India… a country which will enchant you with her beauty and diversity, delight you with her colorful pageantry, enrich you with her culture, stun you with her modernity, embrace you with her warmth, and overwhelm you with her hospitality…a land where the ancient and the contemporary exist side by side, where thousands of brilliant images fill the soul with wonder and where quaint and startling contradictions juxtapose to lend an extraordinary vitality, texture and poetry to life.

On this journey, soak in the sights and sounds of India – a kaleidoscope of culture, color, ancient palaces and wildlife-viewing. Travel from the hustle and bustle of India’s heart in Delhi to the magic of age-old stories and fortresses in Jaipur and Agra. Marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal as the sun rises, then trace the steps of Eastern religions as you explore temples of Khajuraho. Wrap up your adventure in search for the elusive Bengal tiger in its natural environment.

Journey highlights:

  • Visit to Old Delhi and ride like a local on a cycle rickshaw (pedi cab)
  • Visit to select World Heritage sites
  • Ride an Elephant to Amer Fort
  • Explore the colourful bazar
  • Watch the sun rise above the mesmerizing Taj Mahal
  • Trace the steps of eastern religions in the temples of Khajuraho
  • Explore Bandhavgarh National Park– home of the Bengal Tigers

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01:
ARRIVE DELHI
By International Flight
  • Arrive Delhi International airport – T3
  • Overnight in Delhi

Our representative will meet you in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and custom formalities. Depart for your hotel and check in for your stay.

Delhi is India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital Delhi. It was the magnet, which drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and the British, all of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent past. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again rebuilding it at least seven times. Today, the twin cities of Old and New Delhi still intrigue Indians and tourists alike as the cultural and political capital of the largest democracy in the world.

Day 02:
DELHI
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Morning explore Old Delhi

  •  Afternoon explore New Delhi
  • Overnight in Delhi

After a short briefing, set out on a tour of Old Delhi, the capital of Mughal dynasty between the 16th and 19th centuries. Visit Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. From here, board the cycle rickshaws for a tour of Chandni Chowk, known as The Moonlit Square of India. As you drive through the narrow lanes, witness the architectural marvels, the multi-coloured facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed men and women and get bombarded by the cries of hawkers and fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line these historical alleys.

During the British regime, the street underwent major changes and since then this area has witnessed some of the most important events in Indian history. Today these splendid ruins and tales of valor are a testimony of the evolution of the times. Chandni Chowk truly reflects the national unity, secularism and diversity of India.
We then pass through the Red Fort, a mid 17th century fort complex that dominates the area and visit the Raj Ghat, a simple and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, one of the main architects of India’s Independence from the British.

Next drive through New Delhi, passing by Presidential Palace- the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate - a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war, Parliament house and other government buildings built in the first quarter of the 20th century by two famous English architects, Sir Herbert Baker and Sir Edwin Lutyens. It was during this time period that the capital of the British Empire was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.

The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures raised in India. 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.

DAY 03:
DELHI – JAIPUR
By surface: 250 km/+/- 05 hour
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Drive to Jaipur
  • Overnight in Jaipur

Morning, travel west to the picturesque capital of Rajasthan – the beautiful Jaipur, a city awash with pink, the color of hospitality in Rajput culture.

Jaipur - also known as the ‘Pink City’, for the abundance of pink plastered stone used to build its massive forts, magnificent palaces and exquisite temples. The city built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. There is far more to the city than just its famous monuments and to get a complete experience of Jaipur, uncover the mysteries of the bazaars and visit silversmiths, turban sellers and traditional markets.

On arrival check-in for your stay.

Cultural connection (Optional):

Home hosted meal with a local family and a cooking demonstration: Evening drive to the city for a special culinary session and meal with a local family. After a short introduction, get into an informal chat talking on diverse topics ranging from History, Craft and Culture of this fabled city. You will be given an introduction to common Indian spices and herbs, a cooking demonstration and a delicious dinner of local specialties with the family.

