ANCIENT INDIA TOUR

Arrival in Delhi. Meeting with representative of Sushant Travels, post go for the sightseeing of Delhi. The capital of India is a city in which a thousand-year history meets a passer-by at every step. Ancient fortresses and mausoleums, mosques and palaces, picturesque bazaars - everything here reminds of the past. The minaret of Qutab-Minar, the Jama Masjid Mosque and the famous Red Fort built in the 17th century under the Great Mughal dynasty are amazing with their magnificence. In Delhi, many gardens and parks - even in winter, the singing of exotic birds does not cease. In the evening drive to Agra. Check-in in pre-booked hotel. Stay overnight.

Wake-up early in the morning and go to view sunrise at Taj Mahal. the official recognized Miracle of Light, reflects the ideas of those times about the interiors of paradise life. The mausoleum was built in the 17th century by the inconsolable Emperor of the Mughals Shah Jahan in memory of his unexpectedly deceased spouse. Later, after completing his earthly journey, Shah Jahan settled in the Taj Mahal next to his unforgettable Mumtaz. Construction of the mausoleum was conducted for 22 years, this fact was reflected in the number of domes, which crowned the main gate of the complex. Marble walls inside and outside are encrusted with gems. The mausoleum complex includes: a magnificent park, an irrigation canal, a marble pool, a mosque, minarets, guest houses, made in the same style. By the way, the marble with which the mausoleum is lined, produces a stunning effect on the unprepared spectator - in the light of the day it looks snow-white, in the morning - gently pink, and on a moonlight night - silver. Return to hotel, take breakfast. Post go to the sightseeing of Red Fort. Two and a half kilometers from the Taj Mahal is the Red Fort of Agra. The fort was built under the guidance of the ruler Akbar, who was addicted to red color. The construction was continued by his grandson (mentioned above Shah Jahan), the constructions of this pore are white marble. The fort is surrounded by a moat, which in former times was filled with the waters of a nearby river. The walls of the fort, in terms of reminiscent of the crescent, rise to 22 meters. The architecture of the fort is an intertwining of the traditions of Islamic and Hindu architecture. A beautiful legend tells that during the last years of his life Shah Jahan, thrown from his throne by his son, spent in confinement in the Red Fort, admiring through the barred window on the mausoleum, where his beloved rested. Return to the hotel, check-out and drive to Lucknow, the capital of state Uttar Pradesh. Check-in to the pre-booked hotel and stay overnight.

