Varanasi
The city of Varanasi or Benaras is the oldest living city in the world, and has a tremendous amount of religious significance. To begin with, it is believed that those who die here are released from the cycle of rebirth and attain salvation. In addition it is also believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati, and is filled with temples, one of the most famous of which is the Vishwanath Temple.
One of the most important sites here are the ghats of the Ganges that are said to wash away the sins of all who take a dip in its holy waters. People come from afar to absolve themselves of their human trespasses and pilgrims are known to carry the sacred water with them to all parts of the country and the world, used for purification and worship purposes.
Close to main Varanasi is the site of Sarnath that has great significance in Buddhism. Over here one can visit monasteries, a deer park and even see the famous Ashoka Pillar, the national emblem of India.
The city is also extremely rich culturally and has been home to some of the biggest names in the field of classical music and dance, with sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar and Shenai exponent Ustad Bismillah Khan being just two names of the many great artistes who have been born in this holy land.
As far as the traditional craft of Varanasi is concerned , it is without doubt the Banarasi saris and brocades. These exquisite silks woven to perfection are an essential ingredient of almost every bridal trousseau in India and are handed down from one generation to another as family heirlooms. In addition to the traditional six-yard manifestations, Varanasi is also a good market for brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys and gold jewellery. The city has a rich array of sweetmeats that cater to the local populations and are tremendously popular amongst all with a sweet tooth. In addition to this is the Varanasi beetal-leaf called the banarasi paan that is a delicacy of sorts and has created a niche for itself amongst local and global patrons. The main markets in Varanasi are Chowk, Gyan Vapi, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri Bazar, Lahurabir, Godoulia or Dashswamedh Gali and Golghar.
The exclusiveness of Varanasi lies in the fact that it is infused with the essence of spirituality that transcends the narrow delineations of specific communities and religions. Though essentially Hindu in spirit, the city has an amazing capacity to embrace all who enter within its fold and to make them a part of its atmosphere of festivity and celebration.
The city of Varanasi s supposed to be addictive in nature. All who visit once are compelled to return to her vibrant, throbbing atmosphere, infused as it is with the joy of constant celebration and divine presence. Warm and passionate, spiritual and jovial, fun-filled and spiritually enriching, the Varanasi experience is one that defies all description. It is a city filled with life, celebrating existence in all its manifestations, defying mortality to stand in the way of the human soul, and allowing the moment to take precedence over all else.
| Tour Days |
Tour Program |
| Tour Day 01 |
Arrive Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport or railway station, our representative will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel in Delhi. |
| Tour Day 02 |
City Tour of Delhi
This morning after breakfast first you will visit old Delhi. The Raj Ghat, Red fort & Jama Masjid are important places to visit, you may also visit Chandni Chowk, spice market etc. Later on proceed to visit the New Delhi. The Qutub Minar, tallest stone tower in India, imposing India Gate and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Lotus Temple and, newly built Akshardham temple are of much significance. By evening return to your hotel for overnight stay. |
| Tour Day 03 |
Delhi to Jaipur
This morning after breakfast you will drive to the pink city of Jaipur, On arrival check into your hotel and rest of the day is at leisure. Stay overnight at hotel in Jaipur. |
| Tour Day 04 |
Jaipur City Tour
This morning after breakfast visit the Amber fort, built in 16th century, enjoy an elephant ride at Amber. Drive past the Hawa Mahal-a Palace of winds. In the afternoon you will visit the city palace and museum, walk to adjacent Jantar Mantar an astronomical observatory. Rest of the evening is at leisure. Stay overnight at hotel in Jaipur. |
| Tour Day 05 |
Jaipur to Agra
This morning after breakfast you will drive to Mughal city Agra and check into your hotel. Enroute you will visit the Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Rest of the day is free at your leisure. Overnight at hotel. |
| Tour Day 06 |
Agra-Visit to Tajmahal & Overnight train to Vasranasi
This Morning after breakfast visit the Agra fort, built by the great Emperor Akbar, and the famous Taj Mahal-the symbol of love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. You may also visit Dayal Bagh. By evening you will be transferred to board the train to Varanasi. Overnight in Train. |
| Tour Day 07 |
Varanasi City Tour
On arrival at Varanasi, pick up and transfer to Hotel. This afternoon visit the Bharat Mata Temple, Durga temple, Tulsi Manas mandir, Banaras Hindu University which has an art gallery, Kashi Vishwanath Temple etc. Overnight at Hotel. |
| Tour Day 08 |
Boat Ride & visit to Sarnath
Early morning boat excursion on the holy river Ganges to see the bathing ghats and cremation site. Watching people bathing and worshipping at the ghats is one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India. This afternoon visit Sarnath, the Buddhist city, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the ruins, the stupa, the Buddhist temple and the museum. Return to hotel for overnight stay. |
| Tour Day 09 |
Varanasi to Delhi by Flight & Transfer to International Airport
Today you will be transferred to Airport to take a flight to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi Airport assistance in transferring to International Airport to board your onward flight. |
| Click here to book this tour package |
Your Tour Includes:
|
- 7 Nights accommodation in hotels on twin sharing basis.
- Daily buffet breakfast.
- All arrival, departure, sightseeing’s as per above itinerary by air conditioned car with English speaking driver.
- Elephant ride at Amer fort rampart.
- Train from Agra to Varanasi in air conditioned class (3AC).
- Flight from Varanasi to Delhi in economy class.
- All applicable hotel & transport taxes.
- Government services tax of 4.89%.
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Your Tour Does Not Includes:
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- Any meals other than those specified.
- Expenses of personal nature such as tips, telephone calls, laundry, liquor etc.
- Entrance fees during sightseeing.
- Any other item not specified.
- International airfare.
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Terms & conditions: |
- The hotels and services mentioned in the itinerary are subject to confirmation.
- The rates give below may change in case of change in hotels, transport rates or Government taxes.
|
| Click here to book this tour package |
Hotels to be provided: |
Valid from 1st October 2009 to 31st March 2010, (Except 20th December 09 to 05th January 2010) |
| City |
Number of Nights |
Economy Hotels
Budget Hotels |
Deluxe Hotels
3 to 4 Star |
Luxury Hotels
5 Star |
| Delhi |
2 |
Hotel Bill Palace |
Hotel Florence Inn |
Hotel Inter Continental |
| Jaipur |
2 |
Hotel Bharat Mahal Palace |
Hotel Mandawa Haveli |
Hotel Park Prime |
| Agra |
1 |
Hotel Royale Residency |
Hotel Amar |
Hotel Clarks Shiraz |
| Varanasi |
2 |
Hotel India |
Hotel Hindustan International |
Hotel Taj Ganges |
| Cost for a single Person traveling alone. |
US$ 859 |
US$ 1061 |
US$ 1970 |
| Cost per person on twin sharing basis. |
US$ 505 |
US$ 727 |
US$ 1172 |
| Group Rates |
On request |
On request |
On request |
| Click here to book this tour package |
Valid from 1st April 2009 to 30th September 2009 |
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