DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT DELHI
You will be met on arrival at the International airport. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.

DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 02: DELHI
After breakfast at hotel, visit of Great Mosque Jama Masjid - The Jama Masjid is the principal mosque of Old Delhi in India. It was built from 1644 to 1656 during the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan wanted to build a replica of the Moti Masjid contruite by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It is the largest mosque in India.

Humayun Tomb - Surrounded by gardens of Persian style, the tomb of Humayun is the most beautiful monument in Delhi. It is an immense mausoleum of red sandstone and white marble built in his honor, 1565 to 1569, by his widow Haji Begum. This is the first example of Mughal architecture. Characteristic of the splendor of Mughal art, with its arcades (17) and its dome, built by a Persian architect and produced by 300 artisans Arab, this type of monument reaches its zenith with the Taj Mahal mausoleum in Agra.

After noon visit of Qutub Minaret - The minaret of Qutub Minar is part of a group of buildings gathered in a huge park. It is a tower built to commemorate the victory of Muhammed Ghura in 1192 against the Hindu king Prithviraj III, which marks the debut of the sultanate of Delhi.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 03: DELHI – VARANASI (BY FLIGHT 9W-723 AT 10:40 / 11:50 HRS)
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed to the airport for flight to Varanasi.
Upon arrival in Varanasi transfer to the hotel.

Varanasi is the World's most ancient living city. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet-manufacturing place of India. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and ASI. It is also called CITY OF TEMPLES.

Visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

In the evening you can visit the GHATS for the evening ceremony and the cremations.  

Overnight at hotel

DAY 04: VARANASI
Morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we’ll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water’s edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.

Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi.

Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Overnight stay will be at hotel.

DAY 05 VARANASI – KHAJURAHO (BY FLIGHT 9W-723 AT 12:20/12:55 HRS)
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Take an afternoon flight to Khajuraho.

Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.
Reach and after lunch visit the EASTERN SET OF TEMPLES in the afternoon.

In the evening enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the temple complex.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 06: KHAJURAHO – JHANSI (BY ROAD 175 KMS / 4 HR) - AGRA (BY SHATABDI EXPRESS TRAIN AT 1800 HR REACHING AT 2000 HR)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Visit the Western set of temples. Start for Orchha by surface. It is a medieval city founded by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century – which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory of the kings and the place is flanked by the river BETWA.
Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex.

Take the train for Agra and reach by evening.

AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire – giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.  A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 08: AGRA- JAIPUR VIA FATHEHPUR SIKRI (250 KMS/06 HRS)
Morning proceed for day sightseeing of Agra. At sunrise visit the Taj Mahal.

TAJ MAHAL – Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.   

After the visit of Taj return back to the hotel for breakfast and then proceed for the visit of Agra fort.

AGRA FORT – Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone.  Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

Drive to Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jajal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568. The saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.

Enjoy sightseeing and drive to Jaipur.

JAIPUR is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 09: JAIPUR
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast.
      
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.  Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I.  Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

Continue sightseeing.

CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city.  It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
       
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.  This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
       
Photo stop at HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.  It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Rest of the day free at for you to relax, shop or explore. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY10: JAIPUR - DELHI (DEPART DELHI)
After leisurely breakfast at hotel, continue drive to Delhi, Arrival in Delhi and free time till departure then you will be transferred to airport in time to board flight for onward destination

Hotels:
• Delhi - Ramada Plaza - 2 Nights
• Varanasi - Hindustan International - 2 Nights
• Khajuraho - Ramada Khajuraho - 1 Night
• Agra - Mansingh Palace - 1 Night
• Jaipur - Fern Jaipur - 2 Nights
• Delhi - No hotel

Cost includes:
• Double room on sharing basis.
• Welcome drinks on arrival at the hotels.
• Daily breakfast.
• All transfer and sight seeing by air-conditioned Transport.
• Services of local English speaking guides for the sightseeing.
• Elephant / Jeep ride in Jaipur.
• Public Boat Ride in Udaipur
• Boat ride In Varanasi
• Light and sound Show in Khajuraho
• Entrances to the monuments
• Service Tax

Cost does not include:
• Any airport taxes.
• Any airfares.
• Any new tax imposed by the Government.
• Any expenditure of personal nature such as tips, drinks, telephone charges, laundry etc.

Important Note:
• Incase of waitlisted booking we have to hold the alternate, for which we will advise the supplement OR reduction accordingly.
• The below rates are based on presently prevailing taxes and entrances to the monuments. If there is any change, prices will also change accordingly.
• Check in and check out time is 1200 Hrs noontime.
• The below rates are based on current exchange rate between USD & INR. If there is any change in the Exchange Rate the below ove given rates will also change.