Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Destination Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi
Day 01: Delhi
Arrival at Delhi. Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi. Transfer to your hotel. Relax for the day.
Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi
Proceed for a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi after breakfast.
Old Delhi - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire.
Enjoy Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandini Chowk.
New Delhi - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
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Day 03: Delhi - Jaipur
By Road - 260 Kms/5 hr
Proceed to Jaipur after breakfast. Reach by noon.
The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the distinctive color of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Roam in the old city and explore Jaipur. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 04: Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
Amber Fort Palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Man Singh I in 1592 started the construction. It was completed by his descendent - Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Continue city sightseeing.
City Palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone-plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
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Day 05: Jaipur - Agra
By Road - 221 Kms/5 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to Agra. Visit Fatehpur Sikri en-route.
The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Reach Agra and check in at hotel.
Badal Singh established the city of Taj in 1475. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharat as Agraban. This city in those days was considered to be the sister-city of Mathura, which was more prominent than Agraban. Agra came into its own when the Lodhi Kings chose this place beside the River Yamuna to be their capital city. Sikander Lodhi made Agra his capital but Babur defeated the Lodhis to capture not only Agra but also laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire.
In the mid-16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality. The same is still reflected in whatever monuments remain in Agra. The narrow lanes of Agra filled with aroma of Mughlai cuisine, the craftsmen who are busy in crating masterpieces with their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty, which this city had once experienced. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist attraction, which has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time as a major tourist destination of India.
Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 06: Agra
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra after breakfast.
Taj Mahal: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the soul raison d'etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Agra Fort - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
After Agra Fort we will visit Baby Taj - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.
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Day 07: Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho
By Train
Train Name: Bhopal Shatabdi Express
Train No.: 2002
Departure: 0800 hr
Arrival: 1024 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. You will be transferred to station for train to Jhansi.
Reach Jhansi and transfer to Orchha, 12 km away.
It is a medieval city founded by the Bundela. A rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century - which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known for its Chattris, which were built in the memory of the kings, and the place is flanked by the river Betwa.
Proceed for sightseeing of Orchha sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha.
Continue drive to Khajuraho.
Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree), which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.
Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax. Evening will be free or you can go out for a stroll. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day 08: Khajuraho
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed for a guided tour of the famous temples of Khajuraho.
Enjoy the Light & Sound Show at the Western Set Of Temples.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
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Day 09: Khajuraho - Varanasi:
By Air
Flight: 9W 334
Airline: Jet Airways
Departure: 1330 hr
Arrival: 1410 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Varanasi is the World's most ancient living city. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be spiritually uplifting sight. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet-manufacturing place of India. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Asi.
Proceed for sightseeing of Sarnath.
Sarnath - 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
Overnight will be at Varanasi.
Day 10: Varanasi
In the morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
Return for breakfast to the hotel.
Proceed for day-guided tour of Varanasi visiting Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi Manas Temple, crafted from white marble, which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the Banaras Hindu University considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
In the evening proceed the Ghats for the evening Aarti ceremony. Overnight will be at Varanasi.
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Day 11: Varanasi - Delhi
By Air
Flight: 9W 724
Airlines: Jet Airways
Departure: 1445 hr
Arrival: 1605 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.
Reach Delhi and you will be transferred to hotel. Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 12: Delhi
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Day will be free to see more of Delhi and last minute shopping. In the evening proceed to see the Dances Of India show. Transfer to airport in time for flight home with sweet memories of India.
Tour Ends.
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