CLASSIC INDIA TOUR

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Day 02: Delhi

Day 03: Delhi – Jaipur

Day 04: Jaipur

Day 05: Jaipur – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra

Day 06: Agra

Day 07: Agra – Jhansi – (Train) - Orchha - Khajuraho (185 Kms/4 hrs)

Day 08: Khajuraho – Jhansi (185 kms/4 hrs) – Varanasi (Overnight Train)

Day 09: Arrive Varanasi at 0935 hrs.

Day 10: Varanasi

Day 11: Varanasi – Delhi (Flight) / Departure

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Evening arrive at Delhi – Indira Gandhi International airport.

Delhi - is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

 

On arrival meeting, assistance at airport by our representative and transfer to hotel. Where our executive will explain the travel plan in detail and hand over the essential documents (Tour programme, hotel’s vouchers, feedback report etc) to you. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 02: Delhi – ENJOY CYCLE RICKSHAW RIDE

After breakfast at hotel enjoy city tour of New Delhi & old Delhi start from Red Fort  - from outside (Closed on Monday) -  built in red sandstone, Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, Jama Masjid - India's largest mosque. Rajghat - crimination place of Mahatama Gandhi.

 

Laxmi Narayan Temple, Lotus Temple and Qutab Minar - the highest stone tower in India. India Gate - This solemn monument was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the World War Ist. Drive past the Rashtrapathi Bhawan, Parliament House.

 

Evening free to explore local markets at your own. Overnight at hotel.

 

Optional tour: Later in the evening one can visit Swami Akshardham Temple. Akshardham is a Hindu Temple complex also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu & Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. The Temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi, was officially opened on 6 November 2005. It sits near the banks of the Yamuna and famous for it evening fountain show. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 03: Delhi - Jaipur (285 Kms /6.5 Hrs)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel drive to Jaipur.

 

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 it's character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. 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. On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 04: Jaipur - ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMBER FORT

After an early breakfast at hotel, visit the majestic Amber Fort and Palace, originally constructed by Raja Mansingh and one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Enjoy the unique experience of an ascent on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant, up to the Fort.

 

In the afternoon, visit the city’s Palace Complex holds several museums that contain impressive collections of miniature paintings, costumes, and armor. Sheesh Mahal built in the 17^th century in a fusion style of Hindu and Islamic art. Also see the hall of public audiences and Maharaja Man Singh's Palace who had twelve queens.

 

Later see the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a sanctuary of the astronomer king, Maharaja Jai Singh II. Nearby, the intriguing Palace of the Wind, the Hawa Mahal, was built in 1799 to allow ladies from the royal family to view the city and bazaar below in privacy.

 

In the evening (optional tour) one can enjoy The Amer sound & Light show - Amber holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years and 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Through their unique diplomacy of strategic alliances, their valor and strength, the rulers not only established a long dynasty but, in time, also played a part in changing the destiny of medieval India. Through this Son-et- Lumiere spectacle, an attempt has been made to revive the pride of Amber and bring forth the traditions that coloured the lives of its people and the pomp that once existed in its fullest form.

 

This musical extravaganza has highlighted the local legends, folklore, with a myriad of music that continues to give Rajasthan its unique identity. The show is a simple attempt to end the silence that had long fallen upon Amber - for the spirit of Amber is eternal. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 05: Jaipur – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (250 Kms / 5.5 hrs)

After an early breakfast & checkout from the hotel and drive to Agra.

 

Enroute visit - Abhaneri - a small village located 95km from Jaipur, towards the Jaipur-Agra highway. The present name of the village, 'Abhaneri', is believed to be a mispronunciation of 'Abha Nagri' or the 'city of brightness'. Visit the famous Step wells (Baoris) are fascinating. In the days past, not only were they sources of water; they were also used as rest houses by weary travelers, as temples and as community centers.

