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» Day 02 : Delhi Lucknow |
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Bara Imambara , Lucknow
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After breakfast in the
morning we would transfer to the airport to catch a flight for
Lucknow the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. The city is
popularly known as city of Nawabs for its long connections
with Mughal dynasties. The Nawabs were responsible for
imparting a distinct image to the city, which indeed, is
unique. We will stay in the city for a quick visit to the
important places like Bara Imambara and chota Imambara
followed by lunch . These are famous architectural highlights
of that Mughal era in Lucknow.
The upper part of the building of Bara Imambara is in shape
of honey bees comb and is surrounded by the famous 'Bhul
Bhulliya'. This has got numerous steps and there are 489
doorless galleries which are similar in appearance. People get
lost in these galleries.It may take lot of time to seek the
way and come out of Bhool bhulaiya so we will send a guide
with you to help you finding the way and save the time.The
largest of these mazed rooms and galleries has a speciality
that even when a paper is torn or a stick of matchbox is lit
on one of the ends it is heard on the other end.Just beyond
Bara Imambara, there is an impressive gateway, Rumi Darwaza,
Pass through this massive elegant gateway to visit Chota
Imambara in a same way, built by the third Nawab of Avadh ,
Muhammad Ali Shah. This imposing structure is a fine example
of Nawabi Architecture in the city of Nawabs.
Later on we would roam around the city. It would give a
quintessential Indian experience if you enjoy a rickshaw ride
through the narrow lanes of Lucknow which is a local
transportation mean and gives you a closer picture of,
bustlling markets,variety of local food joints, city monuments
and the daily chores of people this all will give a clear cut
picture of a old historical city. Late in the evening we will
leave the city and drive towards Ayodhya (123 Km 03 Hrs drive)
the holy city situated on the bank of Saryu river. We will
reach Ayodhya in Night and check in into pre reserved hotel
rooms. Take your dinner and have a sound sleep in the night.
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» Day 03 : Lucknow Ayodhya |
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Hanuman Garhi Temple , Ayodhya
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This is a mystic beautiful
morning in the birth place of lord Rama. Move out of your room
to capture certain effigies which you would probably view for
the first time. See people taking holy bath and offering water
to Sun in Saryu river early in the morning. The religious
environment of the city would make you feel a certain kind of
inner peace and energy after strolling on the river bank. In
Hindu Vedas ,city is described as,built by gods and being as
prosperous as paradise itself.The reminders of the
stories of Ramayana and its events are scattered around this
small and dusty town.
We have to start early because all temples remain closed
between 2 and 4 pm. We will start our Ayodhya Darshan with
Hanuman Garhi the most popular temple in Ayodhya dedicated to
the lord of aps Hanuman. Beware of the numerous monkeys , who
have the nasty habit of snatching all things.Next visit to the
Dashrath Bhavan , a small peaceful temple to Lord Rama , his
wife Sita and his brother Lakshman.
In the afternoon most of the temples remain closed after 2:00
pm, so we can go for the lunch meanwhile.We would like you to
introduce with the local taste of food so we would take you
for vegetarian lunch in dhabas , the local street restaurants
in India.Ubiquitous dhabas the hole-in-the-wall eatery
that dishes up the most flavoursome and fragrant of food at
the humblest of prices.Take some rest after lunch and get
ready to visit next temple Kanak Bhawan, at 4 :00 pm. Kanak
Bhavan is an impressive old palace temple.
This ornate building is part of huge complex Inside there are
three pairs of idols, of varying heights of Ram and Sita.
Later we would go to Ram JanmBhoomi , A makeshift shrine
stands on one of the worlds most disputed religious
sites. There is a strict vigil and surveillance at the
temporary structure here. A long trek through a covered
corridor takes you to the shrine, where distant darshan of the
deities, Ram , Sita and Lakshman can be had. Remember that you
have to carry photo identifications or passports for visiting
this place.
In the evening we can visit Saryu river where Aarti is
performed in the late evening by the devotees singing Bhajans
and chanting shlokas.Return back to the hotel in the night.
Overnight stay at hotel.
