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The spiritual Ganges river tour package gives you a great opportunity to explore the various the attractions of various major cities of India like Delhi, Varanasi, Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Patna, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Gorakhpur.

PLACES COVERED  Delhi – Varanasi – Gaya – Rajgir – Nalanda –Patna -Vaishali – Kushianagar Lumbini –Gorakhpur – Delhi
DURATION OF TRIP  9 NIGHTS/10 DAYS
MINIMUM  REQUIRED  2 PAX
 ACCOMMODATION  BUDGET ACCOMMODATION/Premium On Demand
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION PICKUP Delhi/DROP Delhi
RETURN TIME Approximately 6:30 PM/Depends on onward Journey
WEAR Comfortable athletic clothing,  sunscreen.
BASIC INCLUSION
9Night with Bread & Breakfast
Transportation By Aircon Car and English Speaking Driver.
Accommodation on Double Sharing rooms with Bed and breakfast
Private Transport
Delhi /Varanasi and Gorakhpur/Delhi By Flight
Transfers and land transportation according to itinerary
BASIC EXCLUSION
Entrance Tickets To monuments
Meals unless specified
Personal Expenses.

 

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1

DAY - 01 : Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport/railway station, our tour representative will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is free without transport if arrive in the morning or afternoon. Stay overnight at the hotel in Delhi.

2

DAY - 02 : Delhi Sightseeing

After breakfast start s sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi visit:
Red Fort:-Delhi’s most famous monument, the Red Fort, stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India. Its walls, which stretch for over two kilometers (1.2 miles), were built in 1638 to keep out invaders.
(Note: Fort is closed on Every Monday)

Jamia Masjid:-Jama Masjid is another marvelous treasure of the Old City, and is the largest mosque in India. Its courtyard can hold an incredible 25,000 devotees. The mosque took 13 years to build, and was completed in 1650.

QutubMinar:-QutabMinar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, is an incredible example of early Indo–Islamic architecture. It was built in 1206, but the reason remains a mystery. Some believe that it was made to signify victory and the beginning of Muslim rule in India, while others say it was used to call the faithful to prayer.

Lotus Temple:-The Bahai Temple is commonly referred to as the Lotus Temple, as it’s shaped like a lotus flower. It’s particularly pretty at night, when it’s attractively lit up. Made out of white marble, the temple belongs to the Bahai Faith, which proclaims the unity of all people and religions.
(Note: Temple is closed on Every Monday)

Humayun’s Tomb:-If you think Humayun’s Tomb looks a bit like the TajMahal in Agra, that’s because it was the inspiration for the TajMahal’s creation. The tomb was built in 1570, and houses the body of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun.

India Gate:-The towering archway of India Gate at the center of New Delhi is a war memorial, built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I. At night it glows warmly under floodlights, and the gardens that line its boulevard are a popular place to enjoy a warm summer’s evening.

Laxmi Narayan Temple:-Built in 1938 by the Industrialist G.D. Birla, it is one of the major temples in Delhi and is located near Connought Place. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and her consort Narayana. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the stipulation that people of all castes shall be allowed to enter the temple.
Later drive back to hotel, Stay overnight at Hotel in Delhi.

3

DAY 03 :- DAY - 02 : Delhi - Varanasi ( Flight)

Morning, after breakfast we drive you to the airport where you board flight to Varanasi. On arrival to Varanasi, a cab brings you to the hotel. Check in at the hotel and rest for a while. We then take you for a visit to Sarnath located 10 km from Varanasi. It is here that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon in the Deer Park of Sarnath. Sarnath has very interesting remains that consists of old stupas, temples and monastries. Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi and Dharnek stupas are outstanding. The beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka also is very fascinating to view at. There is a rich library in Sarnath along with a Mula Gandha Kutir Vihara where you get to see excellent frescoes by Kosetsu Nosu. In Sarnath, you also get to visit the Sarnath museum that contains some of the fine specimens of Buddhist Sculpture.

return back to the hotel for overnight stay.

4

DAY 04 :- Varanasi- Gaya

Early in the morning we take you for a boat ride in Ganges where you get to see the Sun rise. Also consider taking a bath during the boat ride as it made possible on an extended platform of the boat by the sailor of the boat. Thereafter, we take you for a city tour visiting the famous Benaras Hindu University and Bharat Mata Temple. In Benaras Hindu University, interact with the students of the Unversity in an interactive seminar conducted by the University. In Bharat Mata temple, offer puja to the deity of the temple. Also, walk through the narrow streets of Varanasi.

Later, after lunch in the evening, drive to B” Gaya. Upon arrival, check in at hotel. Overnight is at hotel.

