DAY 01
Delhi Arrival – Delhi City Tour
When you turn out yourself at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, a representative from Travel Astu will receive you. You will be transferred to a hotel to stretch your legs for some time.
Delhi, the capital city of magical subcontinent is located in the heart of the country and is one of the oldest cities in the world. The city has played a major role in formation of pages of history books. It is a city which has a perfect mixture of both past and present. Opulent and significance, the city is one of the irrefutable cities of the country. Basically, this city is the first port of call for those who are visiting India for the first time.
We start our tour by exploring Old Delhi. Our first visit would be to the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, profoundly known as the Father of Nation. A simple black stone sanatorium which marks the spot of criminationwith an immortal flame burning at one end, as a gratitude to a person who changed the history of this sub-continent and of the world with his great ideologies.
Next we speculate is the impressive sandstone edifice, Red Fort, which was authorized by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1963 and this construction served as the center of operations for at least two centuries. This iconic symbol of India is used as a platform by the Prime Minister of India to address the public and hoist the National flag on Independence Day.
Then we board you on Rickshaw and take you to ride to Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in Asia, through the intricate lanes of Old Delhi. Speculating the monument from outside, we shall observe the towering domes and skyscrapers which looks like an Arabian Night.
After exploring these memorable monuments we will move to New Delhi, which was built in 1930’s by Britishers. This side of Delhi is a total contrast to Old Delhi and is also known as Luyten’s Delhi because this city was designed by Sir Edwin Luyten. In this comprehended avenue you will explore the magnificent government offices.
Here we will travel to India Gate, a red sandstone Arch, located on the either side of the Raj path on the edge of the ceremonial axis of New Delhi. It is also known as All India War Memorial and is homage to all those soldiers who died during the First World War. In the middle of The Arch is the Black marble podium with a flame of an immortal soldier leading us to Parliament House, which is the center of operations for the largest democracy in the World.
Walking a few miles more we shall also speculate residence of the President of India, Rashtrapati Bhawan which is also known for its Mughal Gardens with dazzling fountains. Whereas visitors can enchant its beauty only in the days of autumn.
We shall end our day by speculating with our raised neck is Qutub Minar, the tallest tower in the country. This magnificent monument is the mark of the first Mughal establishment in the country. The unique feature of this square iron tower is that it never rusts. The tower even consists of the first Mosque that was built in the country If we spare some time from day schedule, then we shall also visit the Lotus Temple located in South Delhi. Flower like shape temple is the mother temple of the Indian subcontinent. This prominent tourist attraction is worth speculating.
When the moon begins to spread its light in the sky we shall experience and introduce you to Sufism in the little neighborhood of Delhi, Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin.The magical version shall reveal to us the teachings of Ishq (love), Aql (intelligence) and Ilm (knowledge). And we end our night with a Sufi musical concert popularly Qawwali.
Overnight in Delhi.
DAY 02
Delhi to Bagdogra by Flight
Bagdogra to Gangtok by Road
After Breakfast at hotel you will be free to do shopping for your family.
After enjoying free time we will transfer you to Delhi airport to board flight for Bagdogra airport.
On your arrival at Bagdodra airport, meet our Travel Astu representative and get escorted to pre-booked hotel in Gangtok.
Revered as the "land of monasteries", Gangtok is one of the top tourist destinations to visit in India. The city boasts of number of iconic monasteries, educational institutions, striking valleys and wonderful sanctuaries. With its breathtaking attractions, Gangtok allures travelers from all parts of India and across the globe. The place has much to offer when it comes to attractions.
You may visit Rumtek Monastery; largest Gompa in Sikkim, Saramsa Garden (a beautiful garden where you can see number of fruits and flowers planted), Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary (wonderful sanctuary famous for varied flora and fauna) and Yumthang valley (the valley is home to Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary where there are 24 species of Rhododendron).
Overnight stay in the hotel
DAY 03
Excursion to Tsomgo Lake (38 km/ around an hour drive)
After breakfast, proceed for short trip to Tsomgo Lake; one of the most popular tourist spots settled at an attitude up to 12, 400ft. The lake receives its water from the melting of snows of the mountains. The lake holds great religious importance among locals. Legends say that, Buddhist monks in earlier times predicted the future after the study of color of water.
You may also indulge in wonderful yak and mule ride along the lake and adore the spectacular surrounding. There is also a Lord Shiva temple near the lake where you can offer sincere prayers to seek the blessings of the Lord.
Next you head to Baba mandir which is another major tourist attraction in Gangtok. The holy shrine is placed at an altitude up to 1300ft. and is just few kilometers away from Tsomgo Lake.
Locals here claim that the temple was put up in the memory of Baba Harbhajan Singh (a soldier). In fact, the temple is also referred to as Baba Harbhajan Singh temple.
With some good, memories return back to hotel. Rest of the day you can either shop at the lively bazaars of Gangtok or just loosen up in the hotel room.