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» Day 04 : Ayodhya Allahabad |
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» Day 05 : Allahabad |
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» Day 06 : Allahabad - Varanasi |
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Devotees at Sangam , Allahabad
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The next day in the morning
after breakfast we would continue our religious trip to the
remaining temples and religious places in the city.We would
drive towards Alepidevi temple , en route see the morning
rituals of devouts on river ghats of Sangam.In Alepidevi
temple , there is no shrine or deity here.Instead, there is a
swing, said to have been used by the goddesses which is
venerated.It is places on a high, round platform on which we
would like you to break coconuts, the most auspicious offering
here are broken. Our next visit would be Shankar Viman
Mandapam, built by 64th Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Mutt, (
for non Indians Kanchi Mutt can be explained as the Vatican of
India to Hindu religion) Chandrasekhara Saraswati. The
Dravidian Architecture of this temple is very impressive.
Images of dieties in many holy places in India are installed
here.
Post lunch we would move further to Nagvasuki Temple ,
dedicated to Nag Vasuki or Nagraj ( the Serpant God) , lord of
the Nagas , (one of the home or sects of Sadhus , essentially
specific groups of religious warriors) In nights the place is
not considered safe so we have to move further before it gets
dark.There are other places of interest in Allahabad apart
from temples and religious places , like Anand Bhavan, the
ancestral home of the Nehru family , now turned in to a
museum.Right next to it, in the same complex, is Swaraj Bhavan
where you Would see the Sound and Light Show. We can enjoy the
show till 5:00 pm after that it gets closed. Observe the
beautiful architecture of the All Saints Cathedral on MG
Road while going towards Sangam. Amazed why are we visiting
Sangam again ! Well, the tour of Allahabad is never completed
without participating in Aarti performed at the ghats of
Sangam. As it begins dark, devotees gather at the holy banks
of Sangam to perform and see the divine Aarti.Overnight stay
in the hotel.
We will also reach there by 6:30 pm to witness the ritual
that you would have never seen before. People make their
presence felt by resonating their voices, singing devotional
songs called Aarti songs and chanting shlokas with the group
of priests and saints.The floating diyas ( clay lamps) and
flowers on the holy water of the river, the ringing bells ,
high flames of Aarti light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified
butter) or camphor and sounds of Shankh ( a conch shell ,
which is used in prayers and worship).While returning from the
whole ceremony you will come with a different persona which
enlights your inner self. Return back to our coach and we will
drive towards Varanasi, and take dinner en route. We would
reach Varanasi in Night.Your rooms are ready according to your
choice and requirments.Make yourself comfortable in your
rooms and have a sound sleep for the night as you must be
tiered after the journey.
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» Day 07 : Varanasi |
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Varanasi Ghats
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Open your eyes in the
holiest city in India. See the sacred beauty of River Ganga
and its Ghats from the balcony of your room. The sun had just
risen over the far shore of the great Ganga and rays of
heavenly light were painting the legendary ghats of Varanasi.
Have your breakfast , check your cameras take them out and Get
ready to experience the life of this ancient and holy city of
India.Lets start with a short introduction of the city.
Varanasi also known as Kashi or Banaras , is a famous Hindu
holy city situated on the banks of the river Ganges (Ganga) in
the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is the oldest
continually inhabited city in the world, dating back thousands
of years. Our first destination would be the popular
Dashashwamedh Ghat which pilgrims ascend after a ritual snan
(bath). Bath in river Ganga is almost mandatory to the Kashi
experience.Enjoy the boat ride in the river and catch some
life time moments in your cameras.
With much exploration of Ganga ghats,we will move further to
visit Kashi Vishvanath Temple.You will know that you are one
of the holiest shrines of India when the security checks
increase. We will suggest you to leave all your belongings
like cell phones , hand bags and cameras leave in the car as
these are not allowed in the temple.The temple has the holy
shrine of Jyotirlinga.
A short walk away is the Mata Annapurna temple.It is promised
that no one who comes seeking her will go hungry. Aptly free
meals are served to all pilgrims here. You would also feeling
hungry so we will go for the lunch from here now. We can also
try some food here as Prasad. Post lunch we would visit
Jagnnath Temple near the Assi ghat.Within walking distance of
the Tulsi Ghat we would visit sacred Lolarka Kund and Durga
Kund a large pool of water and Sankat Mochan Temple to
Hanuman. After visiting temples we would return back to the
Ghat to be the part of Divine Aarti. Participating in the Arti
ritual on Ganaga Ghat in Varanasi is the most earnest desire
of any Hindu in India.