Wake-up early in the morning and go to view sunrise at Taj Mahal. the official recognized Miracle of Light, reflects the ideas of those times about the interiors of paradise life. The mausoleum was built in the 17th century by the inconsolable Emperor of the Mughals Shah Jahan in memory of his unexpectedly deceased spouse. Later, after completing his earthly journey, Shah Jahan settled in the Taj Mahal next to his unforgettable Mumtaz. Construction of the mausoleum was conducted for 22 years, this fact was reflected in the number of domes, which crowned the main gate of the complex. Marble walls inside and outside are encrusted with gems. The mausoleum complex includes: a magnificent park, an irrigation canal, a marble pool, a mosque, minarets, guest houses, made in the same style. By the way, the marble with which the mausoleum is lined, produces a stunning effect on the unprepared spectator - in the light of the day it looks snow-white, in the morning - gently pink, and on a moonlight night - silver. Return to hotel, take breakfast. Post go to the sightseeing of Red Fort. Two and a half kilometers from the Taj Mahal is the Red Fort of Agra. The fort was built under the guidance of the ruler Akbar, who was addicted to red color. The construction was continued by his grandson (mentioned above Shah Jahan), the constructions of this pore are white marble. The fort is surrounded by a moat, which in former times was filled with the waters of a nearby river. The walls of the fort, in terms of reminiscent of the crescent, rise to 22 meters. The architecture of the fort is an intertwining of the traditions of Islamic and Hindu architecture. A beautiful legend tells that during the last years of his life Shah Jahan, thrown from his throne by his son, spent in confinement in the Red Fort, admiring through the barred window on the mausoleum, where his beloved rested. Return to the hotel, check-out and drive to Lucknow, the capital of state Uttar Pradesh. Check-in to the pre-booked hotel and stay overnight. Day 3- Lucknow - Ayodhya Wake up in the morning and after breakfast go to the sightseeing of old Lucknow. Lucknow develops its architectural style, one of the most interesting examples of late Indo-Muslim art. In 1784 Bara Imambara was built one of the most grandiose buildings of the city. In the construction of the building took part 22,000 people. The whole complex consists of several buildings. It includes the mausoleum of Asaf ud Daula and his family, the grave of a certain saint and the magnificent Asafi Masjid mosque with many minarets, located on a wide square. The complex is surrounded by a wall, in which are built large, decorated with an ornate gate of Rumi Darwaza (Turkish Gate), on both sides of which, beautiful fine minarets rise. The center of the gates is decorated with a depiction of two fishes by the prince's coat of arms, which can be found on almost all Navabian buildings. The mausoleum of Bara Imambara is widely known for its three huge vaulted halls. One of them is the largest in Asia (length 49.4 m, width 16.2 m, height 15 m). The hall is made without any external wooden, iron or stone beams supporting a vault weighing about 20,000 tons. On the top terrace of the building is a whole arched maze, which the locals called bhul-bhulaya, which can be translated as: you go and you will not return. Now local guides, after a long excursion around the whole complex, finish it in a labyrinth and offer tourists to find a way out from there. At first it seems that it is very simple, and you seem to immediately find the right corridor, but the first impression is deceptive and you are not where you were going. It is possible to stray a thousand passes for the ventilation of the building, as well as to support the huge roof, until you understand the basic rule: if you want to go down, you need to look for a ladder leading up and vice versa. From the very top of the building you will see a beautiful view of the old Lucknow, with its many mosques and mausoleums. From here, the most beautiful photos in the books about the city are made. If you exit through the gate of Rumi Darwaza, you will immediately see the palace of Asaf ud Daula and Imambara Hussein. Imambara Hussein, better known as Chota (Small) Imambara, was built in 1837 by Mohammed Ali Shah, as a mausoleum for himself and his family. Passing through the main gate, you find yourself in the park, in the middle of which there is a pond on both sides of which are the tombs of the daughter of Ali Shah and her husband. Inspired by Taj Mahal, the father tried to create his miniature copy, but as always happens, the copy is much inferior to the original. In the main building of Imambara, Mohammed Ali Shah and his mother are buried. The facade of the building is decorated with stucco, gilding and mirrored mosaic, and the arch above the entrance is painted with lines from the Quran. Inside is the silver throne of the nawabs, and from the ceiling hangs many chandeliers of various shapes and colors. During religious holidays, many Muslims flock here to bow to the great ruler. After that go to the sightseeing of Residency. Residency - a complex of buildings and debris that formed the territory of the British garrison, which was subjected to siege at the time of the 1857 uprising. The residence was not restored after those tragic events - on the walls still visible traces of bullets and cannonballs. On the territory of the Residence there is a museum that, during the siege, served as a refuge for women and children of defenders of the British mountainside, many of which are buried in a nearby cemetery. After the sightseeing of residency go to the main market of Lucknow ie. Hazratganj. You can shop here Luknowi chiken clothes, post return to hotel, check-out and drive to Ayodhya. Upon reaching Ayodhya, check-in pre-booked hotel. Stay overnight.

Wake up in the morning and after breakfast go for the sightseeing of Ayodhya. Ayodhya is the alleged birthplace of three religious figures: Rama, Rishabhadeva (the founding father of Jainism) and, according to some beliefs, the Buddha himself. It was one of the largest cities in India, "built by the gods, like paradise itself." During the Mughal empire, he lost commercial importance, giving way to Lucknow, and since then he never regained his former greatness. However, in the soul of the people of India, Ayodhya is still an outstanding city. It is considered one of the seven sacred places, since it has a huge historical and religious significance for the Hindus, Jainists, Buddhists and Muslims. Among the shrines of Ayodhya are the following. Ram Janam Bhumi is the place where Lord Rama was born. Another famous and popular shrine, Hanumangarhi. One of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ayodhya, which will be avoided will be unforgivable, - Kanak Bhavan Temple - "Golden House". Every day thousands of believers come here who want to bow to the golden-decorated deities of Rama and Sita. According to legend, the temple was erected by Kaikey, which sent Rama into exile in the forest for 14 years. The place where, according to legend, Rama performed the sacrifice of Ashvamedha, today it is noted that Treta-ke-Thakur is a temple that was built by Raja from Kullu for about 300 years. After sightseeing come back to hotel. Stay overnight.