Wel, if you are in Gangtok, shopping becomes a must-do thing. The best-buys of the place are handicrafts, locally made artifacts, Tibetan carpets, shimmering jewelries, Sikkim tea, alpine cheese, black cardamom and other traditional outfits.
Overnight stay in the hotel.
DAY 04
Gangtok to Darjeeling (96kms/3hrs)
Morning breakfast and drive to Darjeeling, On arrival check in at hotel and proceed to visit Darjeeling.
Renowned as the ‘Queen of hills’, Darjeeling is an important tourist destination to visit in the state of West Bengal. The marvelous hill station is set up at an elevation of 7100ft with mountains and valleys all around and is best-known for salubrious weather, natural beauty, tea farms, monasteries, lakes, museums and a whole lot. The awe-inspiring views of Kanchenjunga, (the third highest mountain peak in the world) would totally leave you awestruck.
Darjeeling is also home to the famous World Heritage Train- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway; a thin gauge course connecting Darjeeling and Siliguri. Popular as the Darjeeling Toy train, the train started its operation in around 1881 and is one of the few hill railways operating in India. The train passes through some rolling hills, green jungles and tea farms of Darjeeling.
On your arrival at Darjeeling, check-in at a hotel and relax. Further, in the evening you are free to walk around the local markets. Some of the unique buys of Darjeeling that shouldn’t be missed during your visit include variety of teas, amazing kitchen wares, brass statues, woven fabrics and shinning jewelries.
Overnight stay in the hotel.
DAY 05
Darjeeling - Bagdogra to Delhi by Flight
Delhi to Agra by road (204kms/4hrs)
Morning according to flight timings we will transfer you to Bagdogra airport to board flight for Delhi, On arrival at Delhi our representative will receive you and assist you at your car, and we then move on drive to Agra along one of the India's finest freeways, the Yamuna expressway.
On arrival, check into the hotel.
Evening proceed to visit Mehtab Bagh in Agra. Back to hotel and night stay.
DAY 06
Agra City Tour
Early morning visit Taj mahal at the time of sunrise, visit to the our most awaited monument – The Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The guide will assist you inside the Tomb, and will explain you the story behind every part.
After that back to hotel for breakfast and in the afternoon visit the famous monuments of the Agra. Agra Fort, built by great Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Fort built of red sandstone is situated on the banks of Yamuna River. One can see the fine Mughal architecture at the courtyards and big royal courtyard halls of the fort
And at last Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah is a Mughal mausoleum in the city of Agra in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Often described as a "jewel box", sometimes called the "Baby Tāj", the tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Tāj Mahal.
Night stay in Agra.
DAY 07
Agra - Abhaneri- Jaipur (235kms/5-6hrs)
Morning you may visit to the Taj Mahal without the guides, to explore it at your own or just to sit, relax and viewing the Taj Mahal.
Spend leisurely morning in your hotel and then after breakfast head to Jaipur city. The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is famous among travelers as 'Pink City' for its pink coloured building, houses and markets.
While driving from Agra to Jaipur, on the way, we will visit to Fatehpur Sikri also called the Ghost city, as the water doesn't reach this place, due to which the city got abandoned and laid in ruins.
Continuing our drive, just before 90kms away from Jaipur city, we will pay a visit to the famous step wells of Abhaneri village, also called Abhanagri. You will see here one of the biggest step wells, where the villagers used to collect the water in rainy seasons.
Head towards Jaipur from here, and reach our beautiful hotel.
Evening spend the time at leisure.
Night stay in Jaipur.
DAY 08
Jaipur City Tour
After breakfast we move forward for sightseeing to Amber Fort. An elephant ride lifts you up to the Fort.
Perched high on the hill, 11 kms from the capital city, the palace is a classic romantic fort with the artistic style of Hindu elements in its architecture. The palace has beautiful fusion of both Hindu and Mughal architecture which is an ultimate feature of this fort.
Next we go and speculate is Jantar Mantar, astrological devices for individual constellations is one of the largest and best preserved observatories out of five in the country. This observatory was built by Jai Singh II and is a unique experience of walking through solid geometry.
After a unique walk in solid geometry we refresh our imagination with sightseeing of Hawa Mahal, also famed as the Palace of winds. The place got its name due to the high screen wall of palace with 953 windows through which the women of the palace could witness street festivals but it was not visible from outside. The palace is located on the edge of City palace and is constructed with pink and red sandstone in the year 1799 by Pratap Singh.
We continue with our sightseeing and move to city palace.
City Palace, a seat of the ruler of Jaipur is a complex of palaces with many courtyards and palaces was built by Sawai Jai Singh II between 1729 to 1732 AD. The architecture of the palace is a great combination of three dynasties, namely, Mughal, Rajput and European. The palace comprises of two famous palaces known Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Whereas today Chandra Mahal has been turned into a museum, which portrays various uniforms, handcrafted products and lifestyle of royal families.