Aarti starts just after sunset, as darkness begins to spread
all over. People start arriving at the ghats as early as
5:00pm. We would also reach there before time and have occupy
our places as the crowd increases with the time. Dasaswamedh
ghat becomes a hub of activity, with people sitting and
waiting for the aarti, buying flowers and other things from
nearby shops or performing pooja. Hold your cameras in your
hand because you will get some very unique and breathtaking
pictures here. A bunch of young men choreographing to the
chanting, holding the lamps. As the aarti begins, men take
their positions at the platform and begin swinging the lamp to
the tune of chanting. Big lamps look beautiful after darkness
sets in. The choreography is excellent and worth seeing. We
would come back to our hotel and take dinner. Overnight stay
in hotel.
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» Day 08 : Varanasi |
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Kashi Vishwanath Temple , Varanasi
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Today we will visit various
other temples in the city and explore the city with all its
galore. We will also visit Sarnath the famous Buddhist
pilgrimage near Varanasi. If you like you can take breakfast
in your hotel or we would like you to have a taste of local
breakfast. Banarasis love their Kachauri-Sabzi breakfast and
delicious Jalebies made of Desi ghee. It may get a bit heavy
for you but then again you would never get the taste any where
else.
Our first destination would be Vishnu Charanpaduka ( foot
steps of the Lord Vishnu ), Marked by marble.Near too is the
Manikarnika Kund ( or the Chakrapushkarni).The chakrapushkarni
is a square pool surrounded by cast iron railing.This is the
first kund of the word. Another temple that is a must visit on
the tourist itenerary is the Tilbhandeshwara Temple. Another
must visit place in Varansi is the Banaras Hindu University
(BHU) or Kashi Vishvidyalaya is a major university located in
Varanasi. A verdant, sprawling campus that owes its existence
to philanthropist-Visionary Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. BHU is
among the top 3 largest residential universities in the world.
During Lunch time we would try some local delicacies.
We would take you to the famed Vishwanath Gali , where you
can find some hygienic and very old eating joints which are so
famous that they run by their names.You have to step out of
the car as it is difficult to take our vehicle in the narrow
lanes of this Vishwanath Gali.You will find array of Indian
food stalls, shops and eating joints.
To come out of narrow lanes of Vishvanath Gali, we would take
a rikshaw which is the best medium of transportation in narrow
lanes of Kashi and you would have a wide spectrum of Banarasi
culture which is as colourful and full of flavours as Banarasi
Paan ( Beatle). So lets try this famous local speciality. We
would take a halt on a famous shop of Paan (beatles) in our
way out of the lane. Step down and take a Bida, a folded pan
leaves and enjoy chewing the Paan. Sit back to your rickshaws
rolling the paan in your mouth and enjoy watching people
indulge in their daily chores, and markets bustling with
salers and buyers.
If you want you can go for some shopping at around 3:00 pm ,
its the time when market gets ready to welcome its
shoppers.For ladies we would recommend to buy some
traditional, authentic Banarasi Saries. Banaras is one of the
rich weaving craft centre of India, famous for Brocade Saris
and all over dress material. Brocades with intricate designs
using gold & Silver threads called "Jari" is the
speciality of Banaras. It is said that a Banarasi Saree rarely
fails to flatter a woman, making her feel fragile and
feminine. Shopping certainly have got you exhausted so we
would return back to hotel. A quick shower and hot meal in
your dinner will refresh you.Take rest for the night in hotel
as we would continue our journey in the morning to another
Indian pilgrimage.
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» Day 09 : Varanasi- Bodhgaya |
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» Day 10: Bodhgaya - Gaya - Patna |
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» Day 11 : Patna - Pawaipuri |
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» Day 12 : Pawaipuri - Samet Shikhar (
Parasnath) |
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» Day 13 : Samet - Kolkata |
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Kolkata airport
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The attandant in the bungalow will wake you
up early in the morning with the hot cup of bed tea. By the
time you get ready and pack your bags, he will prepare the
breakfast of your choice. After breakfast in the morning
around 8:00 am , we would drive to Ranchi the state capital of
Jharkhand and nearest airport, to Catch our flight for
Kolkota. We have to move a bit faster because our flight is
scheduled at 10 :35 am. Board the flight and make yourself
comfortable on your seats.
