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Indian Highlights Tour

Extension to Ajanta & Ellora Caves / Extension to Khajuraho & Varnasi / Wildlife Tour / Extension to Kerala
Return to Indian Highlights / Magical India & Extensions

OPTIONAL EXTENSION – KHAJURAHO & VARANASI

Day 13 In Agra
If you are taking this extension, stay on in Agra. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 Agra – Jhansi –Orchha – Khajuraho
After breakfast, departure transfer to railway station to board train Bhopal shatabdi 0817-1048 hrs to Jhansi. Assistance on arrival at Jhansi railway station and transfer by surface to khajuraho en-route visiting Orchha. Orchha’s grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time and a rich legacy and the palaces and the temples built by it Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th century retain much of their pristine perfection. Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chattries has a spectacular view of soaring temples spires and cenotaps.upon arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 Khajuraho – Varanasi
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 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.

Thus he brought an artistic revolution by building the famous Khajuraho temples, in the town, which was his capital. Some people also believe these erotic art forms to be the visual depiction of Kamasutra, art of sex or the relations between Shiva and Parvati, the divine couple. Khajuraho temples got lost into obscurity and were only discovered by chance but they quickly became India's second most favored tourist destination after Taj Mahal. This temple complex is perhaps the largest group of medieval temples. Other than eroticism, these sculptures also depict other refined courtly accomplishments such as music and dance. Only 22 temples have survived out of the original 85 temples. It displays one of the most unique stone-carving work and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986.

After early breakfast, sightseeing tour of Western & Estern Temple Western Group is the best known as it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temples belong – the Kandariya Mahadeo. Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 metres high. The main shrine is in an almost perfectly state of preservation. This shrine has an exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes: celestial beings, lovers, serenading musicians – movement captured in stones and frozen in time, yet retaining the warmth of pulsating life. The stones seem to have taken on the sensuousness of the carved figures.

Eastern Group : Hindu and Jain temples make up the eastern group, close to Khajuraho Village. The largest Jain temple, Parsvanath, is in this group. Sculptures on the northern outer wall make this temple the finest in the group. The carvings are timeless, of a woman bending thoughtfully over a letter, a damsel removing a thorn from her foot. The sanctum has a thronefacing a bull, emblem of the first Tirthankara, Adinath. The actual image of Parsvanath, from which the temple derives its name,was installed in 1860. The Archaeological Museum houses fine sculpture and stone panels of ruined temples in three different display galleries. The museum has a huge statue of the Buddha and an unusual statue of a dancing Ganesha.

In time departure transfers to the airport to board flight 9W-724 1355-1445 hrs to Varanasi. Assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 In Varanasi
Early morning Boat-ride on Holy River Ganges. In Varanasi, life and various activities revolve around the river. Life begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims – and devotees – come down to the river to offer early morning prayers. Also visit the famous ghats and enjoy a spectacular view of sunrise from river Ganges. Later visit the Temples of Varanasi including Durga Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Durga, consort of Lord Shiva. Bharat Mata Temple: This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and houses one of the most perfect relief of India carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Temple: Built in white marble this unique temple has the whole of Ram Charit Manas (Ramayana) inscribed on its wall. Well laid out landscaping around the temple adds to its beauty and Banaras Hindu University. Evening Aarti at bank of Ganges.

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi’s associations with Shiva extend to the beginning of time: legends relate how, after his marriage to Parvati, Shiva left his Himalyan abode and came to reside in Kashi with all the gods in attendance. Temporarily banished during the rule of the great king Divodasa, Shiva sent Brahma and Vishnu as his emissaries, but ultimately returned to his rightful abode protected by his loyal attendants Kalabhairav and Dandapani. Over 350 gods and goddesses, including a protective ring of Ganeshaa form a mandala or sacred pattern with Shiva Vishwanatha at its centre. Each name carries an additional meaning in terms of the sacred symbolism of the city, with each defining aprogressively decreasing arc starting and ending on the west bank of the Ganges. While the boundary of Kashi is delimited by the circular Panchakroshi Road, Varanasi is the main city, extending from Asi Ghat and circling around to the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna. Yet a smaller area, defined as Avimukta, starts at Kedara Ghat in the south and ends at Trilochana Ghat. Most important of all is Antargriha, the "Inner Sanctum" around the Vishwanatha Temple, which encompasses Dashashwamedha Ghat, Surya Kund, the lingam of Bharabhuta, and Manikarnika Ghat. Another, later, interpretation suggests three sectors of khandas in the form of Shiva’s trident, each centered around a temple – Omkara to the north, Vishvanatha in the centre and Kendra to the south. Many still use the anglicized forms of Banaras or Benares, while pilgrims refer to Kashi, first used three thousand years ago to describe the kingdom and the city outside which the Buddha preached his first sermon

A city which, since it is both an exalted place of pilgrimage and an idealize centre of faith, has been likened to Jerusalem and Mecca.According to the historians, the city was founded some ten centuries before the birth of Christ. The city is mentioned in Holy Scriptures like 'Vamana Purana', Buddhist texts and in the epic 'Mahabharata'.Mark Twain,the English author and litterateur,who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras,once wrote:"Banaras is older than history,older than tradition,older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."

