Monday 26 November 2018

Golden Triangle Tour Package


Day 1 Welcome to Delhi!

You will arrive at the Delhi Airport. Delhi is India`s national capital and the second largest metropolis after Mumbai. Delhi has been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC. Through most of its history, Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires. It has been captured, ransacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval period, and modern Delhi is a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region.
Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.
An overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2 Exploring Delhi!

On your first day, you will explore the old and new city of Delhi. You`ll be mesmerized by the 100-feet, red-stone boundary walls of Red Fort built during the 17th century. Opposite to this ancient structure is Jama Masjid (Mosque), built in 1656 AD, construction of red sandstone and white marble. It is the largest mosque in India where 20,000 people can pray together at a time. You will also tour the city in a Rickshaw. Along the streets of old Delhi you will see the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) Memorial, which is close to the river Yamuna. Next, you will visit Humayun’s Tomb, tomb of the second Mughal emperor, which was built by his wife during the 16th century, and then you will visit Qutub Minar, a 220-feet tower made by one of the first Muslim leaders in India, built between 1199 and 1368 AD. It runs counter to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India. There you`ll also see the Government Buildings, Parliament.
An Overnight stay at Delhi.

Day 3Drive from Delhi – Agra (200 Km/ 4-5 Hrs)

In the morning, after breakfast drive to Agra. On the way, you will visit Sikandra, the amazing grave of Akbar, the most influential of all Mughal emperors. The grave lies 10 km before Agra. Agra is placed on the deposits of the Yamuna River and was under the Mughal rulers during the 16th and 17th centuries.
After arrival in Agra, transfer to hotel.
Later, you will visit Agra Fort at the west bank of the Yamuna River. The Agra fort was built in the 16th century by Akbar and was completed by his grandsons. Then, you will visit Itmad-ud-daula, also known as baby Taj. Finally you will see Taj Mahal once again, but now this time from the other side of the river, from the place called Mehtab Bagh. An overnight stay in Agra.

Day 4Taj by Sunrise and drive from Agra to Jaipur (240 km, 4.5 hours) / Visit of Fatehpur Sikri.

At sunrise, you will visit the world-famous Taj Mahal (built from 1631-1653 A.D). A poem in white marble it was built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan for his deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its extravagant architecture reveals its secret of being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. 20,000 workers with experts from Italy, France, Iran and Asia were busied for 22 years with the monument.
Return to hotel for breakfast.
After the breakfast, you will proceed to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, which is also popularly known as “Pink City” because of its pink houses` frontal façade and metropolis fence. On the way, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is 36 km from Agra, the other large city of Akbar, built in 1569. Akbar shifted his cap to Fatehpur Sikri, but after 13 years due to the scarcity of water, it was shifted to Lahore in Pakistan and back again to Agra.
Then drive to Jaipur and upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
An overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5Full day sightseeing of Jaipur

After an early breakfast you will drive to Fort Amber (10 km), the former capital of Kachhawaha Rajputs. On the way, you will stop to visit the city’s landmark: the
Hawa Mahal (palace of the winds). Built during the 18th century, the five-story building features 953 windows and niches from which the royal women observed the procession in the street without being seen. Next you will visit Amber fort, which lies on 400-foot-tall hill and is surrounded by the chain of mountains known as Aravalli. You will ascend the fort on an elephant back like a Maharaja. Then you will visit Albert Museum.
Afternoon you will visit the Pink city Jaipur. The City Palace , built in 1734, lies in the center of Jaipur and is now the residence of the royal family of Jaipur and a beautiful museum.
An overnight stay at Jaipur

DAY 6Half day sightseeing and Drive to Delhi

Today, after breakfast, you will visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory. It was built in the 18th century by the city founder Jai Singh II. The instruments are out of stone and marble and served to the sky observation. You will also do Rickshaw ride in the old city.
In the afternoon, you will drive to Delhi. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
https://www.thetajtours.com/tour/golden-triangle-tour-package/

