India is as diverse a landmass it any can be. She is a lesson in geographical terminologies, a chronological survey of human history, a collection of all race types and a study in culture. It is a 'museum of anthropology', as a 19th century British scholar commented.

Indeed, it is impossible to explore India in a short tour; but definitely an introduction to India can begin with a tour of North India.

Itinerary Summary

Day	City	Programme
Day 1	Delhi	Arrive Delhi
Day 2	Delhi	Explore Delhi
Day 3	Jaipur	Drive to Jaipur
Day 4	Jaipur	Explore Jaipur
Day 5	Jaipur	Another day to explore Jaipur
Day 6	Agra	Drive to Agra, visit Taj Mahal
Day 7	Khajuraho	Train to Jhansi, drive to Khajuraho via Orchha
Day 8	Khajuraho	Explore Khajuraho temples
Day 9	Varanasi	Fly to Varanasi, visit ghats in the evening
Day 10	Varanasi	Enjoy early morning boat ride and visit Sarnath
Day 11		Fly to Delhi and fly back home

The Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi today. You will be received at the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Delhi with its Old and New parts — each with its specific charm and glory — makes a very interesting city for its sustenance to medieval and modern cultures at the same time and space. While Old Delhi, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in the 17th century, still retains its medieval character to a great extent and almost indubitably reminds one of the crowded old towns of the Middle East; New Delhi is like any other modern city with tall buildings and massive shopping complexes.

Accommodation: The Metropolitan – Deluxe Room

Meals: None

Day 2: Delhi

This morning you will be taken to visit the medieval Jama Mosque followed by a walking tour of traditional businesses of Old Delhi (market closed on Sundays) – exploring centuries old arts and crafts with businessmen belonging to the 6th or 7th generation of the men who first started them.

You will visit a marvellous old-fashioned shop where you can test Indian perfume (attar) from cutglass bottles. You will saunter through the main bridal street of Old Delhi, Kinari Bazaar, with its dazzling display of embroidered silk wedding sprees, beautiful bangles and colourful turbans for the bridegroom. The Khari Baoli is all about spices - here, rice and dal, dry fruits, nuts and saffron dealers have traded for more than 150 years. The smell of the spices will remain with you even after you have left the market. In this experience, if you are lucky you will also be introduced to the art of pigeon flying by a kabootarbaz (pigeon fancier).

Later in the afternoon you will be taken to explore New Delhi – including Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and drive past Lutyens’ Delhi.

Humayun's Tomb is another magnificent Mughal building built in 1565-66 and set in a square enclosed garden. This finely proportioned structure in red sandstone and marble served later as a model for the Taj Mahal. Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the city's famous landmark - the Qutab Minar. This imposing victory tower (73m) has five storeys, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies. Elaborately carved pillars embellish the courtyard of a nearby mosque. At the centre of the courtyard is the amazing Iron Pillar (4th-5th century A.D.), which has not rusted through the centuries. The interesting buildings of Lutyens’ Delhi are the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House) and Parliament House.

Accommodation: The Metropolitan – Deluxe Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur

This morning you would be driven to Jaipur (5 hours). On arrival check into your hotel and the rest of the day would be at leisure.

The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is known as the 'pink city' because of the pink paint applied to the buildings in its old walled city. Jaipur is steeped in history and culture and the past comes alive here in magnificent forts and palaces, where once lived the maharajas. Jaipur has been widely regarded as the first modern planned city in the world. Even though the city was founded and built in the 18th century, the city amazes any modern town planner and architect for its brilliance of planning and beauty of architecture.

Accommodation: Samode Haveli – Deluxe Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Jaipur

Start the day with a visit to the milk market where large quantities of milk is procured from individual sellers and then resold to whole buyers. Enjoy the interesting ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk and negotiate the prices.

Continue to visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar (medieval observatory) and drive past Hawa Mahal (palace of winds).

The City Palace is situated in the heart of the city. The whole complex is wonderfully laid out with large courtyards, balconies, cupolas, arched entrances and gardens, which are a combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The museum here displays the rich heritage of the Jaipur family in miniature paintings, textiles, garments, books & manuscripts, carpets, palanquins and weapons dating back to the 15th century.

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II had a passion for astronomy which led him to build five astronomical observatories in India at Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, Mathura and Delhi. The observatory at Jaipur, built in 1728, is the largest and best preserved of them. The observatory has curious collection of sculptures which enable the calculation of many astronomical and astrological events like eclipses etc. Each of these structures was built after relentless study of books, manuscripts and discussions with scholars from all over the world. Even today they are put to good work.

Built in 1799 Hawa Mahal or the palace of winds is one of the landmarks of Jaipur city, although it is little more than a façade. It is a five-storey building in pink, built to enable the women of the harem to see the activities of the outside world without being seen.

End your day with a walking tour of Old Jaipur. The bazaars between the Badi (Large) and Chhoti (Small) Chaupar (Square) in the old city of Jaipur feature some of the best sights that the city has to offer. You will be taken through the labyrinth of colourful alleys where artisans make puppets, bangles, and other local handicrafts. You will visit the jewellery market or Johari Bazaar, explore architecturally interesting havelis (mansions), and stop by bangle shops in Maniharon ka Rasta and the flower sellers near Choti Chaupar.

Accommodation: Samode Haveli – Deluxe Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Jaipur

After a leisurely forenoon, this afternoon you will be taken to visit Amber Fort - one of the more fascinating of Indian forts. It was the ancient capital of the erstwhile Jaipur state. Its construction began in 16th century and was subsequently added on to by successive rulers. Inside the fort, the places worth visiting are the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens.

After visiting Amber Fort, drive a short distance to the wilderness behind the fort area to Dera Amer camp. The Camp is surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization in the vicinity, just a few hamlets housing the local villagers. A local Rajput family who themselves reside in the area organise elephant safari in the nearby wilderness ending with a private dinner.

Accommodation: Samode Haveli – Deluxe Room

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Jaipur – Agra

Leave early today for Agra (4 hours). En route briefly stop over at Abhaneri Stepwell.

Abhaneri is known for its 'baoris' or stepwells which were constructed by the locals to harvest rain water. These tanks were used as cool places of retreat and as water reservoirs during parched times of the year. Chand Baori is the most popular of the wells in the region, and it is one of India's deepest and largest. This colossal, delicately carved well is located in front of a temple. It was a ritual to wash the hands and feet at the well before visiting the adjoining temple.

Continue to Agra where you arrive in time for lunch. After lunch you will be taken for a tour of the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal.

Many of the events which led to the construction of the Taj took place in the famous Agra Fort. Begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, additions continued to be made until the time of his grandson Shah Jehan. The magnificent palaces, towers, bastions, ramparts and gateways symbolise the power of the mighty Mughals. Made mostly of red sandstone it is strikingly similar to the Red Fort in Delhi.

The Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) has been described as a 'tear on the face of eternity' and as an enduring monument of love. The unique beauty of Taj Mahal is blended with grandeur and its massive over-all design is matched with immaculately intricate execution. Built by Mughal Emperor Shan Jehan in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal complex took 22 years to be completed and is today counted among the Seven Wonders of the World.

Accommodation: Trident Agra – Deluxe Garden View Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Agra – Jhansi – Orchha - Khajuraho

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the rail station in time to board your train to Jhansi (Bhopal Shatabdi @ 0802/1043 hrs). On arrival in Jhansi you will be driven to Khajuraho (4 hours) – en route visiting sleepy little town of Orchha.

Orchha is a city frozen in time. It was founded by Bundela Chieftain, Raja Rudra Pratap in the 16th century, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa River as an ideal site for his capital. He and the succeeding rulers of Orchha built many beautiful palaces and temples in the 16th and 17th century. Today, remains of the fort and palaces speak eloquently of Orchha’s time of glory. Though little more than a village, stepping back in time into Orchha’s history is an enjoyable experience.

You will arrive in Khajuro early in the evening and check into your hotel.

Accommodation: Radisson – Deluxe Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Khajuraho

After a leisurely morning you would be collected from your hotel and taken to visit Khajuraho Temples.

Once the capital of great Chandela rulers, Khajuraho today, is a quiet village of only few thousand people. In the temples of Khajuraho, the sculptures have shown many aspects of Indian life 1000 years ago - gods and goddesses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals. Indeed, the theme of the sculptures also include erotic life of the period though this aspect of the sculpture has been over-emphasised...at the expense of other themes of the temple sculptures.

Khajuraho's temples almost all date from one century-long burst of creative genius from 950-1050 AD. Basically all temples follow a three-part layout. You enter the temple through a porch (Ardhamandapa). Behind this is the hall (Mahamandapa), supported with pillars and with a corridor around it. The inner sanctum (Garbhagriha) is where the image of the god, to which the temple is dedicated, is displayed. The temples are almost all aligned east to west, with the entrance facing east. Most of the temples are made of sandstone. The temples can be divided into three groups: Western, Eastern and Southern. Of these, the Western Group is the most impressive.

After visiting the temples return to your hotel and be at leisure.

Accommodation: Radisson – Deluxe Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Khajuraho – Varanasi

This morning you would be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time to board your flight to Varanasi. On arrival in Varanasi you would be received and taken to your hotel.

Varanasi is a city of temples and places of worship and for more than 2000 years, it has attracted pilgrims from near and far. Many Hindus in the latter part of their lives wish to spend their retirement here. This is the city of Varanasi. According to Hindu belief, Benaras or Varanasi as it is known, is the cosmic centre of the Universe. Mark Twain once wrote, “Beneras is older than history, older than other tradition, older even than legends and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. Situated between the rivers Varuna and Ashi as they join the Ganges, Varanasi takes its name from its location. It is also called Kashi, the city of lights.

In the evening you will be taken to the ghats of the Ganges where you walk around and witness the mesmerising evening aarti.

Accommodation: Taj Gateway – Executive Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Varanasi

Early this morning you will be taken to the ghats once again and enjoy boat ride on the river while watching spectacular sunrise. Viewing the ghats early in the morning from a boat on the river can be an unforgettable experience. The river front, as seen from a boat, early in the morning, at sunrise, is a spiritually uplifting sight. Hinduism, deep and mystical, is everywhere - in a decorated doorway, in a glimpse of a glittering temple, in the sound of a sacred bell and the chants of the priests....

After your boat ride you will be taken on a brief walking tour of the old town. The lanes and bylanes of Varanasi are as fascinating as anything one can imagine. Shops sell rich brocade silks, brassware and also all the articles essential for worship at numerous little shrines. You will return to your hotel for breakfast and the rest of the morning would be at leisure.

In the afternoon you will be driven a short distance outside town to visit Sarnath (Sarnath Museum is closed on Fridays). Sarnath is an important centre for Buddhists pilgrims. Having achieved enlightenment at Bodhgaya, the Buddha came to Sarnath and gave his first message of the middle path to Nirvana. Later, Ashoka, the great Buddhist Emperor, erected magnificent 'stupas' and monasteries here in the 3rd century BC.

Accommodation: Taj Gateway – Executive Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Varanasi – Delhi - Onward Destination

Today you will be collected from your hotel (check-out before 12 Noon) and transferred to the airport for flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi you will be received and taken to the international airport in time to board your flight back home.

Accommodation: None (Check out before 12 noon)

Meals: Breakfast

 

*****End of the Arrangements*****

 

OUR PRICES FOR THE ABOVE TOUR WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:

Cost Head	Prices (In US$ on Per Person Twin Share basis)
Land Arrangements + Domestic Airfare	US$ 2885 per person on twin-share

The Prices Include:

• Accommodation on twin-share basis in the mentioned hotels and room categories.
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Transport in air-conditioned Toyota Innova Car.
• All meet and greet services.
• Services of local English Speaking Guides for city tours.
• Entry fee to monuments in each city.
• Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
• Elephant ride and dinner at Dera Amer.
• Boat ride in Varanasi.
• Soft drinks, mineral waters at all time in the vehicle.
• Train tickets in the best available class for Agra-Jhansi.
• Khajuraho-Varanasi and Varanasi-Delhi flights in Economy Class.
• All currently applicable taxes.

The Prices Do Not Include:

• Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc.
• Any other meals than those mentioned above.
• International airfare.
• Airport or VISA fee.
• Camera charges at monuments.
• Any other item not specifically mentioned above as INCLUDED.

General:

• The prices are based on current tax structure and will change in case of revision of taxes
  The prices are generally valid from Oct 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017 (except for Christmas-New Year period from Dec 20 to Jan 5 when a supplement would be payable).