NORTH INDIA
(12 NIGHTS/13 DAYS)
Delhi-Jaipur-Fatehpursikri-Agra-Gwalior-Orchha-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Dlehi
Day 1: Arrive DelhiMeeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Later in the day proceed for a sightseeing of Old Delhi, visiting the magnificent Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid and drive past Chandni Chowk. Overnight is at the hotel.
 Day 2: In Delhi
Today morning proceed for a sightseeing of New Delhi visiting Qutab Minar, Moghul Emperor Humayun's Tomb, modern Lakshminarayan temple and a drive past the India Gate, Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings. Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 3: Delhi-Jaipur
(263 kms / 5 – 6 Hrs)
Today you will drive for Jaipur. Rajasthan and the famous city of Jaipur. Jaipur is 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, enamelled 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. Overnight is at the hotel.
 Day 4: In Jaipur
This morning you will drive 11kms in the outskirts of the city to visit Amber Fort for a guided tour. The ancient capital of the State until 1728. Visit the Temple of Kali, the Hall of Victory or Jai Mahal and Jagmandir. During your 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. Overnight is at the hotel.
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 because of a 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. Overnight is 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. Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 7: Agra-Gwalior by train
In time transfer to the railway station to board train (Shatabdi Express) 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 "the pearl amongst the fortresses of India." Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 8: Gwalior-Jhansi by train
Jhansi-Orcha by surface
(17 kms / ½ Hrs)
In time transfer to the railway station to board train (Shatabdi Express) for Jhansi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and drive straight to Orcha. Afternoon, visit Orcha Palace, Temple and walk around the local market. Overnight is at the hotel.
 Day 9: Orcha-Khajuraho by surface
(170 kms / 5 Hrs)
Today you will drive for 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. Also see the Chitragupta or Bharat ji Temple. Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 10: Khajuraho/Varanasi by air
Today morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Eastern Group of Temples including the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple, 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. Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 11: In Varanasi
Early morning boat cruise on river Ganges. A boat ride along the Ghats gives you an unforgettable experience seeing the bathing and cremation sites. Later, visit the Vishwanath temple, also called 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, drive through the Banaras Hindu University. Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 12: Varanasi-Delhi by air 
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 in the transfer to the airport in time to board flight for Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 13: Departure Delhi
In time transfer to the airport to board flight for onward destination. |