You will reach Kolkata airport around 11:40 in the morning.We
have booked the best accommodation for you in Kolkata.Get a
warm traditional Indian Welcome by the hotel authority. Lunch
would be provided in your rooms or if you wish you can come to
the hotel's restaurant also. We would recommend you to rest
for the day after the hectic journey. We will explore the city
of joy in the evening. Our first visit of the city would be
luminous and grand Victoria Memorial dedicated to Queen
Victoria. We would leave from our hotel around 3:00 pm and
reach Central Kolkata. Victoria memorial has become a trade
mark of Kolkata. The memorial dedicated to the Queen Victoria
was built in 1906- 21.
The architectural blend of this monument is worth watching
and very interesting. Mughal domes in tandem with Sarcenic and
Renaissance styles which , made it unique and stylish. The
Victoria Memorial Hall holds Light & Sound
(Son-et-Lumiere) shows regularly, as a permanent special
event. The show entitled 'Pride & Glory - the Story of
Calcutta' being held in Bengali as well as English (timings
are 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm). While returning to the hotel take
Victorias,the beautifully decorated horse drawn carriages
available outside the Victoria Memorial for a joyride. A good
ride on the banks of River Hooghaly at the stand will give you
romantic and nostalgic feelings. It will take you to the
Victorian era.After enjoying the ride,we will board in our
vehicle and return back to our hotel.Have dinner and stay
overnight in the hotel.
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» Day 14 :Kolkata |
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Cathedral Kolkata
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The next morning after breakfast we would
leave our hotel room to enjoy a tram ride on the roads of
Kolkata. In the early morning hours a tram ride can be a rare
experience as a joyride especially in areas around the
Esplanade and the Maidan.In India Kolkata is the only city to
run the tram. Enjoying the tram ride we would go to
Dakshineswar Kali Temple situated alongside the Vivekananda
Bridge north of Calcutta. Kaali is regarded as one of the
principal deities of Bengal.
We would reach on Bhubaneshwar airport within an hour. After
all the custom formalities we would transfer to the hotel in
Bhubaneshwar by our AC car/coach.
Check in into hotel, choose the kind of room you want,and
have rest after a quick shower to remove the tiredness of the
journey. In the evening we would start our Orrissa excursion
with Cactus garden situated close to the 'Ekamara Kanan' in
Bhubaneswar. From there we would go to Ekamara Haat, an urban
haat provide direct access to the tourist to see the Orrisaan
art and handicraft organized by Ministry of Textiles, Govt of
India. Enjoy the colourful function including the famous Chhau
Dance (the Orissan tribal dance) exposition. You would love it
when the dancers would encourage you to join them and take you
in the middle of promenade. After dancing and tapping you legs
with the rhythm , you must be feeling hungry so we would take
you to the Dalma, a famous eating joint where you would get
typical Oriyan traditional cuisine, and don't forget to have
Luchi, an Oriyan speciality made of rice flour. Post dinner,
we would come back to our hotel room , go to your bed thinking
about the admirable culture and tradition of the state., and
dont forget to have Luchi,an oriyan speciality made of rice
flour. Post Dinner we would come back to our hotel room , go
to your bed thinking about the admirable culture and tradition
of the state.
, and dont forget to have Luchi,an oriyan speciality made
of rice flour. Post Dinner we would come back to our hotel
room , go to your bed thinking about the admirable culture and
tradition of the state.
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» Day 15 : Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar |
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Mukteshvara temple, Bhubaneswar
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Today we would be ready to continue our
journey to Bhubaneshwar the capital city of Indian state
Orissa earler known as Kalinga in the history during rulling
period of Ashoka the great budhist king. Since our flight is
scheduled in the afternoon there's no hurry to get up early in
the morning . Wake up leisurely and have your bed tea with the
news paper. After breakfast, come down to the hotel lobby , we
have some surprise arrangments for you in the hotel. Since you
are in Kolkata, the passionate city of football and cinema.
