Dev Deepavali Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for a full day city tour of Old & New Delhi.

You will first visit Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws. The Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, is built on a 10m elevation, towering above the surroundings. It can hold a mind-blowing 25,000 people. The marble and red-sandstone ‘Friday Mosque’ was Shah Jahan’s final architectural triumph, built between 1644 and 1658. The four watchtowers were used for security. There are two minarets standing 40m high, one of which can be climbed for amazing views. All of the three gates allow access to the mosque.

After visiting Old Delhi, you will be taken to New Delhi. Laid out by British architect Edwin Lutyens, the Indian capital is a striking modern metropolis. A gracious contrast to Old Delhi's winding streets, the grand avenues and stately buildings of New Delhi are rich with history and culture, from Gandhi's Delhi home (and the site of his assassination) to the tomb of Humayun, a complex of Mughal buildings reminiscent of the Taj Mahal.

The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar. The first monuments here were erected by the Sultans of Mehrauli, and subsequent rulers expanded on their work, hiring the finest craftsmen and artisans to set in stone the triumph of Muslim rule.

The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.

Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour.

Overnight at the hotel.

BY ROAD IN 6 HOURS

Morning drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival proceed to check in at hotel.

Rajasthan is the life of India and the essence of this country. This colourful, lively and traditional Indian state has a rich background of culture and history. Rajasthan has more history than the rest of India put together. It is called ‘The Land of Kings’ because it is a fabulous realm of Maharajas and their majestic forts and palaces. Its romantic pasts remind tourists of its heroism, honour and chivalry. Historically, Rajasthan is home of the Rajputs, the ruling clan who were said to have originated from the sun, moon and fire, and ruled Rajasthan for more than 1000 years.

Late evening you are invited at a traditional Rajasthani house to enjoy the home-cooked dinner along with the family members. Most of the Indians still have a joint family with three generations i.e. grand-parents, parents, and children staying under one roof. Some of these families also have separate space for domestic animals near to where they stay. The families still stick to the traditional values i.e. No shoes are allowed inside the house. Only vegetarian meals to be cooked and consumed in the house. Dinner served in traditional style. One can also learn about Indian customs/traditions while speaking to family members.

Overnight will be at the hotel.

Post breakfast, proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort

This fort is one of the most well-known and most visited forts in India. Amber was once the capital of princely Jaipur state, and the fort the residence of its Rajput rulers. Maharaja Man Singh I, who led Mughal Emperor Akbar's army, commenced its construction in 1592 on the remains of an 11th-century fort.

Continue sightseeing. Next stop will be The City Palace. The palace was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. As most structures in Jaipur this palace also reflects the fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture.

Next stop at Jantar Mantar which is an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century.

Post lunch you will visit the Hawa Mahal. This beautiful structure is predominantly a high screen wall made of pink and red sandstone that facilitated royal women to get an eyeful of the street festivals and busy city life while remaining out of the view of public. This five-storied building was built in the shape of a crown of Lord Krishna with 953 windows and a beautifully decorated façade that resembled a honeycomb of a beehive, giving one a feel of the rich heritage of the Rajputs.

This afternoon is free for you to relax shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewelry, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.

This evening, visit the BIRLA TEMPLE to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The temple was constructed with white marble and seems to be enveloped in serenity by the Birlas in 1988, who are responsible for constructing many other famous temples in India. The temple is an abode to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. For this reason, the temple was formerly known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple.

Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

BY ROAD IN 6 HOURS

After an early breakfast drive down to Agra.

Visit ABHANERI before reaching Agra.

Abhaneri is a small village of the Dausa district in northern Rajasthan. The present name of the village, 'Abhaneri', is believed to be a mispronunciation of 'Abha Nagri' or the 'city of brightness. The Chand Baori is a step well that is regarded as a unique invention of the people of Abhaneri; it was created for rainwater harvesting. Located in the front of the Harshat Mata temple, this colossal step well has a depth of 20 meters, with 13 levels. Chand Baori is regarded as one of deepest and largest step wells in India. Despite being so huge, the well still has delicate and intricate carvings which are a visual treat. Various structures are also built around the step well.

