Golden Triangle including Khajuraho – Varanasi

https://www.thetajtours.com/tour/golden-triangle-including-khajuraho-varanasi/

Day 1Welcome 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.
Transfer to hotel. An overnight stay in Delhi

Day 2Exploring Delhi!

On your first day you will explore the old and new city of Delhi. You’ll be mesmerized by the 100-foot, red-stone boundary walls of Red Fort built during the 17th century. Opposite this ancient structure is the Jama Masjid (Jama 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. You will also tour the town 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 the Humayun Tomb, tomb of the second Mughal emperor, which was completed by his wife during the 16th century. The Qutub Minar, a 220-foot tower made by one of the first Muslim leaders in India, was 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 and India Gate which is 130-foot wall built in memory of the soldiers who died during the First World War. An overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3Explore Delhi once again / Drive to Jaipur (265 km, 5-6 hours)

Today after breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will go for the sightseeing of Delhi. Today your day will experience the religious side of India, because you will visit different temples dedicated to different religions of India. First you will visit Akshardham Temple, the largest temple complex of India. It is considered to be the most beautiful Temple of India, and one of the architectural wonders, as the whole Temple is built without the use of any cement and lime. Technology of interlocking of stones has been used in this temple. It also boasts off 150 kilo Gold Statue, the main shrine in the temple. Later you will visit Sikh Temple, dedicated to Sikh Religion in India.
Then it’s on to Jaipur, the capital of the state Rajasthan. It is also well known as the “Pink City” because the houses’ facade and city wall are all pink. After your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. An overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 4Explore! 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. Afterwards 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. After that 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 explore the night skies. In the evening an excursion to Nahargarh Tiger Fort to experience beautiful view and sunset over Jaipur. You will then return to your hotel. An overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5From Jaipur to Ranthambore (145 km, 3-4 hours)

Today you will drive to Sawai Madhopur to visit Ranthambore National Park, which is world famous for its Tigers. After arrival, transfer to your hotel in Ranthambore. Afternoon, you will go for your first Jeep safari in the Ranthambore National Park. In the evening return to the hotel. An overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Day 6Ranthambore Tour (Safari to Jungle with Jeep)

Your day will be dedicated for a jungle safari by jeep canter through Ranthambore National Park. You will be accompanied by a naturalist who can explain the wildlife, plants and other sites that you will see during the Safari. In late morning, you can visit the Ranthambore Fort, whose foundation was made 1000 years ago. You may encounter a tiger at the fort as they love to live in it during the hot hours of the day.
Afternoon again, you will go again for your Jeep safari in the Ranthambore National Park. In evening you will return to the hotel. An overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Day 7From Ranthambore to Agra (270 km, 5 hours)

Today you will drive to Agra. En route you will visit Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and famous for different bird species. 20 km ahead, you will also visit Fatehpur Sikri (36 km from Agra), the former metropolitan of Akbar, built in 1569. Akbar moved the capital to Fatehpur Sikri, but after 13 years due to the scarcity of water, the capital was shifted to Lahore in Pakistan and later again to Agra. You will continue your drive to Agra. After arrival in Agra, transfer to hotel. An overnight stay in Agra.

Day 8Explore Agra!

At sunrise, you will visit the world renowned Taj Mahal (built between 1631to 1653 AD). 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 21 years with the monument.Return to hotel for breakfast.
Afterwards you will visit the huge and massive 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 grandson. Then you will visit Sikandra, the impressive grave of Akbar, the most powerful of all Mughal emperors that is located about 10 km away from the city. You will also visit Itmad-ud-daula (also known as baby Taj), situated on the other side of the river. Finally at sunset you will see Taj Mahal once again but this time from the other side of the river Mehtab Bagh, from where most of the beautiful pictures are taken. You will then return to your hotel. An overnight stay in Agra.

Day 9From Agra to Khajuraho (2 hours by Train)

In the morning after an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Agra railway station to board the train Shatabadi Express for Jhansi. After your arrival in Jhansi, you will be met by one of our representatives and taken to Khajuraho by car. En route you will visit Orchha, which is famous for its 17th century forts and palaces. You will then continue your drive to Khajuraho. After your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. An overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Day 10From Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh (275 km, 6 hours)

After breakfast, you will visit the East and West Group temples which houses artwork and sculptures about love making. The 1000-year-old temples are truly unique in the world. You will then drive to Bandhavgarh National Park, which has the highest density of tigers in India.
Bandhavgarh is the zone with most tigers on the Indian subcontinent. Easily accessible hilly areas and grasslands present themselves good opportunities to observe tiger in its natural habitat. Through the unusual density of the wild cats (tigers) in this zone, Bandhavgarh became world-famous. But also other species live in this unique national park: Gaur (Indian Bison), Leopards, four kinds of deer (barking, sambar, hog, black buck and chital), Nilgai (or Bluebull), wild pigs, Indian bears, rhesus monkeys, Langurs, jungle cats, hyenas, jackal, foxes and Dhole (Indian wild dogs).
Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. An overnight stay in Bandhavgarh.

