Day 01: Arrival Delhi
Day 02: Delhi
Day 03: Fly Delhi to Varanasi
Day 04: Fly Varanasi to Khajuraho
Day 05: Drive Khajuraho to Jhansi (4 hrs) then Train to Agra
Day 06: Drive Agra to Jaipur (5 hrs)
Day 07: Jaipur
Day 08: Jaipur to Udaipur (7 Hrs)
Day 09: Udaipur
Day 10: Fly Udaipur to Mumbai
Day 11: Depart Mumbai
Day 01: Arrival Delhi
On your arrival at the Delhi International Airport, you will be received and will be transferred to the hotel. Delhi, an energetic city, with a unique blend of the ancient and the contemporary era. Delhi has two visible parts: New Delhi, the city created by the British in 1911 as the Imperial capital of India and Old Delhi considered as the Old Delhi. There are at least eight cities on the location of the modern Delhi, among which Indraprastha is one of the first recognised settlement, highlighted in the epic Mahabharata over 3000 years ago. Nevertheless, Delhi has always been one of the major cities in the northern region of the subcontinent.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: Red Fort: The name Red Fort is taken from a Hindi word Lal, which means red owing to the red sandstone and Quila which means fort. Set along the Yamuna River, the octet shaped fortress is surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 kms in the perimeter. In 1638, Shah Jahan started building this huge fort and it took 10 years to complete. The fort has a Diwan-e-Am (Hall for public audience), a Rang Mahal (a water-cooled apartment of royal ladies) and a Pearl Mosque, which was constructed with white marble. Red fort has two hallways: a) The Delhi gate and b) The Lahori gate, and both these gates face the renowned Chandni Chowk. Jama Masjid: Set in the Old Delhi also known as Shahjahanabad, Jama Masjid is one of the country’s major mosques where hundreds and thousands of Muslims offer their prayers. The architectural extravaganza was built by Shah Jahan in 1658. The wonders of construction are seen in the long stretches of stairs and the hefty courtyard of the Jama Masjid. Chandni Chowk (Silver Street): Well-known for its flamboyant streets that have earned the reputation of being the famous shopping spots of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is the country’s best known extensive market for textiles, electronic goods, and watches. Entire Chandni Chowk was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s beloved daughter and was then populated by the well-to-do families of that time. The famous Parantha wale Gali, known for its mouthwatering paranthas is also positioned in Chandni Chowk. The famous gold market, Dariba Kalan is also situated here. Raj Ghat: An elementary square platform of black marble on the banks of Yamuna River, symbolizes the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated followed by his assassination in 1948. A dedicatory ritual takes place each Friday, in his memory. India Gate: India Gate is a free-standing, 42-metre high arch. It was built in 1931 and was formerly called the All India War Memorial in the memory of the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The names of the warriors are engraved all along the walls of the arch. The eternal flame was lit here to honor the Amar Jawan (Immortal Soldier), in 1971. Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House): Rashtrapati Bhavan is the authorized residence of the President of the country. It was designed by Lutyens and was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India. Humayun’s Tomb: Nine years after the death of Humayun, Haji Begum (widow of Humayun) built this tomb in 1565-66 in his memory. Qutub Minar: This outstanding building in the Southern part of the capital was built by the Muslim King; Qutab–ud–din Aibak in 1199 A.D. The Minar (tower) is 72.5 meters tall and its base is a mosque. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 03: Fly Delhi to Varanasi
Check out from Hotel and transfer to Delhi airport for Varanasi flight.
Varanasi - Varanasi the ‘eternal city’ is one of the major pilgrimage spots in India. Varanasi is located on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. Over 2000 years Varanasi has been a center of learning. Apart from being a pilgrimage spot in India, Varanasi is also considered as an auspicious place to die, establishing an instant route to heaven. Varanasi is a special place for the Sanskrit scholars and students from all over India are seen here. The ancient city of Varanasi is located along the West bank of the river Ganges. This city extends back from the riverbank ghats in a twisted collection of passageways. These passageways are too cramped for anything but walking. The city extends from Raj Ghat, near the bridge to AsiGhat near the University.
