INDIA'S NORTHERN HERITAGE
A cultural tour of India

This unique journey uncovers Northern & Eastern India's rich cultural heritage. It evokes unforgettable images from past centuries and leaves a lasting spell lingering in our souls. Covering some 9 of the 27 World Heritage Sites in India, this journey has been carefully tailored to include the best of the sites that represent The Northern Heritage of India. Combine this tour with our India's Southern Heritage tour and you will have journeyed and experienced India, it’s culture and heritage, and come back with the feeling, as we did in putting this together - what would the world have been, without India!

Tour Summary	Map
Day Place 01-02 Delhi 03 Delhi / Sikandra / Agra 04 Agra / Bharatpur / Agra 05 Agra / Bhopal 06 Bhopal / Sanchi / Bhopal / Jhansi 07 Jhansi / Khajuraho 08 Khajuraho / Varanasi 09 Varanasi / Gaya 10 Gaya / Varanasi / Darjeeling 11-12 Darjeeling 13 Darjeeling / Kolkata (Calcutta) 14 Kolkata 15 Kolkata / Home	Incredible !ndia

Day 02: Delhi
Spacious and planned, New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India by the British whilst Old Delhi, capital of Muslim India between 17-19th C’s, has a very rich legacy of mosques, forts and monuments. This magnificent city has been invaded several times. The Persian emperor Nadir Shah, sacked the city in 1739 and carted the Kohinoor Diamond (now part of the British royal family's crown jewels) and the famous Peacock Thrown to Iran. Delhi is a blend of Mughal, Hindu, British and modern independent India. We start our morning tour of New Delhi, with the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place, and the two World Heritage Sites - Humanyun's Tomb and the Qutb Minar. Our afternoon concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort. Next we visit another Mughal majesty, the Jama Masjid that is India's largest mosque, followed by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour with a bazaar experience at the famous Chandni Chowk. (B, D)

Day 03: Delhi / Sikandra / Agra (drive 200 kms / 4 hrs)
Today we drive to Agra. En route we visit Sikandra, where lies Akber the great. After visiting his monument and enjoying our time guarding from the smart blank monkeys that inhabit the courtyard, we proceed to Agra. Our afternoon starts with a visit to the world famous monument of true love, The Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taj is built of white marble, beautifully carved and inlaid with semi-precious stones. Then we proceed to Agra Fort, where his son imprisoned ShahJehan to prevent him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the Taj Mahal. Agra is famous for the craftsmen with their skill in the intriguing inlay work on marble and we see some of them in action. Our day’s activity includes visit to two of the World Heritage Sites.
Overnight: Hotel in Agra (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Agra / Bharatpur / Agra (drive 55 kms / 1 hr - oneway)
Another highlight day as we visit, once again, two World Heritage Sites in one day. Marvel Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Moghul king Akbar the Great. It was later abandoned due to lack of water but still is a superb example of Moghul architecture standing perfectly and well preserved in the desert. We visit the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty, who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir. We then proceed to a different heritage – the Keoladeo National Park, popularly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Marshes packed with more than 300 species of exotically colored birds in from found in this small park of 29 sq. km. More than a hundred species of migratory birds from Russia, Europe, China, Mongolia, Southwest Asia, Tibet, Afghanistan and Pakistan rest here after flying some 6000Kms. making this an incredible site. Late evening, we return to Agra for dinner and overnight. (B, D)


Day 05: Agra / Bhopal (Shatabdi Express Train 08:00AM - 02:05 PM)
India without train journey makes the pilgrimage incomplete . We take a deluxe and an interesting day time comfortable train journey to Bhopal. Our afternoon tour of Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh will be an interesting insight. This modern, beautiful, and historical city is located in the same place, where the 11th century Bhojapal city, founded by Raja Bhoja, once stood. Bhopal is known as the city of Mosques – most of which were built by the Begums (Queens) of Bhopal, who ruled the city. The Jama Masjid with its Gold spikes crowns the minarets, the Moti Masjid -architecturally akin to Delhi's Jama Masjid, Ta-ul-Masajidi is one of the largest mosques in Asia and is a fascinating example of Islamic architecture with Quibla wall in the prayer hall carved with 11 recessed arches and the mimbar made of black basalt. Our tour gives us a good impression of the majesty of Islamic architecture.
Overnight: Hotel in Bhopal,(1night) (B, D)