5

DAY 05:- Gaya Sightseeing

Bodhgaya – here Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Walk inside the Mahabodhi temple. This temple stands east of Bodi tree. The archaeological effect of the temple is superb. The height and top of the temple can draw anyone’s attention as they signify sovereignty of religion. The Bodhi tree is situated inside the temple premises under which Bhuddha is known to have attained illumination. We also take you to the Buddha Archeological Museum, and the Nirjana River. Overnight is at the hotel.

6

DAY 06:- Gaya- Rajgir- Nalanda - Patna

In the morning, after breakfast, we drive to Patna while en-routing Visiti, Rajgir and Nalanda. Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha kings is the center of the oldest known university in the world. The ruins of the university reveal that it was the first international university of the world where over 2,000 teachers and 1,000 students lived together and studied. So, here you get a glimpse of the system of education and the efforts made for it in ancient days. We then continue our drive to Patna.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

7

DAY 07:-Patna - Vaishali - Kushianagar

Morning, we drive you to Kushinagar. On the way en-route Vaishali. It is a very special place for the Buddhist as it is here that Buddha delivered his last sermon and announced his implanting ‘nirvana’. So, spend some time, meditating in the silence of this place. We then continue drive to Khusinagar. Upon arrival to Kushinagar, check-in at the hotel. In the evening, we take you for sightseeing tour of Mahaparinirvana temple and Rambhar stupa. Take pictures of these structures using your cameras so that you can carry the memories of this place along with you even on leaving Kushinagar.

Overnight is at the hotel.

8

DAY 08:-Kushinagar - Lumbini

In the morning, we drive you to Lumbini. Upon arrival, just check in at hotel. Here we will be visiting the monuments in Lumbini and spend some time there for performing sacred ceremonies. The pilgrimage tour to Lumbini is breathtaking and so is an en-lightening destination for a devotee of Buddha. From here, visit the sacred garden of Mayadevi temple that depicts birth of Lord Buddha and also demonstrates the Ashok Pillar and Sakyan tank. Mayadevi, the mother of Buddha took bath in the Sakyan tank before giving birth to Lord Buddha. If interested our tour operators can arrange for a sacred bath here in Sakya tank that will surely show the divine path.

Stay overnight in Lumbini

9

DAY 09:-Lumbini - Gorakhpur - Delhi (By Flight)

The morning is free for independent activity. So, take this opportunity to either play games, interact with the locals of the place, or to further explore upon the Buddhist destinations. We then check out of the hotel and then drive you to the Gorakpur airport for a connective fight to Delhi. Upon arrival to Delhi, our cab brings you to the hotel in Delhi. Just check in at the hotel. Enjoy yourself in the comforts of the hotel. A cultural evening is arranged in the hotel and so you get a chance to rejuvenate and relax after a tour of 08 days.

Overnight stay is at the hotel.

10

DAY 10:-Delhi - Departure

Transfer to the airport to board flight back home on onward destination.

PRICES BASED ON BUDGET ACCOMMODATION FOR UPGRADE PLEASE EMAIL

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Services are included in the price:-

  • A safe and comfortable air-conditioned Car with driver, all inclusive. (Fuel, road and state taxes, toll fees, parking fees, Insurance for Customer & Driver and driver’s food and lodging).
  • The car will be with you from your arrival to departure with as many stops to sight see as you want.
  • A Driver with excellent skills and record, a good knowledge of the area you are visiting and sufficient English to communicate.
  • Transfers and land transportation according to itinerary.
  • Accommodation Double or Twin rooms with Bed and Breakfast at all hotels.
  • Sightseeing Tours in All Cities as per the above tour plan.
  • Delhi/Varanasi By Flight.
  • Gorakhpur/Delhi By Flight.

PRICES BASED ON BUDGET ACCOMMODATION FOR UPGRADE  PLEASE EMAIL  

Services are not included in the prices:-

  • Tips, laundry, telephone bills, luggage handling and Beverages.
  • Meals unless specified: Lunch or dinner
  • Entrances tickets to Monuments
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VISA INFORMATION

OVERVIEW

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad.

All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through Online application link , in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa.

The duly signed physical copy of the application form completed in all respect and submitted successfully, is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/ Post, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be seen at Instructions for Online Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions.

The applicants are also requested to visit website of the Indian Mission concerned for detailed information about Indian visa.

