Classic India during the Kumbh Mela

Arrival in Delhi and meeting with your guide before the transfer to the hotel.
During the afternoon visiting of the city: starting from Old Delhi, the historical part, surrounded by walls. Passing through the Red Fort, you can admire the most majestic among the monuments of the Mughal Empire, the Jama Masjid (closed on Friday), which is the largest mosque in India. Built between 1644 and 1658 during the reign of Shah Jahan, it is an impressive piece of architecture of red brick and white marble that extends for 40 meters in height and boasts four towers at the corners and 3 gates.

On the banks of the river Yamuna there is the Rajghat: the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, after his assassination in 1948.

Return to the hotel and overnight.

In the morning we will visit New Delhi: the new part conceived, designed and built by the British in the 20s of XX century, in a majestic style. New Delhi is a city characterized by wide tree-lined streets, parks, gardens, grand residences that host the parliament, ministries , embassies, the area of Connaught Place, the financial, commercial and business center.

The India's Gate, known as the arch of triumph, carries the names of several thousand Indians who lost their lives during the First World War. In the opposite side there is the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, a perfect blend of Mughal and Western architectural style. Surrounded by huge parks, its construction was completed in 1929. Qutub Minar, 73m high, is a tower with a diameter of 15m that is narrow down to a minimum of 2m and a half. It is spread over 5 floors, each of which has a sticking out balcony. The mausoleum of Humayun, however, was built between 1564 and 1572 by Haji Begum, the widow of the second Mughal emperor. Nine years after the death of Humayun, it took eight years to complete its construction. Designed by the persian architect Misak Mirza Ghiyaz, the mausoleum boasts an octagonal elevated shape with two domes, 8 arches and it is surrounded by a great wall.

In the afternoon we will leave to Jaipur. Arrival and accomodation in private rooms.

After breakfast, we will proceed to the Amber Fort. The ascent to the fort will be on elephant back.

Just 11 km from Jaipur, the Amber Fort is one of the wonderful examples of Rajput architecture that characterized the old capital during the Kachhawah empire. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh and later completed by Sawai Jai Singh. Inside the palace there are the Diwan-e-Aam, the ''public auditorium "; the Diwan-e-Khas, or the '' private audtorium "and the Sukh Niws, where, in summer, a cool breeze blowing through the channels of water cools the air pleasantly. You can then observe the private rooms of the queens from the typical grates windows through which reigned in their intimacy, could observe the various vicissitudes of the royal court. Besides, you can visit the Jai Mandir, known as the "Temple of Victory", with its famous Sheesh Mahal, the brighting "Hall of Mirrors".

In the afternoon visiting of Jaipur: Hawa Mahal, the famous "Palace of Winds" was built in 1799. The Hawa Mahal is part of the City Palace, commissioned by Sawai Pratap Singh and designed for the women of the royal families, from which they could easily observe, in private, the road and its daily vicissitudes. Our visit will carry on with the Palace Museum: located in the heart of the old town and representing the old royal residence built with a mix of Rajasthan and Mughal styles. A part of the palace, nowadays has become a museum, but the rest of the building is used as a daily accommodation of the royal family of Jaipur. The building boasts an art gallery with an excellent collection of paintings, rugs, accessories and rare pieces of real astronomical works. Jantar Mantar, however, is the stone observatory erected by the great astronomer Jai Singh II, and it is located close to City Palace. It is the largest and best preserved observatory of the area, and thanks to the available tools, astronomers were able to measure the position of the stars and calculate eclipses.
 
Overnight at hotel.

Departure to Agra. Along the trip there will be a visit to Fatehpur Sikri, a fascinating red sandstone ghost town located at short distance from the city of Agra. Built thanks to Emperor Akbar as his capital, Fatehpur Sikri was a veritable fairytale city and its ruins are still in excellent condition today. It is not hard to imagine how could be the court life during that great time. Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone there is the marble tomb of Saint Salim Chisti, surrounded by finely carved marble. We will visit the Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, the Jami Mosque, the Birbals Palace, the Sunhera Makan, the Palace of Jodha Bai, the Kahan-i-khas, the Diwan-im.