Indian cinema is represented by Bengali films in international
arena. Such is the depth of Bengali films. So we have arranged
a movie projector in the hotel's ceremonial hall.Enjoy the
movie with the english subtitles and understand the Indian
cinema better. After lunch in the hotel's restaurant we would
drive towards airport to catch our connecting flight to
Bhubaneshwar.
We would reach on bhubaneshwar airport within
an hour.After all the custom formalities we would transfer to
the hotel in Bhubaneshwar by our AC car/coach.Check in into
hotel, choose the kind of room you want,and have rest after a
quick shower to remove the tiredenss of the journey. In the
evening we would start our Orrissa excursion with Cactus
garden situated close to the 'Ekamara Kanan' in Bhubaneswar.
From there we would go to Ekamara Haat , an urban haat provide
direct access to the tourist to see the Orrisaan art and
handicraft organized by Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India.
Enjoy the colourful function including the famous Chhau Dance
(the Orissan tribal dance) exposition. You would love it when
the dancers would encourage you to join them and take you in
the middle of promenade. After dancing and tapping you legs
with the rhythem , you must be feeling hungry so we would take
you to the Dalma, a famous eating joint where you would get
typical oriyan traditional cuisine, and dont forget to have
Luchi,an oriyan speciality made of rice flour. Post Dinner we
would come back to our hotel room , go to your bed thinking
about the admirable culture and tradition of the state.
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» Day 16 : Bhubaneshwar |
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Lingraj Temple
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Next morning get up early and see the
beautiful sunrise in the "city of temple" from the
balcony of your room. Get ready, have breakfast in your room
and board in our Ac car/ coach to visit temples of Orissa. As
you approach the site, Khandagiri, with its 15 caves will be
on the left and. You will see famous caves named as Hathi
Gumpha ( elephant caves), Rani gumpha (Queen Cave), and Ganesh
Gumpha ( Elephant face lord cave) . All of the caves are
small, and follow the natural configurations of the 'living
rock'.You can photo shoot these precious remains of history
and the ancient glory of the state. Now climb down, sit on the
rocks and relax for a while , we have arranged soft drinks and
snacks for you , as you might be thirsty after climbing the
hills. We would move further to our next excursion, the very
famous Mukteshwar Temple.
Its lunch time so we would go to some good local restaurant
where you can have food of your own choice American ,
Continental , Chinese or Italian or you may have option of
cuisine also. Have lunch and take rest for a while , around
4:00 we would start for our next visit the great Temple (
eleventh century). This is the most renowned temple in and
very much in active worship, unlike other temples in .
Although the entrance to the temple compound is prohibited to
non-Hindus, there is a viewing platform to one side, however,
from which a good look at the compound and the main buildings
can be had. Leave further to our next excursion to the famous
Temple (dating back to the eleventh century) the temple is set
in the open paddy fields and the entire structure exudes grace
and elegance. In the night we would return back to hotel.
Dinner would be served in your room on your arrival. Overnight
stay in hotel.
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» Day 17 :Bhubaneswar - Puri |
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Rath Yatra , Puri
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Today we will leave for the most religious
place and one of the four Dhams ( abode ) of the country Puri
, so wake up early in the morning and get ready. Our AC
car/coach is getting ready with all arrangements for the
expedition till then you finish your breakfast pack your bags
and board the vehicle around 8:00 am. Puri is 62 Km away from
the capital Bhubaneshwar, it will take one and half hour to
reach there by 9:30 . We have booked the best accommodation
for you, the luxurious five star in the city on your arrival.
Check in into your room , get settled and relax. You can take
a short nap after having some refreshen. Around 11: 00 am we
would move to the famous Jagannath Temple.
Puri is also one of the Four Dhams ( four sacred abode)
regarded as the most sacred place in Hindu religion. and one
of the 7 holy cities of India, Jagnnath temple would be the
most appropriate place to start out visit with. It is an
ancient shrine, enshrining Krishna - Jagannath in the form of
a wooden image , and much loved divine siblings , Jagnnath (
lord Krishna himself), Balbhadra and Subhadra , brother and
sister of Krishna respectively.Take a holy dip in the
Swargdwar ( Gateway to Heaven).You might be feeling fresh and
rejuvenated. From Jagannath Temple we would move to Gundicha
Temple around 2:00 pm in the afternoon. The famous Jagnnath
Rath yatra of Puri arrives and stays here for seven days.
