Khajuraho & Varanasi Tour Extension

Day – 01
Agra – Jhansi:
By Morning Train
Train Number : 12002
Train Name : Bhopal Shatabdi
Departure Time : 0810hrs
Arrival Time : 1048hrs
Stops : Two

Khajuraho Temple

Jhansi – Orchha – Khajuraho:
By Road 170kms in 04hrs

As per the train timing you will be transferred to Agra Cantt railway station to board train for Jhansi.

Reach Jhansi and proceed to Orchha, 12 km away.

It is a medieval city founded by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century – which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory of the kings and the place is flanked by the river BETWA.

Enjoy sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha.

Continue drive to Khajuraho. Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax.

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 & 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.

In the evening proceed for the SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW and retire for the night.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day – 02
Khajuraho – Varanasi:
By Flight
Flight Carrier : Jet Airways
Flight Number : 9W 724
Departure Time : 1355hrs
Arrival Time : 1445hrs
Stopover : Nil

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for a sightseeing 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 Ghat

Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Varanasi, which was in use till May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi – The land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world – renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi’s cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world today.

Enjoy the evening AARTI at the GHATS. The guide will be giving a commentary to you on the proceedings and meanings of the chants during the AARTI of the river.

Overnight will be spent at Varanasi.

Day – 03
Varanasi:

In the early 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. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises.

Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge.

Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.

Return for breakfast to the hotel.

Ganga Puja, Varanasi

Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Visit Sarnath ‑ 5 miles out of Varanasi: The great Buddha enhanced the sanctity of Varanasi by choosing the environs of the city to preach his first sermon at Sarnath, (only 10 Kms away) after attaining enlightenment. Later, Ashoka, the great Mauryan Emperor erected magnificent stupas and other buildings along with his mighty stone pillar, Dharmarajika Stupa. The 110 ft. tall Damekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon. Sarnath has been a premier centre for Buddhism. It is a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images on display at the Archaeological Museum (1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. Open all days except Friday)

Post sightseeing day free to explore the city.

Overnight will be at Varanasi.

Day – 04
Varanasi – Delhi - Departure:
By Flight
Flight Carrier : Jet Airways
Flight Number : 9W 724
Departure Time : 1520hrs
Arrival Time : 1640hrs
Stopover : Nil

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Later as per the flight timing proceed to Varanasi airport to board the flight for Delhi. Reach and enjoy last minute shopping.

As per the flight timings you will be transferred to the International airport for your onward flight taking back HAPPY memories.

TOUR ENDS!

COMPASS TOUR INCLUDES:

ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
DAILY BUFFET BREAKFASTS AT HOTELS,
LOCAL ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE AT ALL APPLICABLE PLACES,
AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE FOR TOURS AND TRANSFERS,
MEET & ASSISTANCE ON ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE AT AIRPORTS & RAILWAY STATIONS,
FIXED MENU LUNCH AT ORCHHA,
SOUND – N - LIGHT SHOW AT KHAJURAHO,
SUNRISE BOAT RIDE AT RIVER GANGES,
EVENING AARTI CEREMONY AT RIVER GANGES,
SARNATH EXCURSION,
TRAINFARE IN BEST AVAILABLE CLASS FROM AGRA – JHANSI,
INTERNAL AIRFARE IN ECONOMY / COACH CLASS FOR THE SECTOR KHAJURAHO – VARANASI - DELHI,
ALL CURRENT APPLICABLE GOVERNMENT TAXES,
DRIVER ALLOWANCES, INTERSTATE TAXES & PERMIT, TOLL TAXES & FUEL SURCHARGES,

HOTELS:

CITY	CONFIRMED STANDARD HOTELS	CONFIRMED DELUXE HOTELS	NIGHTS
Khajuraho	Ramada	Radisson	01
Varanasi	Radisson	The Gateway	02

TOUR PRICE:

OCCUPANCY DETAILS	TOUR PRICE WITH STANDARD HOTELS	TOUR PRICE WITH DELUXE HOTELS
PER PERSON ON DOUBLE / TWIN OCCUPANCY	777 $ / 522 € / 466 £	855 $ / 599 € / 555 £
PER PERSON ON SINGLE OCCUPANCY	1155 $ / 788 € / 699 £	1288 $ / 899 € / 833 £

NOTE:
Please note that lunches and dinners are not included (if not mentioned in the inclusions) along with movie camera, etc. fees at the monuments, tips and personal expenses. All hotels / flights mentioned are guaranteed at the time of quotation. Indian Visa along with international return airfare is not part of the tour package.

The above mentioned prices are valid for travel dates between OCTOBER 2011 and APRIL 2012 EXCLUDING THE NEW YEAR & CHRISTMAS PERIOD (20TH DEC – 10TH JAN). If you plan to travel during the Christmas & New Year period then please request for the tour price.