Arrive in New Delhi airport, welcome and assist by our local representative for your transfer to the hotel.
Start your day with a visit to Qutab Minar, a 73-metre-high minaret built in 1193. It is the tallest brick minaret in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. A 7m high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it, your wish will be fulfilled. Thereafter, you will set off to Jaipur, the capital of India’s Rajasthan state. Jaipur is also known as the “Pink City” due the color of its buildings. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. Enjoy the local atmosphere at your own leisure.
Today, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jaipur, which starts with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, also known as “Palace of Breeze”. It is the most well-known landmark of Jaipur city, built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. This five-storey building overlooking the busy street is a fascinating example of Rajput architecture. It has 953 windows on the outside walls. The honeycomb shaped and beautifully carved windows allow breeze to blow through the palace and makes it a perfect summer palace. The construction of Hawa Mahal allows the royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen, as they had to obey the strict rules of "purdah”. Continue tour to Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that sits atop a picturesque and rugged hill. This magnificent fort is an extensive palace complex that has been built with pale yellow and pink sandstone, and with white marble. Enjoy a wonderful Elephant Ride up to Amber Fort like the royalty of Rajasthan used to do. Next, you will visit the City Palace of Jaipur and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observation site constructed between 1724 and 1730, before return to the hotel.
This morning, you will head to Agra, an ancient city once the capital of the Mughal empire in the 16th and 17th century. On arrival, proceed to visit the most visited world wonder Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, an essential sight for all visitors to India. Standing majestically on the banks of Yamuna River, Taj Mahal is a monument of immeasurable beauty and a magnificent symbol of enduring love. This stunning white marble mausoleum was built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took approximately 22 years and an estimated 20,000 workers to build this masterpiece that reflects different colours under the canopy of sun. The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, make Taj Mahal ranks among the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Thereafter, you will visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its incredible maze of courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Evening is free to explore at leisure.
Early this morning, transfer to the railway station to board the Bhopal Shatabdi Express Train to Jhansi. Upon arrival, head to Orchha, a town in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh state founded by Rudra Pratap Singh Bundela in the 16th century. The main attraction of Orchha is the Orchha Fort complex, located on an island on Betwa River, houses many ancient monuments consisting of the fort, palaces, temple and other edifices. A four-arched bridge leads to the fort complex on the island. The Jahangir Mahal, which was built by Bir Singh Deo in the early part pf the 17th century to mark the visit of the Mughal Emperor, is an important monument of this fort. It is known for its delicate work on one hand and balanced with strong masonry on the other. Raj Mahal, the second palace in this fort complex is well known for its murals, depicting religious themes. The Rai Parveen Mahal, dedicated to the 17th-century poetess-musician, is the third palace within this complex and is set amongst well-laid gardens. Another attraction is the Chaturbhuj Temple, situated right opposite the Raja Mahal. This beautiful temple dominates the town of Orchha with its shikharas (spires) soaring into the sky. Thereafter, drive to Khajuraho, known for its group of Hindu temples and Jain temples. On arrival, check-in to the hotel.
The day begins with a tour of Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, built over an amazing span of 100 years, from 950 AD to 1050 AD during the Chandela dynasty. Today, of the original 85, only 22 temples survived. These temples are different from any other temples in other cities of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. They are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. You will first visit the Eastern Group of Temples, where you will see three Jain temples – Parshvanatha Temple, Adinatha Temple and Shantinatha Temple. The temples are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods and goddesses. You will also visit the Western Group of Temples, which consist of a group of artistic (erotic) temples built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers and musicians appear to be so natural as if they would come alive any time. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for your domestic flight to Varanasi. Situated between Varuna River and Assi River in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi derives its name from its location. This revered and ancient city is the religious centre of the world of Hindus. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities of India and is one of the oldest living cities in the world. A city of thousand temples, it is also known as Kashi which stands for “the city of light”. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel.
An exciting day awaits you today. For you to appreciate this remarkable city, you will be up early and get ready to be transferred to the banks of Ganges River before the sun rises. Get to experience the life of this ancient city in the early morning, admire the beauty of the rising sun and see Varanasi come alive along the banks of the river. Enjoy a Boat Ride on the sacred Ganges River and witness the early morning rituals of the Hindus being performed. Thousands of faithful devotees come daily to the banks to bath and pray in the holy water of Ganges River. It is also interesting to see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God. Return to the hotel for breakfast and later proceed for a sightseeing tour of Varanasi, visiting the Banaras Hindu University, built in 1917 and considered as one of the oldest educational university in India. The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum located inside the university has a fine collection of miniature paintings, sculptures from first to fifteenth centuries, old photographs of Varanasi and brocade textiles. Next, you will visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The last stop is the Sarnath Museum, an archaeological museum, which exhibits a large collection of figures and sculptures from the Mauryan, Kushana and Gupta periods, discovered during the excavations at Sarnath. You can have a look at the earliest Buddha image found at Sarnath and many images of Hindu Gods, dating from the 9th to 12th century. Note: Sarnath Museum is closed on Fridays. In the evening, you will get to witness the traditional Evening Aarti Ceremony that is performed daily at dusk. Varanasi is a sacred place where every evening a ritual is performed on the banks of Ganga River known as “Aarti”. It is a very auspicious Hindu ritual in which prayers are offered (traditional Hindi song) to God. The Guru or the Master with his devotees, sing the prayers along with the lighting of the small lamps.
In the morning, transfer to Varanasi airport for your return domestic flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival, you will proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Delhi, which begins with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Humayun’s Tomb. This magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India, built in 1565. Next, enjoy photo stop at India Gate, a war memorial located astride the Rajpath, built to commemorate the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country during World War I. You will later drive past the Parliament House and the Rashtrapati Bhavan (once the Viceroy’s residence), now the official residence of the President of India, before heading to the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Free at own leisure till departure transfer to New Delhi airport for homebound flight.