Day 06: Bhopal / Sanchi / Bhopal / Jhansi (train and drive)
Today, after breakfast, we explore one of the most intriguing World Heritage Sites in India, Sanchi. Crowning the hilltop of Sanchi nearly 91 meters in height, is a group of Buddhist monuments commanding a grand view. These are most perfect and well-preserved stupas, offering a wide and academic in the study of Buddhist art and architecture. The establishment of Sanchi is an important center of Buddhism and was probably established by the great Maurya emperor Ashoka (273-236 B.C.) in recognition of his marriage to a lady of Vidisha. After our interesting excursion of Sanchi we are transferred to the railway station for our train to Jhansi.From Jhansi we are driven to our Hotel in Orchha .
Overnight: Orchha Resort. (1 night) (B, D)

Day 07: Jhansi / Khajuraho (drive)
Today we visit Orchha, an amazing medieval fortress-city located on the shores of the Betwa River. After our visit of Orchha we proceed to Khajuraho, once the capital of a powerful dynasty of Hindu Kings called the Chandellas (950 A.D.) is today famous for its magnificent temples, considered to be among the most vibrantly original works of Hindu architecture and sculpture.
Overnight: Khajuraho (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 08: Khajuraho / Varanasi:- Flight
Our Khajuraho tour starts with the temples (designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO) which were built during the apogee of the Chandella dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. Today only about 20 temples remain and they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions- Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures - masterpieces of Indian art. The divine sculptures in these temples are a tribute to Life itself. The murals depict the life and times of the Chandellas and celebrate the erotic state of being. Three main compartments included are the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa), and the actual sanctum (garbha griha).
In the afternoon we take a short flight to the holy city of Varanasi – amongst the oldest living cities. Our arrival at Varanasi will give us a clear feeling of spiritualism as Varanasi is the spiritual centre of Hindus, the pilgrim centre for the Hindus who dip themselves in the holy water of the Ganges for salvation. This is after all the city where Buddha gave his first sermon and is also. We start our Varanasi experience with a visit to the old part of the city and Bharat Mata Temple which houses a huge relief map of India made of marble. Varanasi is known for its many temples and today we cover the Durga temple, the Tulsi Manas Mandir beside the Banaras Hindu University and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. Varanasi is also famous for its Banarasi silk sarees and we visit some of the houses where they are woven. Evening is free to enjoy this 5000-year-old city and experience sunset on the Ganges.
Overnight: Varanasi (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 09: Varanasi / Gaya (drive 242 kms / 6 hrs)
Early morning a serene experience begins as we take a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges. One of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief in the holiness of the Ganges and every morning scores of pilgrim and priests fill the river banks performing the holy dip and other rituals. This is a site that has to be seen and experienced, as it is so different from anything else in the world. Later we leave for Sarnath the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks. In the afternoon, we drive to Bodhgaya. Arrive Bodhgaya and check in Hotel
Overnight:- Hotel in Gaya (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 10: Gaya /Varanasi / Darjeeling: - Train #2424-DBRT Rajdhani Exp. Departure: - 23:00 hrs, Arrival: - 10:50 Hrs, Train operates daily except of Thursday and Sunday)
Bodhgaya is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the World. Devout Buddhists and tourists from all over the world visit Bodhgaya, to study Buddhism and the art of meditation, or to simply absorb the aura of solemn grandeur that surrounds the place. The focal point of Bodhgaya is the Mahabodhi Temple. A 50-meter high pyramidal spire crowns the Mahabodhi temple, inside which, is a large gilded image of the Buddha. The temple is believed to be standing on the site of a shrine, erected by Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C.. The Bodhi tree grown here is believed to be the direct descendant of the original tree, under which Gautama Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment. A red sand stone under the tree is said to be the Vajrasan on which Buddha sat. The Hindu Shankaracharya Math has a temple here, and across the river are the Dungeshwari and Suraya temples. Later in the afternoon we drive to Mughal sarai railway station to connect our Rajdhani Exp.to New Jalpaiguri.
Overnight: On Board Train (B, D)

Day 11: Darjeeling:-
Arrive at New Jalpaiguri railway station and drive to an even more scenic hill station, Darjeeling! The name Darjeeling was derived from the ancient Buddhist Monastery, Dorje Ling, which used to be the main monastery. Thanks to it’s cool climate, Darjeeling is one of the most famous hill stations in India. The fantastic backdrop of some of the highest snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas, and the gracious life-style of the local inhabitants, makes Darejeeling a wonderful experience. Evening we stroll through this interesting part of India..
Overnight: - Hotel in Darjeeling (2 Nights)

