01
Day: Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the International airport, our representatives welcome and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Overnight at the hotel.
Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India. It is one of India's fastest growing cities. It has sprawled over the West Bank of the river Yamuna, straddling the river. Delhi blends an historic past and a vibrant present. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas, the august heroes of the epic Mahabharata, originally founded Delhi, then called Indraprastha, around 1200 B.C. Present day Delhi is built around the ruins of seven ancient cities.
02 Day: Delhi
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city
visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a
marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque
in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal
fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw
ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk,
the city tour continues covering New Delhi, visiting
Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the
British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised
in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the
Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas,
one of India’s leading industrial families; Humayun’s
Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty;
in the evening you can visit see speculative Light and
Sound Show at Red Fort. Return to the hotel for overnight
at the hotel.
Light and Sound Show, A spectacular sound and light show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the tranquility of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and legendary past are vividly brought to life. Special effects combine with the unique ambience to make this show a hauntingly unforgettable experience.
03 Day: Delhi - Varanasi
(By Air)
Early morning after breakfast transfer to the airport
to board the morning flight to Varanasi, arrive at Varanasi
in the afternoon. On arrival transfer to the hotel Relax
for some time. After relaxation take an excursion to Sarnath, located at 10 Kms from Varanasi where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to the five holy men; visit Dharmarajika Stupa The 110 ft tall Dhamekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon., also visit to Archaeological museum, the collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images, also see the Ashok Pillar with 4 lions, built in 3rd Centaury BC., symbolize both Ashoks's imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha. The four-lion capital was adopted as the emblem of the modern Indian republic. In the evening you can take a walk through the narrow lane to explore and colourful market of the ancient city. Rest of the evening free for leisure and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Varanasi, Sandwiched between the rivers Varuna and Ashi as they join the Ganges, Varanasi takes its name from its location. It is also called Kashi, the city of light, but the British, in an endeavor to simplify matters, had coined their own name for the place—Benaras. Varanasi is the city of a thousand temples. The main object of all devotees is the Kasi Vishwanath Temple. According to Hindu belief, Benaras or Varanasi as it is known is the cosmic center of the Universe. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.
04 Day: Varanasi
Early morning take a boat ride for a pilgrimage from ghat to ghat. People bathe early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns day and night. Every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi and to be cremated on banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. Varanasi - Hindus holiest city and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi was already old when Rome was founded, a flourishing trade centre when the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon. It was a city of great wealth and religious important when the Chinese travelers Hiuen Tsang visited in the 7th century. Half day, sightseeing tour of the city visiting the Bharat Mata temple with a big relief map of India in marble, Durga temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Banaras Hindu University which has an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb built on the site of an ancient Hindu temple. In the evening visit most famous temple is the Kashi Vishvanath or Golden temple which, though off-limits to non-Hindus, can be seen from the top floor of the old house opposite it, strolling in narrow lanes of the colourful bazaar of ancient city. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
05 Day: Varanasi - Khajuraho
(By Air)
Morning after breakfast checkout and drive to the airport to board the scheduled flightfor Khajuraho, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After some relaxation take a sightseeing tour of Khajuraho, is worldly known for its magnificent temples of erotica built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho - The very name, Khajuraho, arouses strange dreams even in daytime. Of full bodied feminine forms frozen in stone, so real that you wonder whether they might come alive at a touch. Khajuraho is world heritage town, the temples are scattered in an area of 8 sq km, take a visit at fascinating western group of temples. The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a 'world heritage' site by UNESCO in order to preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathed to future generations by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty. Temples consisting of the massive Laxman Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples dedicated to Vishnu’s consort Laxman, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chausath Yogini temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Also visit Archaeological museum with its collection of stone sculptures of the Chandela dynasty. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Khajuraho, The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D. It derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree), which can be found in abundance in the area. The divine sculptures in these temples are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it. With the wane of the Chandela Empire, these magnificent temples lay neglected, and vulnerable to the ravages of Nature. It was only in this century, that they were rediscovered, restored and granted the recognition that they justly deserve. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. These magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras.
06 Day: Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh
(280 kms: 8 hrs)
Early morning visit Eastern group of Temples and visit
the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti
Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman
both dedicated to lord Vishnu. Later check out and drive
to Bandhavgarh, On arrival transfer to the Jungle Lodge
for relaxation. In the evening enjoy campfire and meeting
with the jungle experts. Overnight at the lodge.
Bandhavgarh has a very deep-rooted importance of it's own in the history and mythology of India. Looming high over the entire park and located in the heart of it's core area, is a fort dating back to the mythological era of Rama and Hanuman from the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is said that the two monkeys who created the "setu", or bridge, between India and Lanka to enable Rama to cross over and vanquish the demon king, Rawana, were also the architects of the Bandhavgarh fort. This fort was used by Rama and Hanuman on their journey back to their kingdom from Lanka. This fort was later handed over by Rama to his brother Lakshmana who came to be known as the "Bandhavdhish", lord of the fort.
