Janmashtami Festival Tour

In India, Janmashtami is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temples witness an extravagant and colorful celebration on this occasion. Raslila is performed to recreate incidents from the life of Krishna and to commemorate his love for Radha. The image of the infant Krishna is bathed at midnight and is placed in a cradle. Devotional songs and dances mark the celebration of this festive occasion all over Northern India. The celebration of Janmashtami is at its peak in the city of Mathura-birth place of Lord Krishna. The city is about 55 Kms from Agra. Lord is said to have been born around 5000 years back to put an end to the evils of demons. The city of Mathura adorns a complete festive look and the devotional mood reaches its pinnacle. The main celebration takes place at the actual place of birth, now converted into a big temple known as Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. Lord's idol is kept in a room also known as the ‘Garbha Griha’. Devotees keep a day-long fast and break it at midnight after the birth time of Bhagwan Krishna. All through the day devotees remain immersed in the chanting of Shlokas and name of the Lord.

Program

04th August 2012:  Delhi Arrival
Arrive Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you will be Greeted and Escorted by Indo Asia Tour Executive to your Hotel.
On arrival at hotel check in. (Room will be available from 1200 Noon) In its 3000 years of existence; seven cities have risen where the present capital of India stands. Here you'll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary. Where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist beside a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.

Later in afternoon Drive through Lutyens Delhi and see India Gate - Built of Bharatpur-stone, commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Photo stop at Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy's residence is now the official residence of the President of India.

Later visit the Humayun's Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. The elements in its design - a squat building, lighted by high arched entrances, topped by bulbous dome and surrounded by the char bagh (garden divided into quadrants), water channels and fountains.

Later visit the Qutub Minar - the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The Minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. The tower has 379 steps to the top.
Overnight at the Hotel.

05th,August 2012: Delhi - Varanasi

After breakfast transfer to the Airport to board the flight to Varanasi. Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, 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". According to the 'Vamana Purana', the Varuna and the Assi rivers originated from the body of the primordial Person at the beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between them is believed to be 'Varanasi', the holiest of all pilgrimages. On arrival at Varanasi, transfer to the hotel and check in.
Overnight at the Hotel.

06th, August 2012:   Varanasi
Early morning boat rides on the river Ganges and sees the sunrise. The boat ride passes along some of the 100 ghats, with numerous palaces built by Hindu kings. Experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus being performed on the ghats. Thousands of people take a bath 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.

After breakfast drive for the excursion to Sarnath, one of Buddhism's major centers in India. It was here that Buddha gave his first Sermon after attaining Nirvana. In the complex is the Dhamekh Stupa (5th-6th AD) or Dharma Chakra, the most imposing monument at Sarnath built to commemorate the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to the five disciples.

Later enjoy the city tour of Varanasi which includes the visit to the following:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple - The temple is located in the premises of the Banaras Hindu University and is about thirty minutes walk from the gates of the university. The temple, built by the Birlas, was planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. Unlike many other temples in Varanasi, this temple is open to all irrespective of caste or creed.

Durga Temple - Located 2 kilometres south of the old city, this eighteenth century Durga Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to many aggressive monkeys that reside here. The temple was built in a common north Indian style with an ornate shikhara, consisting of five segments symbolizing the elements and supported by finely carved columns. Here Durga is represented as the embodiment of shakti or female power, clad in red and riding a tiger and fully armed with Shiva's trident, Vishnu's discus and a sword. A forked stake in the courtyard was used during festivals in the earlier times to behead sacrificial goats. The ritual of sacrifice has now been replaced by a symbolic mark in vermilion. Non-Hindus are admitted to the courtyard but not the inner sanctum.

Bharat Mata Temple - This temple of Bharat Mata (Mother India), inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, lies about 3 kilometres west of Godaulia, outside the old city. Here, instead of gods and goddesses, one finds a huge relief map in marble of the whole of Indian subcontinent and Tibetan plateau. The map is said to be perfectly to scale both vertically and horizontally with mountains, rivers and the holy tirthas (pilgrimage centres) all clearly visible.

Tulsi Manas Temple -Built in 1964, the Tulsi Manas Temple stands about 150 m south of Durga Temple. The temple, dedicated to Lord Rama is situated at the place where Tulsidas, the great medieval seer, is believed to have lived and written the great epic "Shri Ramcharitmanas".

Benares Hindu University - One of the oldest educational centres in India, the Banaras Hindu University was built in 1917. The university was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya as a centre for the study of Indian art, culture, music and Sanskrit. The university campus is spread over five square kilometres and houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan. The Bhavan has a fine collection of miniature paintings, sculptures from first to fifteenth centuries, old photographs of Varanasi and brocade textiles.

Overnight at the Hotel.

07th August 2012:  Varanasi - Khajuraho
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight to Khajuraho.
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. An amalgamation of science and art of architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that connects them to the origin of Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girls known as Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world.
On arrival at Khajuraho, transfer to the hotel and check in.

Overnight at the Hotel.

08th,August 2012: Khajuraho - Agra

In the morning 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 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.

Later transfer to the Jhansi railway station to board the train to Agra.

On the way visit Orchha. The Orchha is a highly picturesque, set on an island on a bend in the Betwa River. You see the beautiful old fort palace raised on a rocky promontory above the wooded countryside. Orchha was founded in the early 16th century by Rajput chieftain, Radra Pratap and remained the capital of powerful Rajput Kingdom from 1583 till 1783. Orchha golden age was during the first half of the 17th century when Jehangir visited the city in 1606, a special palace, the Jehangir Mahal, was specially built for him. Later both Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb raided the city.

