If we were to choose one itinerary in which all of the highlights of the north India were captured, it would be this one. Varanasi is the world’s oldest living city and the spiritual capital of India, the arti on the ghats and the morning boat ride are memories which will live with you forever. The temples at Khajuraho house some of the finest sculptures in the world, so much more than the eroticism for which they are also famous and of course, no words can do justice to the Taj Mahal. Add a visit to the country’s capital the Pink City of Jaipur and the wonderfully romantic fairytale city of lakes and palaces, Udaipur and we can say that is a trip well worth having done.
Upon arrival at the Delhi International Airport, you will be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Delhi is India’s capital and a major gateway to the country.
You will have free time on your own to adjust to the new time zone. Overnight will be at Delhi.
After breakfast, head out on a full day sightseeing of Delhi. The tour begins in Old Delhi with Jama Masjid and then experience a unique look at local life by exploring the bustling local bazaar of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhiby cycle rickshaw. Drive by the Red Fort before heading to new Delhi to explore Raj-Ghat and drive around the city landmarks of India Gate, President's House, Parliament House & Government Secretariat Buildings and stop for photo opportunity there. If time permits, visit Qutub Minar and Humayun Tomb, the National Museum and Lotus Temple. An ideal place for meditation, this Bahai House of worship is open to people of all religions.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
As per your flight timings, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Varanasi, which one of the most spiritual cities globally for Hindus and is the oldest city of India. Reach Varanasi and check in to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy “Ganga Aarti Ceremony” at the Ganges, during which worshippers pray near the water by the light of candles and lanterns and accompanied by chanting. It is a mesmerizing and enchanting experience. Overnight will be at Varanasi.
Early in the morning, drive to Daswamedh Ghat for a sunrise boat cruise on the Ganges River. Mornings on the river are a magical time with the sun rising and hundreds of devotees immersing themselves in the river. Return to hotel for breakfast. Fully refreshed, head out on a guided city tour of Varanasi. Visit the Banaras Hindu University, Golden Temple and Bharat Mata Temple which is dedicated to Mother India. In afternoon, continue your adventure to Sarnath (The Deer Park) where the Buddha preached his first sermon and Sarnath Museum (closed on Fridays). Overnight will be at Varanasi.
After breakfast, as per your flight timings, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Khajuraho, which is also known as Temple city of Central India and is renowned for erotic sculptures. In the afternoon, proceed for a tour of famous Western & Eastern temples of Khajuraho, followed by sound and light show in the evening. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.
After breakfast, drive to Jhansi en-route exploring Orchha, which is like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. Later as per your train timings, you will be transferred to the Railway Station to board a train to Agra. Reach Agra and retire for the night at the hotel. Overnight in Agra.
Enjoy leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed to visit the Agra Fort – one of the most impressive forts of India, it is made out of red stone and is an intricate complex built by emperor Akbar. Next visit Itmad-ud-daulah, popularly known as Mini Taj, it is smaller but many think that the quality of the work is finer. If time permits enjoy high tea with Gleaming Taj Backdrop, which will be an unforgettable experience. Overnight in Agra.
Enjoy an early morning visit to breath taking Taj-Mahal. Return for breakfast at the hotel. After that, proceed to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri Village to see the extraordinary Chand Baori (Step well). Reach the largest city in the desert state of Rajasthan and rest of the day is at your own pace.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.
After a leisurely breakfast, start your guided tour of Jaipur which includes a visit to Amber Fort (with a jeep ride up to the fort entrance) and Hawa Mahal (Palace of the winds). Continue to visit the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar (the extraordinary observatory). Time permitting, explore the local, colourful and bustling markets which are a treasure trove of trinkets and souvenirs.
After breakfast, leave to Udaipur en route visiting Chittaurgarh Fort. Reach Udaipur and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
After breakfast, take a stroll through the markets and bazaars and visit the Jagdish Temple, next take a guided tour to see the sprawling City Palace Complex, a wonderful museum but also still home to the Royal Family. In the evening, enjoy a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola before heading for the Garden of the Maids of Honour and Folk Art Museum. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airport to board the flight to Delhi. Depending upon your international flight timings either you will be transferred to your hotel for freshening up or you will be driven directly to the Delhi International airport to take a flight back home with sweet memories of the tour. TOUR ENDS!