On arrival you will be transferred to hotel. Later, you will be picked up from your hotel for the guided sightseeingtour of Varanasi. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: Asi Ghat: Asi Ghat is one of the five extraordinary ghats in India; where the pilgrims are supposed to bathe in all the ghats on the same day and in order. The order is Asi, Dasaswamedh, Barnasangam, Panchganga and finally Manikarnika. Durga Temple: Durga Temple was constructed in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani. This temple is commonly known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ as many monkeys have made it their home. The construction of this temple is in Nagara style (North Indian style). The temple has a DurgaKund (Kund means Pond or pool). The temple has multi-tiered shikharas and is stained red with ochre, which represents the color of Durga. This temple is closed for non-Hindus. Kashi-Vishwanath Or Golden Temple: The Kashi-Vishwanath or the Golden Temple is devoted to lord Shiva as the Lord of the Universe. The original Temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb and he constructed a mosque over it. The New temple is constructed in 1776 by Ahalya Bai of Indore and the Gold plating on the towers of the temples was contributed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore. The new temple is located right across the road from its original position. Next to the temple is the GyanKupor Well, the well of knowledge. In this temple also the non-Hindus are not allowed. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 04: Fly Varanasi to Khajuraho
Early morning for a Boat ride in Holy River Ganges. The guide will pick you up from your hotel and will take you to the river Ganges. The City and the river Ganges come alive at dawn, when hundreds and thousands of devotees come to the river to worship the Sun God. The edge of the river looks amazing from a boat at sunrise and this sight is spiritually uplifting. Hinduism is deep and magical, it is everywhere; in the sight of a sparkling temple; in the sound of a sacred bell; in the prayer chants of the priests and in the smell of the flowers. Return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing breakfast.
Later, you will be transferred to airport in time to board flight for Khajuraho, your next destination on yourSplendors of North India tour. Khajuraho : Khajuraho was once the capital of the Chandela Rajput’s of Bundelkhand. It is the dwelling place of the World’s famous 10th century Khajuraho Temples. These temples have attractive and erotic rock carvings and the carvings symbolize some of the beautiful specimens of the medieval Hindu architecture and sculpture in the country.
On arrival transfer from Khajuraho airport to hotel. The rest of the day is free for you. Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 05: Drive Khajuraho to Jhansi (4 hrs) then Train to Agra
After a relaxing breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. The tour includes visits to the following places of interest: Eastern & Western Group Of Temples : The Eastern group of temples includes the Lakshmi and the Varaha Temple, the Lakshmana Temple, the Kandariya Mahadev, the Mahadeva Temple, the Devi Jagadamba Temple, the Chitragupta Temple and the Vishwanath Temple. The Eastern Group of temples houses the Parasvanath Temple, the largest and finest Jain temple in the city as well as the Adinath Temple, the Shantinath Temple, the Ghantai Temple, the Javari Temple, the Vamana Temple and the Brahma and Hanuman Temple. The Western group of temples includes the Matangesvara Temple, the only temple in Khajuraho where the daily rituals still takes place and the Chausath Yogini Temple, the temple which is in ruins now and is believed to be the oldest temple in Khajuraho.
Return to your hotel and start your drive to Jhansi, which is the nearest railway station of Khajuraho, and board the train to Agra.
Agra is situated on the bank of Yamuna River. It is the dwelling place to India’s famous monument, the Taj Mahal. Agra was the capital of Mughal Empire in the 16th & 17th centuries. Later in the afternoon, the tour guide will pick you up for the guided sightseeing trip of Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Taj Mahal: Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Taj Mahal in the memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal who died during the birth of their child in 1631. The construction of this famous monument is said to have taken 22 years, starting from 1631.Over 20,000 artisans were working day and night for the construction of this landmark. Craftspersons and whizzes were brought from France and Italy. And the chief architect was from Iran. The visit to the Taj Mahal, will long be remembered by you as the highlight of your Golden Triangle Tour. Agra Fort: Emperor Akbar started the construction of this huge red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of Yamuna River in 1565. It was mainly constructed for the soldiers until his grandson, Shah Jahan, added more opulent accommodations. There are a number of attractive buildings within its porches such as Samman Burj, where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Moti Masjid, a white marble mosque, Diwan–e–Am, Diwan–e–Khas, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal.
On arrival at Agra Railway station you will be met and transferred to you hotel.
Overnight stay in Agra.
Day 06: Drive Agra to Jaipur (5 hrs)
After breakfast, proceed to Visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Later proceed to Jaipur. Stop at Fatehpur Sikri for the guided tour of this ancient capital. Fatehpur Sikri: The deserted capital of Emperor Akbar roughly 35 kms outside Agra, this city was built in the 16th century, and was abandoned for 12 years due to the paucity of water. The entire city is still intact, and a sight of this city is worth remembering. The Buland Darwaza, is the main entrance to this city, which is 54 m tall and this gate was built in the honor of Akbar’s victory in Gujarat. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the drive takes a twirl to Jaipur, the third destination that forms India’s Golden Triangle. Jaipur: It is the capital of Rajasthan, and is known as the “Pink City” because of the pink tinted constructions in the old city. It is situated on a dry lake bed, bordered by barren hills vanquished by forts and broken walls. The city was found in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who wanted to be in the good books of the then ruling Mughals. He positioned the city with rectangular blocks according to early Hindu architecture. It is a great city for shopping. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 07: Jaipur
After the morningbreakfast, you will be picked up by the guide from the hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Jaipur and Amber. Sightseeing in Jaipur includes : Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds): Constructed by Maharaja Sawaj Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is one of the Jaipur’s main landmarks, the front of the Mahal has pink windows and latticework screens. This mahal was initially constructed for the ladies of the imperial household to watch the ordinary life and parades of the city. City Palace: The City Palace is still the dwelling of the former royalty H.H Bhawani Singh Ji of Jaipur. This Palace still has an extensive collection of art, carpets and old weapons. Jantar Mantar (Observatory): It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728. Jantar Mantar appears to be an inquisitive collection of sculptures but in fact each construction has a detailed purpose such as measuring the positions of stars, altitudes and azimuths, and calculating eclipses. The most striking instrument is the sundial which is 27 meter tall gnomon. The shadow this casts moves up to 4 meters an hour. Amber Fort: The Amber Fort is located 11 kms away from Jaipur. Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur. The Fort is an excellent illustration of Rajput architecture, impressively situated on a hillside facing a lake, which reflects its walkways and walls. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 08: Jaipur to Udaipur (7 Hrs)
Morning after breakfast, start your drive to Udaipur, the last stop of your Classical India tour. Udaipur, literally meaning “the city of Sunrise”, was established by a Rajput King, Maharana Uday Singh, in 1567, and this city is now also known as the "city of Lakes" and also the "Venice of the East" Udaipur is a moony lake city with its marble whims, attractive hibiscus-covered gardens and elegant fountain porches, which symbolize the glory of Rajput era. Like many other cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is the heirloom of an honor-bound race that loved the good things in life and often gave up their lives protecting them. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 09: Udaipur
After breakfast, the guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you for a guided sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Tour includes following places of interest: City Palace: The biggest palace complex in Rajasthan is the grand City Palace towering above the lake. The major parts of the palace are now well-maintained as a museum with an enormous collection of glass, ceramic figures and small canvases. Jagdish Temple: The famous Jagdish Temple is situated 150 mts from the City Palace. This fine Indo-Aryan Temple was constructed by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. This temple treasures a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the universe. A brass image of Garuda the Hindu divinity is in a monument in front of the temple. Saheliyon Ki Bari: The Saheliyon ki Bari or the garden of the Maids of Honor is situated in the north of the city. It is a small exquisite garden with fountains, stone elephants and a beautiful lotus pond. Lake Pichola: Lake Pichola derives its name from Pichali village. This lake is fenced by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and ridges. There are two island palaces in the Lake Pichola, the Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. Jag Niwas was built as the summer residence of Prince of Mewar and is now the famous Lake Palace hotel. The Jag Mandir is built of red sandstone with a marble ceiling. An enchanting way to end your day in Udaipur is by taking a beautiful boat ride in the evening when the City palace in the background unites with the sparkling lake water. Rest of the day you are free to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the city. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 10: Fly Udaipur to Mumbai
Day 11: Depart Mumbai