Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

Delhi - the capital of India, is a fascinating city with complexities and contradictions, beauty and dynamism, where the past co-exists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Delhi is not only the present metropolis of India but also a Necropolis. Because of its location, being on the banks of the river Yamuna, many cities have risen and fallen over the last five millenniums.

Late evening arrival in Delhi
• Special welcome upon arrival at Delhi Airport by our our representative with garlands.
• Transfer to the hotel in luxury coaches.
• Exclusive Check-in desk at the hotel.
• Traditional Indian welcome with hostesses welcoming with aarti and tikka.
• Welcome drink (mocktails & juices) at check-in desk.
• Optional: Welcome kit (including pre stamped post cards, city maps, information etc) and room keys distribution.
• Direct delivery of luggage to the rooms.

Day 02 : Delhi sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi.
City tour of Delhi by Air-conditioned coaches
New Delhi visiting the Qutab Minar - Qutab Minar, the 239ft sandstone tower is an Indo-Islamic architectural wonder of ancient India. The complex has a number of other important monuments- the gateway built in 1310, also visit the Humanyun’s tomb - One of the most spectacular Mughal buildings, Humanyun’s tomb was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1993. Built by Haji Begum, the widow of Humanyun’s, the second Mughal Emperor, the mausoleum is known to the precursor of world famous Taj Mahal. Lastly drive through Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Parliament House, The President’s Residence would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave
Lunch at the Indian restaurant.
Old Delhi takes you to Jama Masjid - The largest mosque in India. Past drive to the magnificent Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Also visit Raj Ghat ~ memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. IMP: Red Fort is closed on Monday.
Evening, Take an interesting RICKSHAW RIDE through Old Delhi covering spice market & Chandni Chowk.
It is an exhilarating experience to visit the narrow by-lanes on a tri-cycle which presents infinite opportunities for taking candid photographs of the bustling market life
Chandni Chowk meaning the ‘Moonlight Square’, was designed and laid by Jahanara Begum, Mughal emperor Shahajahan's daughter between the Red Fort and Fateh Puri Masjid. In a way the street reflects the national unity, secularism and diversity of India as it houses many important places of worship of major religions of the world
The rickshaw wala awaits you with his decorated rickshaw to take you on a ride so wonderful and colourful..
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
OPTIONAL DINNING EXPERIENCES AND AT ADDITIONAL COST
Lunch at Colors 'N' Spice restaurant.
Colors 'N' Spice is a vibrant restaurant serving great North Indian food with live music.You got to visit this restaurant if you are looking for a great meal accompanied by a drink and some good indian music. The place is extremely popular and serves delicious
Welcome dinner at ‘Chor Bizarre’
Chor Bizarre is the complete eating out experience – great décor, distinct ambience enhanced by assorted Hindi and Wester, ‘50’s music, wondrous cocktails, superlative food, charming ‘Old World’ service…
Chor Bizarre is partial towards Kashmiri cuisine and is the only restaurant outside of the Kashmir valley that has access to the courses. Chor Bizarre is thus able to offer a traditional “Tarami” in addition to other “Thalis” – a sampling of dishes from various parts of India, to make your gastronomic journey complete. Chor Bizare also serves “Tak-a-Tak” platters, a range of “Chaats” (Indian street fare) and prides itself on a large vegetarian repertoire.

Day 03 : Delhi to Varanasi (Overnight train to Varanasi)

Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch at the hotel. Day to explore on their own.

OR

Optional : Visit to Spice market of Old Delhi
In the Indian metropolis of Delhi, visit the largest spice market in all of Asia, the bustling Khari Baoli bazaar. Open air shops on both sides of the road display sackcloth bags filled with pungent spices, bushels of fragrant flowers, nuts and sticky dried fruits, mountains of bright orange turmeric, mouth-watering sweets, gallons of gooey ghee and enough tea to steep the Indian ocean.
Evening, group will be transferred to Delhi Railway Station to board the overnight train to Varanasi.
Train details: Train no. 2402 Dep 20h10 Arr 07h40
Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 04 : In Varanasi

Varanasi has been known as ‘ the City of Light’ and situated on the west bank of the Ganges and is India’s holiest Hindu city with a spiritual and religious legacy that goes back nearly 3000 years. Although there are over 700 temples in Varanasi, none are more sacred than the river Ganges itself. The Ganges is worshipped as a living goddess with the power to cleanse all earthly sins. The daily prayers (aarti) at dawn and dusk serve as a salutation to the river. Oil lamps are offered and bells rung while sacred mantras are chanted.
Arrive Varanasi Railway station at 07h40, group will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel for check in. After breakfast, time to relax at the hotel.
After lunch, proceed for an excursion to Sarnath ~ Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. It is at a distance of about ten kilometers from the sacred Varanasi. One can feel the famous Buddhist chanting, “Buddham Sharanam Gachhami” in the air of Sarnath. Buddha considered four places to be sacred for his followers. (10 kms away from Varanasi)
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05 : In Varanasi

Early morning, boat ride in the river Ganges. As the sun rises over the horizon, the most vivid images that you'd like to keep with you for posterity are that of sunrise, on the banks of Ganga. It is that time when people take a holy dip in the river for they believe that all their sins are washed away with the waters of the river. Most Hindus want their ashes to be flown with the waters of Ganga, after they expire. The photo-ops provided by the ghats while you are on the boat are incomparable as you can see many things happening out there.
Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, proceed to enjoy the sightseeing tour of Varanasi visiting The Bharat Mata temple northwest of Godaulia is a modern shrine, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The Tulsi Manas temple, though, is open to all communities. Its white marble walls have the verses of Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas inscribed on them. The Bharat Kala Bhavan museum inside the Benares Hindu University campus is open from Monday till Saturday. It has a valuable collection of miniature paintings, sculptures and bronzes.
Lunch at the local restaurant. Time free for independent activities.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Optional: In the evening, witness the daily Aarti ceremony at the banks of river Ganges.

Day 06 : Varanasi ~ Khajuraho (400Kms/ 8 Hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Khajuraho. Enroute, lunch at the local restaurant.
On arrival in Khajuraho, check in to the hotel. Rest of the time at on their own.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Khajuraho temples were constructed between 950 and 1050 A.D. during the reign of Chandel Empire. These temples are considered the "high point" of Indian architectural genius in the medieval period. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. It was only in this century, that they were rediscovered, restored and granted the recognition that they justly deserve. The murals depict the life and times of the Chandelas, and celebrate the erotic state of being.

Day 07 : Khajuraho ~ Gwalior (280kms/6hrs)

After breakfast, explore the Western and Eastern temples of Khajuraho.
Tour of the 1000-year-old temples of Khajuraho.
The 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho is the evidences of the architectural geniuses during the times of Chandela dynasty. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, Khajuraho oozes with passion, eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts depicted in sculpture and images of the temples. The 85 temples were built in North Indian 'Nagara' style of architecture, though only 20 of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years of time. The two richer distinctive groups of temples are the Western and Eastern group of temples.
Half day tour visiting the world famous Khajuraho Temples built by the Chandela kings between 950 AD and 1050 AD the most important is the Chaunsath Yogini Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. The Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely image of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishvanath and Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple, Vishva Temple dedicated to Shiva which is the largest and most typical of Temples. Visit to Eastern temples. Eastern Group Of Temples Khajuraho - that consist of the Parasvanath Temple- which is the only Jain Temple surviving at Khajuraho and has excellent sculptures on the outer walls of the sanctum, the javeri Temple dedicated to Vishnu the other Temples in this group are those dedicated to Brahma, Yamuna and Adinath.
After lunch, drive to Gwalior. Enroute Orchha. On arrival, check in at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 08 : Gwalior ~ Agra

Spread over an area of 5214 sq km, Gwalior is an important and ancient city of Madhya Pradesh. The city boasts of its glorious past and its present modern outlook. Gwalior has been under the patronage of many dynasties of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas, Kacchwahas and Tomars. This city of palaces, monuments of historical importance and temples, has retained its rich cultural tradition and you can still feel the aristocracy of its former rulers here, with the tour packages for Gwalior.
After breakfast, visit the temples and palaces within the Gwalior Fort, Scandia Museum, Gaus’s Tomb and Tansen’s Tomb. The major attractions of the city are its old beautiful temples, huge old forts with eye pleasing architecture and the magnificent princely palaces, which have been preserved with care. Among them, Gwalior Fort is most beautiful monument of historical importance. It has been built on a steep mass of sandstone. One of the most invincible forts of India, the outer walls of the forts is two miles in length and 35 feet high. The founder of the Mughal Empire, Babar called it "the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind." There are statues of Jain tirthankaras, carved out in rock, on the road leading to the Fort.
After lunch, drive to Agra. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Rest of the time at leisure.
Agra is a medieval city situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. Shah Jahan known for his keen interest in architecture gave Agra its most prized monument, The Taj Mahal. Built in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the mausoleum was completed in 1643. Agra's dominant structure, the Agra Fort (sometimes called the Red Fort) The red sandstone fort was renovated and converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time, and reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), and Musamman Burj.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 09 :Agra Sightseeing

