DAY 01 : ARRIVE IN DELHI

Namaste! Welcome to India.

With a civilization that is over 5,000 years, richly steeped in history; a land that is diverse and colorful, mysterious and exotic; a land that offers a bewildering mix of adventures; the land of the Himalayas, INDIA has some of the most beautiful luxurious resorts to offer to the world, rich architectural marvels to feast your eyes on, and food fit for an Emperor. A visit to India is a power-package of changing spectacles of religions, customs, festivals, sights and sounds.

Arrive in Delhi. On arrival, you are given a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to your hotel in Delhi.

Overnight stay in DELHI

DAY 02 : DELHI – SIGHTSEEING
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel proceed on a sightseeing tour of DELHI – India’s capital and tourist gateway.

This is a city steeped in history, having seen the rise and fall of many empires, all of which have spawned an interesting mix of cultures, monuments, and handicrafts. What is now known as DELHI was once seven independent cities, with the Delhi of today being the eighth in succession. Each empire also left behind monuments that commemorate important personalities and events, which explains the profusion of local architectural styles. Sightseeing revolves around these monuments from the past, built by the dynasties that ruled in the region.

Start at the Qutub Minar, Delhi’s signature monument, a 72.5 metre high tower dating back to the 13th Century. Then explore the magnificent Mughal monument like Humayun’s Tomb, architecturally the forerunner of the Taj Mahal.

Visit India Gate and Amar Jyoti, the memorial constructed in the memory of our soldiers. Drive past the triumphant House of Parliament, Presidential Palace, both grandiose masterpieces of the British Raj and end the drive along Rajpath, New Delhi’s broadest avenue. Continue onwards to
Jantar Mantar, a famous astronomical observatory with masonry instruments, built by Jai Singh the astronomer king. Minutes away lies the National Museum with its collection of artifacts spanning several centuries.

Get spiritual with a visit to The Birla Temple; also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple & enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city.House sit Birla Mandir, a modern and colorful

This afternoon your attention focuses on Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of royal Shahjehanabad. Geographically and culturally, there is a fine dividing line between Old and New Delhi.

Visit the imposing Red Fort, the opulent residence of Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) which dominates the skyline. Just across lies Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque and adjacent is Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s vibrant nerve centre, a busy, bustling commercial centre literally bursting at the seams. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the Bazaar and end the day with a visit to Raj Ghat—the cremation site of the Father of the Nation.

Enjoy a welcome Dinner with Cultural Dances & Music at Chor Bizzare Restaurant.

Overnight stay in DELHI

DAY 03 : DELHI – VARANASI
Buffet Breakfast at hotel

Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.

Picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Varanasi, which was in use till May 1956, when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges; the high-banks; the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue …soul stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air…and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi – The land where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Some of the world – renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi’s cultural ethos. Luminaries apart, Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world today.

Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi including the 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.

Enjoy the evening AARTI at the GHATS. The guide will be giving a commentary to you on the proceedings and meanings of the chants during the AARTI of the river.

Overnight stay in VARANASI

DAY 04 : VARANASI – KHAJURAHO
In the early 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.

Return for breakfast to the hotel.

Visit Sarnath approx. 06 miles out of Varanasi. The great Buddha enhanced the sanctity of Varanasi by choosing the environs of the city to preach his first sermon at Sarnath, (only 10 Kms away) after attaining enlightenment. Later, Ashoka, the great Mauryan Emperor erected magnificent stupas and other buildings along with his mighty stone pillar, Dharmarajika Stupa. The 110 ft. tall Damekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon.Sarnath has been a premier centre for Buddhism. It is a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images on display at the Archaeological Museum

Transfer in time for 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.

On arrival in Khajuraho, transfer to your hotel

In the evening enjoy a SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the Western Temple Complex.

Overnight stay in KHAJURAHO

DAY 05 : KHAJURAHO
After breakfast proceed for a tour of the exotic temples of Khajuraho.

The Temples of Khajuraho are divided into three broad groups: Western, Eastern and Southern Groups. The Eastern Group can be subdivided into two groups. The first is made up of interesting Jain temples in the walled enclosure. The other four temples are scattered through the small village of Khajuraho. This afternoon tour The Western Group of Temples, one thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, the magnificent temples of Khajuraho are poetries in stone. The architectural beauty of the exquisite sculptures, the temples are unlike any other in India or anywhere in the world. The main temples are in the Western Group, which are the largest, compact and centrally located, includes some of the most prominent monuments, built by the Chandela rulers. The other four temples are scattered through the small village of Khajuraho.

Overnight stay in Khajuraho

DAY 06 : KHAJURAHO – ORCHHA – JHANSI – AGRA
After an early breakfast, proceed by road to ORCHHA

Orchha was founded in the 16 th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa River as an ideal site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Vir Singh who built the exquisite Jahangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris. From here, the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. At Orchha, you will break for a vegetarian meal. Sightseeing at Orchha includes the Orchha Palace, whose highlights are the various Mahals (sub-palace), Sheesh Mahal; Jehangir Mahal; Rai Praveen Mahal and Raj Mahal. Proceed to the Chhatris, cenotaphs.