ONLINE VISA APPLICATION

All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through online application link. Or can apply by typing the URL: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ in the address bar of web browser, in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa. In either case, no hand written application form will be accepted by any of the Indian Mission/ Post, where-ever online Visa facility has been implemented. The application form completed in all respect and submitted succesfully, is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/ Post in absence of IVAC, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be refered at Instructions for Online Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions. If you have already applied online for Indian Visa online and want to know the status of your application,

VISA CATEGORIES

Government of India issues the following visas: Business Visa, Conference Visa, Diplomatic Visa, Employment Visa, Emergency Visa, Entry Visa, Journalist Visa, Medical Visa, Missionaries Visa, Permit to re-enter within 2 months, Research Visa, Student Visa, Tourist Visa, Transit Visa. Please follow the link for details on Visa Provision and supporting documents

VISA PROCESSING TIME

Upon receipt of the Visa Application through Indian Visa Application Center or directly, the Indian Mission/ Post requires a minimum of three working days to process the case and issue a visa depending upon the nationality and excluding special cases.

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS

Online India Visa Application allows the Applicant to upload a digital photograph of self to complete the online visa application.

Guidelines/procedure to upload a digital photograph

The digital photograph to be uploaded along with the Visa application should meet the following requirements:

Format – JPEG

Size

Minimum 10 KB

Maximum 300 KB

The height and width of the Photo must be equal.

Photo should present Full face, front view, eyes open.

Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.

Background should be plain light colored or white background.

No shadows on the face or on the background.

Without borders.

Make sure that photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin. Head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm). Make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3.

FEE FOR INDIAN VISA

The visa fee depends upon the type of applied for and duration of visa. Visa fee is divided into various types depending upon the case viz; Basic fee, special fee, processing fee by out-sourcing agency. During the online registration process, at the end of the process the basic fee shall be displayed. However, this fee shall be indicative only and final fee shall be charged while submitting the application at the respective counters Fee once received are non-refundable even if the visa application is withdrawn, the visa is not granted, or if visa issued is of shorter duration of period than applied for or otherwise issued or returned at a time or on terms and conditions that may vary from those sought by the applicant. For further information on this, please check with local embassy office or Indian Visa Application center office or websites for information on applicable fee and payment methods.

 VISA PROVISION

Sl. No. Type of Visa Period for which granted Entry – Single (S), Multiple (M), Double Documents required with application Extendable in India
1 Tourist 180 days M No
2 Transit 15 days S/ Double Return/ onward journey ticket No
3 Business 5 years M Documents to prove bonafide purpose (Company’s letter etc.) Yes
4 Employment 1 year/ period of contract M Proof of employment (appointment document), terms and conditions Yes
5 Student Period of course/ 5 years M Proof of admission in Indian Institution Yes
6 Foreigners of Indian Origin 5 years M Proof of being of Indian Origin Yes

INSTRUCTIONS 

  1. Online application form:

This application form is meant for those foreigners who are applying for visa from outside India.

Each online application form is meant for one person only. Separate application has to be filed for each applicant.

Furnish information exactly in the manner asked for in the forms, especially the names, address and date of birth.

Applicants are required to verify the application details before submitting the online application. They have an option to save the online application form, in case it is not to be submitted.

Once the online application form is submitted by the applicant, then further modifications are not allowed. Hence applicants are requested to check and validate the details before submitting the online application form.

Applicants are requested to keep the Application Id (generated automatically after the submission of online form) for further communications.

  1. Appointment Scheduling:

Applicant can schedule the appointment as per his/ her convenience with the concerned Indian Mission.

Each applicant to schedule a separate appointment with the Indian Mission

  1. Process for filling up online application form:

Applicant shall access the Visa Application system online through the following link: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/.

Applicant visits the above mentioned web link and selects the Indian Mission from where he intends to apply for the Visa from the tab “Select Mission”.

Applicant fills the application on-line as per the forms standardized by the Ministry.

After filling the form and submitting it, the system shall automatically generate a Application Id. Applicants are requested to keep this Application Id for further communications with the concerned Indian Mission.

System will automatically ask the Applicant for the following confirmation: “Select ‘Yes’ if the applicant want to seek appointment and make payment online or ‘No’ if the applicant just want to print the submitted application form.”

If the applicant response is “No”, then it is requested by the applicant to take the print out of the submitted online application form and approach the concerned Indian Mission for submission of the online form along with supporting documents.

If the response from applicant is “yes” then the system automatically takes the link to perform the following:

Selection of Date and Time of appointment at the concerned Indian Mission

Calculation of Visa fee, service charge, VAT etc. as applicable according to the Visa type

E Payment using service provider’s payment system

In case the facility of Appointment Scheduling and e-Payment is not available for the concerned Indian mission, then applicant has to take the printout of the online application form and visit the concerned Indian Mission to submit the same along with supporting documents and make the payment.

Indian Culture: Traditions and Customs of India

India’s culture is among the world,s oldest; civilization in India began about 4,500 years ago. Many sources describe it as “Sa Prathama Sanskrati Vishvavara” — the first and the supreme culture in the world, according to the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) organization.

