GOLDEN TRIANGLE WITH JUNGLE SAFARI

GOLDEN TRIANGLE WITH JUNGLE SAFARI

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Delhi (2) – Sariska (1) – Jaipur (2) – Bharatpur (1) – Agra (1) 

Duration: 07 Nights / 08 Days

Day 01: Delhi Arrival  On arrival at Airport / Railway station, meet our representative and proceed to Hotel for Check in.  Delhi is a city built and re-built seven times over several centuries. The capital city today marries the quaint and unique elements of different historical eras with the pace of the bustling, growing economy. At every turn of the road, the past and the present coexist. Later proceed for city Tour of NEW DELHI - drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyen’s, including the Indian Gate & the Presidential Palace.  Continue onto the beautiful Humayun’s tomb of the Mughal era & thereafter visit the towering minaret of Qutab Minar. Overnight at Hotel 

Day 02: Delhi City Tour After breakfast visit the Jama Masjid, Red Fort and local Bazaar. After breakfast visit Jama Masjid- Jama Masjid, was commissioned to be constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It holds the distinction of being one of the biggest and the most well known mosque of Old Delhi. Red Fort- The Red Fort is popularly known as the Lal Quila and is representative of the true splendor of the Mughal court. This imposing fort will engulf you with its size and grandeur. Later afternoon visit local market and temples. Overnight at Hotel 

Day 03: Delhi- Sariska   (190 kms / 03 hrs) After breakfast drive to sariska. On arrival check in at hotel. Later visit:   Sariska National park- The history of Sariska is as old as 5th century BC when it was mentioned in the Hindu sacred texts that the Pandavas took shelter in Sariksa during the years of seclusion. Knakwari Fort- was used by Aurangazeb to imprison his brother during the 8th to 12th century. The rich residents of Sariska constructed a number of temples in the region which still stand as symbols of the glorious past of Sariska. Hanuman Temple- Sariska is not only a place to perceive natural wilderness, but also a place with cultural and religious significance. These temples in Sariska are located within the Sariska national park and visitors surely stop at these religious places en route to Sariska. The hanuman temple is located near the watchtower at the Sariska national park, 11 kms from the entrance to the park. Overnight at hotel. 

Day 04 : Sariska - Jaipur (110 Kms / 02 hrs)  After Breakfast drive to Jaipur. Jaipur: Beautiful palaces, forts and colorful bazaars speak of the pink city’s glorious regal past. Modernity walks hand-in-hand with history in Jaipur. This largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, is famous for its magnanimous hospitality. Later tour of the Pink city visiting the imposing hawa Mahal, Jantar Manter & City Palace now a museum, the ancient Observatory, The exotic Palace of the Winds & the picturesque bazaars of the walled city. Overnight at Hotel. 

Day 05: Jaipur City Tour After Breakfast, Visit Amber - the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire reaching the fort on elephant back.  It is a deserted palace surrounded by majestic ramparts & the magnificent public & private room's evidence the splendor of the rulers of 16th & 17th century Rajasthan. Jaigarh Fort- Situated on the majestic Chilh-ka-Tola or the hill of eagles, the lofty walls of the Jaigarh Fort spread over a vast expansion of three kilometers. This impregnable fort of the Rajput was built purely for the defense activities. Nahargarh fort- Nahargarh Fort is located on the sheer rugged ridge of Aravali Hills and it forms an impressive northern backdrop of Jaipur. It looks most classy when floodlit at night. The fort overlooks the city and presents a glittering view of the city lights. It was built in 1734 and extended in 1868. Nahargarh meaning abode of the tigers was built by Jai Singh to bolster the defence of Amber. Evening explore the local bazzar. Overnight at Hotel. 

Day 06: Jaipur – Bharatpur (180 kms / 03 hrs) After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Bharatpur. The city of Bharatpur was founded in 1733 and served as the capital of the Jat kingdom since the 15th century. It is home to the most respected royal family in Rajasthan and was a princely state. It is also the winter home of the endangered Siberian cranes, which travel over the city while migrating toward warmer climes. Arrive & check in at hotel. Later visit the Keoladeo national park. We embark on a tour of the city’s most well-known attraction - the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, better known as the Bharatpur sanctuary. This former hunting preserve of the royal family of Bharatpur, is now home to many migratory and exotic birds including the Siberian cranes. The sanctuary was created over 250 years ago, and is named after a Keoladeo or Shiva temple within its boundaries. Given the biological diversity it supports, it was declared a world heritage site, by UNESCO in 1985. Overnight at Hotel. 