Then, we will continue to Agra and upon arrival at the hotel, accommodation in private rooms.

Sightseeing to the Taj Mahal. Agra is the city that host the most photographed monument of the world. No matter how many pictures you have seen or what kind of expectations a person has, the Taj Mahal never betrays. The glory and the unparalleled beauty of this monument built for love, goes beyond all human expectation. It boasts a perfect symmetry in every aspect and its construction is characterized by the remarkable quality of the inlay work of semi precious stones made by marble in stone hard style.
Later, we will continue to the Agra Fort. Emperor Akbar began its construction on the banks of the river Yumana in 1565 and it was subsequently enriched with red roses stones and marble buildings respectively by the two benefactors Jehangir and Shah Jahan. The colossal double walls of the fort rise of over 20 meters in height and for 2km and a half in length. Inside the fort there is a maze of superb halls, mosques, rooms and gardens which are forming a small city within the city. You can also admire the Jahangir Place, the Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and two beautiful mosques.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the train station of Agra and then we will reach Jhansi by train.

Upon arrival, meeting with the assistant and departure to Khajuraho.

Visiting of Orchha, chosen by the Bundela chief RajaRudra Pratap (1501 - 1531) as its capital, as an easily defensible place. Located on a small island of Betwa river, the city rises over the surrounding countryside and hosts three buildings: the Jehangir Mahal Palace is the most admired palace and it was built by Bir Singh Deo as a welcome gift for the visit of Emperor Mughals in the seventeenth century. The Sheesh Mahal, also called "Palace of Mirrors" was erected at the beginning of the eighth century to be the countryside residence of Raja Udait Singh, but after the country's independence, it became property of the government. Finally, the most modest building that is located between the Raj Mahal and the Jehangir Mahal bordering fields is the Phool Mahal, also called "flower garden" because of its vivid colors that recall to mind the summer.

Later, there will be a sightseeing to Ram Raja and Chaturbuj temples.

After the visit, proceeding to Khajuraho. Upon arrival, accommodation and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit to the eastern and western group of temples of Khajuraho.

The Western group of temples includes: Khndarya Mahadeo, the largest and most typical of these temples which rises to 31 meters high and is dedicated to Shiva. Chaunsat Yogini is dedicated to Kali and it is the only temple in granite, as well as the oldest shrine of the group. Chitragupt Temple : facing east, this temple is dedicated to Surya, the god of sun. The image of the goddess in the innermost sanctuary is particularly impressive: about 2 meters high, driving a horse-drawn carriage. Vivshwanath Temple : here is the venerated the three-headed Brahma. Impressive is the view of lions in the north part and elephants in the south part of the temple. Lakshmana Temple: the lintel over the entrance of this beautiful temple shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. Matangeswara Temple : today's place of worship, the temple is dedicated to Shiva, with a "lingam" 8 feet high that is outside of the western group of temples.

The Eastern group of temples was built between the ninth and tenth centuries by the Chandela dynasty and was influenced by Tantrism, making eroticism a theme of philosophical interest. It is possible that, even the city of Khajuraho was influenced by "Kama Sutra". The temple of Parsvanatha is the largest Jain temple of the eastern group and boasts a complex weave of carving; in particular, the sculptures of the north are wonderful. It hosts a throne representing a bull, the symbol that represents the first tirthankara, Adinatha. The Jain temple of Ghantai, however, has obvious frescoes depicting the 16 dreams of the mother of Lord Mahavira during the act of giving birth, and the goddess Jain on board of a winged Garuda. The Adinatha Temple is richly decorated by graceful sculptures, including those of "yakshis" and is dedicated to the first Jain saint, called Adinath. Most of these temples belong to the Jain faith, but there are also three Hindu temples: Brahma, Vamana, with erotic carvings of celestial maidens, and Javari, characterized by a wonderful decorated entrance and sculptures on the outside part.