The temple gets closed around 4:00 pm so after spending some
time here we would move to our further destination , famous
beaches in Puri. Sunrise and sunsets are breath catching
scenes at the beaches of Puri. A trip to the part salty, part
fresh water Chilika Lake is a must. Look forward to boating ,
spotting a dolphin or two, relishing seafood and enjoy one of
the richest bio-diversity hotspots in the country. Its 9:00 pm
in night , so we would come back to our hotel for the dinner
and sleep overnight.
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» Day 18 :Puri - Konark |
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Konark Sun temple
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After breakfast in the morning we would drive
towards Konark, 35 kms away from Puri, it will take maximum 45
mins to reach Konark famous for the Temple of the Sun God also
known as the Black Pagoda.It is a masterpiece of Orissa's
medieval architecture. Sun temple has been declared a world
heritage site by UNESCO. First we would visit the ASI Museum (
Archaeological Survey Of India) adjacent to the temple.It is
advisable to have a visit here prior to seeing the Sun Temple
would be more educative.The museum has collection of of pieces
taken from Sun Temple which have been somewhat fallen off or
destroyed. Each exhibit is explained well. The museum makes
for a good learning process.You can buy ASI publications from
the counter near the entrance. After then we would visit the
world famous Sun Temple.
We would move further to the intricately carved and pillared
dancing hall or natamandir to see a dance performance of
traditional Odissi dance by the Odissi dancer in the temple
hall. You would definitely appreciate this dance performance.
During lunch time we would go to the Geetanjali , the best
eatery in the Konark. It is a glass and stone structure built
to imitate the pyramidal Sun Temple offers the best Indian and
Chinese dishes. Open till 10 pm. Try Oriya prawn curry, and
cottage cheese sweetmeats.You can leisurely roam around the
temple premises after lunch and have more intrinsic view of
the temple as long as you want. In the evening we would move
further to Ramachandi,a beautiful little beach with a
breathtaking view of the River Kushbhadra and Bay of Bengal.In
the night around 8:00 pm we would go back to Puri,in our
hotel. Dinner would be taken in your rooms. Overnight stay in
hotel.
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» Day 19 : Puri - Delhi |
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Delhi airport
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Today we would leave this ancient state and
the city of Temples to continue our journey to the famous
pilgrimage of India. Have your breakfast in the morning.You
can have it in your room or come to the hotels restaurant to
enjoy your breakfast with the fellow travellers in the Hotel's
sea facing dining area. After breakfast, around 9:00 am, pack
your bags and luggage,hotel staff would asist you to aranging
your luggage in the vehicle and board in the car/coach.To
reach Mathura we have to go via New Delhi, so we would drive
towards Bhubaneshwar to catch our flight to Delhi. From there
onwards we would move to Mathura.
We would reach at Bhubaneswar airport within an hour, catch
our flight and reach New Delhi airport in two hours. You might
be tired after hectic journey. So we would recommend you to
stay in Delhi today and have rest for the day. Check in into
the hotel,have lunch and take rest in your cozy rooms.In the
evening we would again visit the markets of the capital.In
case you missed out something here you have one more chance to
explore the city malls.Take dinner in some exotic city
restaurant in the capital and gorge on the food of your own
choice.Overnight stay in the hotel.
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» Day 20 :Delhi - Mathura |
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Mathura Temple
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Wake up early in the morning have bed tea ,
watching the busy morning in the capital. Get ready and have
breakfast.While you finish your breakfast we would be waiting
for you with our vehicle ready for excursion to Mathura around
8:00 am . Hotel staff would assist you arranging your luggage
in the car and we would start our journey to Mathura 150 km
and 2 hr. After reaching the holy city around 10 am, we would
check in into our prebooked Brijvasi Royal hotel, (three star)
in Mathura.Get fresh and have some snacks before we start our
temple trail in the birth place of Lord Krishna ( incarnation
of Lord Vishnu).