Wednesday 14 November 2018

Visit Taj Mahal during full Moon Night November 2018


Visit Taj Mahal during full Moon Night November 2018
In the month of November 2018, the Taj Mahal will be open for the night viewing from 21st November to 25th November 2018. It is open two days before and two days after the full moon. The tickets are booked 24 hours in advance. The visitor is required to fill up a detailed form along with the copy of their passport.
Altogether, 400 tourists are permitted per night for the visit. The 400 tourists are divided into a batch of 50. There are only eight batches. The timings for the night view commences from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM according to the Indian Standard Time.
WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE TAJ MAHAL
There are certain things which are not permitted inside the Taj Mahal. Any electronic gadget apart from your camera and mobile phone, eatables, wires, any sharp article like swiss knife, nail cutter, no religious books except travel guide books, match box, lighter, cigarette, liquor, and any promotional material.
HOW TO CLICK PHOTOGRAPHS DURING NIGHT VIEWING
The night viewing is one of the most breath taking, life time experience. The Taj is not lit up by artificial lights. It is the moonlight that lit up the entire structure. The time duration per batch is only 30 minutes, so normal photography will not be possible. In order to capture the moment, first change your camera or mobile to night vision mode. And then click the photographs. Another thing is that you will not be able to take selfie.
The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World which is considered as the most photogenic destinations of India. It is one of the most exquisite structures ever built by any emperor. It was constructed by the fifth Mughal emperor in the fond memory of his favorite wife Mumtaj Mahal. The Taj Mahal in terms of architecture, is one of the most symmetrical structures in the world, constructed using pure white marble and adorned with precious and semi precious stones. The construction started in 1631 and got completed in 1653 AD; 20,000 workers worked day and night together for 22 years.

Tuesday 6 November 2018

Legends related to Diwali festival


https://www.thetajtours.com/legends-related-to-diwali-festival/

Legends related to Diwali festival

India, the land of rich cultural heritage, has one or the other festival for every month. It is the spiritual and religious richness in India that each festival is related to some or other deity. One of such festival is the ‘festival of lights’ – Deepawali. It is the glorious occasion that is not restricted to one day, but extended to a five-day celebration. All through these five days, people are in a festive mood. Adding to the festivity is the colorful display of lights. Like every other Hindu festival, stories from Mythology are associated with Diwali too. Given below is information on the celebrations of Diwali.
Stories & Legends of Deepavali Return of Shri Ram To Ayodhyaa
The most famous legend behind the celebrations of Diwali is about the prince of Ayodhya Nagri – Lord Shri Ram. The king of Lanka, Ravana, kidnapped Ram’s wife – Sita from the jungle, where they were staying as per the instructions of King Dashratha, father of Lord Ram. In order to freed Sita from Ravana’s custody, Ram attacked him. This was followed by a war, in which, Ram defeated Ravan and released Sita from his custody. On the arrival of Lord Ram along with his wife Sita, people of Ayodhya decorated their homes as well as the city of Ayodhyaa by lighting tiny diyas all over, in order to welcome their beloved prince Shri Ram and Devi Sita.
Incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi
On the auspicious new moon day, which is ‘Amavasyaa’ of the Hindi month of Kartik, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity – Lakshmi was incarnated. She appeared during the churning of the ocean, which is known as ‘Samudra Manthan’, by the demons on one side and ‘Devataas’ (Gods) on the other side. Therefore, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Lakshmi Pujan, on the day of Diwali, became a tradition.
Lord Krishna Destroyed Demon Narakasur
One famous story behind the celebrations of Diwali is about the demon king Narakasur, who was ruler of Pragjyotishpur, a province to the South of Nepal. After acquiring victory over Lord Indra during a war, Narakasur snatched away the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi, who was not only the ruler of Suraloka, but also a relative of Lord Krishna’s wife – Satyabhama. Narakasur also imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of Gods and saints in his harem. With the support of Lord Krishna, Satyabhama defeated Narakasur, released all the women from his harem and restored the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi.
The Return of the Pandavas
The great Hindu epic ‘Mahabharata’ has another interesting story related to the ‘Kartik Amavasyaa’. According to the story, ‘the Pandavas’, the five brothers Yudhishthhira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahdeva, were sentenced to thirteen years exile as a result of their defeat against ‘the Kauravas’ – Duryodhana and his ninety nine brothers, at the game of dice. Therefore, the Pandavas spent thirteen years in the jungles and returned to their kingdom on the day of ‘Kartik Amavasyaa’. On their return, the people of their kingdom welcomed the Pandavas by celebrating the event by lighting the earthen lamps all over in their city.
Coronation of King Vikramaditya
Another legend or story about Diwali celebrations relates to one of the greatest Hindu King – Vikramaditya. It was the day when he was coronated and the people celebrated this event by lighting tiny earthen ‘diaa

