring Festival of
Colours. Travel into the countryside for a special dinner with folk
entertainment tonight. O/n hotel.
|
|
|
| |
|
Day 5: Jaipur - Ranthambore
Encounter Rajasthani grandeur at the City Palace where rare manuscripts,
swords, and paintings are on display. At the 17th century astronomical
observatory Jantar Mantar, view a 90 - foot sundial, and admire the
elaborate façade of the Palace of winds. Then travel to Ranthambore (160 km,
about 3 hrs) and check into your jungle resort. O/n jungle resort.
|
|
| |
Day 6: Ranthambore
Morning and afternoon do a jungle safari with a naturalist guide in an open
canter coach.O/n jungle resort.
Ranthambore national park: Located in south-east Rajasthan, where the
Vindhayas and the Aravalli Hills meet, the Ranthambore National Park is
bound by the rivers Chambal, in the south, and Banas, in the north.
Characterised by rocky plains, flat hilltops, gentle slopes and precipitous
cliffs, covered by dry deciduous forests, Ranthambore is virtually an island
rich in flora and fauna in an ocean of villages, farmland and over grazed
arid land.
A haven for a multitude of wild animals, the park boasts of playing host to
Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopards, the elusive Caracals, Hyenas, Sloth Bears,
Wild Boars, Crocodiles and so on. Besides, there are around 300 species of
birds, from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle to the exotic Golden Oriole.
|
|
|
| |
|
Day 7: Ranthambore - Bharatpur
Enjoy the early morning jungle safari, then back to jungle resort for
breakfast. Later drive to Bharatpur (250 km, 6 hrs). On arrival in Bharatpur
check into the hotel & relax in the lovely gardens. O/n hotel.
|
|
| |
Day 8: Bharatpur - Agra
Morning travel by rickshaw through the wetlands of Keoladeo Ghana National
Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site harboring more than 400 species of birds.
Search for wildlife and birds, including kingfishers and various species of
cranes. Later, venture into the village to meet locals and experience daily
life in India. After lunch, continue to Agra (55 km, 2 hrs), stopping to
visit Fatehpur Sikri, the perfectly preserved 16th Century Mughal capital of
Emperor Akbar. Evening an optional walk through colourful Agra market. O/n
hotel.
|
|
|
| |
|
Day 9: Agra - Varanasi (by train)
Morning sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal - the most extravagant monuments
built for love. Later visit Agra fort - a testimony to the skills of the
16th century architects and artists. Afterwards visit Sikandra (Emperor
Akbar's mausoleum.). Evening take an overnight train (21:15 hrs - 08:15 hrs)
to the city of Varanasi, India's spiritual capital. O/n train.
|
|
| |
Day 10: Varanasi
Arrive Varanasi. Afternoon visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first
sermon and Banaras Hindu University. O/n hotel.
|
|
|
| |
|
Day 11: Varanasi
At sunrise cruise the Ganga River aboard wooden rowboats to view pilgrims
bathing, offering morning prayers, and performing religious rituals.
Afternoon visit ancient temples and old market. Observe the mystical evening
prayer ritual, or aarti, on the mighty Ganges. Tonight's farewell dinner
takes place in a restaurant resplendent with candles and flowers,
overlooking the river set aglow with lanterns. O/n hotel.
|
|
| |
Day 12: Varanasi - Delhi (by flight)
After a free morning in Varanasi, fly to Delhi. Relax in day rooms before
transferring to the airport for your return flight.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Copyright © 2008, Learning xpedition India. All Rights Reserved |
|