Return to hotel and overnight.

After breakfast, departure for Allahabad. Upon arrival, accommodation in a camping.

The rest of the day will be free.

Overnight.

After breakfast, full day to observe the activities and events that characterize the Maha Kumbh Mela (literally, big pot).
Always, the Kumbh is considered the center of the Hindu faith and culture. This holy event brings together all the believes from all over the world. In this occasion, Hindus forget the caste to which they belong to, the states of origin or their social status, and take part in this spectacular mass religious celebration.

Return to the camp and overnight.

After breakfast, full day dedicated to the visit of Kumbh Mela.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious festival of the country. Millions of people take part to this festival, invading the river banks with their tents, under the control of the government by local authorities and police forces. The "apple" is known for the presence of many hermits, sadhus and mahants, who come from the mountains and forests; the sadhus, who consider themselves the guardians of the faith, are the real stars of the festival.

Return to the camp and overnight.

After breakfast, departure from Varanasi and along the way, visiting of the city of Sarnath: 10 km far from the center of the city. Sarnath symbolizes the birth of the Buddhist religion. Here Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monotheistic communities.

Ashoka Pillar: this place is one of the most famous Buddhist centers of the whole planet. The immense column surrounded by four lions, was founded by Emperor Ashoka Maurya during the third century BC and today is the national emblem of the Republic of India.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: it was built in 1931 by the Mahabodhi Society. A huge Japanese bell decorates the entrance of Vihar while the walls and ceilings have been decorated with fantastic carvings, paintings and murals by the Japanese artist, Kosetsu Nosu.

Choukhandi Stupa is built on a rectangular pedestal and is crowned with an octagonal tower built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar to commemorate the visit of the father in this place. The ruins of the temple date back to the Gupta period. Dhamarajika Stupa is another interesting place of the city. The archaeological museum (closed on Friday), however, shows a magnificent statue of Buddha intent to turn the wheel of the law and other images that represent the thriving Indian plastic art.

Transfer and accomodation to the hotel.

In the early morning, boat trip on the banks of Gange river to witness to the rites of bathroom and cremation; the effort to get up before dawn will be compensated by contact with the life that grows up on the banks of this river. At sunrise or sunset, the pilgrims arrive at the Hindu holy river to bathe, while the lanterns glide along the river. The Bharat Mata temple is dedicated to most maternal idea of India , and includes a marble statue of Mother India, a symbol of unity of the country.

After breakfast visiting of the city of Varanasi, starting from its temples. The Durga Temple is dated back to the eighteenth century and it is also known as the Monkey Temple. The form of Durga represents the feminine force, a combination of the power of various deities. The Tulsi Manas temple was built in 1964 and it is located approximately 150m south of Durga Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Rama and is located where Tulsidas, the great medieval saint, wrote the epic poem called Shri Ramcharitmanas; In fact, the two rows of walls are carved with verses and scenes of the famous poem. Kashi Vishwanath Mandir: the divinity to which is dedicated this temple is Lord Shiva and it is said that it was here where the first Jyotirlinga broke the earth's crust and imposed his supremacy over the other gods. No wonder if, between gath and the river Ganges, is the Kashi Vishwanath temple that attracts the most attention to this place dedicated to the belivers.

The Banaras Hindu University is one of the oldest training centers of India, and was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1979 for the study of Sanskrit, Indian art, culture and music. The campus covers over 5 km2 and it contains the Bharat Kala Bhavan and the new Vishwanatha Temple. The Sankt Mochan temple is one of the holiest temples of Varanasi and it is located in the southern part of the city, close to the University of Banaras Hindu. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Hanuman. The temple's name literally means "one who helps to eliminate the suffering" and was founded by Tulsidas, author of the famous Hindu poem of Ramacharitamanasa.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival, meeting with an assistant, and transfer to the hotel.

The end of our tour has come. After breakfast, you will have free time until the transfer to the airport.