Saturday 3 November 2018

Pushkar Cattle Fair Rajasthan

Pushkar Cattle Fair Rajasthan
Rajasthan Pushkar Cattle Fair will be from 15th November to 23rd November 2018 at the time of the Kartik Purnima full moon , Pushkar Camel Fair is one of India’s most highly-rated travel experiences, a spectacle on an epic scale, attracting 300,000 people and up to 20,000 camels, cattle and horses. For visitors it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the color, spectacle and carnival of one of the last great traditional Fair, which brings livestock, farmers, traders and villagers from all over Rajasthan.
The Pushkar Fair, also known as the Pushkar Camel Fair, or Pushkar Mela, is a colorful and vibrant display of unique exhibitions, exciting competitions and fascinating events. Extending to seven days, this annual camel and livestock fair, held in the town of Pushkar between the months of October and Novemberdraws a large number of crowds. Besides, this fair is renowned for being one of the world’s largest cattle fairs.
Apart from its celebratory aspect, this wonderful event also possesses a religious significance. Over the years, the fair has found an honorable mention in Rajasthan Tourism.
A Brief History of Pushkar Mela
According to mythology, all the 330 gods and goddesses of Hinduism assembled at Pushkar Lake on the day of Purnima (full moon night) to consecrate the lake. This is how the lake came to be deemed as sacred. This is the reason behind an enormous amount of pilgrims coming together at the Pushkar Lakefor a holy bath to wash away their sins and pay their respects at the Brahma Mandir, the only one of its kind in India. The waters of this lake are also believed to possess healing properties.
Pushkar has also been mentioned in the Mahabharata, a 2000 yrs old epic as one of the most ancient sacred sites in India. Besides this, it has also been referred to in the Hindu scriptures as one of the five holy cities.
When and where it is celebrated ?
As the name implies, Pushkar Camel Fair, or Pushkar Mela, as it’s commonly known, is held over a period of seven days in the town of Pushkar, which lies in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. The fair is celebrated between the months of October and November on the occasion of the holy Kartik Purnima. This year it is going to be start from 28th October – 04 Novermber 2017 on the auspicious day of full moon in Kartik month.
Highlights of Pushkar Mela
Although the Pushkar Mela is primarily held to showcase the camels and livestock, and is the world’s largest cattle fair, there are other events and feature which are the main highlights of this fair. These events enhance the entire experience of the fair while gifting the visitor with some lovely memories.
Elevated Sitting Arena
There is the elevated sitting arena, which allows the visitors to be seated in a specially designed tented viewing gallery equipped with all the modern amenities. The opening ceremony is in itself a grand event. It’s marked by hundreds of brightly adorned camels and horses mounted by riders clad in vibrant traditional Rajasthani attire.
Pushkar Glamping Experience
One of the best things to enjoy in Pushkar Fair is the Pushkar Clamping Experience. These camps combine the pleasures of camping amidst luxury. An example of this is the tented accommodation at the Sky Waltz Camp which offers a choice of air conditioned and non-air conditioned options of stay in Pushkar Fair. The other major attraction is the stunning performances by eminent fusion maestros from around the world.
Hot Air Ballooning
You can also enjoy hot air ballooning at the Pushkar Fair. Watching the buzzing activities from above gives you an experience like no other. This thrilling activity is one of the top reasons to visit Pushkar Fair. Further, along with this unique experience, one can also indulge in a number of adventurous activities like parameters’, quad biking and horse riding, among others.
Cattle Fair
Of course, there is the cattle fair, which is one of the major highlights of Pushkar Festival, Rajasthan. The fair witnesses the cattle owners bringing their livestock – camels, horses, cows, goat and sheep, all dressed in colorful attire to be sold and purchased.
Religious Gatherings
However, it must be remembered that the fair has a strong religious association with it too. This is also the time when a large number of pilgrims visit the lake to mark the importance of this event while the temple city buzzes with religious activities.
Delightful Handicrafts
You should also visit the famous Pushkar Mela for taking home with you delightful handicrafts. During the event, a number of makeshift stalls are set up which sell items ranging from saddle straps, saddles and beads to strings of cowries. The fair is also attended by women in large numbers, and as such, one can also find a gamut of traditional silver ornaments, bead necklaces from Nagpur, garments of patchwork, printed textiles from Ajmer and traditional footwear, besides others.
Harmony Half Marathon
Harmony Half Marathon is one of the things not to miss in Pushkar Fair. Held during the course of the Pushkar Fair, the run starts from Dargah Ajmer Sharif and ends at the Pushkar Stadium Ground.
How to Reach Pushkar
By Air: Sanganer airport in Jaipur is the nearest airport to Pushkar, at a distance of 146 km. From there, one can hire taxis or private vehicles to reach Pushkar.
By Train: Pushkar Terminus Railway Station, which has been in operation since 2012, is connected to Ajmer railway station, located at a distance of 11 km.
By Road: Pushkar is well connected to the national highways of Rajasthan. Regular buses ply from Pushkar to the major cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ajmer from the Ajmer bus stand.
https://www.thetajtours.com/pushkar-cattle-fair-rajasthan/

