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From: AUD 1695.00
NZD 2598.00
Splendid India - (12 Days/11 Nights)
 Discover the mysteries and legends surrounding the dramatic and varied settings of the British capital of Delhi. Visit the fort in Gwalior, Palaces in Orchha, famous intricately carved temples of Khajuraho and the spectacular Taj Mahal in Agra then venture into India’s wild side and spot out tigers in scenic Bandhavgarh National Park.
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
On arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by our tour manager with TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS signboard. You will then be transferred to your designated hotel where you will receive a traditional welcome with Garland and Tilak while other hotel formalities are completed. Rest of the day is at leisure. Stay overnight in Delhi. (B, D)
Day 02: Delhi
The city conceals within its bosom, the remains of a civilisation that flourished over the last three thousand years. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city of Delhi unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. The city comprises of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi. Today, enjoy the city sightseeing tour visiting the Qutub Minar; it is a 73 meters high monument that testifies the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in the 1190s and will charm you with its splendor, the magnificent red tomb of Humayun; with its dashing double-dome and the Charbagh style is indeed a grand affair, Jama Masjid; the largest mosque in India that was the concluding architectural achievement of Shahjahan will welcome you with its three gateways, four towers and two minarets, the Gandhi Memorial, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We then travel through India Gate, the Red Fort, the Parliament and the President’s House. The trip generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting well-composed and spacious streets under the shade of beautifully lined avenues of trees and tall and imposing government buildings. Stay overnight in Delhi. (B,D)
Day 03: Delhi – Agra (Driving Time: Approx 4 hours 30 mins)
After breakfast we travel to the city of Agra which has a rich historical background, amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. In the mid 16th century and early 17th century, Agra witnessed a frenzy of building activity, including the Taj Mahal. The structures build during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality and is still reflecting in the monuments remaining today. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Rest of the day is spent in exploring the city and visiting local bazaars with an overnight stay in Agra. (B,D)
Day 04: Agra
After breakfast you start your day with a visit to the symbol of everlasting love and best example of Islamic architecture in India the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his queen Mumtaz Mahal. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. One of the wonders of the world, from 1631 A.D it took 22 years in making and an estimate 20,000 people who worked day and night to complete this enchanting mausoleum, on the banks of the river Yamuna. Continue your guided sightseeing tour with a visit to the Agra fort; built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and Itimad-Ud-Daulah; also known as Mini Taj which was constructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628. Stay overnight in Agra. (B,D)
Day 05: Agra – Gwalior (Driving Time: Approx 2 hours 30 mins)
Travel to Gwalior and enjoy guided sightseeing tour. According to legend in 8 A.D, Gwalior derived its name from a sage Gwalipa who cured the chief of the Kachwaha clan, Suraj Sen, from leprosy and as gratitude the chieftan founded this city and named it after the sage. Gwalior has been under the patronage of many dynasties of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas, Kachwahas and Tomars. The Mughal emperor Babar referred to the Gwalior Fort built in 15th century as “the pearl amongst fortresses in India” and although you may beg to differ, you will probably agree that this, the dominating feature of Gwalior’s skyline, is definitely a citadel worth seeing. It has been a scene of momentous events: imprisonments, battles and jauhars. A city rich in cultural heritage as well as architectural marvels, renowned for its old and colossal fort and palaces, giving it, its inimitable regal flavour. The city boasts of its glorious past and its present modern outlook. Stay overnight at Gwalior. (B,D)
Day 06: Gwalior – Orchha (Driving Time: Approx 3 hours)
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast we then travel to Orchha. The city was once the capital of the Bundelas, Orchha is now just a village set amidst a complex of well preserved temples and palaces. It was built by Bir Singh Deo in 1531. Orchha means “hidden place” and it certainly lives up to its name by languishing amid a tangle of scrubby dhak forest, 18 km southeast of Jhansi. Orchha’s legacy has been captured in stone and frozen in time, a rich legacy to all ages. The city gained prominence in the field of art and architecture. Rest of the day is free to take a stroll on the narrow streets of this beautiful small town, clustered around the foot of the ruins, with neatly painted houses and market stalls. Strewn around the area are little shrines and memorials, each with its own poignant history, contributing to the nostalgic beauty of Orchha. Stay overnight in Orchha. (B,D)
Day 07: Orchha – Khajuraho (Driving Time: Approx 4 hours)
