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Starting From
Offering an inspiring introduction to the Subcontinent, this journey combines Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi and Lucknow’s cultural and natural wonders. Delving into centuries of history, the tour uncovers ornate temples, magnificent Islamic architecture and marble palaces. Explore the Old and New Delhi highlights; visit the ultimate symbol of love, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Varanasi which is considered the oldest living city in the world. Experience the spiritual aspect of India’s age-old beliefs and enjoy a unique culinary experience in the metropolis of Nawab known as Lucknow. Exploring India through its river gives the opportunity to witness untouched and yet to be explored rural India and its true culture. Setting sail from Kolkata-downstream/Farrkha-upstream along the intimate Ganges sidestream, the River Hooghly, which flows from Farakka on the main river down to Kolkata. Experience French, British and Dutch influence and explore deeper into the rich and diverse history of the region, Murshidabad, the capital of the Nawabs, the battlefield of Plassey, little known Bengali Terracotta temples and monuments of the medieval Islamic capital of Gaur.
Itinerary
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On arrival, once you have completed the Immigration formalities and collected your baggage, please proceed to the arrival lounge where you will be welcomed by the TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive holding a placard who will assist you with a transfer to hotel.
Early morning start with a heritage walk and sunrise boat ride on the river Ganges. Witness the perpetual movement of the pilgrims on the steps, the vivid colours of their clothes against the pale gold water. After breakfast enjoy a city tour and afternoon excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after his enlightenment. Later in the afternoon visit a silk-weaving village to witness the unique art of weaving silk and shop for souvenirs
Early morning breakfast and travel to Lucknow. Lucknow is also known as ’The City of Nawabs’ and is an intriguing blend of old-world charm, beautiful architecture, warm hospitality, and rich heritage. The city has carved a niche by offering it’s Awadhi Cuisine. This is the place that has a full colony of chefs called, ‘Bawarchi Tola’ and also the full street, where one can find the best from Lucknow’s very own traditional kitchens. In the evening enjoy a walking food tour which allows you to hop-in, hop-out of the world-famous roadside eateries.
Enjoy a city sightseeing tour and visit Bada Imambara, a famous monument of Lucknow, Government Museum. In the afternoon visit a chikan workshop that will mesmerise you as you watch skilled workers working on very light cotton cloths. Also, take a leisure walk in Hazrat Ganj and Aminabad local bazaar.
Visit the Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument of love and devotion with its superb craftsmanship of semiprecious stones inlaid into the marble in beautiful patterns. Later visit the impressive 16th century Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-daulah known as Baby Taj, and a marble workshop to witness remaining artisans at work.
After breakfast travel to Jaipur. Enroute visit abandoned city of Mughals, Fatehpur Sikri. Evening free to explore world famous Jewellery bazaar which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal Jewellery to enamelled gold to modern diamond Jewellery. In Rajasthan, men and women can be seen sporting necklaces, armlets, anklets, earrings, and rings. Stay two nights at Jaipur.
Start full-day sightseeing tour with a visit to Amber Fort, En-route photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace). The fort complex built of red sandstone and marble boasts of various edifices of prominence like the diwan-i-Aam, Sheesh Mahal, Shila Devi Temple and ‘Ganesh Pol’ gate that leads to private palaces of the royal. The fort presents a beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Next photo stop at Jal Mahal, built in the mid of the lake. Visit City Palace which boasts to have some of the priceless handwritten Hindu scriptures, miniature delicate paintings, preserved painted ceilings and the elephant saddles, also registered in the Guinness Book of Records to contain the biggest silver objects in the world.
This morning cruise along a straight canal section to Jangipur, here we enjoy a full-day tour of Gaur. This quiet, deserted place was once one of India’s great cities, first under the Hindus in the 12th century, then as the Muslim capital of Eastern India from the 14- 16th century.
This morning moor at the delightful sleepy village of Baranagar with three gorgeous miniature terracotta temples. After lunch continues to Murshidabad where the Nawab’s great Hazarduari Palace built-in 1837 dominates the waterfront and later great Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace before driving out to see the Katgola Palace.
Sail downstream a short distance then walk to the silk weaving village and Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughul-style garden enclosing the tombs of Siraj-Ud-Daulah. Continue downstream past the old British cantonment of Berhampur to the battlefield of Plassey. You can walk through the fields to the commemorative obelisk and narrow bustling bazaars.
Continue down to the country town of Kalna. Take rickshaws to explore the culture and see the unique Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 shrinelets and later visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly for an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal.
Sail downstream – past fine waterfront buildings and the old Dutch settlement at Chinsura – to land at Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950. Visit the 18thcentury church and Dupleix’s House, the erstwhile Governor-General of French India, before continuing down to Barrackpore.
Early this morning, cruise under the Howrah Bridge to central Kolkata and disembark after breakfast. Tour finish with direct transfer to the airport by afternoon.
Inclusion
10 Nights luxury accommodation
07 nights onboard ship
Group assistance and transfers
Sightseeing as specified
Meals as specified
THO Tour Manager Delhi-Jaipur (minimum 07 people)
Cruise
THO Tour Manager while on-board ship
Local English-speaking guide
Entry fees and monument charges
Jeep ride in Jaipur
Walking food tour in Lucknow
Train fare in air conditioned class
Economy class airfare Jaipur-Kolkata
Express train ride
Cultural show
Rickshaw ride in Delhi
Bottled water while travelling
All current collectable taxes
Exclusion
Any International Airfare
Airport taxes and Visa fee
Early check-in or late check out
Meals other than specified above
Tips & Gratuities
Travel & Medical Insurance
Camera and video permits
Expenses incurred due to flight / train cancellation or delay
Any expense of a personal nature, like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, mini bar, etc
Any optional excursion or tour
Any other expense not mentioned in the prices include column
