Itineraries UK.cdr - Tamarind Tours India

preserved. Late afternoon visit the Western group of temples that
constitutes some of the finest examples of Chandela art at its peak,
including some of the most erotic sculptures seen in a place of
worship. The largest being the Kandhariya Mahadev dedicated to
Lord Shiva, followed by a granite temple - Chaunsath Yogini.
Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 08 Khajuraho - Varanasi
This morning visit Eastern Group of Temples that comprise two
historic Jain temples - the Adinath Temple lavishly embellished with
sculpted figures,
a n d t h e
Parsvanath
Temple, the
largest Jain
temple, sculpted
with charming
detail. Later
proceed to the
airport for the
VARANASI GHATS
KHAJURAHO
flight to Varanasi.
One of the oldest
inhabited cities in
the world, Varanasi is also known as Kashi and Benaras. Regarded
as a holy city by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, Varanasi is closely
associated with the River Ganges and the river's religious
importance. The city has been a cultural and religious centre for
several thousand years. Late afternoon visit Sarnath where Lord
Buddha had preached his first sermon… it is now a spiritual place
filled with stupas, shrines and temples. In the evening, proceed to
Dhaswashmedh Ghat and embark on a boat to witness the Hindu
prayer ceremony 'aarti'. The river banks 'ghats' and temples are lit
with oil-lamp and candles which create a magical effect. Devotees
float the oil lamps in the water as an offering to the holy river.
Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 09 Varanasi - Kathmandu
Early in the morning, enjoy a boat cruise on River Ganges. The calm
beauty and serenity of dawn is the best time to soak in the ghats -
hundreds of stone steps rising out of the riverbank . At sunrise,
thousands of pilgrims bathe in the spiritually cleansing waters.
Funeral pyres smoke on the riverbank, which is lined with colorful
temples. The boat ride affords a panoramic view of the ceremonies.
Return to hotel for breakfast. Later, proceed to the airport for your
flight to Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the largest city and capital of
Nepal, land of Mount Everest, and the namesake of the Kathmandu
Valley. Once thought to be the fabled and inaccessible Shangri-La,
Kathmandu is now a hub of tourism. Overnight in Kathmandu .
TAMARIND
TOURS
Day 10 Kathmandu
This morning proceed
for a sightseeing tour of
Kathmandu. Visit the
Durbar Square with its
old Royal Palace
(Hanuman Dhoka),
numerous interesting
temples and the
Kasthamandap. The
Kasthamandap is a
three-storied temple,
one of the oldest
wooden buildings in the
world. Stop at Kumari Temple, the home to the world's only living
Goddess. Kumari is also known as Virgin Goddess. Next visit
Swayambhunath Stupa, the
oldest Buddhist shrine. A
golden spire crowning a
conical wooded hill,
Swayambhunath Stupa is
the most ancient and
enigmatic of all the holy
shrines in Kathmandu
valley. Its lofty white dome
and glittering golden spire
are visible for many miles
and from all sides of the
valley. On each of the four
sides of the main stupa
there are a pair of big eyes.
These eyes are symbolic of
KUMARI- LIVING GODDESS
DURBAR SQUARE
God's all-seeing
perspective. The area
surrounding the stupa is
filled with chaityas, temples, painted images of deities and numerous
other religious objects. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 11 Kathmandu
This morning visit Bhaktapur… perhaps the most popular of the
three cities of Kathmandu. Newari art and architecture here reveal
the best craftsmanship of the Malla period (from the 12th to the
18th century). The narrow walkways inside the city are dotted with
centers of art and craft. The Potter's city and the Nyatapala (5-
storey pagoda temple) are definitely worth a visit. Later return to
Kathmandu. En-route, visit Boudhanath Stupa. It is on an
octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. This massive structure
stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal
directions, watching for righteous behavior of mankind and for
human prosperity. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 12 Kathmandu - Delhi
Morning will be at leisure. Afternoon, you will be escorted to the
airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi's international
airport you will be met and assisted with departure formalities for
your onward flight.