Mathura, a little town on the River Yamuna was transformed
into a place of faith after Lord Krishna was born here which
makes Mathura an important place of Pilgrimage today. We have
to keep track of timings here , because temple opens but
darshan closed from 12 to 4 pm .Due to heavy security
checkings you are not allowed to carry bags , cell phones ,
cameras and any other stuff with you in the temple, though
store rooms are available in the temple premises , we would
suggest you to leave your belongings in the car while our
driver is there guarding it. The complex is huge bustling
marble world of security guards, electronic puppets - tableaux
of Krishna's life and times.
The main Keshadevo Temple has many shrines
within it. Lots of small shops sells ' Hare Krishna '
shawls,you can buy one from them and be like a Krishna
devotee, also take small packets of "Mishri Prasad "
( sugar crystals). During lunch hours we would take you to the
famous Dhabas of Mathura which serves Gujaratis and Marvadi
thalis (traditional cuisine of Gujarat and Rajasthan states
respectively).
After enjoying lunch, we would move towards Vishram Ghat (
Resting place), it is nice place to sit on with the panoramic
beauty around. Have some rest near flowing water pond.There
are shared boats that take you on a trip down the Yamuna
riverfront.Later we would visit prayag Ghat. Here we would
recommend you to see the wonderful display of sanjhi art,
delicately stenciled intricate figures and patterns. In the
evening we would go back to Vishram ghat at Shyam Sunder
Yamuna Maharani Temple and an atmospheric bell enriched aarti
of the Yamuna at about 7:00pm. Return back to hotel in night
have dinner and go to bed, listening to the divine aarti and
bell ringing in the various temples of Mathura.
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» Day 21 :Mathura - Vrindavan |
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Gopinath Temple , Vrindavan
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We would have to start early in the morning
around 8:00 am after breakfast to drive towards Vrindavan
located 9.6 km from Mathura, reaching there by 8:30 am we
would pay our first visit to the most notable Krishna Balram
Mandir popularly known as ISKCON temple in Vrindavan. This is
an International spiritual organization having 400 centers
around the world. Vrindavan center of ISKCON. Next we would
visit Radha Ballabh Temple built in 1626. From there we would
move to Gopinath Temple made by Sawai Jai Singh (former King
of Jaipur) is in ruins but the new temple houses the parallel
image of Gopi - nath ( Krishna as lord of the gopis). Post
lunch take some rest strolling in the lanes of Vrindavan. In
the afternoon we would visit Radha Raman Temple. You can
participate in the Kirtan-bhajan (devotional singing) here.
Around 5:00 pm we would take you to some Kirtan Madali of
Braj( group of people who sing folk songs dedicated to Lord
Krishna) to enjoy Rasiya. This is the rich tradition of
folk-songs that is found in the Braj area. Rasiya songs
describe the love of the divine couple Radha and Shri Krishna.
The Rasiya is sung to the rhythm of huge drums, locally known
as bumb. The songs, dance and ethnic wear of the group members
would fascinate you and you could not resist rself shaking
your legs with them on their folk tunes. In the evening we
would return to New Delhi,from there we would catch a train
for Haridwar. Check in into hotel, take dinner and rest
tonight in your hotel rooms.
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» Day 22 :Delhi - Haridwar |
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Har ki Pauri , Haridwar
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Get up early in the morning pack your bags
and get ready to catch the train for Haridwar. We have to make
little haste in early hours of the morning because the train
in scheduled on 7:00 am from Delhi to Haridwar. Just take a
cup of tea and lets move to the New Delhi Railway Station,
Don't worry we have arranged your breakfast in the train . We
have already got the reservations for the Ac coaches in
Shatabdi Express from New Delhi station. Enjoy breakfast in
the train. Our Train would arrive at Haridwar station around
11:30 hr. There are many good resort and hotels available in
Haridwar , we have arranged the best one for you. Check in
into hotel , have rest for some time in the afternoon and take
lunch before we start our visit to the holy land. Haridwar is
the land of holy river Ganga and the regarded as a gateway of
Heaven. The town is old even before many of the world's
ancient towns were born.