07 Day: Bandhavgarh
Bandhavgarh, prior to becoming a National park, the
forest around Bandhavgarh, had long been maintained
as a Shikargah, or game preserve, of the King of Rewa.
The park is spread over in of 437-sq-kms.One can enjoy
viewing the wildlife by two ways to explore wildlife
life adventure one is by Jeep Safari and another one
if by Elephant Safari.. Jeep safaris are undertaken
during the early morning hours till evening with a naturalist.
Elephant safari trips are organised for tiger tracking
early in the morning. Today take a Jeep Safari to explore
the wildlife to see Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara,
Wild Boar and sometimes a Fox or Jackal. After Jungle
safari return to the jungle resort and visit Kalchuri
Archeological remains, Bandhavgarh, is also famous for
the archaeological remains of the Kalchuri period that
have been found here. Evening, talk by a conservationist
and tiger expert. Dinner and overnight at the jungle
lodge.
Bandhavgarh National Park, Set amongst the Vindhyas, in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is a small national park, but with the highest known density of tiger population in India. This is also known as White Tiger territory. These have been found in the old state of Rewa for many years. Besides its enchanting landscape formed by the Sal forest in the valleys and majestic tree clad hills in the backdrop.
08 Day: Bandhavgarh
Today morning take a Elephant Safari in the park to
spot the Tiger. if you are lucky one, you can see one
out of 25 resident tigers was noted for its high density
tiger population, the park is known for its' white tigers,
Bandhavgarh park is covered with fine trees of Sal,
while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches
of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend
to the north. The main wildlife viewing is still done
in the core of the park with its 32 picturesque, wooded
hills. later return to the Jungle resort. Afterwards
visit to Bandhavgarh Fort the park area is hilly and
is dominated by the majestic Bandhavgarh, fort, built
in 14th century. The fort and the adjacent hills have
a large number of caves belonging to the pre-historic
period. Evening recap of the day’s activity, see
the activities of Tiger Trust supported by the Lodge
and walk through Medicinal Plant garden, study conservation
practices of the Lodge such as solar cooking, solar
water heating, vermiculture, and study the unique architecture
of the Lodge, which is mud huts, and a unique Indian
Village. A lecture on astronomy will follow, including
stargazing with a telescope. Overnight and dinner at
the jungle lodge.
09 Day: Bandhavgarh -
Jabalpur (200 kms: 5 ½ hrs)
Morning check out the jungle lodge and drive to Jabalpur,
on arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take
a sightseeing tour of Jabalpur visiting Marble Rocks
and for the city resting on the banks of the Narmada
River. After a picnic lunch at the grounds of the Marble
Rocks, board a rowboat for the leisurely trek 2 kms,
up the gorge and wait viewing the rocks by moonlight.
The Marble Rocks are gleaming white, though are said
to change colours as the sunsets. They are very, very
impressive. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Jabalpur was previously known as Jabalipuram during the British Raj. The name of the city Jabalpur is basically derived from an Arabic word Jabal which means Mountain pointing to the ancient trade connection with Arab countries. The name reflects the influence of the Arab traders who visited the city during the Middle Ages.Another Belief is that a mythological figure known as Sage Jabali apparently lived in the area during the Ramayana era. It is believed that Jabalpur is the tapasya bhumi of a mythological figure known as sage Jabalie, from whom the name Jabalpur is derived. Ashokan relics have been found. Later on it was the capital of the famous Tripuri kingdom (9th–10th centuries).
10 Day: Jabalpur - Jhansi
- Orcha (By Train)
Morning after breakfast day free for leisure. Later
checkout and transfer to the railway station to board
the evening train to Jhansi, arrival at Jhansi next
day in the afternoon. On arrival transfer to Orcha 20
minutes drive. Overnight at the hotel.
Orcha, The medieval city of Orchha, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. Orchha had the distribution of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central India. The Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, founded the city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa River, in the 16th century. The word Orchha means 'hidden'. When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15th century, pushed the Bundelkhand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated to distant Orcha.
11 Day: Orcha
Morning is free for rest. In the afternoon take a sightseeing
of Orcha visiting Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Raj Praveen
Mahal, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Narayan
Temple, Phool Baugh, Dinman Hardaul's Palace, Sunder
Mahal, Cenotaphs, Shahid Smarak. Orcha Palace and Panoramic
view of Betwa River. Overnight at Orcha.
