India is not a country but a continent and traveling through it is an experience like no other. Overwhelming in its chaos at first, it gradually unfolds unique delights. You may find it in its majestic forts, monuments, and temples; in exquisite crafts; in traditional and contemporary arts; in the bustle of its colorful bazaars; landscapes and nature reserves; in diverse cuisines; a meal at home with a family, or in the unexpected beauty that filters through the chaos.
Arrive at Delhi’s Airport. Welcome to India!
Upon arrival at the airport meet our agent ambassador who will escort you to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to the 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.
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Greet the morning on your first day in what is the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy. As you embark on your journey through this land you will experience the sights and sounds of what is India. Your tour manager is at your service throughout your trip to bring you face-to-face with the many faces of this vast land.
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to the 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.
After breakfast, proceed on a half-day city tour of Old Delhi.
Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi’s glorious renaissance. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Here you will drive past Red Fort’s most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan’s symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls.
Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort is filled with twisting lanes, small streets, and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial center of Delhi in the old-time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts.
Continue to visit the New Delhi city tour:
New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920’s -it’s a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks, and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King’s architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the design and construction of Delhi’s eight city -New Delhi. Lutyens designed an “Imperial City” having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal-style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947. You will visit two monuments from Delhi’s past -Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Also, visit a local temple.
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This morning after breakfast drive to Jaipur. The journey will take about 5-6 hours. On arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel.
Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. It has the distinction of being a well-planned and laid-out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of color and sound.
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After breakfast depart the hotel for a half-day excursion to inspiring Amber Fort. Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort in a jeep. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror, and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure feel the history and visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered. In the afternoon continue your visits to Jaipur city.
This afternoon venture into the city, this time on a city tour. You will visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes, and processions, also, visit the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) -a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes, and spires.
Located in the heart of the walled city, The City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture, art, and craft structures in the city. Sawai Jai Singh built its many buildings but some of the structures were also built by later rulers and some of them are even dated to the twentieth century too. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the palace.
In the evening, visit the local market to see the hustle-bustle of the daily life of local people.
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Breakfast at the followed by a drive to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra check in & relax for the evening.
At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th & 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading center of art, science, commerce, and culture. Akbar the Great made Agra great. The city’s origins are dim but Akbar’s grandfather Babur is credited with Agra’s founding. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth-century reign of Shah Jehan, the mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal.
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After breakfast, proceed for a half-day city tour of Agra visiting the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Start with a visit to that magnificent monument to love –the Taj Mahal, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction are said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori’s hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction, and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding other than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated it to the heights of incomparable history.
Continue to your tour of Agra and visit the impressive Agra Fort, where you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city, witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle-bustle of everyday India.
Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge, and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city.
It is the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers, and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India.
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After breakfast, depart to Gwalior. Upon arrival check into your hotel. After having some rest in the Hotel proceed on to your city tour.
Steeped in a splendid past, Gwalior is one of the finest examples of a traditional city turned modern. This historic city was established by the warrior Suraj Sen for the revered sage Gwalipa, who cured him of leprosy. Of course, there’s lots to discover here, towering palaces, ancient temples, and mosques. But the favorite for all remains the magnificent Gwalior Fort. Almost impenetrable, with sides leading to a sharp fall in the valley, these Fort houses within it many interesting palaces, temples, and gateways. Gwalior is the land of sword fights, rock-carved temples, and intricate palaces. Take in its several attractions in a perfect holiday!
Gwalior is also known for its participation in the 1857 revolt, mainly due to Rani Lakshmi Bai’s involvement.
At the heart of Gwalior is Gwalior Fort, improved by Raja Man Singh Tomar where a previous structure existed, of the Tomar dynasty. This formidable structure was reputed to be one of the most structurally sound forts of India. It occupies an isolated rock outcrop. The hill is steepened to make it virtually unscalable and is surrounded by high walls that enclose buildings from several periods. The old town of Gwalior lies at the eastern base of the fortress. Lashkar, formerly a separate town that originated as a military camp, lies to the south, and Morar, also a formerly separate town, lies to the east. Gwalior, Lashkar, and Morar are presently part of the Gwalior Municipality.
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The morning after breakfast, transfer to Gwalior railway station for the express train to Jhansi.
Met upon arrival at Jhansi railway station &drive to Khajuraho en-route stopping at Orchha for Lunch.
Upon arrival at Khajuraho, check in at your hotel and relax.