Varanasi's prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivalled. For the devout Hindu the city has always had a special place, besides being a pilgrimage centre,it is considered especially auspicious to die here, ensuring an instant route to heaven.The revered and ancient city Varanasi is the religious centre of the world of Hindus. A city where the past and present, eternity and continuity co-exist.

The city of Banaras is situated on the west bank of the holiest of all Indian rivers, the Ganga or Ganges. The relationship between the sacred river and the city is the essence of Varanasi - 'the land of sacred light'. The Ganga is believed to have flown from heaven to wash away the worldly sins of the human race.of mortal's .The life and activities in the city centre around the holy river. Life on the banks of the Ganga begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims - men, women and children - come down to the river to wait for the rising sun when immersion in the sacred river will cleanse them of their sufferings and wash their sins away.

It is beside the holy waters of the Ganga that the activities for which Banaras is held sacred are performed. Everyday thousands of residents and pilgrims bathe, offer prayers to the elements, to the rising sun, and to their dead ancestors who have been carried away by these waters. What draws people to the river is an ingrained belief that these waters can absolve the sins of many generations. Everyone has their own way of celebrating the ritual contact with the holy Ganga: some bathe; other dip themselves entirely into the water once, thrice or any number of times; some drink the water; other make water offerings to the sun; while others fill their pots with holy water to take back to their homes to perform rituals and purification.The offerings to the sacred waters vary. Pilgrims give flowers, fruits, lamps and their respectful prayers. On festival days and religious occasions the riverside is thick with their colorful bobbing up and down on the waters.

The land around Banaras is also held sacred since Shiva is believed to have lived here.There are thousands of temples at Benaras dedicated to different gods and goddesses, particularly to the deities of good fortune and prosperity-and to the sun and the planets. The most important are those that honor the diverse manifestations and attributes of Shiva.The major shrine at Banaras is the Vishvanatha Temple, devoted to Shiva, the Lord of the Universe.

Afternoon excursion to Sarnath. After the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya he came to Sarnath. Here in the Deer Park, he delivered his first sermon, or in religious language, set in motion the Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharmachakra Pravartan.). On the day before his death Buddha included Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be sacred to his followers. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17 Varanasi - Bodhgaya
After breakfast, depart by surface to Bodhgaya upon arrival check-in at the hotel. It attracts tens of thousands of believers from all over the world. Bodhgaya situated near the river Niranjana, is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centres since it was here that Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The 25 m Great Buddha Statue in the Japanese Kamakura style was unveiled by his holiness Dalai Lama in 1989. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 18 Bodhgaya – Varanasi – Delhi Depart
After breakfast, depart by surface to Varanasi (240 kms/6 hrs approx.). Later In time departure transfer to airport to board flight to Delhi (AI-405 1550-1705 hrs). to connect international flight back to home.

Day 19 Depart
END OF THE TOUR - CHECK-IN/OUT AT THE HOTELS IS 12 NOON

FLIGHT SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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Tour Cost:

	3 star hotels	4 star hotels	5 star hotels
2 people in double room	$941	$973	$1027
3 people in double room	$871	$882	$956
4 people in double rooms	$784	$813	$866
5-7 people in double rooms	$777	$806	$860
single room supplement	$284	$337	$406
airfare for Varanasi-Delhi sector (subject to change = US$152 per person

Rates valid Oct. 1 2011 to April 30, 2012, except for Nov. 1-15 2011 and Dec. 20 2011 to Jan. 10, 2012

Rate includes:
* Accommodation in Twin Sharing bed and breakfast basis for total of 05 nights at the hotels mentioned below in the chosen category.
* Assistance on arrival/departure at airport/hotels by our representatives.
* All transportation using Air-conditioned medium car (02 Pax) Toyota Innova (04 Pax) 05-07 Pax (Tempo Traveller).
* Services of a locally appointed English-speaking guide for sightseeing tours.
* All currently applicable entrance fees to the monuments covered in the programmed.
* Boat ride on Holy river Ganges/Varanasi
* Air-Conditioned chair car train ticket Agar-Jhansi sector.
* All currently applicable taxes.

Rates do not include:
* Meals other than breakfast.
* Camera fees at the monuments.
* Tips and gratuities.
* Any accommodation in Delhi on day 18th.
* Medical & Travel Insurance.
* Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, beverages, telephone calls etc.
* Any other expenses not covered above.

Proposed Hotels: