Classic North india Tour

DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT

You will arrive at New Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel, proceed for check-in at the hotel.

India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi 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. The first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks. Overnight at the hotel

DAY 02 DELHI

After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for a full day city tour of Old & New Delhi. You will first visit 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 Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

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.

The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 03 DELHI – JAIPUR

After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven from Delhi to Jaipur (260 KMS/ 6 Hours). Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.

Rajasthan’s kingdoms are an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces ad waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India, as does the desert land of Rajasthan. By far it is the most colourful region in India.

Jaipur's past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city". Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed. There is a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs. The dresses of the women and the turbans of the men add colour to this fascinating city. Afternoon is at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 04 JAIPUR

After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century.

Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area.

An elephant will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.

En-route to Amber you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.

In the afternoon, you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour of Jaipur City.
Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour. Overnight at the hotel

DAY 05 JAIPUR - RANTHAMBORE

Drive this morning to Ranthambore (190 Kms / 04 hours) and on arrival in Ranthambore you will check-in to your hotel.

Ranthambore is one of the many famous destinations of the western state of India, Rajasthan. Generally a visit to Ranthambore means a visit to the tiger reserve here. However, the place has much more to offer you in sightseeing and excursions. Surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and located very near to the outer fringes of the Thar Desert, Ranthambore offers you the best of the desert land as well as plain area near the hills. Due to its proximity to the Thar Desert, the vegetation here is that of deciduous forest.
Afternoon Game viewing in the Park. Overnight at the hotel

DAY 06 RANTHAMBORE

Morning & afternoon game viewing at Ranthambore National Park by jeeps. Apart from wildlife viewing you will also be taken to the Ranthambore Fort built in the 10th century, which commands a panoramic view of the Tiger Reserve. The fort also houses some splendid monuments within its precincts.
Buffet lunch and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 07 RANTHAMBORE – FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA

After an early buffet breakfast, a representative will meet you in the hotel and transfer you to the railway station to board train for Bharatpur:

Departure: Sawai Madhpur
At: 0707 Hours
By: Kota Jan Shatabdi Express
Arrive: Bharatpur
At: 0922 Hours

Upon arrival at Bharatpur, a representative will receive you and transfer you to your hotel at Agra (54 KMS/ 01 HRS) en route you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, a spacious red sandstone city built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India’s greatest rulers. The Emperor ruled Agra from this city and a fort with dargah (Muslim religious center) still stands here. Remarkably broad-minded for his time, this Muslim king married many a Rajput princess in order to win over his Hindu subjects. The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar’s vision of synthesizing the cultures. On arrival in Agra, check in to your Hotel. Rest of the day and evening will be at leisure. Overnight at the hotel

DAY 08 AGRA

Early morning, you will be proceed for a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Midway Tonga’s “horse carriages” would be waiting for you and will drop you at the gates of the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture.

Return to your hotel after the sunrise tour for buffet breakfast.
After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions. Afternoon free to explore local marble and leather market. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour.
Overnight at the hotel

DAY 09 AGRA – JHANSI – ORCHHA BY: TRAIN

After breakfast, a representative will transfer you to the Agra railway station for your train departing to Jhansi

Departure: Agra
at: 0800 Hours
By: Shatabdi Express
Arrive: Jhansi
at: 1025 Hours

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer from Jhansi to Orchha by road (20 kms.), on arrival check-in at hotel.

Afternoon visit Orchha. Orchha - Set in a medieval city teeming with Palaces, temples and cenotaphs dating back to the Bundela Dynasty, the former capital of this region is now just a village, but the old fort still stands and contains Bir Singh Deo's fine palace and another palace built for, but never used by, Emperor Jehangir. The Fort is on an island in the Betwa River. Overnight hotel

DAY 10 ORCHHA – KHAJURAHO

After breakfast at hotel, you will be driven to Khajuraho (150 KMS / 4.30 Hours) and upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel, following which remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure.