Day 11Bandhavgarh (Safari to Jungle by Jeep and Elephant)

Today, your day will be dedicated to the jungle safari both by jeep and elephant through Bandhavgarh national park. You will be accompanied by a naturalist who can explain the wildlife, plants and other sites that you will see during the Safari. An overnight stay in Bandhavgarh.

Day 12Bandhavgarh (Safari to Jungle by Jeep and Elephant)

Your day will be dedicated for a jungle safari both by jeep and elephant through Bandhavgarh national park. You will be accompanied by a naturalist who can explain the wildlife, plants and other sites that you will see during the Safari. An overnight stay in Bandhavgarh.

Day 13Transfer to Varanasi by Train

In the morning you will be transferred to Katni Railway Station (2 hours from Bandhavgarh) for your train to Varanasi. You will arrive at Varanasi in the evening. After arrival, transfer to hotel. An overnight stay in Varanasi

Day 14Explore! Varanasi

Early that morning you can enjoy a boat ride on the river Ganges. You can watch the golden sunrise and see hundreds of people worshiping and taking bath in the holy river. You will then return to your hotel for breakfast.
Afterwards you will tour the old city and visit temples including Kashi Hindu University where more than fifty thousand students from all over the world are enrolled. Also, visit the fort on the bank of the river Ganges. Most of the part of this fort is now converted into a beautiful museum.
Later you will be transferred to your hotel and after a short break you make an excursion to Sarnath (10 km), one of the head centers of Buddhism. Buddha preached his first sermon in Sarnath after he got enlightenment. Of the entire complex, the Dhamekh Stupa (built during the 5th and 6th centuries) and the Dharma Chakra are imposing buildings built to pay tribute to the place where Buddha preached his first disciples. You will also visit the Dharmarajika Stupa (273-326 BC) where Buddha meditated, and where the alleged bones of Buddha are said to be at rest. Afterwards visit Sarnath Museum.
Evening you will go Ganges and boat ride once again to watch the world famous religious ceremony on the ghats of river ganges. You will return to your hotel. An overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 15Flight from Varanasi to Delhi

Today you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Delhi. After arrival you will take your connecting flight.

Golden Triangle inclu – Varanasi

Prime Minister of Denmark visited Taj Mahal

Prime Minister of Denmark Lars Lkke Rasmussen visited Taj Mahal in the early hours with his wife and other dignitaries on Sunday. Since, the dignitaries reached the Taj Mahal early so they had to wait for some time for the fog to clear up. They spent more than an hour at the Taj Mahal.

Later, they also visited Agra Fort and stayed for around 40 minutes. They showed great interest in the architecture and history of the monuments. Both monuments remained closed for tourists for around three hours.

The Prime Minister of Denmark, H.E. Mr Lars Løkke Rasmussen, was in India from 18-19 January, 2019 for “Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit-2019” where Denmark participated as a Partner Country. Prime Minister Rasmussen also accompanied by a business delegation including CEOs of major Danish companies.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Rasmussen held bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Gandhinagar on 18 January 2019. The two Prime Ministers had earlier met during the first India- Nordic summit in Stockholm in April 2018.

In the meeting, the two leaders deliberated upon various areas of bilateral cooperation and also exchanged views on multilateral issues of mutual interest. They underscored the huge potential for expanding bilateral trade and investments between the two countries.

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.

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Visit Taj Mahal during full Moon Night January 2019

Visit Taj Mahal during full Moon Night January 2019

In the month of January 2019, the Taj Mahal will be open for the night viewing from 19th January 2019 to 23rd January 2019. 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.

https://www.thetajtours.com/visit-taj-mahal-during-full-moon-night-january-2019/

Allahabad/Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2019

Allahabad/Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2019

In Prayagraj, as the word Kumbh enters ones ears the picturesque vision of Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati flashes in the minds of people. At the sacred confluence huge multitudes move like waves in the ocean filled with sense of devotion. ‘Shahi Snaan’ of Akharas, chanting of vedic mantras and elucidations of religious hymns in the Saint pandals, proclamations of knowledge, tatvamimansa and truth by rishis, charming music, mesmerizing sound of multitudes of instruments, holy dip in sangam with utmost devotion fills the heart of devotees with immense joy and offering prayers at many divine temples exhibits the greatness of Prayagraj Kumbh. It will be held from 15th January 2019 to 4th March 2019. https://www.thetajtours.com/tour/intrinsic-north-india-tour-package/

UNESCO Recognizes Kumbh Mela “Intangible Cultural Heritage” 2017

Kumbh Mela, considered the world’s largest congregation of religious pilgrims, joins new elements from Botswana, Colombia, Venezuela, Mongolia, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates on the list. The inscription of Kumbh Mela was recommended by an expert body (File). Kumbh Mela has been recognized by UNESCO as an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity“, a tweet by the international organization said.