Visit the Raj Mahal with its Hall of Private Audience and Public Audience and royal chambers with beautiful painted murals on the walls and ceilings of religious and secular themes. The Rai Parveen Mahal named after the musician courtesan (1592-1604).

The Jahangir Mahal (7th century) palace built to commemorate the Emperor's visit.
Later continue your drive towards the railway station to board the train NDLS Shatabdi at 1756 hrs to Agra. On arrival in Agra at 2025 hrs transfer to the hotel and check in.

Agra stands on the right bank of the river Yamuna, was once the seat of the Mughal rulers, the zenith of art and an en shrined romance. A town famous for its beautiful medieval monuments. The passion of the Mughals for building endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world.
Overnight at the Hotel.

09th, August 2012: Agra

After breakfast visit the Taj Mahal- a poem in white marble, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Today India's most fascinating and beautiful masterpiece, this perfectly symmetrical edifice is set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of the Yamuna River. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day and glows pearl-like in the moonlight and during the monsoon.

Later visit Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70 feet high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces. The Agra fort happens to be on the same bank of the river Yamuna as the Taj Mahal, which is visible in all its beauty from one side of the fort. Emperor Shahjahan, a prisoner of his son Aurangzeb in his old age was put in a cell from where he could gaze at the Taj Mahal at a distance from his cell in the Agra Fort. It is an imposing structure with walls of red sandstone almost three kilometers long.

Later visit the stunning tomb of Itimad ud Daulah or the `Baby Taj' a marble memorial with exquisite inlay work built in 1628 by Nur Jahan, queen of Jehangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.

Overnight at the Hotel.

10th, August 2012:  Agra - Mathura - Agra
After breakfast drive for the excursion to Mathura to witness the Janmashtami Festival.
In Mathura, Janmashtami celebrations are filled with enjoyment and color. The Dwarkadheesh Temple in the town is brightly decorated for the Janmashtami midnight pooja. Jhulanotsava and Ghatas are the center of attraction for the Janmashtami celebration in Uttar Pradesh or Mathura. Jhulanotsava is the cradle celebration of the town or the whole state. People gather to rock the cradle of the baby Krishna at midnight. This cradle is decked up with precious stones and jewelries. Flowers are also used to decorate this special cradle.

Later drive back to Agra.

Overnight at the hotel.

11th, August 2012: Agra - Jaipur

After breakfast drive to Jaipur.

On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri. It is a beautiful and deserted medieval city built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. The Mughals later abandoned this city for lack of water.
Later continue your drive Jaipur.

Maharaja Jai Singh II built Jaipur in the 18th century. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. The whole city was painted pink to welcome the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. On arrival check in the hotel
On arrival in Jaipur, check in at hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel.

12th, August 2012: Jaipur

After breakfast, half-day excursion trip takes you to Amber Fort with Elephant or Jeep ride. This city Fort is situated 130m high with the Aravali hills around 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. En route, make a photo stop at the palace of winds the Hawa Mahal. A 5 storied building with 25cm thick facade from the 18 century having 953 windows and niches so that ladies of royal family could see the procession and events in the city without being visible to the people.

In the afternoon, visit City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts, paintings etc.

Later visit Jantar Mantar (1728-34) by king astrologer Jai Singh II. The instruments are built of stone with marble facing on the important plains for measuring the harmony of the heavens. Each instrument serves a particular function and each gives an accurate reading.
Overnight at the hotel.

13th, August 2012: Jaipur - Delhi

After breakfast drive to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.

Overnight at the hotel.

14th, August 2012 Delhi

On time transfer to the International Airport to board the flight for onwards journey.

End of Services

Hotels

TOUR LODGING INFO: 10 Nights Hotels

Places	Nights	Hotels
Delhi	01 Night	The Royal Plaza
Varanasi	02 Nights	Hindustan International
Khajuraho	01 Night	Ramada
Agra	03 Night	Clarks Shiraz
Jaipur	02 Nights	Clark Amer
Gurgaon	01 Night	Park Premier

 

Rates

Tour Prices

Category	Currency	Prices
Price on twin sharing basis	USD	845
Single Room Supplement	USD	412
Supplement for Entrances in the monument	USD	110
Supplement for airfare between DEL - VNS - HJR in economy class	USD	278

Regarding Airfare:
• Kindly note that the above airfares are the CURRENT fares of the Airlines for the given sectors & is subject to change at the time of booking.

 

Cost includes:
• Double room on twin sharing basis on bed & breakfast basis.
• All transfers and sight seeing by air-conditioned Vehicle.
• Services of German / English Speaking local guides in each city for sightseeing as per the itinerary.
• Elephant / Jeep ride at Jaipur (One way)
• Boat ride in Varanasi
• Train fare form Jhansi to Agra in AC Chair Car
• Service Tax.

 

Cost does not include:
• Any airport taxes.
• Any airfares.
• Any new tax imposed by the Government.
• Any entrances
• Any meals other than specified
• Any expenditure of personal nature such as tips, drinks, telephone charges, laundry etc.

IMP
- Incase of waitlisted booking we have to hold the alternate, for which we will advise the supplement OR reduction accordingly.
- The above rates are based on presently prevailing taxes and entrances to the monuments. If there is any change, prices will also change accordingly
- Check in and Check out time is 1200 Hrs.
- In case of fluctuation of rate of exchange, the above-mentioned prices will change.