12 Day: Orcha - Gwalior
- Agra (280 kms: 6 hrs)
After breakfast checkout & drive to Agra en route
visiting the seven storied of palaces of Datia. Later
proceed to Gwalior. On arrival in Gwalior visit the
majestic Gwalior fort is one of the largest and mightiest
forts in India. Also visit Sas-Bahu Temples are 11th-century
temples of Lord Vishnu while Teli-ka-Mandir is a 300-metre-high
Vishnu temple of the 9th Century. One can have lunch
at Gwalior & proceed to Agra, on arrival transfer
to the hotel. Evening free to relax, overnight in Agra.
Gwalior's legendary beginning stems from a meeting between Suraj Sen and the hermit Gwalipa, who lived on the hilltop where the fort stands. The hermit cured Suraj Sen of leprosy with a drink of water from the Suraj Kund, which still remains in the fort. Then he gave him a new name, Suhan Pal, and said his descendants would remain in power so long as they kept the name Pal. His next 83 descendants did just that but number 84 changed his name to Tej Karan and, you guessed it, goodbye kingdom.
13 Day: Agra
Early visit to witness incomparable Taj Mahal with its’ speculative view. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day, the most beautiful monuments among the seven wonders of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. The tour continues with a visit to the Agra Fort, designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., built with barricaded wall of red sand stone; it houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Meena Bazar, Moti Masjid, Sheesh Mahal, Musamman Burj where from Taj Mahal is visible in all its beauty from one side of the fort. So very ironically, Emperor Sahahjahan, prisoner of his son Aurangzeb in his old age was put in a cell from where he could gaze at the Taj Mahal at a distance, from his cell in the fort, followed by visit to Pearl Mosque and the Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. In the evening you may visit to the souvenirs market of Agra, one should visit Oswal Emporium where they have built a Mini Taj Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10 years for the artists to complete the mini replica of the Taj. The show room conducts free sound & light show showing the eras of Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra.
Agra is famous as being home to one of the seven wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with comparatively slow pace, craftsmen who are descendant of those who worked under the Mughals know Agra for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra, and the nearby city of Fatehpur Sikri, is conveniently close to Delhi. Besides the Taj Mahal are Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-Ud-Daulah-35 kms away are the imperial ruins of the Mughal city, Fatehpur Sikri. Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabanad, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.
14 Day: Agra - Jaipur
(230 kms: 5 hrs)
After the breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur en route stopover at Fathepur Sikri (37 kms from Agra), Old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty – Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honor of Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwan-e-Khas entirely unique in its concept is a tall vaulted room with an intricately carved central pillar and capital supporting a platform that once held the emperor's throne. The airy Panch Mahal a 5 storied structure rising in pyramidal fashion was probably used by the ladies of the court. Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the finest building here, the marble Tomb of Salim Chisti enclosed by finely carved, lacy marble screens. The Buland Darwaza, an imposing gateway 54 m high was built to commemorate Akbar's Aligarh the famous university town is a center of Islamic studies. Akbar built in 1492, The Tomb is combination of Muslims and Hindu Architectural styles. Later continue to proceed to Jaipur. On arrival transfer to hotel After a relaxation, In the evening take a cycle rikshaw ride to explore the colourful market of Jaipur city, optionally you can see the movie at Raj Mandir Cinema Hall, which is most beautiful cinema hall in Asia. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Jaipur Widely known as the ‘Pink City, This city is color washed pink to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria of England who visited India in 1883 A.D. The city was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides, crowned by formidable forts and majestic palaces, mansions and gardens. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is sub-divided in to nine rectangular sectors symbolizing nine divisions of universe. Jaipur is the first planned city designed in accordance with ‘Shilpa Shastra’- epochal treatise of Hindu architecture.
15 Day: Jaipur
Today after breakfast explore the Pink City with an
excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city,
enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and
from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of City Palace in the heart
of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal
architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum. Jantar
Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built
by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of
Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch
the royal processions without being seen, all monuments
are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of
Jaipur. Later late afternoon is kept free to visit the
famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts.
Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. In the evening visit to Chokhi Dhani
ethnic 5 Star resort with ethnic village ambience to
enjoy traditional or continental dinner enjoying puppet
shows, folk dances, games, camel ride. Return to the
hotel for overnight.
16 Day: Jaipur - Jodhpur
(340 kms: 7 hrs)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Jodhpur en route
visit the only Temple of Lord Brahma on the bank of
Pushkar Lake surrounded by the Ghats and one can see
devotees praying and taking a dip in the holy water
of Pushkar Lake. Later proceed to Jodhpur, on arrival
transfer to hotel. Later take an excursion tour to the
Heritage Palace of Balsamand - 20 kms away over looking
the lake of Balsamand. In the evening you may opt to
visit On the Rocks a garden restaurant serving ethnic
food followed by live music and folk dance, located
at Ajit Bhawan. Later return to the hotel for overnight
stay.
Pushkar, Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual Vedic yagna at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again.