 

Enroute visit – Fatehpur Sikri - The 'City of Victory' On arrival visit Buland Darwaza is a building that was constructed in the year 1575. It was specially built to celebrate the victory over Ahmednagar and Khandesh. This 15 storied gateway is considered as one of the tallest gateways in the world. Panch Mahal is another attraction of the city. Panch Mahal was essentially a palace for enjoyment of Emperor Akbar. Salim Chisti Tomb - Salim Chishti, who was a Sufi saint during the 16th century, used to live in the village of Sikri, Also visit palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhawan, palace of the Christian wife Miriam, KarawanSerai and HiranMinar, Diwan-I-Aam: The first enclosure of the palace is a vast courtyard in which the emperor gave daily public audience and dispensed justice. Diwan – I – Khas, Pachist Court.

 

Agra, situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra was once the flourishing capital of the Muslim rulers of India. 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.

 

On arrival, check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 06: Agra

After breakfast at hotel visit Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) - world's greatest monument to love. Emperor Shah Jahan built this pristine white marble mausoleum in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The monument looks amazingly graceful from almost any angle and took 24 years and 20,000 people to build. The close up detail of the Taj Mahal is as exquisite as the overall architectural design with semi-precious stones and beautiful patterns covering the marble surface. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

 

Also visit Agra Fort, built by the Mughal dynasty's greatest Emperor, Akbar, in 1565. A number of the fort’s beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens were built by his successors in later years. Pearl Mosque, it shined like a pearl. It is held that this mosque was constructed by Shah Jahan for his members of royal court. Diwan-i-Khas - Here envoys and other honoured guests were granted a personal audience with the ruler. the Dīwān-e-Khās is a small marble structure near the Dīwān-e-Ām. Diwan-i-Aam - the ruler held mass audience. He would sit on his throne facing petitioners. His minister would assemble the petitions and refer them to the Dīwān-e-Khās for private audience. Jahangir Mahal - Jahangiri Mahal is the most important building of the Akbari period in the Agra Fort.

 

Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 07: Agra – Jhansi  (Train) - Orchha - Khajuraho (185 Kms/4 hrs)

After an early breakfast & checkout from the hotel, you will be transferred to railway station to board on train to Jhansi.

 

Jhansi - is the nearest railway station to reach Khajuraho. On arrival meeting, assistance at railway station by our representative and drive to Khajuraho en-route visit Orchha.

 

The small village town of Orchha is known for is resplendent rural attractions. Situated on the banks of River Betwa, upon arrival visit Temples & Forts, Jahangir Fort - The three storeyed ornate edifice is one of the major tourist attractions in Orchha.

 

Later continue drive to Khajuraho. Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. The monuments of Khajuraho, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site are extremely controversial yet showcase exceptions artwork and craftsmanship.

 

On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 08: Khajuraho – Jhansi (185 kms/4 hrs) – Varanasi (Overnight Train)

After a leisure breakfast, checkout from the hotel and visit western & eastern group of temples.

Later in time, transfer to Jhansi railway station to board on train to Varanasi. Overnight in Train.

 

Day 09: Arrive Varanasi

Morning arrive at Varanasi railway station. Varanasi situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi has been a centre of pilgrimage and learning for over 2000 years and is considered to be one of the oldest surviving cities in the world.

 

On arrival meeting assistance by our local representative and transfer to hotel.

 

After wash and change at hotel enjoy excursion tour to Sarnath - After the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, he came to Sarnath. Here in the Deer Park, he delivered his first sermon or set in motion the Wheel of Law (Maha Dharma chakra Pravartan.) Evening see AARTI at river Ghat. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Varanasi

Early morning enjoy boat ride to watch the sunrise over the Ganges when hundreds of people are worshiping & taking bath. Later return back to hotel & enjoy delicious breakfast.

 

In the afternoon, visit famous temples and Kashi Hindu University where more than fifty thousand students from all over the world are learning.

Evening free to explore local markets, Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Varanasi – Delhi (flight)

Morning breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day free at your own. Later in time transfer to airport to board on flight to Delhi, upon arrival transfer internally from domestic airport to international airport to board your homebound flight with the happy memory of our incredible nation.