DAY 04:
JAIPUR
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Morning explore Amer fort
  • Afternoon explore the city
  • Overnight in Jaipur

After breakfast, visit the sprawling Amer Fort. Jaipur’s Maharaja Man Singh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started constructing Amer Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amer was the seat of power. The Fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Once you are 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.

Return to the city, with a photo-stop at Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds). Five stories in height, and built of red and pink sandstone highlighted with white quicklime, it is thought that the women of the royal harem used the many casements to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen.

Continue to Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. The Maharajah, a scientist as well as an astronomer, had the principles of Euclid translated into Sanskrit. One of the most remarkable sites in Jaipur, the Jantar Mantar has fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses and tracking stars and planets. Just next to the observatory is the City Palace. Built within the fortified area of the original city, it has one of the finest monumental entrances in India. The Palace is now principally a museum housing a collection of great treasures, including miniature paintings, carpets, royal garments and other interesting objects from Jaipur's intriguing past. The former royal family retains a part of the palace for their personal use.

You will have some leisure time at the hotel or opt to visit the colorful local market. Walk through the old city of Jaipur past the Palace of Winds and market stalls before heading back to the hotel. Please be aware that these are very old market places in Jaipur used almost entirely by local people, hence you should be prepared for the hustle and bustle in the streets.

Cultural connection (Optional):

Walk by Amber - Beyond the Fort: Amba, consecrated to the Mother Goddess, known as Gatta Rani (Queen of the Pass) was originally occupied by the Meena, a caste who claim their descent from the Matsya Avatar or the fish incarnation of Vishnu. Older than the famous fort and palace complex the now sleepy town of Amber is rarely visited by foreigners. Dotted with numerous historic temples, Havelis and a fascinating step well this two hour walk is a perfect accompaniment and anecdote to any visit to the busy Fort and Palace complex.

DAY 05:
JAIPUR – AGRA
By surface: 236 Km /+/- 06 hour
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Drive to Agra
  • En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri
  • Overnight in Agra

Morning, commence your drive to Agra passing some incredible scenery. Stop enroute at Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in a pristine condition.

Continue drive to Agra and on arrival, check in for your stay.

Agra - Once a small village on the banks of the Yamuna, it was transformed by two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and his grandson Shah Jehan into the second capital of the Mughal Empire – Dar-ul-Khilafat, or ‘seat of the Emperor’ in the 16th & 17th century. A world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys, bustling streets and small buggies, Agra retains the irresistible charm that made this the favourite city of the Mughals.

Cultural connection (Optional):

Hot Air Balloon Experience in Jaipur: The 'Pink City' is favored equally for its vibrancy as well as its arresting monuments. Be mesmerized by the city as you fly over and absorb its riotous cocktail of Colors, Forts & Palaces. Best time: From mid-September till mid-April, best have the flight in morning before breakfast.

Walk down the Rustic Village of Kachpura: The Heritage Trail of Agra brings you some amazing behind the scenes of life and times throbbing in the shadows of the Taj Mahal. Best part being, the trail is a community based enterprise where a youth from the local community will show you around. Whatever is charged for this trail goes directly to funding various welfare works such as upgrading schools, building toilets etc. in the area and in creating sustainable livelihoods.

Walk by lesser-known, yet significant, Mughal-era monuments including Humayun Mosque and the historical wells of Baoli. Also see the 'Gyarah Seedi' carved from a single stone and situated at the edge of the River Yamuna, overlooking Agra Fort. Follow your guide on foot through rustic Kachhpura and experience an authentic side of rural India that you've probably never seen before, including a street play presented by the town’s youth. This will be an opportunity to learn about India’s rural lifestyle as we check out the traditional art form of Sanjhi – paper stencils drawn on the walls by young girls.

Beyond the Taj Mahal – Tales from Across the River: Cross the Yamuna river with us and there is more than what any book will tell you. Solitary corner turrets, ruined pavilions, Tombs, Mughal pleasure gardens and whole set of smiling people who call Agra their home. You will visit some of the lesser known river front monuments such as the Rambagh, a pleasure garden built by the first Mughal Babar, the Gyarah Sidi (11 Steps) that helped the early Mughals study star constellations and the Itimad-ud-Daulah, all rare remnants of pre-Taj Architecture.

DAY 06:
AGRA
By surface : 30 KM / +/ -01 hour
  • Visit Taj Mahal by sunrise – world heritage site
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Morning visit Agra Fort and Roman Catholic Cemetery
  • Afternoon Hi Tea with local family and visit Mehtab Bagh
  • Overnight in Agra

Post breakfast drive to Marari. On arrival, check in for your stay.

Rise early and visit Taj Mahal (closed on Friday). It is fitting to see this extraordinary monument by the first light of day as its exemplary beauty is awe-inspiring and will create an unforgettable memory.

Said to be one of the most elegant and a harmonious building in the world, Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1630 AD to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal manifests the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in architecture and garden design, painting, and calligraphy. The 144 foot double dome of the Taj is capped with a finial and the four minarets each 131 ft high and crowned by an open octagonal pavilion highlight the perfect symmetry of the tomb.

Return to hotel for breakfast.

After a leisurely breakfast, visit the Roman Catholic Cemetery - Agra’s best kept secret. At first sight one would think these are Muslim graves. But a closer look—from the top—and one will see a crucifix carved with Latin inscriptions. The highlight of the Roman Catholic is the tomb of Dutch mercenary John Hessing – The Red Taj Mahal - built in the 19th century by his wife, albeit much lesser grandiose and humble.

Next visit to the 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.

Late afternoon enjoy Hi Tea with local family and later proceed to visit Mehtab Bagh takes you into the ancient village of Kachpura and Humayun’s Mosque. The walk ends in Mehtab Bagh from where you will have the opportunity to watch the Taj Mahal during sunset from across the river

DAY 07:
AGRA – JHANSI
JHANSI – KHAJURAHO
By Train (0810/1025 hour)
By surface: 180 km/+/-04 hour
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Morning travel by train to Jhansi
  • Drive to Khajuraho
  • En-route visit Orchha
  •  Overnight in Khajuraho

Post breakfast, transfer to the railway station and board the train to Jhansi.

This train journey will offer opportunity to see the early morning life around the country side. Please note, on this train seat will be on air conditioned Chair car coach class. Though Indian Railways is the largest rail network in Asia, travel by train in India isn’t similar to travel on Amtrak or European rail service. You will be assisted in boarding the correct coach, seat and once you have reached the destination, just wait at the platform and do not leave the station.

Arrive Jhansi and drive for Orchha.

Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela king, Rudhra Pratap, on the banks of the Betwa River. This is a a medieval city frozen in time and space, existing even today as it must have done in the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was built. The countryside undulates gently between riverine plains and rolling forest-clad hills and the landscape is dotted with palaces and temples, a fortress and cenotaphs. The architecture is a synthesis of traditional Hindu, hybrid Indo-Saracenic and ornate Mughal. One of the finest sights is the view of the cenotaphs from across the Betwa River. Visit the Jehangir Mahal, the most grandiose structure in Orchha; the Raja Mahal Rai Praveen Mahal.

Hot lunch will be provided at the nearby Amar Mahal and then drive to Khajuraho where all of life — joy, love, divinity, war — is depicted in fine detail on every inch of its 85 Hindu and Jain temples.

Continue drive to Khajuraho and on arrival, check in for your stay.

Khajuraho was built by the Chandela dynasty, which rose to power in Central India between the 10th and 11th centuries and is home to some 25 odd temples depicting the different facets of life, including the erotic. These erotic carvings on some panels have given rise to much speculation since Khajuraho’s rediscovery by a British officer in 1838. To preserve it for posterity, Khajuraho has been declared a World Heritage Site and is among the prominent destinations on the world tourism map.

DAY 08:
KHAJURAHO - BANDHAVGARH
By surface: 260 km/ +/- 05 hour
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Morning visit the medieval temples of Khajuraho
  • Drive to Bandhavgarh
  •  Overnight in Bandhavgarh

Morning explore the famous Western Group of Temples with your guide.

