Destinations: Delhi-Varanasi-Khajuraho-Bhandavgarh-Khajuraho-Orcha-Jhansi-Agra-Kalakho-Jaipur-Samode-Ranakpur-Udaipur-Delhi
ITINERARY
Day 01: Delhi
Arrive at the International airport. Transfer to hotel. Relax and prepare for the exciting activities ahead.
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. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi
Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city. The tour will begin with a drive to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles and in the walled city.
The tour will include Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India and Humayum Tomb, cultural significance as it was the first garden- tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the constructions of Taj Mahal. Lotus temple located in south of Delhi. It is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. Drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.
Afternoon visit to Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna which was built during the years 1638-48 when the Mughul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques which is viewed from 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. Overnight at Delhi.
DAY 03:Delhi- Varanasi
Morning after breakfast , proceed to airport to board the flight for Varanasi.
Varanasi is 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. To every visitor Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience.
Visit Sarnath 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 visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site. In the evening visit the Ghats for the evening ceremony . Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 04: Varanasi
Morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges and witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religion. Board a boat 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.
Walk through the cobblestone street along the banks of river Ganga. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
After breakfast Proceed for day tour of Varanasi. Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. 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.
The Banaras Hindu University considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 05: Varanasi
Day free for own activities. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 06: Varanasi-Khajuraho
Morning after a leisure breakfast, transfer to airport to board a flight for Khajuraho.
Situated in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. 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 and check in at the hotel. In the evening enjoy the Sound & Light Show at the temple complex. Overnight at Hotel.
Afternoon visit the temples which are the most exquisite specimen of Hindu architecture and sculpture in medieval India. Though sculptures are the main attraction to common visitor. The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples is very different from the temple prototype of that period. Visit all of the temples of Khajuraho divided into three geographical groups: Western, Eastern and Southern. Evening enjoy dances of India from different states. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 07: Khajuraho- Bandhavgarh
Morning drive to Bhandavgarh. On arrival check in to the hotel . Overnight at hotel.
Bandhavgarh National Park is spread at vindhya hills in Madhya Pradesh. The density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India.
Bandhavgarh National Park was the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa and at present is a famous natural hub for White Tigers. White Tigers, now a major attraction around the world’s zoos, were first discovered in Rewa, not far from here. The terrain is broken, with rocky hill ranges, running roughly east west, interspersed with grassy swamps and forested valleys. Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968. Since then many steps have been taken to retain it. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 08: Bandhavgarh
Experience the wild life safari early morning and in the afternoon, Overnight at hotel.
DAY 09 : Bandhavgarh
Experience the wild life safari early morning and in the afternoon, Overnight at hotel.
DAY 10: Bandhavgarh-Khajuraho
Morning drive to Khajuraho by surface, On arrival check into the Prebooked hotel .
Day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 11: Khajuraho-Orchha
Morning drive to Orchha. On arrival check in to the hotel.
Orchha is a historic town on the Betwa River in central India. The town was founded in 1531 and served until 1783 as the capital of the former Orchha princely state. An island in the Betwa, approached by a causeway, contains a large 17th-century fort and palace. Other buildings of historic interest are several temples and a palace of Jahangir, an excellent example of Muslim domestic architecture. There are also several cenotaphs of the Orchha rulers. Afternoon explore Orchha Fort & city. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 12: Orchha-Jhansi- Agra
Morning proceed for Jhansi train station to board Shatabdi Express train for Agra. Arrive Agra local office representative will meet & transfer to the hotel .
Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and the irresistible charm of the Mughals. 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 Mughals cuisine. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 013: Agra
Proceed for a sunrise view of the Taj Mahal. The epitome of love and romance, Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a dedication to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Taj Mahal is an architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. 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. Return back to the hotel for breakfast.
Afternoon visit of Agra Fort. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town.
Itmud-Ud-Duala also known as BABY TAJ,is the very first tomb in India that is entirely made out of Marble. This is a mausoleum that overlooks the River Yamuna and is a tomb of Mir Ghiyas Beg, a minister in the court of Shah Jahan. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 14: Agra-Kalakho
Morning transfer to Kalakho via visiting Fatehpur Sikri.and Bharatpur. Agra to Fatehpur Sirki is 45 Kms. 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 . Continue drive to Bharatpur..
After visiting Bharatpur drive to Kalakho. Checkin at the Prebooked hotel .
Kalakho is situated amidst the Aravalli Hills in Dausa District in the state of Rajasthan. A beautiful and unexplored destination, Kalakho is surrounded by hills and forests. Along with the Thar Desert, there are several ancient forts and temples in and around the destination that grab the attention of tourists. Kalakho lies on the golden triangle route connecting New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra
After lunch enjoy a camel safari in the surrounding villages and meet its friendly people who are eager to share their life with you. Rajasthani Folk Dances in the evening are lively and colorful. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 15: Kalakho-Jaipur.
Morning after breakfast drive to Jaipur, it is 75 Kms, about 02 Hrs drive. On arrival check-in to hotel. Jaipur is the capital 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. Jaipur is known as the Pink City on account of the distinctive color of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.
Evening, visit Birla Temple to know 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. The visit will coincide with the Aarti Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 16: Jaipur
Morning after breakfast, Proceed to Amber Fort. 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. Elephant rides or a hired jeep can take one up to the towering heights of Amber fort.
City Palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthan 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 is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consist of outsized astronomical instruments which is still in use.
Hawa Mahal is 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 work and elaborate balconies.Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Evening visit Choki Dhani. Experience a true flavour of Rajasthani culture. Enjoy a cultural evening with a folk dance performance by local tribal artistes. A sumptuous Indian dinner will mark the perfect end to a great day Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 17: Jaipur-Samodh-Jaipur
Excursion to Samode. 46 km away from Jaipur, is a small village located close to the beautiful green Aravali Hills. It is famous for its beautiful Samode Palace and Garden. The highlight of the building is the exquisite Diwan-I-Khas, which is covered with original paintings and mirror work. Samode palace has now been converted into a heritage Hotel.
On reaching Samode, take nature walks, identify flowers and plants, watch birds, stroll, meditate, read by the fireside, play games, swim in the exotic pool or rejuvenate with a massage. After Lunch Drive back to Jaipur. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 18:Jaipur-Udaipur
Drive to Udaipur, enroute visit the Historical Ranakpur temples.
The Ranakpur Temples, dating back to the 15th century have 200 pillars,none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.
Enjoy a hot lunch in a village restaurant, continue drive to Udaipur. Reach Udaipur and check in to hotel.
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. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 19: Udaipur
Morning proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, Visit City Palace known for mirrored walls , ivory doors, colored glass windows , marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard. The richest palace museum in the entire Rajasthan. Maharana Sangram Singh build Sahelion-ki-Bari garden complex with fountains and lakes for his beautiful daughter. In the evening take a lake cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichhola by sunset and visit the island palace Jagmandir where according to legends the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan lived and got inspired to build the Taj Mahal later. (optional ) Dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 20: Udaipur
Overnight at Hotel .
DAY 21: Udapur-Delhi
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport, to board the flight for Delhi, on arrival our company staff will meet you & transfer to the Prebooked hotel.
DAY 22: Delhi
Transfer to International airport, to Board the flight for onward destination.