Classical North India Tour
Duration : 09 Nights / 10 days
Itinerary at a Glance : Delhi – Jaipur – Agra – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi.
Day 01: DELHI
Upon arrival at Delhi meet & greet with our representative at the airport & transfer to hotel. Night stay at Delhi.
Delhi: the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Day 02: DELHI
After breakfast at hotel full day sightseeing tour of the Delhi.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Mughal Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughal respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. If time permits then visit the Lotus temple located in south of Delhi. It is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. Its founder, Bahaullah (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahai as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.
Night stay at Delhi.
Day 03: DELHI - JAIPUR
After breakfast at hotel drive (06 hrs) to Jaipur & on arrival check into hotel. Night stay at Jaipur.
Jaipur: Jaipur is the first planned city of India, located in the desert lands of Rajasthan. The city that once had been the capital of the royalty, now serves as the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal family. In the present date, Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city. The city of Jaipur, painted in pink, grasp the appreciation of every visitor. One can see that hoary charm still alive in the avenues of Jaipur. Jaipur is the reservoir of Indian customs, traditions, civilization and legacy.
Day 04: JAIPUR
After breakfast at hotel excursion to Amber fort - fort situated on a hilltop. Amber fort built around 1592 AD by Raja Mansingh is a superb fortress palace in Rajasthani architectural style situated on a hilltop. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior believes an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honored fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Mughal ruling families.
Later city tour of Jaipur including:
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.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05: JAIPUR - FATHEPUR SIKRI - AGRA
After breakfast at hotel drive (06 hrs) to Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, 37 km west of Agra. Jalal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a child heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568, the saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.
After Sight seeing of Fatehpur Sikri continue to drive to Agra, upon arrival check into the hotel.
Afternoon half day city tour of Agra.
Taj Mahal: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-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. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
Night stay at Agra.
Day 06: AGRA / ORCHHA
After breakfast at hotel (06 hrs) drive to Orchha, upon arrival at Orchha check into hotel.
Orchha’s grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time & a rich legacy to the ages. For, on this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly: the palaces and the temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th century retain much of their pristine glory. Jahangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris has a spectacular view of soaring temple spires & cenotaphs.
Night stay at Orchha.
Day 07: ORCHHA / KHAJURAHO (152 KMS & 04 HRS APPROX)
After breakfast at hotel drive to Khajuraho, upon arrival at Khajuraho check into hotel.
Afternoon city tour of Khajuraho to visit Eastern & western erotic temples etc.
Khajuraho: once a religious and political capital of the Chandela dynasty who ruled Central India between 9th and 13th century. Its major tourist attractions are the temples depicting erotic sculptures and figurines. The temples are divided into eastern and Western temples and boasts of Chandela art.
Night stay at Khajuraho.
Day 08: KHAJURAHO / VARANASI (By Flight)
Morning free, In time transfer to airport to board on flight for Varanasi.
Upon arrival at Varanasi meet & greet at the airport & transfer to hotel.
Enjoy the evening AARTI at the GHATS. Night stay at Varanasi.
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.
Day 09: VARANASI
In the early 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 bath and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge.
Later Visit Sarnath – 12 Kms out of Varanasi: The great Buddha enhanced the sanctity of Varanasi by choosing the environs of the city to preach his first sermon at Sarnath, after attaining enlightenment. Later, Ashoka, the great Mauryan Emperor erected magnificent stupas and other buildings along with his mighty stone pillar, Dharmarajika Stupa. The 110 ft. tall Damekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon. Sarnath has been a premier centre for Buddhism. It is a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images on display at the Archaeological Museum (1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. Open all days except Friday).
Night stay at Varanasi.
Day 10: VARANASI / DELHI (By Flight)
Morning free, In time transfer to airport to board on flight for Delhi.
Upon arrival at Delhi connect to International airport to board on flight for onwards destination.