The name Khajuraho is derived from the Hindi word khajur meaning date palm. The city was once the religious capital of the Chandela Rajputs, a Hindu dynasty that ruled this part of India from the 10th to the 12th centuries. The Khajuraho temples were built over a span of a hundred years, from 950 to 1050. The whole area was enclosed by a wall with eight gates, each flanked by two golden palm trees. There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 22 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 8 square miles (21 km²).

The temples of Khajuraho are an example of religion laced with erotica. They are fine examples of Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to their salacious depiction of the traditional way of life during medieval times. They were rediscovered only during the 20th century and the jungles had taken a toll on some of the monuments.

Afternoon, drive to Bandhavgarh and on arrival, check in for your stay.

Bandhavgarh National Park has established a reputation as one of the best places in India to observe Tigers. Although a relatively small reserve when first established in 1968, it was enlarged twenty years later to include adjacent tracts of Sal forest and this extension has proved very beneficial for the Tiger population. The 105 square kilometres of park area, open for tourists is estimated to have a population of 22 tigers, a density of one tiger for every 4.77 square kilometres. Like many Tiger reserves in India, the area was formerly the hunting reserve of a Maharaja and contains much evidence of its royal associations, most spectacular being the ruins of a huge hilltop fort which dominates the centre of the reserve.

Tigers are elusive creatures, quick to vanish into cover but a huge paw print in the dust or the alarm cries of deer and langurs often betray their presence when the animal is hidden from sight. On such occasions silence and patience may be rewarded by that unforgettable moment as the king of the forest saunters into view and with scarcely a glance at the human intruders, walks in a deliberate manner across the track to disappear again into the undergrowth.

Day 09 & 10:
BANDHAVGARH
  • Early morning game drive
  • Breakfast & Lunch at the lodge
  • Afternoon game drive
  • Overnight in Bandhavgarh

Early morning, wake up with tea/coffee and cookies and drive with your naturalist to the nearest gate of the park. The pattern of early morning and afternoon jeep safari’s will be interspersed with periods of relaxation back at your lodge during the heat of midday.

Day 11:
BANDHAVGARH – JABALPUR
JABALPUR – DELHI
By surface: 165 km /+/-04 hour
By: Air
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Drive to Jabalpur airport and fly to Delhi
  • Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel
  • Overnight in Delhi

Morning, drive to Jabalpur airport and then, fly to Delhi. On arrival, assisted transfer to the hotel and check in for your stay.
Rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 12:
DEPART DELHI
By: International Flight
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Transfer to T3 - Delhi International Airport

In time, assisted transfer to T3 - Delhi International Airport to board your onward flight.

End of the tour

Option - A

Hotel Envisaged or similar:

City

Hotels – Option A

Nights

Delhi   The Taj Mahal (Deluxe room) 2
Jaipur Fairmont Jaipur (Fairmont Room) 2
Agra ITC Mughal (Mughal Room) 2
Khajuraho Lalit (Temple View) 1
Bandhavgarh Samode Safari Lodge (Standard) 3
Delhi Radisson Blu Plaza (Deluxe Room) 1

Validity: 15 October 2016 till 15 April 2017

Cost basis Prices – Option A
02 –03 persons on sharing basis travelling together USD 2815 per person
04–06persons on sharing basis travelling together USD 2550 per person
Single Room Supplement USD 1400 per single

Validity: 16 April 2017 till 30 June 2017

Cost basis Prices – Option A
02 - 03 persons on sharing basis travelling together USD 2100 per person
04 - 06 persons on sharing basis travelling together USD 1835 per person
Single Room Supplement USD 785 per single

Option - B

Hotel Envisaged or similar:

City Hotels – Option B Nights
Delhi  Kempinski Ambiance (Deluxe Room) 2
Jaipur Hilton Jaipur (Hilton Guest Room) 2
Agra Double Tree By Hilton Agra (DT Guest Room) 2
Khajuraho Radisson (Deluxe Room) 1
Bandhavgarh Kings Lodge (Deluxe Cottage) 3
Delhi Novotel (Deluxe Room) 1

