Temples of Khajuraho & Sacred Varanasi

This morning you will proceed to the airport for your flight to Khajuraho, well known for its temple architecture and erotic sculptures which were built by the Chandela Rajputs between the 9th and 11th centuries. The beauty of these temples represents an outstanding synthesis of advanced architecture and refined sculpture.

Arrive and proceed to your hotel.

This evening witness the fascinating Son-et-Lumiere spectacle which evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day. The 50-minute fascinating show is held in every evening and it runs in Hindi and in English. Mounted in the complex of the Western Group of temples, the 50-minute show runs in Hindi and in English every evening. Amitabh Bachchan, the Indian super star, narrates the story of Khajuraho in his mesmerizing voice.

Your morning explorations include a visit to the western group of temples. These magnificent temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing every human expression, from life, to love, to joy - all so perfect in their execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been captured in stone testifying to the artistry of the craftsmen. Of the 85 granite and sandstone temples, only 22 have survived the ravages of time. These temples seem to rise up to the sky and display an extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs, under whose rule they were conceived and constructed. Your tour includes a visit to the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, the largest and most magnificent temple in Khajuraho. You will also visit the Lakshman Temple, a striking temple that is one of the three largest temples of Khajuraho. The temple faces the East and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built by the Chandela rules it is considered to be one of the earliest built temples here AD 954).

Continue to explore the Eastern group of temples, where you will visit the Parsvanath Temple which is this group's largest Jain temple and is exquisite in detail. The sculptures on the northern outer wall are artistic in design with themes depicting in charming detail, everyday activity.

This afternoon visit the South Eastern group of temples including the Duladeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of a linga. This was the last of the temples built during the Chandela period. The figurines carved in the temple have soft expressive features unlike the other temples and the walls have a display of carved celestial dancers or asparas. The Chaturbhuj Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the only temple which does not have erotic sculptures.

Today you will proceed to the airport for your flight to India's most sacred city, Varanasi which dates back to the 6th century BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. Said Mark Twain of Varanasi: "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together." In fact, Varanasi is the world's oldest continuously inhabited city and is regarded as a holy city by the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains!

Early morning proceed to ghats for a boat ride on the River Ganges. As your boat slowly drifts along the misty river you will witness so many fascinating sights - devotees having their ritual bath, the performing of religious ceremonies, or puja, to the rising sun, an ancient tradition that is still followed today. The shimmering red and gold hues on the waters of the river seem to cast a magical spell on the devout worshippers. The haunting sound of the chanting of mantras and hymns coupled with the sweet fragrance of incense fills the air with mystery and engulfs the senses of its spectators and offers an experience of ultimate bliss.

Disembark and walk up the narrow cobbled lanes stopping en route to view the Golden Temple of Varanasi - Vishwanath Temple.

Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later this morning you will visit Sarnath, one of the main thereafter Buddhist centers in India. Here Lord Buddha delivered his first speech after gaining Nirvana, or enlightenment. Explore the Sarnath Museum, whose most famous exhibit is the "lion capital of Asoka": this statue of four lions guarding the four cardinal directions has become the emblem of modern India.

This afternoon you will explore the city and its temples including a visit to the Bharat Mata temple is an interesting experience. Unlike other temples in India which all house deities of gods and goddesses, this is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. The most peculiar thing about the Bharat Mata Temple is that it houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble. Built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. The statue of Bharat Mata is built in marble and is a model of undivided India, depicting the mountains, plains and oceans.

This evening you will board a rickshaw down to the river ghats to experience the rays of the setting sun casting their mystical shadows upon the darkening water. All along the banks shimmering lights of the tiny oil lamps 'diyas' flicker in the darkness lighting up the darkness with tiny specks of light.

Proceed to the airport for your onwards flight.