Day
1 -
Delhi
Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Delhi
Day
2 -
Khajuraho
Delhi - Jhansi Jn. (By Train: Shatabdi Exp: 0615/1045 Hrs) Khajuraho (B)
Early morning pick up from hotel and transfer to railway station to board the train to Jhansi Railway Station. On arrival in Jhansi drive to Khajuraho.
KHAJURAHO
The name Khajuraho, ancient "Kharjuravāhaka", is derived from the Sanskrit words kharjura = date palm and vāhaka = "one who carries". The Khajuraho Group of Monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India. The Temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. These temples were built by the rulers of the Chandela dynasty over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150. There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 25 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 20 square kilometres (8 sq mi). Today, the temples serve as fine examples of Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to their explicit depiction of sexual life during medieval times. On arrival in Khajuraho, transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Khajuraho
Day
3 -
Varanasi
Khajuraho - Varanasi (By Flight: Operates only on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday) (B)
After breakfast enjoy visit of Khajuraho including following:
Eastern and Western Groups of Temple
Visit Eastern Group of temples mainly dedicated to the Jain teachers-tirthankaras. The Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple and the Santinatha Temple. The temples are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods, goddesses. Also visit the Western Group of temples, which consist of a group of artistic (erotic) temples built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers and musicians appear to be so natural as if they would come alive any time.
In time pick up from hotel and transfer to airport to connect flight to Varanasi.
VARANASI - Situated between the rivers Varuna and Assi as they join the Ganges, Varanasi takes its name from its location. It is often referred to as the oldest living city in the world. It is also known as Kashi, the city of light, but the British, in an endeavor to simplify matters, had coined their own name for the place- Benaras. Varanasi is the city of a thousand temples. Its Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivalled. According to Hindu belief, Varanasi is the cosmic centre of the Universe. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."
On arrival in Varanasi, transfer to hotel.
Overnight. Varanasi
Day
4 -
Delhi
Varanasi - Delhi (By Flight) (B)
Early in the morning enjoy the boat ride on River Ganges.
Boat ride
Early morning you experience the life of this ancient city. See the beauty of the rising sun on the Ganges. Enjoy the boat ride, experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus being performed, thousands of people taking a bath in the holy river believing they will be free from the circle of rebirth. It is interesting to see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God.
Later enjoy guided walking tour through the narrow alleys of Varanasi. After breakfast at the hotel visit Sarnath.
Sarnath
A major Buddhist centre, Sarnath lies 10 kilometres north east of Varanasi. It was here that Buddha preached his message of the 'middle way' to nirvana after achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya. In around 234 BC, Emperor Ashoka, a great follower of Buddhism, erected a stupa here. Between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, several Buddhist structures were built here in Sarnath. Most of the Sarnath's monuments are set in large gardens making it quite pleasant for a visitor to spend some time here.
In the afternoon transfer to Airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi transfer to the International Airport & connect flight back home / onward destination.