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage under the UN body inscribed Kumbh Mela on the “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” at its 12th session in Jeju, South Korea. The meeting, which opened on December 4, will end on December 9, 2017. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday tweeted that it is “a matter of immense joy and pride for India”.

The list describes Kumbh Mela as “the festival of the sacred Pitcher” where pilgrims bathe or take a dip in a sacred river. “The congregation includes ascetics, saints, sadhus, aspirants-kalpavasis and visitors. The tradition plays a central spiritual role in the country, encapsulating a diverse range of cultural customs. Knowledge and skills relating to Kumbh Mela are mainly imparted through the teacher-student relationship, but transmission and safeguarding are also ensured through oral traditions and religious and historical texts,” the statement reads.

Kumbh Mela, considered the world’s largest congregation of religious pilgrims, joins new elements from Botswana, Colombia, Venezuela, Mongolia, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates on the list. The inscription of elements on the list helps countries which are a part of UNESCO’s convention for safeguarding cultural heritage to mobilize international cooperation and assistance for ensuring that communities continue to practice and transmit such aspects of their heritage.

The Kumbh Mela, held in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik, represents a synergistic set of rituals related to worship and cleansing in holy rivers. At any given place, the Kumbh Mela is held once in 12 years. There is a difference of around 3 years between the Kumbh Melas at Haridwar and Nashik; the fairs at Nashik and Ujjain are celebrated in the same year or one year apart. The exact date is determined, as per Vikram Samvat calendar and the principles of Jyotisha, according to a combination of zodiac positions of the Jupiter, the Sun and the Moon. At Nashik and Ujjain, the Mela may be held while a planet is in Leo; in this case, it is also known as Simhastha. At Haridwar and Allahabad, an Ardha (“Half”) Kumbh Mela is held every sixth year; a Maha (“Great”) Kumbh Mela occurs after 144 years.

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Historical Significance of Lohri

Historical Significance of Lohri

The festival of Lohri is mainly celebrated in North Indian states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradeshand Jammu. Lohri is the long-awaited Bonfire festival. People come out of their homes and celebrate the harvesting of the winter crops and give into relaxing and enjoying the traditional folk songs and dances. It is mainly seen as an occasion marking the end of the winters and beginning of a new harvest season by Punjabi’s. Lohri involves a Puja Parikrama around the bonfire and distribution of Prasad. This symbolizes a prayer to Agni, the spark of life, for abundant crops and prosperity. This festival is to worship fire and is the auspicious occasion for newly married couples.

This festival is connected with the solar year. The earth, farthest from the sun at this point of time, starts its journey towards the sun, thus ending the coldest month of the year, Paush, and announcing the start of the month of Magh and the auspicious period of Uttarayan.

According to the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna manifests himself in his full magnificence during this time. The Hindus ‘nullify’ their sins by bathing in the Ganges.

There are many stories behind celebrating Lohri. They are –

1.) The story of Prahalad

Prahlada was the son of Hiranyakashyap a demon king, and the father of Virochana. He was devoted towards Vishnu. His father didn’t like his spiritual inclination. He tried to warn Prahlada. Despite several warnings from his father Hiranyakashyap, Prahlāda continued to worship Vishnu instead. His father then tried many ways to kill Prahlada but in vain.

Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashyap, was blessed in that she could not be hurt by fire. Hiranyakashyap puts Prahlāda on the lap of Holika as she sits on a pyre. Prahlāda prays to Vishnu to keep him safe. Holika then burns to death as Prahlada is left unscathed. This event is celebrated as the Hindu festival of Holi. From there, people started celebrating Lohri and burn woods at night and “Pray to Fire” that don’t harm our sons like you didn’t harm Prahalad.

2.) History of Lohri in Punjab

The central theme of many Lohri songs is the legend of Dulla Bhatti, who lived in Punjab during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar.

The cultural history of this festival centers about a Rajput tribe called Bhatti, during the reign of Akbar in the inhabited parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat. Raja of Pindi Bhattian, Dulla Bhatti, was sentenced to death by the Mughal king for revolting against him. The history of the tribe is traced by the tribal street singers, who claim that Maharaja Ranjit Singh is one of their scions.

