Places to see: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Orcha , Khajuraho, Varanasi & Delhi

Duration: 12 Days & 11 Nights

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 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…

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Today you will arrive at Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our office representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals terminal building and transfer you to your hotel.

Delhi is India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. It is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. Overnight at Hotel

Day 02: In Delhi

After breakfast proceed for a Full day guided tour of Old & New Delhi.

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 Moghul Empire. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.

NEW DELHI - 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 Mughals 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.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi - Jaipur Drive (280Km/5Hrs)

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. Overnight at Hotel in Jaipur.

Day 04: In Jaipur

Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion will be taken to the Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in a royal manner.

AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and 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. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting...

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. Free in the evening for some exciting shopping. Overnight at Hotel in Jaipur

Day 05: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra Drive (5-6Hrs approx)

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 at Hotel in Agra

Day 06: In Agra

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for day sightseeing 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 thetown. 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.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj.v

Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 07: Agra – Jhansi (Bhopal Shatabdi Exp; 0812/1055), Jhansi - Khajuraho via Orchha (166km – 4.5hr)

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 Jahangir 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.

Day 08: In Khajuraho

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 in the evening.

Overnight at Hotel in Khajuraho.

Day 09: Khajuraho - Varanasi by afternoon 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 at Hotel in Varanasi

Day 10: In 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 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 including the 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 BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Enjoy the evening AARTI at the GHATS. The guide will be giving a commentary to you on the proceedings and meanings of the chants during the AARTI of the river.

Overnight will be in Varanasi.

Day 11: Varanasi - Delhi by Afternoon Flight

Morning at leisure. Ontime check out from hotel and drop off at airport to catch flight to Delhi. Reach Delhi airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, free for individual activities or do last minute shopping.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

Day 12: Delhi - Home Town Fly Out

Breakfast at the hotel.

Day at leisure until transfer to airport in time to connect flight for onward destination.

Our Tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to Airport for onward travel.

Note: The driving hours given above from one city to another is based on the normal conditions of the roads and may vary. Any break for Food / Tea / Toilets / Sightseeing on the way will take extra time than the above given hours.