Travel Time Incredible Odyssey All Year Round Classic Central India Tour Delhi-Orchha-Khajuraho-Allahabad-Varanasi-Bodhgaya SELECT YOUR DATES Odyssey Manager™: Incredible Odyssey tours are managed by our in-house trained Indian Odyssey Managers, who are trained to serve the foreign guests based on the guest’s preferences, to provide customized general information and legends, assisted by the Trip Highlights monument guides at certain monument if needed. Receiving the guests from the airport till Orchha their departure, Odyssey Manager™ accompanies our guests around 8-12 hours daily, to Orchha Palace make sure all the services are provided as per itinerary and to solve the contingencies that might arise along the journey. Odyssey Manager can assist changes in itinerary or add-on Chaturbhuj Temple visits along the way if feasible. Khajuraho Ochha: The historic town of Orchha, nestled on the banks of river Betwa, was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput Chief, Rudra Pratap. Here, the river Betwa splits into seven Khajuraho group of channels, also called the Satdhara. Legend goes that this is in honour of the seven erstwhile Monuments Chiefs of Orchha. The ancient town seems frozen in time, with its many monuments continuing to retain their original grandeur even to this day. Here you will find some of the most fascinating Panna temples and palaces. Panna National Park Khajuraho: World Heritage–listed temples are among the finest temple art in the world. These temples were built by the Chandella ruler between AD 900 and 1130. It was the golden period Allahabad of Chandella rulers. It is presumed that it was every Chandella ruler has built at least one Pathar Girja temple in his lifetime. So all Khajuraho Temples are not constructed by any single Chandella Sultan Khusro ruler but Temple building was a tradition of Chandella rulers and followed by almost all rulers of Chandella dynasty. Mausoleum Panna National Park: Panna National Park is a Tiger reserve of India, it was declared in 1994 Varanasi as the 22 Tiger reserve of India and fifth in Madhya Pradesh. It is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers, deer, antelope, vultures, wolf, chinkara, cheetal and other mammals. Dashashwamedh Ghats by River Ganges Allahabad: Allahabad also known as Prayag or "place of offerings" – comes from its position at the Sangam (confluence) of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Sarasvati rivers. It is the second-oldest city in India, and plays a central role in Hindu scriptures. Jaunpur Shahi Qila Varanasi: Varanasi is the most colourful and fascinating places on earth, surprises abound around every corner. This is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, and one of the holiest in Hinduism. Pilgrims come to the ghats lining the Ganges to wash away sins in the sacred waters or to cremate their loved ones. It's a particularly auspicious place to die, since expiring here offers moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). Varanasi is magical – but not for the faint-hearted. Intimate rituals of life and death take place in public, and the sights, sounds and smells on the. Walking the ghats and alleyways or watching sunrise from a boat can be unforgettable. I T I N E R A R Y Day 01: ARRIVE DELHI NO MEALS Upon arrival at New Delhi airport, meet with your Odyssey Manager and transfer to Hotel. Day 02: DELHI – JHANSI – ORCHHA BLD In the early morning, transfer to the railway station to board your scheduled train to Jhansi. Upon arrival at Jhansi, transfer 30 minutes by road Orchha. Check into your hotel to freshen up and lunch. After lunch, proceed on to visit Orchha Palace located on seasonal island on the bank of the Betwa River, which is surrounded by a battlement wall, stands a huge palace-fort. The fort consists of several connected buildings erected at different times, the most noteworthy of which being the Raja Mahal. Numerous cenotaphs or chhatris dot the vicinity of the fort and the Betwa river. Elsewhere about the town there is an unusual variety of temples and tombs, including the Chaturbhuj temple, which is built on a vast platform of stone. The more unguarded and neglected of these buildings are popular hangouts for tropical bees, wasps, and other such excitable stinging creatures. Day 03: ORCHHA – KHAJURAHO 175 Km, around 4 hours drive BLD After a refreshing breakfast, drive to reach your next destination, Khajuraho. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. After freshening up, enjoy your lunch and visit the famous Temples of Khajuraho also known as Khajuraho group of Monuments. Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 during the Chandela dynasty. Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by the 12th century, spreading over 20 square kilometers. Of these, only about 20 temples have survived, spreading over 6 square kilometers. The splendid beauty of Khajuraho Temples can be admired at its best during sunset. Stay overnight at Khajuraho. Day 04: KHAJURAHO – RANEH FALLS – PANNA NATIONAL PARK 65 Km, around 2 hours drive BLD After breakfast, take a short ride to the Canyon of Ken River, which is around 20 Km out of Khajuraho town. After visiting the waterfalls, continue driving to Panna national park (43 kms) in the south-east direction. The park’s operating hours are 6.30am to 10.30am and 2.30pm to 5.30pm. The park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including tigers as well as deer and antelope, recognizing the park as an exciting stop-over destination. Afterwards, spend the evening in the resort at Panna National Park. Day 05: PANNA – ALLAHABAD 244 Km, around 6 hours drive BLD After visiting the waterfalls, continue your journey to reach Allahabad. Do stop for lunch on the way, as well as toilet breaks. After an arduous journey of more than six hours of driving, reach Allahabad and check in to the hotel. Khusro Bagh is a large walled garden and burial complex located in muhalla Khuldabad close to the Allahabad Junction Station, in Allahabad. Khusro Bagh is a large historical garden, in which the tombs of Prince Khusro, the eldest son of Emperor Jahangir, and Sultan Begum are located. The three sandstone mausoleums within this walled garden, represent an exquisite example of Mughal architecture. It is listed as an Indian Site of National Importance. Stay overnight at Allahabad. Day 06: ALLAHABAD – JAUNPUR – VARANASI 163 Km, around 4.5 hours drive BLD After breakfast, visit the ‘All Saints Cathedral’ also known as ‘Pathar Girja’; meaning Church of Stones, which is further to the next monument of Sultan Khusro Mausoleum, also known as Khusrau Bagh. Upon completion, proceed to drive around 125 Km in 2.5 hours to Shahi Qila of Jaunpur. At the banks of River Gomti, Purana Shahi Qila in Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh) in an ASI protected monument. This fort is said to have been built by Firoz Shah Tuglaq, and is surrounded by four walls and has a beautiful mosque made from pillars from Hindu temples. Continue with your journey for around 140 Km distance in another two hours’ time to reach Varanasi. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. In the evening, transfer to Dashashwamedh Ghats and ride on boat to witness the famous evening rituals and Aarti. The chants and mantras with loud music make the scenario lively and everyone gets engrossed in the scene. Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Day 07: VARANASI BLD A whole day to explore the city of Varanasi, boat ride in river Ganges and visit the famous Ghats in the morning. Vehicles are not allowed in Varanasi, so you need to hire either a cycle or e-rickshaw from the closest point tourist transport is allowed. Varanasi, which is situated on the bank of Ganges, is the city of Shiva and the holiest for the Hindus. Varanasi is also known Benaras or Kashi. This city has been centre of learning for over 2000 years. Ganges is known as the river of salvation and people come here to leave this world and breathe here their last breath, so that they are out of the cycle of life and death and suffering, also known as Moksha. Later on, we will visit the ancient Shiva Temple in the vicinity, known as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Take your time to explore the city of Banaras. We will also visit Sarnath, 10 Km Northeast of Varanasi. Where Buddha preached and delivered his sermon for the first time after he achieved enlightenment. In the 3rd century B.C., Ashoka the great built stupas and monasteries and an engraved Ashoka pillar here. Muslim invaders destroyed the city but it was rediscovered by archaeologist in 18th century. Buddhist temples from half dozen nations all over the world have been built here. Day 08: VARANASI – DELHI – FLY HOME BL In time, transfer to the airport to board your scheduled flight to Delhi. Upon arriving in Delhi, transfer to the international airport to board your scheduled flight home. Hotels Envisaged Hotels Delhi Orchha/Jhansi Khajuraho Panna Allahabad Varanasi Economy Singhsons Budelkhand Riverside Hotel Payal Jungle Camp Hotel Polo Max Hotel City Inn Standard Country Inn & Jhansi Hotel Hotel Panna Tiger Grand Meraden Suites Syna Heritage Resort Continental Grand Superior Novotel Hotel Orchha Palace Radisson Jass Ken River Lodge Legend Hotel Rivitas by Ideal Hotels are booked and confirm only after booking with deposit is received. Final Hotel confirmation is provided before final payment. Land Tour Cost Includes Land Tour Cost Excludes 1. Airport transfers and all transport costs in chartered transport as per the 1. All expenses of personal nature like drinks, itinerary.