Day 07: Bharatpur - Agra (60 Kms / 01 hrs)  After breakfast drive to Agra En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri - the extraordinary city built by Akbar the Great, deserted 14 years later, but which, during its brief span, exceeded London in both grandeur and population. After visit continue drive to Agra. Arrive and check in at Hotel. Akbarabad, as Agra was known during the Mughal era, is home to some of the most magnificent Mughal architectures. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, the monumental beauty of Agra has inspired countless people around the world. This third largest city of the state of Uttar Pradesh is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites. After Lunch Proceed to visit to the world - famous Taj Mahal - or literally "Crown of Palaces" was built by Shah Jehan to immortalize the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died tragically in 1631. After that visit, the Red Fort built by three generations of Mughal Emperors between 1565 and 1573.  It housed both the presidential Palaces of the Royal family, and the military quarters. Itmad-ud-Daulah It is believed that the glorious Taj Mahal was also probably inspired from another monument in Agra called the Itmad-ud-Daulah. And so this Mughal mausoleum is also called the ‘Baby Taj’. This beautiful tomb definitely calls for a visit. The tomb, built between 1622 and 1628 has walls made of white marble from Rajasthan, encrusted with semi- precious stone decorations. Overnight at Hotel. 

Day 08: Agra Departure After Breakfast at hotel check out and proceed for your onward destination.

FIRST TIMER INDIA EXPERIENCE: 5 DAYS

FIRST TIMER INDIA EXPERIENCE: 5 DAYS

DELHI – AGRA – JAIPUR

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Day 01: Delhi Arrival

Travel ASTU REPRESENTATIVE will receive you on arrival at the airport in Delhi. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi and drive Delhi – Agra By road in 3.5hrs

Enjoy a guided tour of Old Delhi after breakfast.

The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also famously known as the “father of the nation”.

One of the most important buildings of Old Delhi is the RED FORT. The Red Fort was built during the years 1638 – 48. In 1638 Shahjahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and laid the foundations of Shahjahanabad, the seventh city of Delhi. lying at the town's northern end on the right bank or the Yamuna and south of Salim Garh, was begun in 1639 and completed after nine years. Continue your tour to Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi peddling through the narrow by lanes of Chandani Chowk.

The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colors and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-Minar in red and buff stand stone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first floor, to which were added three more floors by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the Minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first floor.

Next stop would be the majestic Humanyun’s Tomb. Humayun died in 1556, and his widow Hamida Banu Begum, also known as Haji Begum, commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture. It is well known that Humayun picked up the principles of Persian architecture during his exile, and he himself is likely to have planned the tomb, although there is no record to that effect.

The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence.

Proceed to Agra thereafter.

Agra: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shahjahan, transformed the 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.  A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

Reach and check into the hotel.

Overnight will be in Agra.

Day 03: Agra – Jaipur

By road in 5 hrs

Proceed for sightseeing of Agra.

Taj Mahal: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. 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.   

Agra Fort: The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a four-square formal garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone.  Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

Proceed to Jaipur by road. Reach and transfer to hotel.

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.

The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive color of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.

Overnight will be in Jaipur.

Day 04: Jaipur

Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.

Amber Fort Palace: Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.  Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I.  Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

After sightseeing continue your visit to DERA AMER. Spend half a day with resident elephants.

The elephant treks are conducted in the original Aravali forests surrounding the camp and follow a route passing by hutments, agricultural fields, hills and ancient monuments, the birdlife in the thick forests is thriving and though panthers do inhabit the jungles it is very rare to see them however occasionally the hyena and the wolf has been sighted by guests, antelopes, jackals are in abundance. The sunset elephant treks are magical.

Enjoy the experience followed by dinner.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 05:  Jaipur- Delhi

By air

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel.

Continue sightseeing.

City Palace: A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city.  It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

Jantar Mantar: This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.  This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

Hawa Mahal: The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.  It is a five-storey structure of sandstone-plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Enjoy a nice lunch and some last moment shopping.

Proceed to the airport to board your flight to Delhi thereafter.