Located in the provincial state of Madhya Pradesh India. Khajuraho is known the world over for its temples, architecture and sculpture.  The construction of these Temples are thousand-year old took a little over two centuries, in terms of architecture of these temples, they form the high peak of the north Indian 'nagara' style. Of the 85 temples believed to have been built between the 9th and 12th centuries only 20 have survived, many in splendid condition, others having given way to the ravages of time and nature. Overnight at the hotel

DAY 11 KHAJURAHO - VARANASI

After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the Chandela Temple Complex. The tour of Khajuraho concentrates on the famous erotic temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in Northern India. The remote location of Khajuraho meant that the temples were unharmed by Muslim invaders and as a result, the intricately fine carvings are in very good condition and are said to represent life in heaven. They were built during the mighty Chandela dynasty; the majority was constructed in a sudden burst of creative and religious energy, between the mid-10th and 11th centuries. After ruling for about 500 years the Chandela dynasty fell to the might of Islam and consequently the religious centre of Khajuraho was abandoned. The temples remain as a reminder of a society that believed in the full enjoyment of life, with all the senses being a path to nirvana. Of the eighty-five original temples only 22 remain, but many are in very good condition. You visit the Kandariya Mahadeva, the Chatrabhuj, Parswanath & Ghantai Temples, each remarkable for its design and architecture.
In the afternoon, a representative will transfer you to the airport in time to board your flight departing for Varanasi

Departure: Khajuraho
at: 1330 Hours
By: 9W 334
Arrive: Varanasi
at: 1410 Hours

A representative will meet you upon arrival & transfer you to your hotel, where you will proceed for check in.

The antiquity of Varanasi is veiled in immortal times and has been the centre of religion, learning and civilization since ages. It has an endearing universal mystique, which has to be experienced to be understood. The city gets its inherent charm from the location as it’s situated on west side of the Holy Ganges. The principal attraction being the bathing ghats that are always bustling with life at any given time of the day.

There is no Indian attraction like Varanasi. There are no architectural splendours, no exquisitely carved palaces or impregnable forts, and yet the city has an inherent charm. Situated on the west bank from the riverbank ghats to a winding maze of picturesque alleys overlooking tall houses alongside, dotted with temples. It is a fascinating area to wander around. Remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure for independent activities. Overnight at the hotel

DAY 12 VARANASI - DELHI

Early morning you will be taken on a visit to the ghats witnessing the Hindu pilgrims perform the rituals and following the centuries old tradition and belief that by dying in Varanasi or by immersing the mortal remains in the holy Ganges, it clears one from the birth circle and you are incarnated to human life in the next birth. You would be taking a boat cruise on the river Ganges around all the ghats and stopping at the important ones.

The riverfront, as seen from a boat, early in the morning, is a spiritually uplifting sight. This religious city is crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets with their throngs of people is exciting and enticing.

After sunrise, you will visit Kashi-Vishwanath Temple, the most sacred of shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, the patron deity of Varanasi. Reconstructed in the 18th century, its gold plating on the 'shikaras' was a gift of the one-eyed Sikh king, Maharaja Ranjit Singh; Bharat Mata Mandir, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi is a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. It houses a relief map of India carved out of marble; and some other important temples.
Return to your hotel for buffet breakfast after the tour.

After breakfast, you will proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, a major Buddhist centre in the world. After achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Buddha, the 'Awakened One', delivered his first sermon here. It was sixth century then, when he also set in motion the wheel of law, the Dharmachakra. This dwelling place of the rishis, it was also known as 'Rishipatana' (the place of the Rishis or sages). Buddha gave his first sermon in the Deer Park where he initiated his first five disciples into Buddhist monkshood. Buddhism found its roots in Sarnath, the birthplace of this way of life.

After your visit, a representative will transfer you to the airport in time to board your flight departing for Delhi

Departure: Varanasi
at: 1440 Hours
By: 9W 334
Arrive: Delhi
at: 1600 Hours

A representative will meet you at the airport upon arrival and transfer straight to International Airport, in time to board your flight back home.

DAY 13 :

DEPARTURE: DELHI
BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT