Fascinating Tours

Duration:20 Nights / 21 Days

Day 01: Arrival Bangalore
Arrive at Bangalore and proceed to the hotel.


Bangalore - A major industrial and commercial center, with scientific and research activity, Bangalore is capital of Karnataka.
Check in at the hotel and in the evening you will enjoy shopping of the city.
Overnight stay will be at the hotel.


Day 02: Bangalore - Mysore
By Road: 3 Hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed for sightseeing of the city, which includes the Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, Lal Bagh, Tipu's Palace and Fort Bangalore Palace.
End by afternoon and check out of the hotel to drive to Mysore.


Mysore - The city was the capital of the old royal Mysore province. The word Mysore expands to "Mahishasurana Ooru" which means the town of Mahishasura. The story goes that the demon Mahishasura was killed by goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi hill near Mysore, and hence the name.


Overnight will be at Mysore.


Day 03: Mysore
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed for sightseeing of the heritage city, which includes the Grand Palace, Saint Philomina's Church, Jayachamaraja Art Gallery (also called Jagan Mohan Palace), Lalitha Mahal Palace, Mysore Zoo and Nandi Bull.


Overnight will be at Mysore.


Day 04: Mysore - Bangalore
By Road: 3 Hr
Bangalore - Mumbai
By Air
Flight Number: 9W 448
Airlines: Jet Airways
Aircraft: Boeing 737
Departure: 1805 Hr
Stopover: 1940 Hr
Drive to Bangalore after breakfast and enjoy shopping. Proceed straight to the airport for flight to Mumbai.


Mumbai - The capital city of Maharashtra, formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets lying off the Konkan Coast of western India.


Reach and check in at the hotel. Enjoy the walk in the Marine Drive in the evening.
Overnight will be at Mumbai.


Day 05: Mumbai
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel overlooking the sea. Proceed for sightseeing tour of the city, which includes Mumbai Fort, Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Chowpatty Beach, Flora Fountain/ Hutama Chowk, Hanging Gardens, Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus/Western Railway Station), Mumbai High Court and Rajabai Clock Tower.


Enjoy shopping at Colaba and you could spend the evening at Juhu Beach.
Overnight will be at Mumbai.


Day 06: Mumbai - Delhi
By Air
Flight Number: 9W 305
Airlines: Jet Airways
Aircraft: Boeing 737
Departure: 1500 Hr
Stopover: 1655 Hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Enjoy shopping in the morning.
Take flight to Delhi in the late afternoon and reach by evening.
Arrive at Delhi. Meet on arrival by company representatives. Proceed to hotel and relax.


Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.


Overnight will be at Delhi.


Day 07: Delhi
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed for a day tour of Delhi.
Old Delhi - Visit the Raj Ghat, Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk.
New Delhi - Visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, Rajpath, India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence and Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight will be in Delhi.


Day 08: Delhi - Agra
By Train
Early morning proceed to Agra by Shatabdi Express Train. Breakfast will be served in the train.
Proceed for the afternoon sightseeing of the Taj and Fort.


Agra - Badal Singh established the city of Taj in 1475 AD. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharat as Agraban. Sikandar Lodi made Agra his capital but Babur defeated the Lodis to capture not only Agra but also laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire. In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century AD, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built.


Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Baby Taj.
Overnight will be at Agra.


Day 09: Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho
By Train
Train Name: Bhopal Shatabdi Express
Train No.: 2002
Departure: 0800 Hr
Arrival: 1024 Hr

Breakfast will be at hotel. You will be transferred to station for train to Jhansi.
Reach Jhansi and transfer to Orchha, 12 km away.


Orchha - A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century - which have remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The city is picturesquely flanked by the river Betwa.


Proceed for sightseeing of Orchha sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha.
Continue drive to Khajuraho.


Khajuraho - Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree), which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing and playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.


Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax.
Enjoy the Sound and Light Show at the Western Temple Complex.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.


Day 10: Khajuraho - Varanasi
By Air
Flight: 9W 724
Airline: Jet Airways
Departure: 1330 Hr
Arrival: 1410 Hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for a tour of the Famous Temples of Khajuraho. Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi.
Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.


Varanasi - It is the World's most ancient living city. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet-manufacturing place of India. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Asi.


Proceed for sightseeing of Sarnath. Visit the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist Monastery and the Museum.
Return back to Varanasi and check in to the hotel.
Spend the evening shopping in the lanes of Varanasi. Overnight will be at Varanasi.


Day 11: Varanasi
In the morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.


Return for breakfast to the hotel.
Proceed for day-guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple and Tulsi Manas Temple. Also visit the Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb housed I the Banaras Hindu University.
Retire early and overnight will be in Varanasi.


Day 12: Varanasi - Bodh Gaya
By Road: 6 Hr
After breakfast at the hotel proceed for Bodh Gaya. Carry packed lunch for the road, as there would not be stop for meal.


Bodh Gaya - It is one of the sacred places for the Buddhists as well as for the Hindus. Here under the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the `Enlighted One'.
Overnight will be at Bodh Gaya.


Day 13: Bodh Gaya
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing of Maha Bodhi Temple, Mahabodhi Tree, Chinese Temple and the Niranjana Temple and River. Also visit the school of the destitute.
All meals at hotel and overnight will be at Bodh Gaya.


Day 14: Bodh Gaya - Nalanda - Rajgir - Patna
By Road: 8 Hr

Breakfast will be at hotel. Early morning proceed to visit the historical towns of Nalanda and Rajgir.


Nalanda - Nalanda, where ruins of the great ancient university have been excavated, is situated at a distance of 90 km south east of Patna by road. It falls on way to Rajgir.
Nalanda was frequently visited by Lord Vardhamana Mahavir and Lord Buddha in the 6th century BC. During his sojourns, the Lord Buddha found this place prosperous, swelling and teeming with population and containing mango-groves. It is also supposed to be the birthplace of Sariputra, one of the Chief disciples of the Lord Buddha.


