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Durations: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Assistance on arrive Delhi by XXX at XXX hrs. You will be met on arrival in Delhi and transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.
It is believed that Delhi has been rebuilt seven times with the ruins of one city becoming the foundations for the next. The Mughals ruled here from 12th century. The British captured it in 1803 reducing the Mughal rulers to puppet kings, and in 1911 founded New Delhi, which became the capital of independent India in 1947. The sun warmed stones of ancient forts, tombs, mosques and palaces lie scattered across its sprawling expanse, a reminder of an almost continuous settlement along the Yamuna River.
Day 02:Delhi
Morning sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi.
Old Delhi. Visit the old city of Shahjananbad where you will the see imposing Red Fort one of the most magnificent palaces in the world.
Later visit Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India and a stunning example of Mughal architecture and the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi (memorial of Mahatma Gandhi) at Raj Ghat. Situated on the bank of the legendary Yamuna River.
New Delhi. In 1911, the British asked Lutyens to design a new city, the result was New Delhi, The architectural designs, and sophistication of the buildings and the wide tree lines avenues are reminiscent of many European cities.
Visit Connaught Place the hub of the city mainly devoted to shops, banks and restaurants. Then on to Rajpath flanked by Ornamental ponds and lawns, with India Gate at one end and the Presidents house at the other Rajpath most clearly reflects Lutyens European influence. Drive past the impressive president’s house and the Parliament House and visit Humayuns Tomb, Delhis first Moghul tomb its sombre, Persian-style elegance marks this as one of Delhis finest historic sites.
Finally visit Qutub Minar. Built In 1199 either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque, at a height of 72.5 meters. It is still the highest, and one of the finest stone towers in India.
Day 03: Delhi – Jaipur (262km - 5-6hours)
Today we drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City , the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colorful past, resplendent with tales of velour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.
Day 04: Jaipur
Morning visit the Amber Fort. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur City.
Seven miles outside the city in the rugged hills that surround Jaipur is the magnificent Amber Fort. A painted elephant will take you up to the fort through its huge gateways and pillared pavilions. This Rajput Fortress/Palace was constructed from 1592 by Raja Man Singh II, and is a superb example of Rajput architecture.
A city tour takes you through the bazaars to the City Palace complex which includes the Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, built in 1799. The five-story building looks out over the main street and were originally for the ladies of the royal household to watch life and processions of the city. Jai Singh built the Jantar Mantar Observatory, still equipped with the ancient instruments including a very accurate 90-foot sundial, in 1728.
Day 05: Jaipur – Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri (260 Km - 6 Hours)
Today we drive to Agra, en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri, the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. We visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti.
Agra is a land with a glorious past created by skilled architects as the seat for the Mughal Empire. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, with its crowded alleys and its predatory rickshaw riders, Agra is much like any other north Indian city. Also referred to as Agarbana (Paradise) in the epic of Mahabharata, the city houses the finest monuments of the period, which bear testimony to the aura of grandeur.
Day 06: Agra
Early morning by sunrise visit the world famous Taj Mahal. Later sight seeing tour Agra Fort and Itmad – ud – daula. Morning visit to the Agra fort, on the banks of river Yamuna, is the crescent-like Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70 foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i- Am, Machihi Bhawan and Moti Masjid. The fort has four gates and is enclosed by a double tlemented wall of red sand stone.
The world famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 year to complete this Love Poem in Marble. (Friday closed).
Itimad-Ud-Daulah's tomb was built by Empress Nur Jahan, daughter-in-law of Emperor Akbar, in memory of her father Ghias-Ud-Din Beg, grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal, between 1622-28 AD. Overnight at Agra.
Day 07: Agra – Jhansi (Shatabdi Express Dep. At 0800-1040 Hrs.) & Jhansi – Orchha - Khajuraho (166 Km/ 04 Hrs)
Post breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to railway station to board the train for Jhansi. Upon arrival, drive to Orchha. Orchha has a medieval town atmosphere attached to it. The Betwa River quietly flows by the town. The 16th century palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers appear to be suspended in time. Upon arrival, meet assistance and check-in hotel.
Here we will visit Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Ram Raja temple. Later we drive to Khajuraho, built between 950-1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst of creativity. Contain stunningly explicit erotic sculptures. They were rediscovered in the 20th century, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 08: Khajuraho
Half Day Tour
Today we visit Khajuraho temples, famous for the magnificent carvings depicting numerous exotic postures of the famous Kamasutra, ancient Indian work on sex. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 originally built. In fact, worship is still done today in the Matangeshwara temple, continuing an unbroken 1000 year tradition.
Day 09: Khajuraho – Varanasi (By Flight 9w 724 At 1325/1410 Hours)
In time transfer to airport to board flight to Varanasi. Varanasi picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism.
On arrival Varanasi, transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for own activities. Later in the evening we witness the Aarti ceremony at the ghats.
Day 10: Varanasi
Half Day Tour
Today we start our day with a boat ride on the river Ganges. Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rise, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy. Later we explore the city by foot to get the feel of this oldest living city of the world.
Half Day Excursion
Later we take an excursion to Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.
Day 11: Varanasi - Delhi (By Flight 9w 724 At 1440/1600 Hours)
Later in the evening transfer to Varanasi airport to board flight for Delhi. Upon arrival, meet assistance and transfer to hotel.
Day 12: Delhi – Departure
Morning transfer to international airport to board flight for onward journey.
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