Western societies did not always see the culture of India very favorably, according to Christina De Rossi, an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London. Early anthropologists once considered culture as an evolutionary process, and ”every aspect of human development was seen as driven by evolution,” she told Live Science. “In this view, societies outside of Europe or North America, or societies that did not follow the European or Western way of life, were considered primitive and culturally inferior.  Essentially this included all the colonized countries and people, such as African countries, India, and the Far East.”.

However, Indians made significant advances in architecture (Taj Mahal), mathematics (the invention of zero) and medicine (Ayurveda). Today, India is a very diverse country, with more than 1.2 billion people, according to the CIA World Factbook, making it the second most populous nation after China. Different regions have their own distinct cultures. Language, religion, food and the arts are just some of the various aspects of Indian culture. Here is a brief overview of the culture of India.

Language

India has 28 states and seven territories, according to the World Health Organization. There is no official language in India, according to a Gujarat High Court ruling in 2010. Many people living in India also write in Devanagari script. In fact, it is a misconception that the majority of people in India speak Hindi. Though many people speak Hindi in India, 59 percent of India residents speak something other than Hindi, according to The Times of India. Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil and Urdu are some other languages spoken in the country.

Religion

India is identified as the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, the third and fourth largest religions. About 84 percent of the population identifies as Hindu, according to the “Handbook of Research on Development and Religion” Edited by Matthew Clarke (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013). There are many variations of Hinduism, and four predominant sects — Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakteya and Smarta.

About 13 percent of Indians are Muslim, making it one of the largest Islamic nations in the world. Christians and Sikhs make up a small percentage of the population, and there are even fewer Buddhists and Jains, according to the “Handbook.”

Food

When the Moghul Empire invaded during the sixteenth century, they left a significant mark on the Indian cuisine, according to Texas A&M University. Indian cuisine is also influenced by many other countries. It is known for its large assortment of dishes and its liberal use of herbs and spices. Cooking styles vary from region to region.

Wheat, Basmati rice and pulses with chana (Bengal gram) are important staples of the Indian diet. The food is rich with curries and spices, including ginger, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, dried hot peppers, and cinnamon, among others. Chutneys — thick condiments and spreads made from assorted fruits and vegetables such as tamarind and tomatoes and mint, cilantro and other herbs — are used generously in Indian cooking.

Many Hindus are vegetarians, but lamb and chicken are common in main dishes for non-vegetarians. The Guardian reports that between 20 percent and 40 percent of India’s population is vegetarian.

Much of Indian food is eaten with fingers or bread used as utensils. There is a wide array of breads served with meals, including naan, a leavened, oven-baked flatbread, and bhatoora, a fried, fluffy flatbread common in North India and eaten with chickpea curry.

Architecture and art

The most well-known example of Indian architecture is the Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to honor his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architectural styles. India also has many ancient temples.

India is well known for its film industry, which is often referred to as Bollywood. The country’s movie history began in 1896 when the Lumière brothers demonstrated the art of cinema in Mumbai, according to the Golden Globes. Today, the films are known for their elaborate singing and dancing.

Indian dance, music and theater traditions span back more than 2,000 years, according to Nilima Bhadbhade, author of “Contract Law in India” (Kluwer Law International, 2010). The major classical dance traditions — Bharata Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam and Kathakali — draw on themes from mythology and literature and have rigid presentation rules.

Clothing

Indian clothing is closely identified with the colorful silk saris worn by many of the country’s women. The traditional clothing for men is the dhoti, an unstitched piece of cloth that is tied around the waist and legs. Men also wear a kurta, a loose shirt that is worn about knee-length. For special occasions, men wear a sherwani, which is a long coat that is buttoned up to the collar and down to the knees. The Nehru jacket is a shorter version of a sherwani.

Customs and celebrations

The country celebrates Republic Day (Jan. 26), Independence Day (Aug. 15) and Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday (Oct. 2). Diwali is the largest and most important holiday to India, according to National Geographic. It is a five-day festival known as the festival of lights because of the lights lit during the celebration to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. Holi, the festival of colors, also called the festival of love, is popular in the spring.

Weather

India is situated in Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan.
The climate in India varies from a tropical monsoon climate in the south to a temperate climate in the north. If you are thinking of Visiting Delhi (the capital of India) then best to visit it in October, November, February and March. That’s when the nights are cool and the days are filled with a little sunshine. May, June and July are very hot with temperatures over 45 degrees (113 Fahrenheit). It is a dry heat and is sometimes accompanied by dusty desert winds. Most of the rain falls between July and September but they are not the tropical rains you’ll experience in India’s coastal cities.