Around 2:00 pm we would go to visit famous Har ki Pari , was
built by King Vikramaditya. this ghat is believed to be the
exact spot where the holy Ganga enters the plain. This is also
the site of annual Kumbha fair. The mighty river Ganga flows
very swiftly, so we advise you that only experts must try
swimming unassisted here .The name of the ghat "Har ki
Pauri" gets its name from the feet ( Pauri) of the Lord
Vishnu ( Hari). In the evening spend some time on the river
bank, see the river life of life giving river Ganga. Attending
the evening Aarti here is a must for any pilgrim. Its a life
time experience for any Hindu devotee. As Aarti concludes we
would return back to our hotel. Take dinner in your rooms and
have a sound sleep in the comforts of room.
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» Day 23 :Haridwar |
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Haridwar Ghat
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The next morning after breakfast we would
visit Mansa Devi , the temple located on top of a hill called
the Bilwa Parvat. This temple can be reached by the rope way
or can be reached by trekking. We would recommend you to go by
rope way and enjoy the scenic beauty down the hill.those who
are adventure enthusiast can take the normal trekking route to
the top. Visit the temple and offer your prayers to Goddesses
Mansa Devi.We would come back from the temple by the rope way
and go for our next visit to Chandi Devi temple. This temple
is also situated on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat
which is on the other side of the river Ganga.Chandi Devi is a
three km trek from the Chandi Ghat.
The walking route goes past the Kamraj ki kali Temple. After
visiting both the temples we would come down and see the
natural beauty enroute. In the afternoon we would go for
lunch. There are so many good restaurant in Haridwar which
offers good pure vegetarian food. After lunch take a stroll at
city roads. Cycle Rickshaws can be used to access most of
these lanes. You can purchase good deal of artificial
jewellery, brass and copper Puja utensils , glass bangles ,
wooden and stone wares. In the evening we would go to
Saptrishi Kund , a must see beautiful site, also known as
Saptsarovar. From there we would go to Vishnu Ghat ,where Lord
Vishnu is believed to have meditated. South of Vishnu Ghat ,
there is Maya Devi Temple where you can see images of
Ashtbhuji (eight armed) Shiva, and that of Goddesses Durga
with Three heads. Offer your prayers to these holy shrines and
return back to the hotel in night.After dinner, have a sound
sleep in your hotel room.
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» Day 24 :Haridwar - Rishikesh |
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Laxman Jhoola
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Next morning start your day with the rich
breakfast in the hotel and get ready around 9:am. Board on our
vehicle for further excursion to Rishikesh.The place where
Himalaya embraces Ganga as she goes forth on her pious journey
quiet but purposefully. Rishikesh is not a pilgrimage
destination devoted to any particular place of worship or
diety. Rather it is a site of various spiritual practices.
Rishikesh is 24 Kms away from Haridwar,so it would be maximum
45 mins of drive. Reaching there we would get down from our
vehicle at a local tea stall and refresh with a cup of hot
tea. After having some snacks we would go to our pre booked
hotel resort in Rishikesh. Check in into the resort of your
choice and have some rest in your cozy rooms. Lunch would be
provided in your rooms. .
After lunch around 1:30 pm we would get ready for our
expedition for Rishikesh in heavy vehicle like Jeep , suitable
for the rough roads of Rishikesh in the hilly areas. We would
pay our first visit to Lakshman jhoola , th famous 450 foot
long suspension bridge. You would get plenty of opportunity of
photography in the traquil environment of Rishikesh from the
Lakshman Jhoola. From there we would visit the Lakshman and
Raghunath Temples, Muni ki reti and Trayambhkeshwar Temple. In
the evening after sunset around 7:00 pm we would go to Triveni
Ghat. It is believed that the confluence of Ganga,Yamuna and
Saraswati took place here. This ghat of sand and pebbles is
large and clean. Spend some time on the ghat and participate
in the Aarti.Return back to the resort in night. After dinner
, overnight stay in the hotel.
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» Day 25 :Rishikesh |
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Rafting in Rishikesh
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Morning in Rishikesh gives a panoramic view .
See the breathtaking beauty of Himalayas and free flowing
Ganga in its verdant foothills from the balcony of your rooms.
After breakfast we would continue our exploration of this land
of saints and sages and also spend the day in adventurous
activities in river Ganga. Around 9:00 | | |