This noon you are set free to relax and to explore the city on your own.
When dusk begins to set, we shall visit the Birla Temple to grab more insight on the religious life of Jaipur. Located at the foot of the Moti dungri Fort, Birla Temple is beautifully lit in the evening, which attracts a flood of tourist attraction. Built 1988 with the finest quality of white marble, this temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu. The stained glass work in the temple depicts the scenes from Hindu scriptures. It is a modern architectural wonder with lush green gardens all round.
Here you will also be witnessing AARTI ceremony, which is a treat to watch.
Evening spend some time walking at the local bazaars, where you can buy the Indian clothes, certified precious and semi precious stones and jewellery for you or your loved ones.
Later drive back to our luxurious hotel for night stay.
DAY 9
Jaipur to Delhi by Road (250kms/5-6hrs)
Delhi to Patna by Flight
After breakfast at the hotel, and check out from the hotel to move back to Delhi, where you will be transferred to Delhi airport to board flight for Patna.
On arrival at Patna, Our representative will receive you and transfer to the hotel.
Evening visit to Takht Sri Patna Sahib is a Gurdwara in the neighborhood of Patna Sahib, India. It was built in remembrance of the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs on 22 December 1666.
Overnight in Patna.
DAY 10
Patna
Morning breakfast at hotel.
DAY AT LEISURE FOR YOUR OWN ACTIVITIES OR YOU CAN VISIT PATNA.
Overnight in Patna.
DAY 11
Patna to Varanasi by road (250kms/6hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive to Varanasi.
Reach Varanasi and check into the Hotel.
Varanasi, the city of temples and Ghats, is an utmost travel destination of the country over the centuries. It is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi attracts tourist who come to enjoy the mystical divinity. It is believed that one who takes his or her last breath gets the freedom from the complicated cycle of life and death so it is regarded as the Holiest cities for Hindus in the country. It is believed that the place has magical spells, but it is not faint hearted.
When sunset begins to set, we shall witness Aarti at the Ghats of Varanasi. The chants of religious hymns by priests, the sound of conch shells, bells, gongs, the smell of camphor and incense sticks will mesmerize you as you sit by the dark waters of the ancient river. Your guide will be on hand to explain the proceedings and the significance of the Vedic hymns recited by the priests.
Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 12
Varanasi Sightseeing Tour
Varanasi to Delhi by Flight
Like an early bird we shall start our day with a drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the holy water of River Ganga. We explore Cremination Ghats to speculate the live rituals of the world’s most important religions.
For you to enchant the beauty of this holy city we shall board you off on the banks of River Ganga.
Board the boat with your guide and you will be in the middle of the river and here you speculate the sun, unfolding its sight of sunrise in front of you. And at the background you will experience thousands of pilgrims worshipping sunrise and having a bath in the holy waters.
We return at Ghat and walk through the paved streets of the banks of River Ganga.
Experience the death ceremony rituals.
Time for the shops to open, the market becomes a beehive of activities with the flood of tourist.
Return for breakfast to the hotel.
Stroll around famous sari markets of the city. Board yourself for a rickshaw ride from the city to the Chowk witnessing the main markets of the city.
We get down at Chowk and shall explore various markets by strolling in the streets.
We shall cover:-
• The wedding market (Kinari Bazaar)
• Kachori Galli (lane of kachoris, these are deep-fried snacks very popular in Varanasi)
• Khoa Galli (this lane sells milk products including paneer and condensed, sweetened milk)
• Vishwanath Galli (the most famous of all lanes in Varanasi).
Next we stop at Benaras Hindu University covering the area of 400 acres and is the largest residential universities in Asia. The complex features an art gallery and a mosque of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
After we shall move forward to Sarnath, a well-known Buddhist site and a popular tourist destination that is worth a visit. The place got its fame after Buddha delivered its first sermon after attaining enlightenment after 2500 years. It is one of the holiest place in Asia.
We shall explore a museum that features antiquities dating back to 3rd century BC.
We even visit the textile village where will discover artisan with their set up and daily activity.
Evening we will transfer you to Varanasi airport to board flight for Delhi.
On arrival at Delhi we will be in airport to transfer you to hotel.
DAY 13
Delhi - Departure
Enjoy leisurely breakfast in the hotel.
If you will interest, we shall take you for architectural visit of Akshardham temple or else you can explore the Delhi lanes, do shopping and immortalize them in photographs.
Akshardham temple is a Hindu temple complex, which portrays Hindu religion and Indian cultures, architecture and spirituality. The temples lay down its foundation near the banks of Yamuna and attract a majority of tourist visiting Delhi. This stone crafted temple exhibits the life story of Swami Narayan as well as displays the history of India.
Enjoy your last day shopping in India
As per the flight timings of International flight; you will transfer back to your sweet home town with unforgettable memories of India.
TOUR ENDS!!!
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