Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Abroad-Delhi. Arrive in Delhi, warm welcome with the flower garlands and transfer to hotel. Overnight.
Day 2: Delhi. Morning tour of historic city of Old Delhi to include the magnificent Red Fort, The Jama Masjid, India`s largest mosque, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon sightseeing in New Delhi to include Qutab Minar, Birla Mandir, Huyamun`s Tomb, India Gate, Bhai Temple and Government buildings. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Delhi-Mandawa. Morning drive to Mandawa, afternoon sightseeing in the Shekhawati region, often called the open air art gallery of Rajasthan. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 4: Mandawa-Jaipur. Morning drive to Jaipur, afternoon enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaars. Jaipur is renowned for textile block printing, blue pottery, carpet weaving, semi-precious stones. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 5: Jaipur. Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned Elephant for the climb to the main gate. 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 Moghul ruling families. Afternoon tour of the Pink City - will include City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here. Also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6: Jaipur-Agra. Morning after breakfast drive to Agra en route visit Fatehpur Sikri and 2 hours Cycle Rickshaw safari in Bharatpur National Park. Fatehpur Sikri designed by Akbar as his capital, was lived in for only a very few years. It is beautiful architectural city built of Red sandstone. Evening arrive in Agra. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 7: Agra. Morning proceed for sightseeing of Agra. Agra is the home of the Taj Mahal and the famous Red Fort. The Moghul Emperor Shah Jehan built the extravagant Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his most beloved wife and was imprisoned in the Red Fort overlooking the Taj by his son until death. Both buildings are truly spectacular and the Taj Mahal is now one of the wonders of the World. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 8: Agra-Orchha. Morning after breakfast transfer to Railway way station to connect Shatabdi express to Jhansi, on arrival transfer to hotel. Orchha overlooked by the modern era, this beautiful medieval town, was once the capital of Bundela kings. Built along the banks of the river Betwa, flowing through a rugged century side, it still retains the captivating air of the bygone era. Afternoon tour of Orchha - walk by the century old temples and forts, each with its own poignant history, and rest amidst the beauty of the ruins. Amongst the various imposing edifices, of particular interest are the Jehangiri Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to commemorate the visit of Moghul Emperor Jehangir, the Raj Mahal and the Laxmi Narayan temple, both noted for their fine frescoes and mural. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 9: Orchha-Khajuraho. Morning travel by car to Khajuraho (170 km), afternoon sightseeing in Khajuraho. Khajuraho, ancient center of the Chandela Dynasty. Khajuraho flourished from 950 to 1050 AD and is spectacular feat of architecture carved with the roughest of tools. Each temple has a large number of spires in ascending order representing man's aspirations towards spiritual goals. They are famous tourist draw because they have the most sublime, sensuous and erotic sculptures and are romantically situated miles from anywhere in the dry and hot plains of Madhya Pradesh. Visit the most important and fascinating western group of temples. The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a "world heritage" site by UNESCO in order to preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathed to future generations by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty. These temples are famous for their intricate sculptures and erotic carvings that are one of the outstanding achievements of Indian art. Also Visit the Eastern group of temples which consists of 3 Hindu and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10: Khajuraho-Varanasi. Morning free later transfer to fly to Varanasi (14:30-15:10), on arrive transfer to hotel. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath (9 km) an important pilgrimage center for Buddhist. This is where the Buddha preached his first sermon after getting enlightenment. The city is famous for its magnificent stupas, monasteries and temples. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11: Varanasi-Delhi. Early morning boat ride on the Ganges and followed by the city tour. Varanasi: the eternal city. The most scared pilgrim center in India and a major tourist attraction. An ancient center of learning. Varanasi has always been the seat of renowned universities having been known as Kansi and Benaras at different times, the city is now known by its ancient name which means the region between the two rivers Varuna and Asi. Situated along the west bank of the Ganges devout Hindus believe that death at this place ensures certain entry into heaven.
Varanasi is at its best at break of dawn at dusk when chantings ring through the air and sacred lamps afloat light up the water. The city is also known for its silk and cotton hand looms. A land of temples the main attractions here are Vishwanath temples. The Gold plating on its shikharas was a gift from Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore. The Bharat Mata Temple: dedicated to the Indian nation, it is unique in that instead of deities it enshrines the most perfect relief map of India carved in marble. The Durga Temple commonly known a monkey temple dedicated to goddess Durga, The Thulasi Manas temples and Benaras Hindu university. Afternoon fly to Delhi. On arrival transfer to hotel near to airport. Late night transfer to international airport for your onward flight.
Day 12: Delhi-Abroad. Morning transfer to airport for your onward flight.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation on twin sharing as per the above mentioned hotels or similar on bed and breakfast
- Arrival/departure transfer and sightseeing with private non a/c car with English speaking driver
- English speaking local guide for sightseeing
- Elephant ride in Jaipur
- Agra/Jhansi train fare in air-conditioned chair car
- Boat ride in Varanasi
- Welcome with flower garlands at airport
- Assistance at airport and hotels by our representative.
Price Excludes:
- Air fare, airport tax
- Unspecified meals, table drinking
- Telephone call, laundry, camera fee
- Tips, insurance and any other expenses of personal nature and not mentioned above.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
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