Friday 2 November 2018

Madhya Pradesh Enchanting Destination


Day 1Arrival in Delhi

You will arrive at the Delhi International Airport. Delhi is India’s national capital and the second largest metropolis after Mumbai. Delhi has been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC. Through most of its history, Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires. It has been captured, ransacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval period, and modern Delhi is a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region. An overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2Delhi

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of New Delhi where ornate buildings recall the days when India was the Jewel in the crown of the British empire. Visit the 11th century Qutab Minar, India Gate and the grand government buildings, the President’s House, Mahatama Gandhi Memorial. Also visit Laxmi Narayan temple popularly known as Birla Temple. An overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3Flight from Delhi to Indore

Early in morning after breakfast and check out from the hotel & you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Indore. Indore city presents a happy blend of a historical past and promises of rapid future modernization. Indore is situated on the Malwa, on the banks of the small streams- the Khan and the Saraswati. They unite at the center of the city where a small 18th century temple of Sangamnath exists. The combined stream flows into the famed Chambal River. Upon arrival in Indore, you will be transferred to the hotel. Later proceed for a city sightseeing tour of Indore. An overnight stay in Indore.

Day 4Drive from Indore via Omkareshwar and Maheshwar to Mandu

After Breakfast drive to Madu en-route visiting the famous temple towns of Maheshwar and Omkareshwar.
Maheshwar: A small historical town on the banks of the river Narmada will surely be a very enjoyable experience. It is the ideal getaway for all who are interested in witnessing the remarkable architectural skills achieved by our forefathers.
Earlier known as Mahismati, the town of Maheshwar is referred to in the ancient Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. It regained its glory during the reign of Rani Ahilyabai of Indore.
Omkareshwar: Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, ‘Om’, has drawn to it hundreds of generations of pilgrims. Here, at the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri, the devout gather to kneel before the Jyotirlinga (one of the twelve throughout India) at the temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata. And here, as in so many of Madhya Pradesh’s sacred shrines, the works of Nature complement those of man to provide a setting awe-inspiring in its magnificence. Arrive Mandu & transfer to the hotel. An overnight stay in Mandu .

Day 5Mandu

After breakfast, you will visit the Tomb of Hoshang Shah is the first marble monument of India where one can see the finest example of Afghan architecture. It has a well proportioned dome, porticoes courts, towers and intricate marble latticework. Jami Masjid is not far away from the tomb. The construction of the Masjid was started by Hoshang Shah and was completed by Mahmud I. It is considered Mandu’s most majestic building as it is modeled on the great Omayyed Mosque in Damascus.Delhi gate the main entrance to the fort was built in the year 1405-7. It has got a steep path with a sharp bend into the gateway and with low steps for elephant’s movement. Ashrafi Mahal famous as The Palace of Gold Coins is located on the opposite of Jami Masjid. It was built by Mahmud Shah Khilji as a school of Islamic study. The cells made for the resident students are still well preserved in the complex. An overnight stay in Mandu.

Day 6Drive from Mandu via Ujjain to Bhopal

After breakfast, you will drive to Bhopal enroute visiting Ujjain. Ujjain is among the great ancient cities of India. Situated on the right bank of the river Shipra, it is a very holy city for the Hindus, a site for the triennial Kumbh Mela, when countless devout Hindus get together to offer prayers during the auspicious time. Upon Arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. An overnight stay in Bhopal.

Day 7Drive from Bhopal to Sanchi and return to Bhopal

After Breakfast you will visit the famous Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sanchi. It is one of the most ancient and popular Buddhist monument in the country. The construction of Sanchi Stupa is considered to an engineering marvel. Though it has gone through a lot of wear and tear, it has stood the test of time, maintaining its ancient glory till date. The stupa is known for the intricate carvings, which provide an insight into the life of Lord Buddha. In the evening, you will return to Bhopal. An overnight stay in Bhopal.