Day 12: Darjeeling:-
Early morning,before sunrise, we get into our 4 x 4’s and proceed to Tiger Hill to view an incredible sun rise from behind the huge lofty mountain peaks. On a clear day we can also view Mts. Everest and Kunchunjung. After breakfast, we visit one of the most unusual of the world Heritage Sites – the Toy Train. We not only see the Toy Train, but actually take a ride on it and also visit the Ghoom Monastery. The monastery, built in 1875, houses one of the largest statues of the Maitreya Buddha. Next stop is the Himalayan Zoo, home to Himalayan fauna such as the Red Panda, Black Bear, Yaks and Tigers in their natural habitat. We end the day with a visit to the Natural History Museum, which has a fine collection of preserved butterflies, birds, reptiles and insects of the Himalayas. (B)

Day 13: Darjeeling / Kolkata (Calcutta): - Flight
Today we are transferred to Bagdogra airport for our flight to Kolkata (Calcutta) . Arrive Kolkata and check in Hotel.
Overnight: - Hotel in Kolkata (2 Nights) (B)

Day 14: Kolkata:-
In the morning we visit Kolkata - A city of love and warmth, sorrow and despair, dreams and hopes. Kolkata is compelling, effervescent, teeming with life and traditions a medley of moods, styles, cultures, politics, industry and commerce. Our tour includes the Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, Fort William, Raj Bhawan High Court are Highlight's of the city.. Kolkata is famous for its tea houses where Bengali academics sit and discuss. (B)

Day 15: Kolkata / Home:-
Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to onward destination. (B)

Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Jan 07, Feb 04, Mar 03 & 31, Apr 28, May 26, Jun 30, Jul 28, Aug 25, Sep 29, Oct 27, Nov 24 & Dec 29

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation on twin-share basis in hotels as selected. International airfare, airport taxes Daily buffet breakfast and dinner as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast D=Dinner) Insurance Transport in air-conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary Visa Fees Assistance on arrival / departure and Porter's fee at the airport and railway station only   Services of local English speaking guide for the sight-seeing as per the itinerary at each city.   Entrances to the monuments of visit as per the itinerary.   Domestic / Regional Flights Included: Bhopal / Delhi & Delhi / Bagdogra / Kolkata / Bodhgaya & Varanasi / Khajuraho / Delhi (Subject To Change)

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

2008 Hotel Category Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement *Dec/Jan Peak Period Surcharge First Class US $ 3170 • CA $ 3170 US $ 1020 • CA $ 1020 US $ 165 • CA $ 165 Superior US $ 3605 • CA $ 3605 US $ 1290 • CA $ 1290 US $ 215 • CA $ 215 Deluxe US $ 4145 • CA $ 4145 US $ 1450 • CA $ 1450 US $ 285 • CA $ 285 Hotels City First Class Superior Deluxe Delhi (2 Nights) Maidens Hotel (Superior Room) Vasant Continental Standard Room) Taj Palace Hotel (Deluxe Room) Agra (2 Nights) Holiday Inn Deluxe Room) Trident Hilton (Pre-Garden View) Jaypee Palace Hotel (Standard Room) Bhopal (1 Night) Noor -Us-Sabah Palace (Deluxe Room) Noor -Us-Sabah Palace (Deluxe Room) Noor -Us-Sabah Palace (Deluxe Room) Orchha (1 Night) The Orchha Resort (Standard Room) The Orchha Resort (Standard Room) The Orchha Resort (Standard Room) Khajuraho (1 Night) Holiday Inn (Deluxe Room) Radisson Jass Hotel (Standard Room) Taj Chandela (Superior Room) Varanasi (1 Night) Hindustan International (Standard Room) Radisson Hotel (Standard Room) Taj Ganges (Deluxe Room) Bodhgaya (1 Night) Lotus Nikko Bodhgaya (Standard Room) Lotus Nikko Bodhgaya (Standard Room) Lotus Nikko Bodhgaya (Standard Room) Train (1 Night) Executive Class Executive Class Executive Class Darjeeling (2 Nights) Fortune Resort Central-Darjeeling (Standard Room) The Elgin Hotel (Standard Room) Windamere Hotel (Standard Room) Kolkata (2 Night) The Peerless Inn (Standard Room) The Park (Deluxe Room) Taj Bengal (Deluxe Room)

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1600 USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1400 USA - East Coast US $ 1200

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.