Transfer to Jhansi Railway Station to take the Shatabdi Express to AGRA

On arrival in AGRA, checkin at hotel

AGRA is universally famous as the City of the Taj Mahal, the most beautiful monument to love, and the most photographed building in the world. Agra has a rich and old history. It finds mention in the Mahabharata (3rd Century B.C.) in which it is called Agrabana or ‘Paradise City’. It was the capital of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th Centuries, and many of its monuments were built during their reign. The city reached its zennith in the period 1556-1658 under the successive rules of Akbar, Shah Jehan, and Jehangir. Akbar’s reign was the most memorable in the city’s history, when it visibly became a leading centre of art, commerce, and culture. Thenceforth it continued to draw intellectuals and artists to its darbars and havelis.

Overnight stay in AGRA

DAY 07 : AGRA
Early morning, visit the the magnificent monument to the memory of love, the Taj Mahal. The Taj is essentially an emperor’s testimony to love, and has become synonymous not only with the city but with the whole of India. Its fame brings people from far and wide, eager to see and feel its pristine beauty. Built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, the monument made of white marble, is a fine example of symmetry, balance of design and traditional inlay work.

Return to the hotel for breakfast

After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, the huge red-sandstone construction built by the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. It is shaped like an irregular triangle, encircled by two and a half km of walls, 21 metres high, and surrounded by a 10-metre wide moat. Its vast interiors contain Akbar Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-I-Am (Hall of Public Audience), and Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque).

After Lunch, drive down to JAIPUR visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route.

Visit the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim architecture. It comprises the remains of the new capital that Akbar built. Predominantly red sandstone buildings sprawl over a huge area. The architectural style is very much in tune with the emperor’s dreams and includes both Hindu and Muslim styles. The shortage of water at the site was one of the main reasons for it being deserted.

Continue your drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in at Hotel.

Universally known as the ‘Pink City’, thanks to its pink sandstone buildings, Jaipur is the gateway to Rajasthan and the fabled Thar Desert. Considered to be among the world’s first planned cities, it combines architectural beauty with rich heritage and culture. Not surprisingly, it’s among India’s premier tourist destinations. Jaipur owes its founding and name to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh 11 who laid out the city in a systematic way with surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks, with the walled city featuring seven gates. It is this old part that boasts of the famous historical buildings that have given Jaipur such fame.
Jaipur’s charm stems from its heritage. Swirling crowds, brightly dressed people, hustle and bustle, and an atmosphere thick with the aroma of spices, create a distinct world in itself.
Jaipur offers exciting bargains in handicrafts, block-printed textiles, paintings and bric a brac. But the real buy is silverware and jewellery, the Pink City being India’s jewellery capital, particularly famed for its ‘kundan’ work jewellery.

Overnight stay in JAIPUR

DAY 08 : JAIPUR
After an early breakfast at the hotel, proceed on a guided tour of Jaipur City

Begin with a visit to the Amber Fort. Amber was once the capital of the Mina tribes believed to be the original inhabitants of this area. History recalls the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals. Raja Man Singh was the Commander-in-Chief of Akbar’s army and Mirza Raja Jai Singh was a powerful ally of Jahangir. You will have a unique experience of riding a caparisoned elephant heralded by musicians from the foothill to the ramparts of the ancient fort. Once inside we explore the Palace of Mirrors inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens.

In the old city, still encircled by a crenellated wall, visit the Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds,” Jaipur’s central landmark, an extraordinary façade of multiple airy windows used by the court ladies to watch the outside activities without being seen. Explore City Palace, characterized by

balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards and arched entrances. It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of weapons. The Maharajah’s observatory, Jantar Mantar, originally built in the city’s early years, first appears as a collection of abstract sculptures, but is in fact a collection of the huge masonry instruments for studying the movement of constellations and stars in the sky.

Evening is at leisure for some exciting shopping

Overnight stay in JAIPUR

DAY 09 : JAIPUR – UDAIPUR
Take an early morning flight to Udaipur.

On arrival in UDAIPUR, checkin at your hotel

Basking in the glory of its natural beauty, historical legacy, and fabulous palaces, Udaipur shows Rajasthan’s most colorful face and holds special charm for romanticists and for those with an eye for days gone by. Udaipur is an oasis in the desert, a white city built on three lakes – Pichola, Fateh Sagar, and Swaroop Sagar, good enough to give it the title of ‘Venice of the East’.
While the lakes contribute to its physical appeal and beauty, Udaipur’s main attraction is the cluster of stately structures built by its rulers.
Visit the City Palace, a stately domed and turreted structure that makes fantastic reflections in Pichola Lake. The maze of corridors and courts that make up its vast interiors, show exquisite tile and mosaic work and miniature paintings in wall frescoes, best seen in its palaces like the Krishna Vilas. Continue onward to ‘Saheliyon ki Bari’(women’s garden), the former haunt of the women of the court. A well laid out garden with fountains in a quiet setting, it is the perfect isolated retreat.

Move on to the Doll’s Museum, a world of stuffed dolls and figurines, dressed in brilliantly bright costumes, depicting particular sects or clans.

Enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Overnight stay in UDAIPUR

DAY 10 : UDAIPUR – DELHI
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Morning at leisure to pursue own activities
Transfer to Airport to take flight to Delhi.

IMPORTANT
• THE TAJ MAHAL is closed on Fridays
• RED FORT & LOTUS TEMPLE in DELHI are closed on Mondays