Day 1 Delhi

Flight to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Check in time isd 1200 hrs.

Day 2 Delhi

In Delhi’s 3000 years of existence, seven cities stood 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 besides a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.

After breakfast sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.

Visit the 7^th city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1639-48 AD) after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. Red Fort – the 17^th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India’s largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. Visit Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna, Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words “Hey Ram”. An eternal flame burns 24 hours.

Afternoon visit New Delhi.

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 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. Proceed to the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy’s residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles – the dome reflects the Buddhist stupa, the chattris Hindu and the graceful colonnades very British. It has 340 rooms. The Government Buildings designed by Baker, are topped by baroque domes and decorated with lotus motifs and elephants, while the north and south gateways are Mughal in design. The northern building has an inscription with “Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty. It is a blessing which must be earned before it can be enjoyed”. The Parliament House, designed by Baker is 173m in diameter. Inside is the library and chambers for the council of state, chamber of princes and legislative assembly. The India Gate (42m), commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1^st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 3 Delhi/Khajuraho

Breakfast at the hotel. In time transfer to the airport to connect flight to Khajuraho. On arrival in Khajuraho transfer to the hotel.

Khajuraho, home to the most famous erotic temples built in the 10 & 11th century by the Chandella Rulers, with the Vindhyan Hills as a backdrop. Of 85 temples only 20 survive. This is a world heritage site. Morning after breakfast visit the Eastern and Western Group of temples.

Rest of the day free.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 Khajuraho/Varanasi

After breakfast sightseeing of eastern and western group of temples.

The Eastern Group of temples are mainly dedicated to the Jain teachers - tirthankaras - The Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple and the Santinatha Temple. There is a 4.5m statue of Adinatha in the main place of Jain worship. The temples are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods, goddesses.

The Western Group consists 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. We will visit the Varaha Temple dedicated to Vishnu, and also the Lakshmana Temple also dedicated to Vishnu. It is one of the earliest of the western enclosure temples dating from 930 to 950 AD. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is not only the largest of the temples, it is also artistically and architecturally the most perfect. Built between 1025 and 1050 it represents Chandella art at its most finely developed phase.

In time transfer to the airport to connect flight to Varanasi. On arrival in Varanasi transfer to the hotel.

Varanasi derives its name from the two streams – Varuna in the north and Assi in the south, the British corrupted the name Varanasi to Banaras. The oldest name is Kashi, which means `the City of Light’. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the holiest city for the Hindus, also for the Jains, because the three tirthankars, 7^th, 11^th & 23^rd were born here. It is believed that anyone who dies here goes straight to heaven The city draws pilgrims from all over the world, to worship, meditate and above all to bathe.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 Varanasi/Bhubaneshwar/Overnight Train

Today early morning you experience the life of this ancient city. See the beauty of the rising sun on the Ganges Boat Ride. 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, 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.

Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, 9 km from Varanasi, 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 (5^th-6^th 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. Also visit Dharmarajika Stupa that was built by Emperor Ashoka (273-326 BC). From this stupa a green marble casket containing human bones and pearls was found, said to be the relics of Buddha. It was the seat for Buddha’s meditation. To the rear is the 5m lower portion polished sandstone Asokan Column (3^rd century). The Deer Park on the south – west, has several species of deer. On the way back to the Hotel visit a modern Buddhist temple which has beautiful life size frescos of Buddhas life. In the vicinity is the sapling of the Bodhi tree brought from Sri Lanka, under which Buddha sat and attained enlightenment.

Later in the evening, in time transfer to Mughal Sarai railway station to connect overnight train to Bhubaneswar.

Overnight in train.

Day 6 Bhubaneshwar

Arrival in Bhubaneshwar in the afternoon. On arrival in Bhubaneshwar transfer to the hotel.

Bhubaneshwar is the capital of Orissa State. Set on the edge of the lush green rice fields of the Mahanadi Delta, the pleasantly broad street of the planned town, offer a striking contrast to the architectural legacy of its period of greatness over one thousand years. The graceful towers of those early temples, complemented by the extraordinary fineness of the stone carving make Bhubaneswar one of the most rewarding destinations in East India.

