Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho & Varanasi. (9 nights and 10 days)

Day 1 Delhi: Arrive Delhi. You will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2 Delhi: Proceed for a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, drive past Red Fort, President House, India Gate and several other government buildings. Visit Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and Humayun’s Tomb. Later in the evening visit the Qutab Minar, which is the tallest brick minaret in the world; it was commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 3 Jaipur: Drive to Jaipur (240 kms / 4.5 hrs approx). Arrive Jaipur and check in to your hotel and relax. Evening, free to roam around the colorful bazaars of Jaipur. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 4 Jaipur: Proceed for a full-day tour of Jaipur. also known as the ‘Pink City’… it is famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. The old city of Jaipur is painted pink, which gives it a magical glow. Visit the Amber Fort… a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The best way to explore the fort is to ride up to it on elephant back. Later, stop to photograph the beautiful Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Winds.” This beautiful façade with its ornately carved latticework windows is made of pink sandstone. Post lunch, visit the City Palace… again, a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Later, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, comprising geometric devices for measuring time. You will also visit the Albert Hall, which was modeled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 5 Agra: Drive to Agra (232 kms / 5 hrs approx), enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, which was built by the Emperor Akbar and is home to many historical buildings. Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his headquarters; however, he had to abandon it due to shortage of water. It is the best example of the amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint who lived a religious life here. Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World heritage site. Arrive Agra & proceed for a half day tour of Agra, which is believed to have been founded in 1504 by Sultan Sikander Lodi, but flourished later under the Mughal Empire. Visit the Red Fort, which was commissioned in 1565 by Akbar, and subsequently embellished by other Mughal Emperors. The beautiful yet forbidding structure houses many exquisite palaces, and is a handsome example of Mughal architecture. Also visit the Taj Mahal … a mausoleum built as a symbol Emperor Shah Jehan’s devotion to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Considered an architectural marvel, its construction took thousands of workers over 21 years to complete. Check in to your hotel. Overnight in Agra.

Day 6 Khajuraho: Board morning train to Jhansi. Arrive Jhansi and drive to Khajuraho by road (220 kms / 5 hrs approx), enroute visiting Orchha. Visit the Orchha fort complex. The Jahangir Mahal in the fort is known for its delicate work balanced with strong masonry. Raj Mahal, the second palace in this fort complex is well known for its murals, depicting religious themes. Later, visit the Raja Ram Temple. Lord Ram is worshipped here as a king. Also visit the Laxminarayan temple, a unique blend of temple and fort architecture. Arrive Khajuraho and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 7 Khajuraho: Proceed for a full-day tour of Khajuraho. The beautiful temples that dot the town of Khajuraho are highly sensual and erotic and much has already been discussed their symbolic importance. Visit the Western Group of Temples -the Kandariya Mahadeo is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the largest of Khajuraho's temples. The Lakshmana Temple is one of the oldest and finest of the western group of temples. The temple of Devi Jagdamba is considered by many to be one of the most erotic temples of Khajuraho. It houses Khajuraho's most talked-about images of mithuna, the sensuously carved figures. Later, visit the Eastern Group of Temples- The temple of Parsvanath is the largest of the Jain temples in Khajuraho India and the finest…without any sexual motifs. Overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 8 Varanasi: Take a flight to Varanasi. Arrive Varanasi and check in to your hotel. Evening, witness the evening aarti or prayer ceremony on the banks of the Ganga… it is truly a sublime experience. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 9 Varanasi: Early morning, enjoy a sublime boat ride on the Ganges River. View the numerous ghats along the bank of the Ganges, presenting a varied scene from dawn to dusk. Visit the Benares Hindu University, the largest residential university in Asia, a center of Sanskrit, Indian art, culture, and music. Later, proceed to Sarnath, located eight km from Varanasi. It is famous as the place where the Buddha first preached his message after attaining nirvana. Visit the Dhamek Stupa… it marks the spot where the Buddha proclaimed his faith in front of his first five followers. The earliest and most important relic is found here is the Ashoka pillar, erected in 250 BC. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 10 Onwards: Proceed to the airport to board the flight for your onward destination

City

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B

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Meal Plan

Delhi

Double Tree By Hilton

Te Hotel

Aura De Asia

BB

Jaipur

Holiday Inn

Vesta International

Vesta Maurya

BB

Agra

Wyndham

Mansingh Palace

Sun

BB

Khajuraho

Radisson

Radisson

Ramada

BB

Varanasi

Radisson

Hindustan International

Meraden Grand

BB