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Breakfast at the hotel followed by a visit to Khajuraho’s erotic temples. Written by Vatsyayana in the time of the Guptas. The erotic love-making images of celestial nymphs, gods, and goddesses sculpted in delicate detail have caught the imagination of people from all over the world.
Here you would visit the western group of temples. Western is the largest and best-known temple. All but three temples, which are built of local granite, are constructed with hard river sandstone dug from the east bank of the Ken River, 13 miles (8 miles) to the east. None of the temples are enclosed; rather they are erected on high masonry platforms, each on an east-west axis. It is their detailed sculpture that gives Khajuraho its appeal and importance. Less than a tenth of it can be called ‘erotic’. Numerous interpretations have been given for the erotic sculpture but there is nothing sordid about these inspired carvings showing beauty and voluptuousness of the female form. Most of the temples are ‘banded’ by horizontal panels of statues. The purvasins, or divine ladies, are shown engaging in commonplace human activities such as having a bath, feeding a bath, getting dressed, and applying makeup. Figures of Lord Shiva often protruded from the band. The long frieze with scenes of battles, processions, and hunting that rind the base of the Lakshmana temples are some of the best examples of narrative sculpture.
Afternoon transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi. Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Varanasi airport and transfer to the Hotel for check-in.
Varanasi, the holy city of India, is also known by the name of Kashi and Benaras. Kashi, the city of Moksha for Hindus for centuries, is known for its fine-quality silks, ‘paan’, and Benares Hindu University and Avimukta of the ancient days; Varanasi is the most popular pilgrimage point for the Hindus. One of the seven holiest cities, Varanasi city is also one of the Shakti Peethas and one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India. In Hinduism, it is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births.
In the evening, visit the Ghats to witness the Aarti ceremony. The “AARATI”, is normally sung at the end of any religious ceremony or puja, or simply by itself each morning and evening as a celebration to the Supreme within us and without. The lighting of the lamps for the Aarati has a manifold significance. On the one hand, it denotes the light of spiritual knowledge, the illumination of truth. On the other hand, when camphor is used as the fuel to light up the lamps, the camphor eventually burns out and disappears without a trace. This signifies the destruction of the ego in the light of true knowledge or -the illumination of the self in union with the Universe.
It is an unforgettably spiritual experience performed each evening at sundown on the banks of the holy river Ganges; it is an event to gladden the heart, feed the soul, and create harmony with the elements. Fire, Water, Earth, Air combine in perfect synergy during this ritual and leave you with a feeling of having witnessed perfection.
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Early this morning proceeds on a boat cruise on River Ganges which is an amazing experience to see the morning activities that take place at various Ghats around the Ganges.
After the boat cruise return to the hotel for breakfast followed by a visit to the city and Sarnath.
After the visit of Sarnath, continue exploring the city of Varanasi.
Sarnath is situated 6 miles from the center of the city, it symbolizes the birth of Buddhism. It was here that Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The museum at Sarnath is among the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles -archaic, the Mathura School, Gupta, past Gupta, and Medieval -covering work of sculptors from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. After the visit return to the hotel.
There is no Indian attraction like Varanasi. There are no architectural splendors, no exquisitely carved palaces, or impregnable forts, and yet the city has an inherent charm. Situated on the west bank of the Ganges, it extends back from the riverbank ghats to a winding maze of picturesque alleys overlooking tall houses alongside, dotted with temple It is a fascinating area to walk around. Varanasi today, is also a center of education, art, and craft. The city has given birth to many academicians, musicians, and artists of world acclaim. As a center of art and craft, it has a vast repertoire, right from silver, brass, copper artifacts to perfumeries and trinkets.
The magnificent Krishna Balarama Temple built-in 1975 by ISKON has today become Vrindavan’s most popular temple and has one of the highest principles of Deity worship and cleanliness. Hare Krishna devotees from around the world can be seen here throughout the year. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple built by the temples is another famous tourist attraction of the city. Besides these, the Bharat Mata Temple, Alamgir Mosque, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Archaeological Museum, and Ram Nagar Fort are some of the places worth visiting on Varanasi Tours, India.
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Later enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and then relax in the morning for a few hours before your transfer to the airport in the afternoon for your flight to Delhi.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Delhi airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
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It’s time for your magical journey comes to an end. In time you will be transferred to Delhi’s airport to board your flight for onward destination.
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Price per person in double occupancy
The rate is based on 5 Star accommodation
Price excluding international and domestic flights
This trip is customizable for your private travel.
Please inquire to request a quote for your custom trip!