Day 8Drive from Bhopal to Bhimbetka and Bhojpur then return to Bhopal

After breakfast, you will drive to Bhojpur, famous for its exquisite stone carvings, and Bhimbetka that is home to the ancient caves of prehistoric times. Return to Bhopal in the evening. An overnight stay in Bhopal.

Day 9Drive from Bhopal to Pachmarhi

After breakfast, you will drive to Pachmarhi. It is situated at 1100 metres above sea level; this is the most exquisite all-season hill-resort of MP. The entire landscape of long pathways, wooded shades and rocky facades is strewn with history and mythology.Upon arrival you will be transferred to hotel. An overnight stay in Pachmarhi.

Day 10Pachmarhi

After breakfast, you will visit the 10,000 years old rock paintings in the caves of Mahadeo Hills. Later you will visit the Pandava Caves were the mythical home of the exiled Pandava princes during the Mahabharata era. An overnight stay in Pachmarhi.

Day 11Drive from Pachmarhi to Kanha National Park

After breakfast, you will drive to Kanha. Kanha’s sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendour. This is original Kipling country, of which he wrote so vividly in his Jungle Book. The same abundance of wildlife species exists today in Kanha National Park, which forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The park is the only habitat of the rare hardground barasingha (Cervus Duvaceli Branderi). Upon arrival you will be transferred to Resort. Afternoon, you will go for a jeep safari into the forest. An overnight stay in Kanha National Park.

Day 12Kanha National Park

Morning & afternoon Jeep Safari in Kanha National Park .An overnight stay in Kanha National Park.

Day 13Drive from Kanha to Bandhavgarh

In the morning after breakfast, you will drive to Bandhavgarh. Bandhavgarh is justifiably famous for its Tigers, but it has a wide range of other game. The undergrowth is not as dense as in some northern terrain forests, but the best time to see the park inhabitants is still the summer months when water becomes scarce and the undergrowth dies back. An overnight stay in Bandhavgarh.

Day 14Bandhavgarh National Park

Today you will do the morning and afternoon Jungle safari in Bandhavgarh. An overnight stay in Bhandhavgarh.

Day 15Drive from Bandhavgarh to Khajuraho

After breakfast, you will drive to Khajuraho.The legendary temples of Khajuraho are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one of the world’s artistic wonders, these temples dedicated to the Hindu pantheon of Gods are covered in carvings that are a paean to life and love. Built within a short span of a hundred years by the Chandela Rajputs, the 10th century temples lay forgotten until they were discovered in the present century. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of its erotic sculptures. Arrive Khajuraho & transfer to hotel. Later, proceed for a city sightseeing tour and witness the striking beauty of its magnificent temples, Visit Western temples of khajuraho while your guide explains the intricate meaning and legends behind each describable sculpture. An overnight stay in Khajuraho

Day 16Drive from Khajuraho to Orchha

After breakfast, you will visit Eastern temples of Khajuraho. Later drive to Orchha. It was founded by Rudra Pratap, a Bundela ruler. The region is situated on the banks of the Betwa River. Orchha was the capital of Bir Singh Deo (1605-1627) who built the Jehangir Mahal to please the Mogul emperor Jehangir. Close-by, near the border of Madhya Pradesh, is Datia, site of the 7-storeyed palace of Bir Singh Deo. Afternoon visit local sightseeing of Orchha – palaces of the Bundela rulers still retained their medieval grandeur. The palace walls are decorated with colourful frescoes executed in the manner of miniature paintings, and depict scenes from the popular legend of love between Radha and Lord Krishna. An overnight stay in orchha

Day 17Train from Orcha to Gwalior

After breakfast, you will board train to Gwalior. Upon arrival you will proceed for sightseeing tour of Gwalior known for its spectacular hilltop citadel. Within walls lie Jain statues, Rajput Palaces, Hindu temples and a Victorian school. In the evening, you will be transferred to railway station to board the train to Agra. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Hotel. An overnight stay in Agra

Day 18Half day sightseeing of Agra and drive to Delhi for Departure

Early in the morning at sunrise visit the magnificient Taj Mahal – one of the seven wonder of the world surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan’s beloved wife. Also visit the Agra Fort – the rusty and majestic red- sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna and the construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. At the Diwan-I-Am (hall of public audience), a colonnaded hall of red-sandstone with a throne alcove of inlaid marble at the back, the Emperor heard public petitions. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) where marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambience, the Emperor sat on his gem-studded peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly kingdoms. Afternoon, you will drive to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to airport to board the flight back home.
https://www.thetajtours.com/tour/madhya-pradesh-enchanting-destination/