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-: Classical & Royal North India :-
Duration of Trip -::- 12 Days
Key Places covered -::- Delhi , Varanasi , Khajuraho
, Orchha , Jhansi , Agra , Jaipur , Pushkar , Udaipur , Jaipur , Delhi.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01 : Delhi
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 will be at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi . The tour will
begin with a visit to Raj Ghat , a simple memorial to
Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to
the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws ,
one of Asia 's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking
the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul
Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia
's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of
a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi , which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division
between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the
British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city
and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city
is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in
all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying
to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar , the tallest
stone tower in India . The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate , the Parliament building and
the Rastrapathi Bhawan , the President's residence.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
DETAILED ITINERARY
 Day
03 : Delhi - Varanasi
By Air
Flight : 9W 723
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1040 hr
Arrival : 1150 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi . Upon arrival at Varanasi
, you will be met and transferred to 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 . The shimmering red and golden water of the Ganges when rays of
dawn falls on them, the high banks, the temples, the Ashrams, the pavilions
all are an experience in themselves.
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. 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.
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 will be spent at Varanasi.
Day 04 : Varanasi
Proceed in the morning 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. 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.
Return to hotel for a sumptuous breakfast.
Proceed for a day tour of Varanasi including the Bharat Mata Temple ,
which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also
visit the 18 th 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 will be in Varanasi.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 05 : Varanasi - Khajuraho
By Air
Flight : 9W 733
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1220 hr
Arrival : 1300 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
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.
Reach Khajuraho. Proceed for an afternoon tour of the EXOTIC TEMPLES (WESTERN,
EASTERN & SOUTHERN) of Khajuraho.
Enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the Western Temple Complex.
Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
Day
06 : Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra
By Train
Number : 2001
Departure : 1755 hr
Arrival : 2010 hr
Proceed by surface to ORCHHA after breakfast.
ORCHHA : A medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with
Palaces and temples of the 16 th and 17 th century which have remarkable
withstood the onslaught of time. The city is picturesquely flanked by
the River Betwa.
Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex . Lunch
will be at Orchha and then proceed to the station (12 km away) for train
to Agra . (This is a superfast train with airline type seats and snacks
/ mineral water is served on board)
Reach Agra and transfer to hotel.
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.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 07 : Agra
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed for day sightseeing of Agra.
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.
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.
After Agra Fort we will visit
BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better
than the Taj.
Overnight will be at Agra.
Day
08 Agra - Jaipur
By Road 221 km/6 hr
Drive to Jaipur after breakfast visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route.
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.
Continue your drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in at Hotel.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur
can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai
Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes
the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis,
it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the
yesteryears and modernity. It is popularly known as the Pink City because
of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted
so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria . Jaipur
thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite
temples and lush gardens.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating
religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985,
houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and
Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision
of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the
covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus,
the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi . Your visit will coincide
with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved,
in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend
night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 09 : Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion will be taken
to the Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in a royal manner.
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.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting...
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.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this " Palace of
Winds " is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure
ofsandstone 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.
Free in the evening for some exciting shopping.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 10 : Jaipur - Pushkar - Udaipur
By Road 325 km/7 hr
Start for Pushkar after breakfast.
Pushkar is a mellow, serene and bewitching little town which attracts
those in search of some respite from the tumult of India . Pushkar is
right on the edge of the desert and is only 11 kms from Ajmer but separated
from it by Nag Pahar, the snake mountain.
The town clings to the side of the small Pushkar Lake with its many bathing
ghats and temples. For Hindus, Puhskar is a very important pilgrimage
centre and you'll see plenty of Sadhus (individuals on a spiritual search).
Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect
at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were deserted by Aurangzeb
and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma Temple , said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to
this deity. It's marked by red spire, and over the entrance gateway is
the hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen
Pushkar as its site.
Proceed to Udaipur . Reach by evening and relax.
The city of Dawn , Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed
in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance
and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences
and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow
lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing
valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE
PICHOLA is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom
ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day
11 : Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur , stopping first at City Palace
. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored
glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.
Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens , the Jagdish Temple and
the local folk Museum or the VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION .
Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola
. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises
majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also
visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of
the lake. Spend some time at the Jag Mandir Palace .
Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 12 Udaipur - Delhi
By Air
Flight : 9W 708
Airlines : Jet Airways
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1530 hr
Arrival : 1640 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to the airport for flight
to Delhi . Reach and check in at hotel. Spend the afternoon in last minute
shopping.
Proceed to the airport as per flight timing and enjoy the FAREWELL DINNER.
Board the flight for home with sweet memories of India.
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