Rest of the day free.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 Bhubaneshwar

After breakfast sightseeing in Bhubaneshwar. You will see the important temples, with time to explore the city.

The Lingaraja-Temple (1000 AD) with its 54 m high square tower known as the Sri Mandir dominates the landscape. It represents the peak of achievement of the Orissan middle period, one of India’s most remarkable architectural achievements. Non Hindus are not allowed inside. However, it is possible to get an impression of the main features of the temple from a specially constructed viewing platform outside.

The Mukteshwara-Temple (around 900 AD) is one of the most beautifully decorated with outstanding carvings. New Designs are in evidence, which include graceful female figures and pilasters carved with snake figures. Most strikingly, the porch has a new and more dramatic layered form. In this temple the Torana - gateway arches with flower ornaments, medallions with 2 female figures are very unique.

Raja Rani Temple (early 11 century) a form of a sanctuary is striking. The main tower 18 m high is surrounded by four miniature copies, giving the sanctuary an almost circular appearance.

The Vaital-Temple (7.-8.century) has a double story carriage shelter and what surprises one, is that it gives an impression of being influenced by Buddhist cave architecture. Another striking feature is the temple’s tantric associations, marked by its presiding deity, Chamunda (a terrible form of Durga).

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 8 Bhubaneshwar/Konark (64 km)/Puri (29 km)

After breakfast drive to Puri. Around mid noon you arrive in Konark one of the most vivid architectural treasure of Hindu India and a World Heritage site. The shore temple is the last phase of the temple architecture of the Kalinga dynasty (13 Century). Dedicated to the Sun God “Surya”, the temple is in the form of a chariot. It has 12 wheels, which denote the 12 months in a year and 7 horses denote the 7 days in a week. The temple was conceived to reflect a picture of life, with sculptures of every aspect of life – dancers, musicians, figures from mythology, scenes of love and war, court life, hunting, elephant fights. A significant section is erotic art.

Further drive to Puri, one of the 7 holy cities of India, most holy for the followers of God Vishnu.. After arrival check-in in the hotel.

Afternoon visit Jagannath Temple, an attraction for the Hindus. Non Hindus are not allowed into the temple. From the terrace of a Library opposite the temple, you can have a view of the inner temple. The original temple built in Kalinga style consisted of the sanctuary and the jagamohan audience hall. The wooden figures of the three deities, Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra stand in the sanctuary garlanded and decorated by the priests. The Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath’s car festival commemorates Lord Krishna’s journey from Gokul to Mathura in an extraordinary riot of colour and noise. Shaped like a temple sanctuary and brightly decorated, a 13 m car of Lord Jagannath with 16 wheels, accompanied by bedecked elephants. The procession is led by Balabhadra chariot, followed by Subhadra’s and Lord Jagannath in the rear. About 4000 pilgrims need to draw each chariot.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 9 Puri/Bhubaneshwar (84 km)/Kolkata

Return to Bhubaneshwar. Transfer to the railway station to connect train to Kolkata ( 1355/2155 hrs). Arrival in Kolkata and transfer to the hotel.

Kolkata, a mere village in the 17^th century, has grown in just 300 years, into one of the biggest metropolis in the world, with the dubious distinction of being India’s second largest city, and the commercial hub of the eastern region. A proud cultural and intellectual capital of India, with an outstanding contribution to the arts, science, medicine and social reform in its past and rich contemporary cultural life.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 Kolkata

After breakfast half day sightseeing of Kolkata.

Visit Victoria Memorial : A splendid architectural structure in white marble, modeled on the Taj Mahal, was built in the early 20th century in memory of Queen Victoria and was formally inaugurated by the Prince of Wales in 1921 who later became King Edward VIII of England. The stately bronze statue of the queen near the entrance, the brass canons, wrought iron street lamps, manicured lawns, gardens and pathways, the magical lighting effect in the evening and a fairy tale 'Fountain of Joy' facing the memorial building create an atmosphere of unforgettable charm. Botanical Gardens: There Gardens have great variety of flora and fauna, all carefully classified. There is also a 250 years old great Banyan tree measuring around 400 meters in circumference. Kali Temple: Famous temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and located at Kaligha, built in 1809 in typical Bengal style of architecture. A large number of devotees visit the temple on festive Durga Puja.