Wake up in the morning and after breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Varanasi. Upon reaching Varanasi, check-in to the hotel. In the evening - departure to the famous "ghats" - stairs for ritual ablutions, leaving directly into the water, to the Ganges. A trip on traditional wooden boats along the temple complexes, ghat, stretching for several kilometers along the coast and presence at an unusually picturesque ceremony, the ritual of which has not changed for centuries - Aarti - the worship of the sacred Ganges at sunset. Overnight in Varanasi.

Wake up early in the morning before sun rise go to the ghats to see world famous sun rise and another boat trip along the river Ganges. Return to hotel. After breakfast, visit Sarnath, a Buddhist shrine connected with the first sermon of the enlightened prince Gautama Buddha. In the afternoon visit the sights of Varanasi - Archaeological Museum, University of Hinduism and Buddhist and Hindu temples). Overnight in Varanasi.

In the morning after breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Orchha. Check-in to the pre-booked hotel. Rest day is lesuire. Dinner and stay overnight.

A small Indian village of the village type - Orchha (state of Madhya Pradesh)Orchha is located on the rocky island of the river Betva. The town consists of only a few streets, but its entire district is simply dotted with palaces, temples, mausoleums, ancient castles. Apparently due to such a variety of attractions, tours in Orchu are popular among travelers in India. This is one of the few places where you can safely rest, enjoy the enchanting scenery and visit all sorts of Orchha excursions. It is very convenient to inspect the city, all Orchha attractions are close to each other. The palace area of ??the city is located to the left of the main road. By purchasing an entrance ticket you get the opportunity to visit the palaces and temples of Orchha. The ticket costs 250 rupees (about 5 dollars) and operates one day. Be sure to visit the two main palaces - Raj Mahal and Jahangir Mahal. The first palace is the former home of the first king. During the Orchha excursion to the palace, you have the opportunity to visit the royal apartments, see their boudoir, toilets and a bath. The second palace belonged to the emperor Jehangir - a real architectural miracle. From the palace there are beautiful views of the royal tombs and temples. Be sure to take a couple of pictures, by the way, for photography you need to pay 50 rupees (about 1 dollar) in addition to the entrance ticket. Also striking beauty and mysterious temples of Orchha. Be sure to visit the Orchha India majestic temple - Chaturbhuj, dedicated to the god Vishnu, which is a multi-storey building in the form of a cross. Also, one of the famous temples of the town is the Lakshmi Narayan temple, built in honor of the goddess of prosperity and wealth of Lakshmi. Very interesting style of construction, because of the presence of elements of fortification architecture, the temple resembles a fortress. And, of course, the main Orchha sights are the cenotaphs (monuments, tombstones) built along the river in honor of the deceased rulers of the Bundel dynasty. They can climb and admire the stunning panorama of the town and the surrounding area. Return to hotel and stay overnight.

Khajuraho, being part of the UNESCO World Heritage Fund, is located in Madhya Pradesh in Central India and is considered one of the main tourist destinations in India. Khajuraho is a huge complex consisting of 20 temples embodying the ancient Indian culture of love. Earlier, 85 temples were built on Khajuraho territory, but most of them, unfortunately, were destroyed. During our excursion we will take a walk around the homeland of the Kamasutra and look into the past. We learn how and why the temples of Khajuraho were built, what the Chandela dynasty has to do with the complex, and why the scenes from the Kamasutra are depicted on the facades of the temples. On the tour route we will visit the largest western group of Khajuraho temples, where erotic scenes on the walls of temples are most often encountered. Also you will see the southern part, which is especially attractive in the rays of the sun going down the horizon. And of course, we will not miss the complex of the eastern Khajuraho temples, where the Jainist buildings predominate. We will see - Temples of the Western part: Lakshmana temple, Varaha temple, Lakshmi temple, Kandariya-Mahadevi and Jagadambi temples, Temple of the Sun God - Chitragupta, Viswanath temple, Nandi sanctuary, / East part: Brahma temple, Vamana temple, Javari temple, Ghantai temple, Adinath temple , Temple of Parshvanatha, / Southern part: Duladeo temple, Chaturbhuja temple, Great statue of Hanuman.At the end of the tour, it is possible to take a walk around the local shops (at will), or return to the hotel stay overnight.

Wake up in the morning and after breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Delhi. Upon reaching Delhi tour ends.