At sunrise, visiting the world famous “Taj Mahal” by Tonga ride ~ colorful horse carriages.
Early morning, visit Taj Mahal at sunrise, when it’s sublime beauty enchants you at the first sight. The visit allows the best photography of the building as during the early hours it’s not very crowded.
Taj Mahal which is the seventh wonder of world, built by Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal by the banks of river Yamuna. After her untimely death, Shahajahan had her mortal remains buried in this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum The Taj has been called the most extravagant monument ever built for the sake of love. The great monument took almost 22 years to build and was completed in 1653. Around 20,000 workers from all over the country and central Asia were recruited to translate this dream into a reality.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After lunch, visit the massive Agra Fort.
The foundation was laid by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and continued till the time of Shahjahan. The high red stone monument stretches for around 2.5 kms, dominating a bend in the river Yamuna northwest of the Taj Mahal. The palace is a notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. The Diwan-i-Am (the hall of public audiences), the Diwan-i-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience), the Khas Palace (the private palace was used by emperor as a sleeping chamber), the Sheesh Mahal (palace of Mirrors), the Shah Jahani Mahal (Shahjahan’s Palace), Jahangiri Mahal (Jahangir’s Palace) and the Akbari Mahal (Akbar’s palace) are the fascinating palaces inside the fort. From the rear of Diwan-i-Khas a door leads to Mussaman Burj, a two storey pavilion, where Shahjahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in his old age. From here he caught the last glimpses of Taj Mahal before he died.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10 : Agra ~ Bharatpur (via Fatehpur Sikri)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Bharatpur. En-route visit Fatehpur sikri – The deserted city of Emperor Akbar.
Fatehpur Sikri ~ is an exquisite city built by Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone; with its forts, palaces and mosques abandoned 14 years after its creation due to political reasons. The Diwan-i-am - a vast courtyard in which the emperor gave daily public audience; Diwan-i-khas - a large quadrangle which contained all the major functions of the Palace, Pachisi court, the Emperors private living quarter, Jodha Bhai’s Palace, Mariam’s Palace, Birbal’s Palace, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the important buildings of this residential complex.
Lunch at the local restaurant. Continue, drive to Bharatpur. On arrival, check in to the hotel.
Proceed for a RICKSHAW RIDE in the bird sanctuary with a naturalist.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary/Keoladeo Ghana National Park, which is home to an astonishing range of flora and fauna. Birds travel to this national ark in waves. From August through November, it is indigenous water birds. In early October the first migrants arrive from the high plateaux of Central Asia, Mongolia and Siberia, the most eagerly awaited of the lot being the gravely threatened Siberian crane. The month of March sees most of these migrants leave the national park. But animals that have made it their home - the Nilgai (blue bull), sambar, jungle cat and mongoose-spend the entire summer here.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 :Bharatpur ~ Jaipur 185Kms/ 3 Hrs

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Jaipur. On arrival, check in to the hotel.
Lunch at the hotel. Time to relax at the hotel.
Jaipur ~ the vibrant capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the 'Pink City' because of the pink-coloured buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. The city of Jaipur is the prime example of the culture and traditions of this region. In this land, towering forts were built as much for ostentation as for intimidating the enemy and desperate battles were fought by rulers who were great patrons of the arts. The royal city of Jaipur owes its name to the founder of the city. It was Great Warrior King Sawai Jai Singh II (1693-1743) who laid the foundation of the city in 1627. He was one of the few kings of his time having a keen eye for details and a very good scientific temper. Being capital to the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, the city is mirror to every thing that Rajasthan signifies, be its culture, tradition, society, and most importantly people.
Rest of the day at leisure or shopping in Jaipur (optional) ~ taking a heritage walk into the colorful markets of Jaipur. Jaipur offers great shopping opportunities. Much renowned for its Victorian style jewellery, oriental rugs, hand blocked printed textiles and handicrafts.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 : Jaipur Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, take an excursion to Amber Fort the old capital of Jaipur rulers. Ride on back of an elephant from the foot of the hill up to the gates of the fortress.
Later lunch, Visit the “Pink City” of Jaipur. The Maharaja’s City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts, paintings etc. Also visit the observatory built by Maharajah Jai Singh equipped with instruments of his own design and of remarkable size. In the evening, time to shop in the vibrant and colourful bazaars of Jaipur famous for handcrafted jewellery, carpets, block printed linen, local handicrafts, etc.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

OPTIONAL DINNING EXPERIENCES IN JAIPUR AND AT ADDITIONAL COST

An authentic lunch experience to Surabhi Restaurant, followed by visit to the Turban museum (traditional headgear worn by royalty), which is attached to the restaurant and where you are given a turban tying demonstration.
Dinner with a cooking demonstration at Spice Court.