Rajgir - The Buddha lived in the sixth century BC. Mahavir was born in 567 BC and the traveler in Bihar will encounter them both constantly. Rajgir is 10 km south of Nalanda and sacred to the memory of the founder of both Buddhism and Jainism. Lord Buddha spent many months of retreat during the rainy season here, and used to meditate and preach on Griddhkuta, the 'Hill of the Vultures'. Lord Mahavir spent fourteen years of his life at Rajgir and Nalanda. It was in Rajgriha that Lord Buddha delivered some of his famous sermons and converted king Bimbisara of the Magadha Kingdom and countless others to his creed.


An aerial ropeway provides the link with a hilltop stupa "Peace Pagoda" built by the Japanese. On one of the hills in the cave of Saptparni, was held the first Buddhist Council. The Saptparni Cave is also the source of the Rajgir Hot Water Springs that have curative properties and are sacred to the Hindus.


Have lunch at Rajgir. Proceed to Patna after lunch. Reach Patna.


Patna - It is the capital city of Bihar, is a historical city, which has like Delhi, experienced the trauma and pain of being conquered. The heritage of Patna or Pataliputra as it was known goes back to two millennia. This city was the seat of administration for many rulers and each of them ascended with a new name for their capital.


Overnight will be in Patna.


Day 15: Patna - Vaishali - Kushinagar
By Road: 6 Hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. Explore the site where Buddha was cremated and visit Mahaparinirvana Temple.


Vaishali - Vaishali has a past that pre-dates recorded history. It is held that the town derives its name from King Vishal, whose heroic deeds are narrated in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Vaishali is credited with being the World's First Republic to have a duly elected assembly of representatives and efficient administration. The Lord Buddha visited Vaishali more than once during his lifetime and announced his approaching Mahaparinirvana to the great followers he had here. Hundred years after he attained Mahaparinirvana, it was the venue of the second Buddhist Council. According to one belief, the Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir was born at Vaishali.


Kushinagar - The Buddha is believed to have breathed his last in this land with pastoral surrounding, the small hamlet of Kushinagar, 53 km west of Gorakhpur. The land is venerated as the site of the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana, his death and cremation that marked his final liberation from the cycles of death and rebirth.


The modern Indo-Japan-Sri Lanka Buddhist Centre, Kushinagar is rediscovering its roots, and is home to many viharas, including a Tibetan Gompa devoted to Sakyamuni, a Burmese Vihara, and Temples from China and Japan.


Overnight will be at Kushinagar.


Day 16: Kushinagar - Lumbini
By Road: 7 Hr
Proceed for Lumbini after breakfast. Reach and enjoy sightseeing.


Lumbini - The birthplace of the Gautama Buddha, Lumbini, is the Mecca of every Buddhist, being one of the four holy places of Buddhism. Hence the birth of Gautama Buddha makes it one of the most sacred places in the world. Ashoka, in the 21st year of his reign visited the forest and raised a pillar on the spot where Siddhartha was born. Also visit the Mayadevi Temple.


Overnight will be at Lumbini.


Day 17: Lumbini - Balrampur
By Road: 5 Hr

Proceed by road to Balrampur after breakfast.
Enjoy sightseeing of Sravasti and visit Saheth and Maheth.


Sravasti - Buddha spent 25 years living in the monastery of Jetavana. Many Vinaya rules, Jatakas and Sutras were first discussed at this place. The Buddha is supposed to have astonished rival teachers by performing miracles at Sravasti. He also delivered many important sermons here. King Ashoka erected two pillars 21 meters high on either side of the eastern gateway of the Jetavana monastery. Sravasti was a flourishing center of learning during the Gupta period.


Sravasti has two villages, Sahet and Mahet. From the Balrampur-Sravasti road one can enter Sahet, which is spread over an area of 400 acres and has a number of ruins. A little north of Sahet, towards the Rapti River, is the ancient fortified city of Mahet. Pakki Kuti, Kuchhi Kuti and many other stupas tell the story of the great monasteries that once stood here.


Today, Jetavana has two monasteries, six temples and five stupas. One temple was built by the monk Ananthapindika and called Gandhakuti. This is the most sacred temple in Jetavana since the Buddha is believed to have lived at this spot. Sravasti was also under the influence of Lord Mahavira the last Jain Tirthankar, and the splendid Shwetambara temple here attracts thousands of Jain pilgrims. The Sobhnath Temple is believed to the birthplace of the Jain Tirthankar Sambhavnath.


Overnight will be in Balrampur.


Day 18: Balrampur - Lucknow
By Road: 5 Hr
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed after morning sightseeing to Lucknow - The city of Nawabs.
Enjoy the cuisine of the city in the evening. Overnight will be in Lucknow.


Day 19: Lucknow
Breakfast will be at the hotel.


Lucknow- Explore this royal City of Nawabs. Despite the Indo-Persian legacy, Lucknow has a composite Indian culture. It was in Nawab Wajed Ali Shah's court that the most advanced of all classical Indian dance forms, the Kathak, took shape. The popular Parsi theatre originated from the Urdu theatre of this city. The tabla and the sitar were first heard on the streets of Lucknow.


Overnight will be in Lucknow.


Day 20: Lucknow - Delhi
By Shatabdi Express Train
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and in the afternoon board Shatabdi Express (1545 - 2145) for Delhi.
Arrive Delhi and check in at hotel. Overnight will be in Delhi.


Day 21: Delhi - Home
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Enjoy the shopping on the last day or relax at the hotel.
Check out in the evening and proceed for the Dances of India Show. Have dinner then transfer to Airport for flight home.