Proceed further and visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri is a magnificent, fortified ancient city, 40 kilometres west of Agra. It was the short-lived capital of the Mughal Empire between 1572-1585; during Akbar’s reign. According to history, Akbar had visited the village of Sikri to meet Sheikh Salim Chisti, who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne. When this prophecy came true, Akbar built his new capital here, along with a mosque (that is still used) and three palaces for his three favourite wives. The city was an Indo-Islamic masterpiece, but erected in an area that supposedly suffered from water shortages and so was abandoned shortly after Akbar’s death.

Reach Agra and transfer to hotel.

Agra is a city of fascinating attractions and was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. As Shah Jahan found himself unable to stay on in the land after the death of his beloved wife, he shifted the capital to Delhi.

Overnight will be at Agra.

BY ROAD IN 2 HOURS

Today morning you will proceed for a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Midway Tonga’s “horse carriages” would be waiting for you and will drop you at the gates of the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is, of‌ ‌course, one of the most famous wonders of the world and an elegy created in marble. It was built as an ‘expression of true love’ by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. From the moment you step through the outer courtyard and get your first glimpse of the infinity pools and the silhouette of the Taj you are dumbstruck by the magnificence of its perfection. The Mughal architecture is symmetrical in every way and the quality of the workmanship is beyond compare.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. Relax and check out and proceed to visit Agra Fort.

The Agra Fort was built under Akbar’s reign in 1573. It took more than 4000 workers and 8 years of toil to complete the fort. Akbar chose to make this fort the main residence of the Mughals due to the significance of its location. It remained the primary residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1638.

After the tour you will be driven down to Chambal (70 kms/ 1.5 hrs). En-route visit Bateshwar temples.

The Bateshwar Temple is an ancient temple complex situated 70 kilometres from Agra, on the banks of the Yamuna. There are 101 temples located in a sequence along the banks of river Yamuna. These temples were built by King Badan Singh Bhadoriya who changed the flow of Yamuna river from east to west towards Bateshwar. Earlier the river used to flow from west to east. The king also built a dam to protect these temples from the heavy water coming from river Yamuna. The temple even finds its mention in the holy scripts of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Matsyapurana.

Proceed to Chambal and check in at your hotel.

The Chambal river is a 650-mile river flowing from the Vindhya Mountains of north central India eastward into the Yamuna River. The Yamuna in turn originates in the Himalayas and empties into the Ganges River. The Chambal is one of the few places remaining in India with enough unpolluted water that it can support Ganges River Dolphins.

Overnight at the hotel.

BY ROAD IN 3 HOURS

Morning proceed for the river safari.

The Chambal river safari is a private excursion through the mystifying greens of the National Chambal Sanctuary. Located at a distance of 80 kilometres from Agra, the sanctuary is a veritable haven for Gharials, Crocodiles, Turtles, Gangetic Dolphins, smooth coated Otters and boasts over 290 species of resident and migratory birds.

Return to the hotel and have breakfast. Later drive to Gwalior. On arrival proceed to check in at your hotel.

Gwalior is most popular for the imposing Gwalior fort, which was famously described as a ‘the pearl among fortresses in India’. Historically, the city has been the cradle of a number of dynasties that ruled it over the years. Their influence is clearly seen in the many regal structures that dominate the cityscape. In a sense, Gwalior continues to retain a medieval majesty. Gwalior has also kept Indian traditions and the wealth of music intact over the years. Famous musicians like Tansen and Baiju Bawara hailed from this place.

Visit the magnificent Gwalior Fort, which was praised by Cunningham as the 'noblest specimen of Hindu architecture in Northern India.' The fort was built in the 8th century by the Rajputs and is also famous for its riot of blue and yellow glazed tile work. After visiting the fort you will proceed to visit Sasbahu Mandir that has a unique blend of architectural styles. Drive past the Scindia School, run by the royal family of Gwalior. Gwalior also accommodates the tomb of Mohammed Ghaus II, noted for its sandstone screen work, dating back to late 16th Century. Mohammed Ghaus assisted Babur in obtaining Gwalior and later became spiritual adviser to Akbar. It is an exceptional tomb of early Mughal influence. Later move on to the Jai Vilas Palace and Museum, which is the current residence of the royal Scindia family, decorated with tapestries and antique furniture.

Enjoy the Son et Lumiere show at the fort post which return back to hotel.

Overnight will be at the hotel.

BY ROAD IN 4 HOURS

After breakfast, check out and proceed to visit Jiwaji Rao Scindia Museum.

When the Jaivilas Palace was built in 1874 by Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia, a wing of the palace was converted into a museum. The museum offers a view of the palace created in the 19th and 20th centuries and focuses on various arts and crafts that grew and reached their zenith under the royal family’s patronage. It also tries to provide a viable place for the expansion of knowledge through research and sharing with the public.

Post this visit, drive to Orchha. On arrival proceed to check in at the hotel.

Thereafter, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Orchha.

The historic town of Orchha, nestled on the banks of river Betwa, was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput Chief, Rudra Pratap. The ancient town seems frozen in time, with its many monuments continuing to retain their original grandeur even to this day. Here you will find some of the most fascinating temples and palaces ever seen. Upon arrival at Orhcha you will proceed for the sightseeing tour visiting the Jehangir Mahal, within the fort, built in 1606; the Raj Mahal noted for its fine murals and the Rai Praveen Mahal, a palace set in the gardens of Anand Mahal.

Overnight will be at hotel.

BY ROAD IN 4 HOURS

After breakfast you will drive to Khajuraho and upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.

Khajurahois a small town located in the Bundelkhand region ofMadhya Pradeshand is famous for groups of Hindu and Jain temples. These temples are aUNESCO World Heritage Sitefor their beautiful and erotic rock carvings. Khajuraho has the Vindhya range of mountains as its beautiful backdrop. This makes Khajuraho a fascinating destination to visit. Khajuraho's art is a manifestation of the essence of the philosophy of Indian aesthetics. The erotic sculptures of Khajuraho depicting Kama Sutra are unique in the world.

These sculptures representing the Indo-Aryan architecture, congeal in stone a lyrical paean to love and passion and reflect the Chandela dynasty's passion and immense appreciation for the forbidden art, paradoxically, in the land of Kama Sutra. They cannot be passed off as just erotic sculptures; the temples have some of the most revered Gods of Hinduism.

Khajuraho is not something that can be described in words; it has to be experienced.

Visit the Western Group of Temples. The Western Group of Temples are the largest and richest of all temple groups. In the evening, enjoy the Son et Lumiere show at the temple complex.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

BY FLIGHT

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Eastern Group of Temples.

Afternoon, our representative will transfer you to the airport in time for your flight to Varanasi.

Our representative will meet you at the airport upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel for checking in. Remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Varanasi, the 'eternal city', and Hinduism's most important city, located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, has been the center of learning & civilization for over two thousand years. It is also the oldest living city in the world.

Afternoon is kept free for independent activities.

Overnight will be at the hotel.

Drive to Daswamedh Ghat early in the morning and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. We will start at 5am for the best experiences. For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we’ll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water’s edge. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful keep coming and going.

Return to the hotel. After breakfast at the hotel, visit "Bharat Kala Bhavan" which lies within the sprawling grounds of Banaras Hindu University. Its outstanding collection of sculpture, paintings and textiles began with the private collection of the enlightened Rai Krishnadasa.

Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Today you will witness an annual fair called Dev Deepavali. Dev Deepavali is celebrated on the occasion of Kartik Poornima when the Ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of Diyas (earthen lamps). Dev Deepavali, celebrated on the fifteenth day ofDiwali, is a tribute to river Ganges by the people of Varanasi. It is believed that on the day of Dev Deepavali, the Gods descend on Earth.

Overnight will be at the hotel.

After breakfast, proceed to visit Sarnath, located just 12 kilometres outside Varanasi. Sarnath is the site of the deer park where Gautam Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment and is one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage.

Return to the city to experience the street food tour.

This food tour samples locally made historical and traditional food joints. Join for a walk to taste traditional street food of Varanasi like the chaat, samosa, British Raj-inspired tea & toast and a vast array of mithai, the traditional grain, lentil or milk based sweets of India. From kathai biscuits to rich saffron milk thandai, creamy winter malaiyyo or summer yogurt lassi, Varanasi has tastes and textures of all shapes and sizes that change from season to season. The tour finishes off with vegetarian Banarasi Bathi Choka, a chickpea infused roasted bread, soaked in ghee and served with potato chutney. The non-vegetarian end point is a visit to the weavers’ alleys for biryani & kebab

Overnight will be at Varanasi.

BY FLIGHT

Breakfast at the hotel. In time our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport to board your flight for Delhi.

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be received us at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check in. Day at leisure. This day can be used for shopping at local markets.

Overnight will be at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today in time you will be transferred to International airport to board flight for onward destination

TOUR ENDS