He was regarded as a hero in Punjab. Besides robbing the rich, he rescued poor Punjabi girls, being forcibly taken to be sold in slave market. He arranged their marriages to boys. Among them were the two girls Sundri and Mundri (Married in 1614) who gradually became theme of Punjab’ folklore. So some Lohri songs express gratitude to Dulla Bhatti.

Dulla Bhatti, Raja of Pindi Bhattian, was put to death by the Mughal king for revolting against him.

3.) Another version of Lohri

There is also another version of Lohri. In olden times, human beings lit fires to keep away flesh-eating animals and protect their habitations. Everyone contributed to this communal fire, for which young boys and girls collected firewood from the jungle. The Festival of Lohri marks the beginning of the end of winter and the coming of spring and the New Year.

That is why even today when people burn cow-dung cakes collected by teenagers who go around looking for them. The Lohri bonfire is symbolic of our old method of protecting ourselves as well as a form of fire worship. It is to the Lohri fire that couples pray for more children and parents for husbands for their unmarried daughters.

How and when it is celebrated?

Lohri is celebrated on the 13th day of January in the month of Paush or Magh, a day before Makar Sankranti. A week before Lohri, children begin gathering firewood, hunting for logs that will burn well.

A spirit of good-nature rivalry binds the community together and everyone takes pride in making the biggest and most grand bonfire in their neighborhood.

Lohri is an important festival which brings the entire community together, each family contributing sweets made of til and gur, peanuts and many other delicious home-made delicacies.

It is all about being with closed ones and thanking god for all the prosperity bestowed.

Bonfires are lit on the occasion and all family members and invited guests take their turns to move around the Lohri bonfire and throw puffed rice and popcorns into the fire along with other sweets.

The festival is followed by Punjabi Gidda and Bhangra to the beats of the drums. Young boys and girls go from home to home and asking for Lohri, which is some form of donation either in cash or sweets.

There is a traditional dinner with Makki ki Roti and Sarson ka Saag. Then the Prasad is distributed which comprises of six things: Til, dry sweet dish, Gur (jaggery), Moongphali (peanut), Phuliya and popcorn.

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Port Blair Tour Package

Day 1Arrival at Port Blair

Arrival at Port Blair Airport & you will be transferred to the hotel. The tour start the breathtaking trip to Corbyn’s Cove Beach, it is one of the most picturesque place with coconut palm fringed beach, 7 km away from Port Blair town is an idle for Swimming and Sun-Basking. In the evening, you will visit Cellular Jail to witness the history of the heroic freedom struggle which is brought alive by Light & Sound Show. An overnight stay at Hotel

Day 2Ross Island

After Breakfast, the voyage begins in a boat towards Ross Island, the erstwhile capital of Port Blair during the British regime. The island presently houses the ruins of old buildings like Chief Commissioner’s House, Government House, Church, Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool, etc. and all in dilapidated condition. And then in the same boat, trip to North Bay (coral Island) – to see coals reefs, exotic varieties of beautiful ornamental fish and other marine life through glass bottom boat ride. Optional activities include Swimming & Snorkeling. Harbor Cruise (Viper Island) – in a steamer along the Port Blair Harbor- covering seven ports by Boats which takes one to Viper Island. The gallows atop a hillock here is sight to watch. An overnight stay at Hotel

Day 3Havelock Islands

In the morning, after breakfast you will travel by inter-island ferry to Havelock Island. Upon arrival at Havelock Island, you will be transferred to you hotel. Later, you will enjoy your afternoon at the world famous Radhanagar Beach (Asia’s 7th most beautiful beach). An overnight stay at Hotel

Day 4Day is at leisure

After Breakfast, entire morning is at leisure. Afternoon return back to Port Blair by inter-island ferry and transfer to Hotel. An overnight stay at hotel

Day 5Lake Geneva and Château de Chillon

After Breakfast, the program for City Tour begins with the sightseeing tour in and around the city like Naval Marine Museum (Samudrika) – gives a good retrospect of the history, shells, Corals marine life, geography and archaeology of these islands, Mini zoo – houses some of the rare species of endemic birds and animals found in these islands, Chatham Saw Mill – one of the oldest and largest wood mill in Asia, Forest museum – offers an insight into forest activities through scale models and displays decorative pieces made of famous woods, Anthropological Museum – displays tribal essential and artifacts, Science centre, Fisheries Museum (Aquarium) – exhibits species of marine life peculiar to the islands & Cellular Jail – Afternoon, proceed for Wandoor Beach- the island has imposing greenery and a beach that offers mesmerizing views of the sunset. An overnight stay at hotel.

Day 6Departure

In the morning after the breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey

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