Validity: 15 October 2016 till 15 April 2017

Cost basis Prices – Option B
02 - 03 persons on sharing basis travelling together USD 1900 per person
04 - 06 persons on sharing basis travelling together USD 1630 per person
Single Room Supplement USD 975 per single

Validity: 16 April 2017 till 30 June 2017

Cost basis Prices – Option B
02 - 03 persons on sharing basis travelling together USD 1685 per person

04 - 06 persons on sharing basis travelling together

USD 1415 per person
Single Room Supplement USD 765 per single

Option - C

Hotel Envisaged or similar:

City Hotels – Option C Nights
Delhi  The Suryaa (Deluxe Room) 2
Jaipur Holiday Inn City Centre (Superior Room) 2
Agra Four Point by Sheraton (Superior City View) 2
Khajuraho Ramada (Superior) 1
Bandhavgarh Bandhav Vilas (Standard) 3
Delhi Holiday Inn Aero City (Superior Room) 1

Validity: 15 October 2016 till 15 April 2017

Cost basis Prices – Option C
02 - 03 persons on sharing basis travelling together USD 1600 per person
04 - 06 persons on sharing basis travelling together USD 1335 per person
Single Room Supplement USD 560 per single

Validity: 16 April 2017 till 30 June 2017

Cost basis Prices – Option C
02 - 03 persons on sharing basis travelling together USD 1430 per person
04 - 06 persons on sharing basis travelling together USD 1155 per person
Single Room Supplement USD 385 per single

OPTIONAL CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

Activity detail Cost per person
Jaipur - Home hosted meal with a local family and a cooking demonstration USD 87 per person
Jaipur - Walk by Amber - Beyond the Fort USD 40 per person
Jaipur - Hot Air Ballooning experience USD 165 per person
Agra - Walk Down the Rustic Village of Kachhpura USD 40 per person
Agra – Beyond the Taj Mahal – Tales from Across the River USD 40 per person
map

Cost Includes

  • Accommodation of 11 nights on TWIN/ DOUBLE share basis at hotels mentioned above or similar.
  • Daily buffet breakfast. Bandhavgarh stay will include daily lunch & dinner.
  • Transportation by vehicles as per the itinerary.
    • 2 – 3 pax: Air-conditioned Innova
    • 4 – 6 pax: Air-conditioned Tempo Traveler
  • Services of English speaking local guides during sightseeing tours.
  • Entrance fees to the places of visit as per the itinerary.
  • Rickshaw ride in Delhi
  • Elephant ride in Jaipur
  • Market walk in Jaipur
  • Air conditioned chair car train tickets from Agra to Jhansi.
  • 04 park safari in shared Jeep with naturalist in Bandhavgarh.
  • Packaged drinking water in the vehicle throughout
  • All applicable taxes

Cost Does't Includes

  • Any Airfare
  • Any Visa fees
  • Any gratuities
  • Any Insurance
  • Any meals or options not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional activity (if any)
  • Above given rates are not valid for Expense of personal nature like tipping, laundry, and telephone/fax calls, al coholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.

Special Notes

  • Bandhavgarh national is closed from 01 July till 14 October.
  • Hotel Check-in & check out time is 1200 NOON.
  • The rates quoted above are in US Dollar.
  • SITA reserves the right to modify itineraries and/or substitute hotels of a reasonably similar quality, when available, should circumstances beyond our control deem it necessary.
  • Taj Mahal is closed to public on Friday.
  • Elephant ride to visit Amber Fort in Jaipur is subject to availability as government has restricted the number of rides and prior reservation. Clients will have to queue themselves and wait to see if they can get a chance to have the elephant ride. There is no guarantee that even after queuing, they will get an elephant ride if the quota of rides is over. In this case, we shall provide Jeep ride to ascend the Amber Fort.
  • Supplement will be applicable from 20 Dec’16 till 05 Jan’17.
  • Train and park safari bookings open 120 days prior to the date of travel and to book train seats, SITA needs name, date of birth, passport no & gender (male/female) of each guest and seats are given on first come first serve basis.
  • In case on any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to adjust the tour price accordingly.

Note: Bandhavgarh national park remains closed from 01 July to 14 October

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