Rest of the day free.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Kolkata/Kathmandu

After breakfast transfer to the airport to connect flight to Kathmandu (As per the present flight schedule, Indian Airlines operates on Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat). On arrival in Kathmandu transfer to the hotel.

Kathmandu, the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, nestled in the cradle of the Himalayas, the highest mountains in the world. It is the world’s only Hindu Kingdom, unified by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in the late 18^th century. Nepal is known as the kingdom where deities mingle with mortals. It is a blend of the best of China, Tibet and India, squeezed between the vastness of China to the north and India to the south, east and west, and the staircase to the frozen heights of “the roof of the world. Nepalese people are perhaps the friendliest in the world, with kind and spiritual nature. The scenery is simply without parallel.

Afternoon half day sightseeing of Kathmandu city.

After breakfast visit Kathmandu city, a city which looks like a living museum. Visit the Durbar Square, the highest concentration of at least 48 buildings of unique architecture, palaces, monuments and temples are found here. We continue to the Kumari Bhal, or the Temple of the Living Goddess. A young Buddhist girl whom the locals believe is a living goddess appears in a window of the temple courtyard. However, you will not be allowed to come any closer to this deity, as only Hindus are allowed an audience with her. Overlooking the Durbar Square is the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, built by King Pratap Mall in the 17^th century, which means the “gate of the Monkey God”. At the entrance there is a huge statue of the Monkey God Hanuman from the Ramayan epic. Shiva-Parvati Temple, a three storey temple famous for its erotic stone carvings.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 Kathmandu

After breakfast visit the ancient town of Patan also known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty and Fine Art). It was an important Buddhist centre, that flourished under the Malla kings. Patan is an ancient city filled with exotic pagodas, intricate gateways, fabulous deities, and endless carvings. Stroll through the city, visiting Durbar Square with the Old King’s Palace. Visit Krishna Temple with its depictions of ancient Hindu epics and the Ashoka Stupa, and the mythological bird Garuda with spread wings on the peak of a pillar sits. Also visit Taleju Temple (17 century), the 3 storey Bhimsen Temple. Further you see the Shiva Temple with two stone elephants and artistic, erotic stone cutting work, and the Mahabuddha Temple (14th century), the temple of 1000 Buddhas, similar to the one in Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained Nirvana. Next we visit the Tibetan Refugee Settlement. This is an interesting slice of culture and history contained in a relatively small area. In 1957 the Chinese invaded Tibet, causing thousands of Tibetans to flee their country. The Tibetans crossed the Himalayan Mountains on foot and many settled in Nepal. This camp was formed with the help of the United Nations and provides a place for the people of Tibet to work and live self-sufficiently, while they await the opportunity to return to their homeland.

Afternoon visit the second sister city of the capital, Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur), which means “the City of Devotees”. It is the 3^rd largest in the valley, which has preserved its medieval character, said to have been founded by King Ananda Deva in the 9^th century. The houses with artistic stone cutting work, as well as the beautiful wood carving date back to the time of King Bhupatindra Mallas (17^th century). The city was constructed in the shape of a conch shell – an object of religious significance to Hindus and Buddhist. Visit Durbar Square with King Palace specially its golden gate and 55-Windows-Palace (15^th century), the 5 storey Nyatopala-Temple, the highest and probably the finest temple in Kathmandu Valley, built by King Bhupatindra. The 2 storey Bhairabnath-Temple (18^th century) as well as the Dattatraya Temple dedicated to God Vishnu and the Pujahari Math with its famous Peacock Window. Apart from the usual temples and palaces, the added attractions are the Big Bell, the bell of the Barking Dog, the lion gate, and the picture gallery.

Rest of the time at the hotel.

Day 13 Kathmandu/Home

Early morning transfer to the airport to connect flight back home. Check out time is 1200 hrs.