Jodhpur, The home of Rathors – The awesome princely city of Rajasthan. Founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, today Jodhpur is one of the largest city of Rajasthan. Once the capital city of the Marwar State, crowning it is the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. The old city is situated at foothill of a hillock. The city built in a high wall 10kms, long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. Umaid Bhawan Palace could be defined as Taj Mahal of North India. The city carries rich heritage and culture and flourishing industry of wood, cattle, camels, salt and agricultural crops.
17 Day: Jodhpur - Bishnoi
Village – Jodhpur (Excursion 25 kms 45 mins)
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Jodhpur
including Clock Tower, Mehrangarh Fort situated at an
altitude of about 125 meters and is spread over an area
of 5 sq. km and it has seven gates, Jaswant Thada is
a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja
Jaswant Singh, followed by visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace
which is a majestic Palace building that presently functions
as a hotel and museum. Later take an excursion to Bishnoi
Village, the villagers known by cast “Bishnois”
Protectors of animals, wildlife and tree, there is a
list of 29 rules, among other things don't kill any
animals, don't cut down green trees, take from the fields
only what you need, etc. These 29 rules (Bish-noi means
'29' in the Hindi language) forms the base of the Bishnoi-philosophy.
Of course they are vegetarians and therefore they have
great respect for all living things. Sure they keep
buffaloes, sheep and goats but only for the milk, the
wool and the manure. Later visit to the local handicrafts
viz shoe makers, pottery hand weaving clothes and also
men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral
silver Jewellery, en-route watch and photograph wildlife
black buck, chinkaras, peacock etc. freely moving in
abundance of care by villagers. Later drive back to
Jodhpur for overnight stay.
Bishnoi Village, a survivor of a great famine, which raged in 1485, already thought the principles of the ecology of centuries ago. His name: Jambeshwar or Jambhoji. He observed that the famine was the result of the deforestation in the region (already at that time!). He formulated a list of 29 rules, among other things don't kill any animals, don't cut down green trees, take from the fields only what you need, etc. These 29 rules (Bish-noi means '29' in the Hindi language) form the base of the Bishnoi-philosophy. Of course they are vegetarians and therefore they have great respect for all living things. Sure they keep buffaloes, sheep and goats but only for the milk, the wool and the manure. The last one they use as fuel and as construction material for they houses. The Bishnoi people accordingly expect that the tourist respect their way of life, the nature.
18 Day: Jodhpur - Bikaner
(240 kms: 5 hrs)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Bikaner. On arrival
transfer to the hotel. Later take a sight seeing tour
of Bikaner covering Junagarh Fort - constructed between
1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 meter
long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bandh
Sagar Temple - The 16th century Jain temple, is the
most important of this temple complex, take an excursion
tour to Deshnok to see the Temple of Karnimata - at
this temple rats are held sacred & roam freely within
the temple complex. Spotting a white rat in this temple
is believed to by lucky. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Bikaner, This is 500-year-old town standing still in time. The rulers here built beautiful forts that echo of opulence and images of monsoon clouds in this dry land. The wealth of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces and temples– magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living. Here is a temple where rats are held sacred. Today the city is known for flourishing industries of food, wool and camel breeding .The genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1488A.D, when a Rathors prince, Rao Bikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, chose a barren wilderness called ’Jangladesh’ and transformed it to a charming city called ’Bikaner’, after the founder’s name. Not only do the traditions come alive here in colourful bazaars and Havelis, Bikaner is also famous for the best riding camels in the world.
19 Day: Bikaner - Mandawa
(185 kms: 5 hrs)
After breakfast checkout and drive to Mandawa. On arrival
transfer to the hotel. Later visit compact little town
of Shekhavati region comprising of Forts and Havelis
of beautiful frescoes. While touring this town a painted
arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows
leads to the bazaar. Its Havelis still bear witness
to the rich & prosperous Marwari era of the 19th
century. Worth visiting are the Aath Haveli complexes,
Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli &
Chokhi Haveli. Evening enjoy folk dance and music while
you dine at the courtyard of the Resort. Overnight at
hotel.
Mandawa, Founded in the mid 18th century. Manawa skyline today is dominated by an imposing mirage like fort now a heritage hotel that is maintained in the classic medieval theme with the modern luxuries. The painted archway is painted with interesting forms of paintings of Lord Krishna and his cowherds. The sprawling architecture houses a different theme in different wings. The spacious rooms are adorned by intricate interior wall paintings and mirror work with open terrace that offers a panoramic view of the whole town.
20 Day: Mandawa - Delhi
(260 kms: 5 hrs) Delhi - Back home
After a relaxing morning, including a well-deserved
sleep. Checkout and drive to the Delhi. On arrival transfer
to International Airport to board the schedule flight
back home in the evening. On departure the tour concludes
with happy memories.
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