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For those with more time and a
greater interest in a cultural exploration of Northern India, the Path to
the Ganges is comprehensive extension to our
Golden Triangle program. This itineraryincludes Khajuraho,
the "Angkor Wat of India," known for its elaborate and often erotic temple
carvings, and Varanasi, the holiest of all Hindu cities on the banks of the
Ganges. This itinerary includes a private car, chauffeur and English
speaking guide throughout.
This program is available to
guests using our Mumbai, Delhi or Golden Triangle programs. You may begin in
Mumbai, Delhi or Agra. The itinerary may also be done in reverse, beginning
in Varanasi and ending in Delhi.
Begin any day you like since this
trip uses a private car, driver and guide.
Journey to Khajuraho.
Morning free. If you are continuing from Agra, you will travel on an afternoon travel by train to Jhansi, and continue by road to Khajuraho
with a stop to see Orcha Palace. On arrival, check in at your hotel.
Khajuraho. Full Day visit of the Eastern and Western Group of Temples takes you to the
resplendent Hindu temples of Khajuraho known for the delicate sensuality and
forthright eroticism of their sculpture. They were built between 10th and
12th centuries by the Chandela dynasty. Today, twenty-two of the eighty-five
temples remain to recreate the celestial and terrestrial world of the Chandelas. The exquisite intricacy of the temples was made possible by the
soft, buff-colored sandstoneused in their construction. In the late afternoon,
you may choose an optional
excursion to Panna National Park, where you may be able to sight a tiger
if you are lucky.
Khajuraho/Varanasi.
Morning free. Later you fly to Varanasi, the oldest living city in India.
Built on the shores of the holy Ganges River, this city is a center of
Indian religion, philosophy and spirituality. For the devout Hindu, Varanasi
must be visited at least once in a lifetime to wash away sins. It's also the
ideal place for Hindus to die. Although macabre for foreigners, a visit to
the "Burning Ghats" to see cremations that go on 24-7 is something that
should not be missed. This
afternoon time free for shopping. The most beautiful silk available
in India can be found here. (No North Indian wedding takes place without the bride
wearing a Varanasi Silk Sari!) Along the way you also stop for a tour of the temples of Varanasi.
Varanasi/Delhi.
Early this morning you take a boat ride past the "Bathing Ghats" on the sacred
Ganges River. As the night mist lifts and the sun touches the spires of the
bank side temples with gold, you can see thousands of Hindus performing
their morning rites of prayer on the shores of the river. Return to hotel
for breakfast. You will be delivered to the airport on time
to connect your flight to Delhi, where you receive assistance on arrival. If
you have a long layover you may have time to
visit the market before you return to the airport for your onward flight.
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Costs for this package are generally from $950 to $2,200 for one or two
guests, depending on when you plan to visit, which the hotels you choose and
what kind of room is available in each hotel. The hotels named on the
right are examples and we are not restricted to only these hotels.
Prices in India are seasonal, with high season October through March and
low season April through September. Hotels are
often full we may need to contact several hotels to find accommodation
within your budget. We have given up publishing prices because hotels change
their prices on an ongoing basis, making it impossible for us to maintain
accurate prices here. Keep in mind that India is a fairly costly
destination, with prices comparable to Europe. If you are looking
for a cheap India tour, read this.
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choose from these fine
HOTELS
Superior:
Holiday Inn Khajuraho
and
Hotel Grand Meraden Varanasi
Delectable:
Hotel Taj Chandela or Hotel Jass, Khajuraho
and
Hotel Taj Ganges or Hotel Radisson, Varanasi
Includes
Hotel
accommodation, daily American breakfast, private air conditioned
car/driver/guide throughout, sightseeing as shown, including entrance fees,
air conditioned train Agra to Jhansi, assistance with
airport arrival and departure, applicable taxes (except airport tax).
Not included: airfare, airport taxes,
meals not shown, sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary, items of a purely
personal nature.
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