Overview:
*Free and easy tour * Comprehensive sightseeing tours * World heritage sights visits * Shopping and craft visits *Boat ride in Varanasi * Visit to the Tajmahal * Visit to magnificent forts & palaces of Rajasthan * Dinner with Dance show in Jaipur * Elephant back excursion at Amber Fort in Jaipur *
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
You will be met by our driver in traditional Indian style at Indira Gandhi International Airport who will escort you to your pre-booked hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Royal Plaza or Similar
Day 02: Delhi Sightseeing
After a sumptuous breakfast driver take you for a full day Delhi tour of the capital city of India. Delhi is divided in two parts: Old & New Delhi. Delhi was once the capital of Muslim India between the 12th & 19th century and one can find mosques, monuments and forts related to Muslim history.
New Delhi is the imperial city planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens & Herbert Baker as British-India's capital. One of the main sights you will visit is The Red Fort Complex, constructed by King Shah Jahan between 1638 & 1648. It was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
Other tour items: Raj Ghat, the cremation ground and memorial to the national freedom fighter Mahatma Gandh, also known as father of the Nation. Humayun's Tomb was built by Hamida Banu Begum, widow of Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1562. It is said that Taj Mahal’s architectural style was borrowed from Humayun’s Tomb. Safdarjung's Tomb stands today in the lush green garden as the last phase of the Mughal style architecture.
Later visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Qutub Minar tower, the world's tallest brick minaret. Commenced in 1193 by India's first Muslim ruler Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak it was completed by the third Muslim ruler Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish. It is 73 meters high which tapers from a 15m diameter base to just 2.5m at the top. Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex displaying centuries of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture.
Overnight: Hotel Royal Plaza or Similar
Day 03: New Delhi to Jaipur (250KM / 4 HRS
After breakfast drive to the capital of the royal state of Rajasthan – Jaipur. It is also called pink city as most of the building are pink in colour.
After checking-in at the hotel go for the half day city tour visiting the Jantar Mantar Observatory which reflects how excellent Indian astronomy was in the 17th century. It was made by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1728. The magnitudes of precision about the position of stars, latitudes, longitudes, azimuths or even calculating eclipses are simply brilliant.
Next to the observatory is the City Palace, where one wing has been converted into a museum which houses the collection of artillery and textiles. Another wing was the residence of the former Maharaja of Jaipur. Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds is another amazing building; originally Hawa Mahal was built to enable the ladies of the royal families to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.
In the evening enjoy your dinner with Rajasthani dance.
Overnight: Hotel Four Points by Sheraton or Similar
Day 04: Excursion to Amber/ Jaigarh Forts
After breakfast we go for an excursion to Amber Fort located atop the Aravali hills, it was the ancient capital of Jaipur. We ascend to the fort royal style by riding on an elephant's back. Amber Fort is constructed of white and red sandstone. It is a blend of both Hindu & Muslim style of ornamentation. The interiors of the fort is designed with murals and frescoes which describe the daily errand.
Later you will visit the Jaigarh Fort overlooking the Maotha Lake, where you can see the world's largest cannon on wheels, the Jaivana, dating back to the 11th century.
The evening is free to explore the city.
Overnight: Hotel Four Points by Sheraton or Similar
Day 05: Jaipur to Agra (240 KM / 4 HRS)
After breakfast you will be visiting en-route to Agra the “Ghost Town” of Fatehpur Sikri (own expense), the former capital of the Mughal empire built by emperor Akbar the Great in 1570, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was made capital to honor Salim Chishti the sufi saint who predicted Akbar another son. But just 15 years after completion the city was abandoned due to water scarcity.
Proceed to Agra and check-in to the hotel. The rest of the evening is free to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Crystal Sarovar Premier or Similar
Day 06: Agra to Gwalior (120 KM / 3 HRS)
Leave early in the morning for Taj Mahal, whose beauty is glorified when the rays of sun falls and the embedded colorful stones shine brightly. It is one of the seven wonders of the world built by king Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and later go for sightseeing of Agra Fort. During Akbar reign it was used as a military structure but Shah Jahan converted it into a palace. From the fort one can have a clear picturesque view of Taj Mahal.
Later drive to one of the royal cities of central India - Gwalior. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Radisson or Similar
Day 07: Gwalior to Orchha (120 KM / 3 HRS)
In the morning after breakfast visit Gwalior Fort situated on rocky sandstone. The fort was built by different rulers during different periods. The fort hosts Teli ka Mandir, a Shahastra Bahu temple of Vishnu. Also visit Lashkar Jai Vilas Palace & Museum, a palace of royal Scindia family which has been partly converted into a museum.
Later drive to Orchha, a small hamlet on the bank of the river Betwa. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel
Overnight: Hotel Amar Mahal or Similar
Day 08: Orchha to Khajuraho (180 KM / 4 HRS)
After breakfast Visit Jahangir Mahal which is one of the most remarkable architecture of Orchha. It was built by Raja Bir Singh to honor the visit of Mughal emperor Jahangir to Orchha. The architecture bears an Islamic touch.
Also visit Raj Parveen Mahal built by king Indramani in the 17th century for his love to poetess Parveen who was gifted with extraordinary talent. Chaturbhuj Temple built in the year 1558-1573 is placed on a big stone formation. Laxminarayan Temple is also worth to be seen.
Later drive to Khajuraho. On arrival check-in to the hotel, rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Radisson or Similar
Day 09: Khajuraho to Varanasi by Flight
Khajuraho is famous for the temple complex also called the “Temples of Love”, famous for their erotic sculpture. The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern. These temples were built by the Chandela dynasty during 09-12th century A.D.
The most famous temple among the western group is Kandriya Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which depicts divine deities, celestial maidens & eternal lovers. In the eastern division the most famous temple is Parasvnath, which is the largest Jain temple.
Later you will be driven to the airport & board in flight for Varanasi. On arrival check inn to hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Rivatas by Ideal or Similar
Day 10: Varanasi Sightseeing
Take the early morning boat ride on River Ganges to witness the morning affairs which takes place at the bank of the river.
Later return to the hotel for the breakfast then join the excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining the godly power.
On return to Varanasi go for sightseeing of temples. The Durga Temple for example is dedicated to goddess Durga. Interestingly the Durga Temple is also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ due to the large number of monkeys found on the temple premises. Also visit the Banaras Hindu University. In the evening you will be taken to the AARTI and boat ride in Varanasi.
Overnight: Hotel Rivatas by Ideal or Similar
Day 11: Varanasi to Mathura (600 KM / 9 HRS)
After breakfast we drive to Mathura, Rest of the day is free for relaxation and visit Mathura temples etc.
Overnight: Hotel Radha Ashok or Similar
Day 12: Mathura to Delhi (150 KM / 3 HRS)
After breakfast we drive to Delhi. After reach delhi we visit Lotus Temple and transfer to Delhi airport to board your onward flight.
Inclusions:
- 11-night accommodation on twin sharing basic with breakfast at a 4 star Hotel
- All Transfers/Sightseeing’s by air conditioned private vehicle
- Professional private tour guide
- Buffet Lunch
Exclusions:
- Drinks
- Monument entrance fees
- Gratuities (recommended)
Price:
- 1 Traveler - USD 1550
- 2 Travelers - USD 900 Per Person
- 3 Travelers - USD 825 Per Person
- 4 Travelers - USD 740 Per Person