Following breakfast, travel to Khajuraho, world famous for the Khajuraho Temples built by the Chandellas. 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly carved, came up on one site. A wall with eight gates encloses the entire area and two golden palm trees flank each of them. Khajuraho oozes with passion, eroticism, dance, music and other finesses of creative arts which are depicted in sculptures and images of the temples. The temples celebrate Hindu religious thought in its mystifying variety of scope and inclusion, standing distinguished from the rest of Hindu temples. They highlight the existential ethos in religion that venerates 'Yoga' and 'Bhoga'. 'Yoga' is union of the self with the Almighty, while 'Bhoga' is the path to God through physical pleasure and are dedicated to physical love and pleasure, a testimony to this philosophy which is etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. Remaining day is free to for you to explore the fascinating village with no more than 3000 residents, with a quaint rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. Optionally you can enjoy the fascinating Son-et-Lumiere (sound and light show) spectacle at the temples, which evokes the life and times of the great Chandella kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th century to the present day. Stay overnight in Khajuraho. (B,D)
Day 08: Khajuraho
After breakfast visit the world famous Khajuraho temples constructed over a span of 100 years, between 950 and 1050 A.D. These temples are considered the "high point" of Indian architectural genius in the medieval period. Life, in every form and mood, has been captured on these stones. Today out of the original 85 temples, only 22 have survived the ravages of time. These temples are a fine example and have gained popularity due to their salacious depiction of raditional way of life during the medieval times. Stay overnight in Khajuraho. (B,D)
Day 09: Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh (Driving Time: Approx 5 hours)
After breakfast we then travel towards our next destination of Bandhavgarh National Park, the crown in the wildlife legacy of Madhya Pradesh. It is a natural habitat to wide range of flora and fauna. The park is nested in the foothills of undulating Vindhya mountain range of Central India featuring hills and ravines. It is undoubtedly a gift of nature. The finest of these hills is Bandhavgarh, sided with great cliffs and eroded rocks and on its highest point stands Bandhavgarh fort, thought to be some 2,000 years old. Scattered throughout the park, and particularly around the fort, are numerous caves containing shrines and ancient Sanskrit inscriptions. Bandhavgarh flaunts a very deep-seated significance of its own in the history and mythology of India. The Bandhavgarh fort dates back to the legendary era of Rama and Hanuman from the famous Hindu epic Ramayana. Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman used this fort on their journey back to their kingdom from Lanka. At present the Maharaja of Rewa owns the fort. Formerly a leisure resort of the Maharaja, Bandhavgarh got the status of a National Park in the year 1968 with an area of 105 sq. km which was later extended to incorporate two adjoining forests in the year 1986. Remaining of the day is free to take long walk in and around the jungle. Stay overnight in Bandhavgarh. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Wildlife Safari
This morning we proceed for a wildlife safari in the home to the famous White Tigers of Rewa. This is the place where the first white tiger, called MOHAN was found in 1951, who supposedly fathered several offspring now found in zoos the world over. This White tiger, Mohan, is now stuffed and on display in the Palace of the Maharajahs of Rewa. The chances of seeing a tiger in this national park is much higher than in any other national park in the region. Bandhavgarh is also densely populated with other species: the great gaur, or Indian bison, can be seen with ease, as they come onto the meadows to graze at dusk; sambar and barking deer are a common sight and neelgai are to be seen in the more open areas of the park. The park also attracts many migratory birds that include the steppe eagle and a variety of wild fowl. Reptilian fauna include cobra, krait, python, turtle and a variety of lizards. The Bandhavgarh National Park has excellent game and bird viewing to offer, coupled with a fascinating historical element to it, thus satiating those adventurous at heart, completely. Stay overnight in Bandhavgarh. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Bandhavgarh – Delhi
Relax at the resort or optionally enjoy another wildlife safari. Enjoy dinner before boarding an overnight train to Delhi. Bedding will be provided by the train attendant while you travel in air conditioned sleeper class towards The National captal. (B,D)
Day 12: Delhi Departure
Arrive Delhi in the afternoon and you willbe met and assisted at the airport bt Total Holiday Options executive who will inturn help you with your transfer to the airport to board your onward filght to your next destination.
Private Car Guided Tour
Starts: Delhi
Ends: Delhi
Grade: Easy Paced
Departs: Daily
What’s included?
Accommodation in hotel with private facilities
Travel by private air-conditioned car with driver
Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner)
Local English speaking tour guide
Entry fee and monument charges
Wildlife safari at Bandhavgarh
Train Tickets in A/C sleeper class
Assistance and transfers
All current applicable taxes
Fact File:
Overland travel by private car with driver
Itinerary can be customised to suit your requirements
Order of sightseeing may vary according to local conditions
Jama Masjid is closed on every Friday
Red Fort Delhi is closed on every Monday
Hotel check-in/out 12:00 Hrs
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Electricity: Current is 220V, 50Hz
Time Zone: 5.5 hours ahead GMT
Ask for pre and post accommodation
For Comfort, Deluxe and Luxury option, up to date pricing and bookings please contact TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS or ask your travel agent. Please refer to our Booking Conditions for further information.
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