Glimpses Holidays

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Evening arrive at IGI (Indira Gandhi International) airport.

Delhi - a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

On arrival, meeting, assistance at airport by our representative and transfer to hotel. Where our executive will explain the travel plan in detail and hand over the essential documents (Tour programme, hotel's vouchers, feedback report etc.) to you. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi - CYCLE RICKSHAW RIDE

After breakfast at hotel enjoy combined city tour of Old & New Delhi start from Red Fort (From outside) - Closed on Monday -  built in red sandstone, constructed by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, Jama Masjid - India's largest mosque and enjoy Cycle rickshaw ride in narrow alleys of old Delhi through Kinari Bazaar and 400 years old Chandni Chowk bazaars. Rajghat - crimination place of Mahatama Gandhi. Laxmi Narayan Temple, Humayun Tomb - the tomb of first Mughal emperor Humayun and Qutab Minar the highest stone tower in India. India Gate - This solemn monument was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the World War Ist. Drive past the Rashtrapathi Bhawan, Parliament House. Evening free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Delhi-Agra (200 kns / 4 hrs)
After an early breakfast at hotel drive to Agra.

Agra, situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra was once the flourishing capital of the Muslim rulers of India. Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. On arrival, check in at hotel.

After wash and change at hotel visit

Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) - world's greatest monument to love. Emperor Shah Jahan built this pristine white marble mausoleum in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. who died giving birth to their fourteenth child in 1631. The monument looks amazingly graceful from almost any angle and took 24 years and 20,000 people to build. The close up detail of the Taj Mahal is as exquisite as the overall architectural design with semi-precious stones and beautiful patterns covering the marble surface. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Described by the Indian classical poet Tagore as a "tear on the face of eternity", the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the zenith of Moghul architecture and quite simply one of the world's most marvellous buildings. Volumes have been written on it s perfection, and its image adorns countless glossy brochures and guide books; nonetheless, the reality never fails to overwhelm all who see it, and few words can do it justice.

Later visit Agra Fort, built by the Mughal dynasty's greatest Emperor, Akbar, in 1565. A number of the fort’s beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens were built by his successors in later years. Pearl Mosque, it shined like a pearl. It is held that this mosque was constructed by Shah Jahan for his members of royal court. Diwan-i-Khas - Here envoys and other honoured guests were granted a personal audience with the ruler. the Diwan-e-Khas is a small marble structure near the Diwan-e-Am. Diwan-i-Aam - the ruler held mass audience. He would sit on his throne facing petitioners. His minister would assemble the petitions and refer them to the Diwan-e-Khas for private audience. Jahangir Mahal - Jahangiri Mahal is the most important building of the Akbari period in the Agra Fort. Evening free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Agra-Lucknow (Train)
Early morning transfer to railway station to board on train to Lucknow.

Lucknow city is popularly known as the 'the city of Nawabs'. Situated on the banks of the river Gomti, it dates back to the time of the Suryavanshi dynasty. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, was founded by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. In the olden times, it served as the capital of the nawabs of Awadh and it is one of the reasons why it is also called as the city of the Nawabs.
The city of Lucknow has a magical charm surrounding it. Be it its delicious cuisine or its heart melting culture, the city leaves an everlasting impression on its visitors.

On arrival meeting assistance at railway station by our local representative and transfer to hotel. After wash and change at hotel enjoy half day local city tour including Imambara & Clock tower. Evening free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Lucknow - Allahabad (200 kms )
After breakfast at hotel drive to Allahabad.

Allahabad - A city of many dimensions is what befits a description of Allahabad. In addition to being a major pilgrimage centre, the city has played an important part in the formation of modern India. Hindu mythology states that Lord Brahma, the creator god, chose a land for 'Prakrishta Yajna'. This land, at the confluence of three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, blessed by gods, came to be known as 'Prayag' or 'Allahabad'.

Centuries followed. Allahabad became the headquarters of North Western Provinces, after being shifted from Agra. Well preserved relics of the British impact includes the Muir College and the All Saints Cathedral. Many important events in India's struggle for freedom, took place here - the emergence of the first Indian National Congress in 1885, the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violence movement in 1920.

On arrival, check in at hotel. After wash and change at hotel visit Anand Bhawan - House of India’s first prime minister Pt. Jawal Lall Nehru. Alfred Park, All saints Cathedral, Allhabad University. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Allahabad - Varanasi (120 kms )
After breakfast at hotel drive to Varanasi.

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Many names have been given to Varanasi, though its recently revived official appellation is mentioned in the Mahabharata and in the Jataka tales of Buddhism. It probably derives from the two rivers that flank the city, the Varuna to the north and the Asi to the south. Many still use the anglicized forms of Banaras or Benares, while pilgrims refer to Kashi, first used three thousand years ago to describe the kingdom and the city outside which the Buddha preached his first sermon; the "City of Light" is also called Kashika, "the shining one", referring to the light of Shiva. Another epithet, Avimukta, meaning "Never Forsaken", refers to the city that Shiva never deserted, or that one should never leave. Further alternatives include Anandavana, the "forest of bliss", and Rudravasa, the place where Shiva (Rudra) resides.

On arrival visit famous temples and Kashi Hindu Universitywhere more than fifty thousand students from all over the world are learning. 

Evening see AARTI at river Ghat. The Varanasi Ganga Aarti (Ceremony) takes place every sunset at holy Dasaswamedh Ghat, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The aarti is performed on a stage by a group of young pundits (Priests), all draped in saffron colored robes with their puja plates spread out before them. It commences with the blowing of a conch shell, and continues with the waving of incense sticks in elaborate patterns and circling of large flaming lamps that create a bright hue against the darkened sky. The movement of the lamps, held in the pandits' hands, is tightly synchronizing to the rhythmic chants of hymns and clang of cymbals. The heady scent of sandalwood thickly permeates the air.

Rest of the day free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Varanasi - EARLY MORNING BOAT RIDE
Early morning enjoy boat rideto watch the sunrise over the Ganges when hundred of people are worshiping & taking bath. Later return back to hotel.

After breakfast at hotel excursion to visit Sarnath - After the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, he came to Sarnath. Here in the Deer Park, he delivered his first sermon or set in motion the Wheel of Law (Maha Dharmachakra Pravartan.) Rest of the day free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Varanasi - Delhi (Flight)
Morning breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activites. In time, transfer to airport to board on flight to Delhi.

On arrival meeting assistance at airport by our local representative and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activites. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Delhi - FREE DAY / Departure

Morning breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activites. In time, transfer to airport to board your homebound flight with the happy memeory of our incredible nation.