DETAILED ITINERARY
Arrive Delhi International Airport. Following immigration, customs formalities and baggage collection, a TCI representative will meet, as you exit the terminal building and will transfer you to your Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.
Morning after Buffett Breakfast at Hotel, proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting mosque of Friday, Jama Masjid. Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India, Drive in a man pulled rickshaw through the colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Street"). Drive past the Red Fort, an important building complexes of India which encapsulates a long period of Indian history and its arts. Also visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
Afternoon city tour of New Delhi.
Visiting Qutub Minar, the pride of Delhi. & Also visit Humayun’s Tomb. Later drive past the spectacular India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate the unknown soldiers), The President's House and Government Buildings (ministry offices).
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast and departure by road to Jaipur (258 Kms/06 Hrs. Approx). Before arriving we had lunch at Samode Palace. Visit Samode Village to see the Holi festival this day, travel and appreciation of everyday life within Rural India. After lunch drive to Jaipur.
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". The dresses of the women and the turbans of the men add colour to this fascinating city.
Upon arrival check in at your hotel. Rest of the day free to explore the city on your own.
Overnight at the Hotel
Morning after breakfast proceed for Excursion to Amber Fort with a photo stops at Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal). Amber Fort Palace is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura.
Afternoon tour of city visiting City Palace, a beautiful palace complex full of treasures now housed in the museum area. City Palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture.
Rest of the day free for shopping in the local bazaar of Jaipur .
Overnight at Hotel.
Morning after breakfast proceed for Agra En-route stoping at Abhaneri to see the Step wells . Also enjoy the short came safari at Abhaneri Village with tea & Cookies at the Camp.
After the visit continue to visit Fatehpur Sikri enroute having Lunch at Bhartpur – Laxmi Vilas . After the tour continue drive to Fatehpur sikri .
Fatehpur Sikri - Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. Fatehpur Sikri bears exceptional testimony to the Mughal civilization at the end of the 16th century. It offers a unique example of architectural ensembles of very high quality constructed between 1571 and 1585.
After visit drive straight to Agra. On arrival proceed to hotel for check-in.
Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at Hotel.
Morning after breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of;
Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. The Agra Fort presents a formidable appearance with its vast walls, standing seventy feet in height, and a mile and a half in circuit, with imposing turrets and gateways. - It was in this very fort that Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb. You will enjoy the Tonga Ride to reach the Fort. Remain in the fort to witness Sun Set over Taj Mahal .
Later visit Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday’s). Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried from 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.
Evening visit Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah also known as “Baby Taj”.
Overnight at Hotel.
Morning transfer to railway station to board morning Shatabadi express train to Jhansi
Agra /Jhansi Shatabdi Express 12002 0811 / 1045 hrs
Upon arrival at Jhansi, proceed for the visit of Orchha. Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela chieftain, Rudra Pratap Singh, who built this new capital on large wooded islands on the River Betwa. Visit Jehangir Mahal Palace and Ram Raja Temple. Enjoy your lunch at local Restaurant.
Later visit drive to Khajuraho (190 Kms / 4 hrs approximately). Upon arrival check in at hotel. Khajuraho has become world renowned for its Temples. They are the most graphic, erotic and sensuous sculptures in India. Khajuraho has finally received the attention it deserves for its significant contribution to the religious art of IndiaOvernight at hotel.
Morning visit the famous 10th century Western group of temples designated as a World Heritage Site enclosed within a beautifully laid out park. The Kandriya Mahadev, Jagadami and Chitragupta Temples display the best craftsmanship of Khajuraho. Later visit Eastern and Southern group of Temples. In time transfer to airport to board your flight for Varanasi.
Khajuraho / Varanasi AI 405 (1500 /1555 hrs) –flight subject to change
Arrive Varanasi and transferred to hotel. Evening board the rickshaw to the Ghats to witness the Aarti ceremony on The Ganges.
Overnight at hotel.
Early morning proceed for the boat tour on River Ganges, where you will witness daily rituals performed by local people & observe the way of life of pilgrims by the Ghats. Also enjoy the walking tour in the old part of the city. Return back to hotel for breakfast.
In the afternoon proceed for the short tour of the city visit Banaras Hindu University, Bharat Mata Temple and other places of interest.
Later proceed for visit to Sarnath, 13 kms. East of Varanasi, is one of the Buddhism’s major centers of India. After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha came to Sarnath.
Overnight at hotel.
Buffet breakfast. Time to relax / free for independent activities.
Later in time transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi
Departure: Varanasi : 1640 hrs / Arrival Delhi : 1825 hrs
Upon arrival connect flight for onward destination.
*** END OF TOUR ***