You will be transferred in time to the airport for flight back home with sweet memories of the

TOUR ENDS

THE TOUR INCLUDES:

ü  ACCOMMODATION AT MENTIONED HOTELS

ü  DAILY BREAKFASTS AT THE HOTELS

ü  SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY

ü  AC MUV AT DISPOSAL WITH THE DRIVER FOR YOUR TOUR

ü  MONUMENT ENTRANCE CHARGES

ü  ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES FOR ALL TOURS

ü  MOBILE PHONE WITH ALL THE IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS PRE-FED

ü  LOCAL AIRFARE IN ECONOMY CLASS FOR THE SECTOR JAIPUR – DELHI

ü  DEDICATED TOUR MANAGER WITH 24 HRS ASSISTANCE

ü  ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE

ü  ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES

ü  ALL ROAD TAXES, GOVERNMENT TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED:

ü  RICKSHAW RIDE IN DELHI

ü  OLD CITY WALKING TOUR IN DELHI

ü  TONGA RIDE TO TAJ MAHAL IN AGRA

ü  ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT IN JAIPUR

ü  A DAY WITH ELEPHANTS WITH DINNER AT JAIPUR

ü  FAREWELL LUNCH IN JAIPUR

EXCLUSIONS:

ü  LUNCHES AND DINNERS (EXCEPT FOR THOSE MENTIONED IN INCLUSIONS)

ü  PERSONAL EXPENSES

ü  TIPS ETC

ü  AIRFARE

ü  VISA CHARGES

Varanasi & Khajuraho two must see cultural cities of India

Being in inbound tourism for so many years, catering to Hispanic world I always wondered I have sent thousands of people to Khajuraho & Varanasi. What is the big deal about these cities apart from Kama sutra & intensity that attract so many visitors and is must go in the list of almost every firsttime traveller to India.

The opportunity to travel came in the form of a query from BERTHA DOLORES GUDIÑO RESENDIZ from the city of León, Guanajuato in Mexico. Initially she wanted to travel as a bag packer however she agreed to book a tour with us with a condition that she wanted an experience of travelling in a night train like a common Indian middle class person. Since the language was bit of an issue as she spoke little English me and my colleagues were apprehensive about her comfort. Then came the idea of accompanying her from Khajuraho to Varanasi in the night train. She was joining us in Khajuraho after completing her tour of Agra and Orchha.

Selfie in Train during Khajuraho Trip (Me and Jay)

On 30^th of March me and Jay we boarded the train to Khajuraho from Nizamudin. Nothing eventful the train was on time.

Next day we reached on time and my god we were surprised by the cleanliness of the station. The information displayed is very helpful like the entire population is 17000 only which came as a surprise and we felt like as if we were in some European suburb. There is also the information about the charges of Taxi, auto and Rickshaw which is very handy for the visitor.

Khajuraho Railway Station

Information about Khajuraho on wall

We fixed with a Tuk-Tuk guy to take us to a good hotel for 100 rupee but before that we wanted to eat breakfast so we stopped in a Dhaba just before the city.

Tuk-Tuk Auto

Meanwhile we ate our colleagues from Delhi has already informed the local office of our visit hence Mr. Lalit our local contact and his deputy Mr. Nitin came to meet us. In the evening as scheduled we met our guest in the hotel Clarks and fixed a time for the next day tour of the temples of Khajuraho.

Next morning we met our guest and started exploring the town which is actually as small as Dwarka or Rohini of Delhi may be in 20 km of radius. There is a main market which leads to group of temples which consist of 25 left of 85 originals.

Western Groups of Temples

Western Groups of Temples:

Western temples consist of Kandaria Mahadev, Viswanath, Devi Jagdambi & Devi Mandap.

Viswanath Temple

Sculptures of Khajuraho Temples (Kama Sutra Poses)

The architecture and the intricacy of their designs shut you in a silence and adoration for the sculptures & the Chandela rulers.

Before visiting the temples I thought this would only be an experience of watching complicated Kama sutra acts but in reality the Kama sutra is just the 10% of the entire stone carvings which are mainly divine or about elephants, horseback riders, court scenes, musicians, dancers, children, courtiers, and mythical creatures that are half-human-half-beast are engaged with human beings performing the most mindboggling sexual activities. Could human hands have wrought these wondrous spectacles or, were they, as myth and legend tell us, crafted by divinely-inspired master craftsmen? Only the God or the sculptures of such beauty can tell.

Light & Sound show or Dance spectacle:

Light and Sound Show, Khajuraho Temples

In Light & sound show we do get the answers why the female beauty is carved on the walls of the temples. I don’t think for a non-English speaker it is much of a fun unless you have the audio aid to understand the narration. Instead its better watching the dance show consisting of Bhangra, Garba, Kathak, Bhopuri and some other folk dance forms of India.

Eastern Temples:

A kilometer away from Western group of temples is Jain or eastern group of temples. The Jain community during the Chandela rule lived on the eastern side of the city. These temples consist of Parsavnath temple, Adinath & the Ghanti temple.

Vamana Temple

Then once you cross the old village there are some more temples for example Javari Temple, Vamana Temple, and Dula-Deo temple where the newly wed visit seeking the blessing of god Vishnu for a happy married life.

The other places of interest in Khajuraho:

The other places of interest could be Rehane falls which is beautiful however check beforehand if there is water in the fall, Crocodile sanctuary and if you have two nights you can also opt for one safari in the Panna National park, the tiger sighting has vastly improved in last couple of years.

Excavation still goes on:

We were lucky to visit a recently excavated sight where we have the remains of the other ancient temple and a Shiva lingam.  It could be another Khajuraho Marvel in the future.

An ancient temple and a Shiva lingam

Where to Stay in Khajuraho:

There are many good hotels in the town actually quite close to each other. The best is The Lalit Temple View if you have a luxury budget, then Radisson, Taj Chandela, The Clarks and Ramada. Usha Bundela used to be a good option however it is shut down for renovation. The other option in the budget class could be Isabel Palace.

The Lalit Temple View

Where to eat in Khajuraho:

The best restaurant where you can have a chilled beer, decent lunch or dinner is Raja Cafe close to Western group of temples or it is best to eat at your hotel. Other interesting somewhat local place is a Chai and Samosa wala at the very beginning of the market who makes awesome tea. Samosa could be somewhat spicy for a westerner.

Raja Cafe Khajuraho

How to get there:

Khajuraho is well connected by air from Delhi, Varanasi & in high season from Agra. Khajuraho airport is about 5-6 kms from the city. By train Khajuraho is connected with Delhi, Agra, and Jhansi. The railway station is about 7-8 kms from the city.

In the night our local office prepared a dinner for us and the Mexican guest. The menu consisted of a local fish caught from the Ken River, one of the cleanest rivers in India, Biryani, mixed vegetable, Roti & for drinks we had Vodka and beer. Simple food yet tasty served with lots of love and affection.

Dinner with Guest - Travel Astu Team

With our bellies full and contented heart we headed to Khajuraho station for boarding the night train to Varanasi. This was the experience our guest was waiting for. As we entered our wagon we discovered that couple of ladies was stationed there after showing our tickets they moved on reluctantly. In such a situation if a guest is non-English speaker there could be a slight problem although Indians generally are gracious towards foreigners. The night was uneventful with guest sleeping all the way and in the morning it was bit of challenge for her to use the washroom as in spite of the best class available in the train the trip to the bathroom could be a nightmare for a western traveller in a train. It is best to opt for the expensive breakfast about 250 rupee per person which is a nice packed breakfast with a juice rather than a cheaper version of 100 rupee which consisted of two boiled eggs, two breads & local Jam pouches. As we were not aware of the better version we opted for the latter and were left with a bad taste and above all the guest did not eat her breakfast as probably she didn’t like the idea of being served in an old newspaper. When we confronted the pantry guy he told us he did not gave the option of better one as it was sold out. We passed time by discussing about the Maya, Azteca and some of the ancient tribes of Mexico, Peru & Columbia etc. the pre-Hispanic era.

When we reached Varanasi about mid-day, we all said OMG. The station was full of people and one could feel the intensity even before reaching the city. Our local contact found us with little bit of difficulty as we said we are heading towards the bridge without knowing that the bridge is on the both sides of the platform. Varanasi station is complete contrast to Khajuraho with commotion of people and luggage being loaded & unloaded.

Soon we came out and boarded the Toyota Innova which took us to the hotel Rivatas by Ideal where due to heavy movement of the groups the check in was delayed. Since the delay was little too much we bargained for a suite for the guest which the hotel people offered us graciously. After the guest was comfortably placed in her suite we opted for visiting some of the rooms of the hotel and the formerly known Ideal towers hotel of the same brand now rechristened as hotel Amaya. Both the hotels Rivatas and Amaya are 4 stars however Rivatas has better ambience.

Where to Stay in Varanasi:

We opted to see some more hotels located in Assi Ghat, there are about 87 ghats in the city. In the Assi Ghat some of the hotels which we visited are old havelis converted into hotels. Some of the hotels worth staying are Palace on Ganges, Ganges View, Banaras Haveli, temple on Ganges and some more from where the view of Ganges is amazing. These hotels are full of Banarsi art, paintings. Some have their own libraries also. The modern hotels like Taj Gateway, Radisson etc. are all located in Varanasi Cantonment.

