Duraction: 10 nights - 11 days
Destination Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi
Tour Highlights
| Delhi |
Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Chandni
Chowk, India Gate, President's House, Humayun's Tomb & Qutub
Minar.
Optional Sound & Light Show at Red Fort with dinner at Chor
Bizarre |
| Jaipur |
Elephant ride to Amber Fort Palace , City
Palace, Jantar Mantar (Observatory) & Hawa Mahal (Palace of
Winds)
Optional Cultural evening at Chokhi Dhani |
| Fatehpur
Sikri |
Akbar's Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of
Salim Chisti |
| Agra |
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandara |
| Mathura &
Vrindavan |
Shri Krishna Janmabhumi Temple, Bankey Bihari
Temple & ISKCON Temple |
| Orchha |
Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Ram
Raja temple |
| Khajuraho |
Temple Complex - Kandariya Mahadeo, Chaunsat
Yogini & others.
Optional Sound & Light Show |
| Varanasi |
Excursion to Sarnath, Boat Ride & Explore
ghats |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our
representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check
in.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds
the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons
why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more
mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of
Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC.
Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers
like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah
Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.
Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir
Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a
testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New
Delhi also marks the division in life styles.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)
Day 02 : Delhi
Full Day Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city
of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque
of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk
down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace
of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in
the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.
In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation,
Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot
of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate,
memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who
died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who
died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the
official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931.
Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of
the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's
Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The
complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of
Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by
Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world,
an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its
monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Optional - Sound & Light Show at Red Fort with dinner at Chor Bizarre
Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)
Day 03 : Delhi - Jaipur (262km - 5hr)
Today we drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant &
colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past,
resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most
important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in the year
1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the
only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe,
through nine rectangular sectors.
Optional - Chokhi Dhani
An evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village resort
located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Rajasthani village
atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground & includes the
entertainment by folk dancers & musicians. Later drive back to hotel.
To enquire click here
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (B)
Day 04 : Jaipur
Full Day Tour
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort, the palace complex which
stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We
take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an
overwhelming experience.
Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal
architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building
called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city.
Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical
treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till
date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 so that
veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen by the
world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows).
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (B)
Day 05 : Jaipur - Agra via Fatehpur Sikri
(260 km - 6 hr)
Today we drive to Agra, en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost
Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's
reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly
due to lack of water. We visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex,
Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti.
Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks
of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal
Emperors from the year 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination
because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj
Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage
sites.
Overnight Hotel - Agra (B)
Day 06 : Agra - Excursion to Mathura &
Vrindavan (60km - 2hr Oneway)
Today we visit Taj Mahal, symbol of eternal love, which stands on the
banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah
Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was
completed in 22 years. Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the
Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort
can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built
from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate
decorations. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son
Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.
Excursion to Mathura & Vrindavan
Later we drive back to Delhi, en route visit Mathura & Vrindavan, places
related with the birth & childhood of Lord Krishna. In Mathura we visit
Shri Krishna Janmabhumi temple, a stone slab marks the original birth
place of Krishna. In Vrindavan we visit Bankey Bihari Temple, built in
the year 1864. Temple is famous for the black statue of Krishna, also
called as Thakur Ji. ISKCON Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in
Vrindavan. Temple is devoted to Krishna, his brother Balaram & Krishna's
beloved Radha.
Overnight Hotel - Agra (B)
Day 07 : Agra - Jhansi (Shatabdi Exp)
Jhansi - Khajuraho via Orchha (166km - 5hr)
Today we take Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi. From Jhansi we drive to
Khajuraho, en route we visit Orchha, located at a distance of 16 km from
Jhansi. It has a medieval town atmosphere attached to it. The Betwa
River quietly flows by the town. The 16th century palaces & temples
built by its Bundela rulers appear to be suspended in time. We will
visit Orchha Fort complex. Within the Fort complex we visit Jahangir
Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate
the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Raj Mahal, built in the 17th
century by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh
Ju Deo. We also visit Ram Raja temple, palace-turned-temple with soaring
spires & palatial architecture. Built by the King Madhukar Shah it is
one of the most unusual temples in India & the only place where Lord
Rama is worshipped as a King not as a deity.
Later we continue our drive to Khajuraho, built between 950-1050 AD by
the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst
of creativity. Contain stunningly explicit erotic sculptures. They were
rediscovered in the 20th century, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight Hotel - Khajuraho (B)
Day 08 : Khajuraho
Half Day Tour
Today we visit Khajuraho temples, famous for the magnificent
carvings depicting numerous exotic postures of the famous Kamasutra,
ancient Indian work on sex. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 originally
built. In fact, worship is still done today in the Matangeshwara temple,
continuing an unbroken 1000 year tradition.
Optional - Sound & Light Show
Overnight Hotel - Khajuraho (B)
Day 09 : Khajuraho - Varanasi (Flight)
Today we take a flight to Varanasi, picturesquely situated on the banks
of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World &
traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a
very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association
with Buddha's life & Buddhism.
Half Day Excursion
Later today we take an excursion to Sarnath, the site of the deer park
where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the
basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism
& has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising
numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological
Museum.
Overnight Hotel - Varanasi (B)
Day 10 : Varanasi - Delhi (Flight)
Half Day Tour
Today we start our day with a boat ride on the river Ganges. Rise before
dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat.
Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly
over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the
delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient
Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rise, in one voice, to a crescendo of
unparalleled piety & joy. Later we explore the city by foot to get the
feel of this Oldest living city of the world.
Next we take the flight to Delhi, upon arrival Transfer to Airport for
onward Destination.
Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward to
serve you again in near future.
Package includes:
• 09 Nights accommodation on twin sharing with Breakfast.
• A/C transportation as per the itinerary (No transportation on leisure
days).
• Local English speaking guide during the tour except Fatehpur Sikri
• A/C chair car train fare for the sector Agra - Jhansi.
• Elephant ride in Jaipur & Boat ride in Varanasi.
Package does not include:
• Any airfare or airport tax.
• Any Monument entry fee & camera fee.
• All presently applicable taxes.
• Any expense of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry,
phone/fax calls, tips etc.
• Any other expense not mentioned in the "Package includes".
