This wonderful introduction to North India includes lavish palaces, vibrant bazaars, Kama Sutra inspired temple carvings, magnificent Mughal monuments.
Witness the Mughal splendors of Delhi and Agra, get spiritual in Varanasi and admire the exquisitely carved temples, forts and palaces.
Duration : 13 Days
Route : Delhi → Jaipur → Fatehpur Sikri → Agra → Gwalior → Orchha → Khajuraho → Varanasi → Delhi
Itinerary
Day 1
Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Later in the day proceed for the guided city tour of Old & New Delhi. In Old city visit Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan; Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India; Raj Ghat- the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and enjoy a walking tour through Chandni Chowk- the silver street of Delhi bustling with activity.
Day 2
Delhi
In the morning proceed visit the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India; Humayun’s Tomb built in the Indo Persian style and a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra; India Gate – a war memorial arch. Later drive past the President’s residence, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings and Connaught Place – the heart of New Delhi and a busy shopping. Afternoon is at leisure.
Day 3
Delhi-Alwar-Jaipur (306 kms / 6 – 7 Hrs)
Today you will drive to Jaipur, also known as the “pink city” with its buildings of pink and orange hues and it’s a wonderful place to see the color of Rajasthan and its people. Jaipur is well known for its beautiful carpets, enameled ornaments, precious and semi-precious stones, brass ornaments and many other arts and crafts. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 4
In Jaipur
In the morning you will drive 11kms to the outskirts of the city to visit Amber Fort for a guided tour. Amber was the ancient capital of the State until 1728. Visit the Temple of Kali, the Hall of Victory or Jai Mahal and Jagmandir. During the city tour visit the Observatory, the Palace of Winds and the City Palace and Museum. The museum has an interesting textile section, which contains dresses and costumes of the former Maharajas and Maharanis of Jaipur.
Day 5
Jaipur – Agra via Fatehpur Sikri by surface (250 kms / 5-6 Hrs)
This morning you will drive to Agra visiting the ancient Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri en-route for a guided tour. This 16th century capital of Moghul emperor Akbar is a complex of forts, palaces and mosques built in sandstone. The city had to be deserted due of lack of water. The white marble Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Akbar’s spiritual adviser, is now observed as a Muslim pilgrimage spot here. Later commence drive to Agra. On arrival, check in at the hotel.
Day 6
In Agra
Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of city visiting Taj Mahal, built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Later, visit Agra fort with magnificent halls for private and public audiences and other palaces. Afternoon excursion to Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra, located in a large walled garden.
Day 7
Agra-Gwalior by train
In time transfer to the railway station to board train (Shatabdi Express – 0817/0936 hrs) for Gwalior. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Later in the day proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city visiting the fort – Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most magnificent monument. It has been a scene of momentous events : imprisonments, battles and jauhars. A steep road winds upwards to the fort, flanked by statues of Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor Babar to describe it as the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind.
Day 8
Gwalior-Jhansi by train and Jhansi-Orcha by surface (17 kms / ½ Hrs)
In time transfer to the railway station to board train (Shatabdi Express – 0939/1048 hrs) for Jhansi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and drive straight to Orcha. In the afternoon, visit Orcha Palace, temple and walk around the local market.
Day 9
Orcha-Khajuraho by surface (170 kms / 5 Hrs)
Today you will drive to Khajuraho. On arrival, check in at hotel. Later in the afternoon proceed for a visit to the Western Group of Temples, most important temple being the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Day 10
Khajuraho/Varanasi by air
Today morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Eastern Group of Temples including the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple, and Javari Temple. Later in the day transfer to the airport in time to board flight for Varanasi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Day 11
In Varanasi
Early morning boat cruise on river Ganges. A boat ride along the Ghats provides you an unforgettable experience of viewing the bathing and cremation sites. Later, visit the Vishwanath temple, also known as the golden temple because of the gold-plating on its roof. Return to hotel. Afternoon, proceed for half day sightseeing tour of city situated on the banks of the Ganges. Visit some of the important temples such as Bharat Mata Mandir and Durga Temple. Drive past the Tulsi Manas Temple and drive through the Banaras Hindu University.
Day 12
Varanasi-Delhi by air
In the morning proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, 10 kms away from Varanasi is the fabled place, which bears testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples, expounding the principles of Buddhism. Later transfer to the airport in time to board flight to Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Day 13
Departure Delhi
In time transfer to the airport to board flight for onward destination.
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