Assi Ghat:

Assi Ghat is a great place to sit and relax. Apart from Indian and foreign tourists many localities and elderly people sit in the evening to gossip or with their rosary beads praying Om Namaha Shivaya or Om Hili Hili Mili Mili Ganga Devi Namaha. We had a Masala Nimbu Chai which cost about 10 rupee. It’s worth it for its price. With the new government we can feel that the intent is there to keep the ghats clean with the dustbins close to the benches. Its great sight to see sun going down the holy river and small & medium boats ferrying tourists in the backdrop of mantras and devotional music being played on the loud speakers.

Assi Ghat, Varanasi

Dashashwamedh Ghat:

From the Assi Ghat we took a Rickshaw to Dashashwamedh ghat which took about 20 minutes in the crowded by lanes. We paid 100 Indian rupees for the same. From the parking of the Ghat it’s about 10 minutes’ walk to the actual Ghat and one has to really jostle in the sea of people to reach the Arti ceremony on time. Our guest was already sitting comfortably in the balcony viewing the Ganges with the local Spanish guide. After greeting her we decided to take a small boat ride and view the Arti from the river sitting in the boat. It is best to see the Arti either from the boat facing the Brahmins or from the crowd in order to feel the intensity. If you are elderly person it is better to view from the Balcony because sometime there could be jostling around because of movement of masses and everybody trying to take selfies and videos. It’s a great experience of about 45 minutes to one hour with devotees chanting “Ganga maiya kee jai” (Hail the mother Ganges). Mainly the Arti consists of prayer to Lord Shiva, Goddess Ganges and Lord Agni (fire). The rhythm of the priests who wear same clothes Dhoti & Kurta and their chanting makes it a great event. It is must watch for every visitor. You can also hear and see similar Artis being performed in nearby ghats also.

Aarti Ceremony in Ghat

Sunrise boat ride at River Ganges, Varanasi:

Boat ride at River Ganges, varanasi

As Mark Twain rightly said about Varanasi “Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, And looks twice as old as all of them put together”. It is best to start the next day with morning boat ride, with experience of seeing the death rituals in Manikarnika ghat and Suba- E – Banaras program which is a chanting of vedic mantras.

The places of interest in Varanasi:

Excursion to Sarnath which takes about 3-4 hours. It is about 10 kms from the city center. Here is where the Buddhism was born. The museum contains the carvings from 3rd century BC to 12th century AD. The styles include Mathura school, Gupta and medieval work. The other must to visit places are Benaras Hindu University (BHU), Bharat Mata Mandir, Durga temple or better known as monkey temple and Vishwanath temple, one of the 12 sacred temples of god Shiva. The non-Hindus cannot enter inside however it is great to watch and take photos from the periphery, Kedar Ghat with its beautiful temple Kedareshwar dedicated to lord Shiva. The other to do things could be walking tour, New Viswanath temple, archeological museum etc.

Since we did not have much time we did meet the guest in the evening and went to hotel to wash and change as we had a train to catch from Mughal Sarai at 1015 pm. The worst train between New Delhi and Mughal Sarai is Magadh Express. Please never travel in that as it is perpetually delayed which we found out the hard way by getting delayed by 11 hours.

Where to eat:

It is best to eat in your hotel if you are vary of street food. Otherwise if you want to taste local foods close to Ghats there are many eateries which serve good food. If you are a local tourist Yadav Dhaba is a good choice. 

Other places are Blue Lassi, Open hand Shop & Café, Brown bread bakery, Kashi Chat Bhandar and many more.

How to get there:

Varanasi is well connected by Air & rail from Delhi, Mumbai and all the cities. The airport is about 25 kms from the city center and the railway station is quite close to Varanasi Cantonment about 2 kms where all the star rated hotels are located like Taj Gateway, Radisson, Rivatas, Ramada etc.

Suggested Tours: 

• Classical India Tour - 10 days: http://www.travelastu.com/North-India-Tours-and-Packages/10-Day-Classical-India-Tour.html
  
  
  
• Spiritual India Tour - 14 days: http://www.travelastu.com/India-Wildlife-Tours-and-Packages/12-Day-Taj-Tigers-Temples-Tour-India.html
  
  
• Taj, Tigers & Temples Tour - 12 days: http://www.travelastu.com/India-Wildlife-Tours-and-Packages/12-Day-Taj-Tigers-Temples-Tour-India.html

About Author: Author (Puru) originally hails from the abode of gods; Himachal is a travel buff and co-founder of Travel Astu with his friends Jay & Neeraj other two travel enthusiasts.

About Travel Astu: Travel Astu is a young destination management company catering to foreigners, NRI & domestic tourists. We love showcasing India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand, Cambodia & some of the other Asian countries to the world through our eyes.