Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Upon your arrival in the Indian capital city of New Delhi; after a warm welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel for two nights stay.
Day 2: Delhi
Delhi stands as the capital of India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made 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. Enjoy the morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques; Raj Ghat, cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, the epicenter of Old Delhi; afternoon proceed to New Delhi, visit Qutab Minar, India Gate; drive past the President House.
(B/L/D)
Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur
We drive to Jaipur - land of the Rajputs. Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts. Known, as the 'Pink City', it is home to ancient forts and palaces and is one of India's most well planned cities. Stay at your hotel for two nights. (B/l/D)
Day 4: Jaipur
After breakfast, enjoy the excursion to Amber Fort, experience the elephant ride to the top of the fort.
Once the capital of the royals, the fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, a complex of palaces, temples, exquisite marble and mirror-inlaid halls and apartments. Afternoon explore the Palace of Winds, the City Palace Complex with its museums and Jantar Mantar. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Jaipur - Agra
After an early breakfast, we drive to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal. In the afternoon experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the eternal symbol of love, the Taj Mahal. Often referred to as a poem in white marble, Taj Mahal displays the saga of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal; visit the Agra fort, which is built in red sandstone and has magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens. (B/L/D)
Day 6: Agra - Orchha via Gwalior
After breakfast, drive to Orchha, a medieval riverside town known for its palaces and temples. En route to Orchha, make a brief stop at Gwalior, the city of warrior kings, poets, musicians and saints. As a historic city, Gwalior is known for its old magnificent fort which houses a number of ruined palaces and interesting temples; in the afternoon, visit Gwalior Fort and then continue drive to Orchha. Check in your hotel for one night. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Orchha - Khajuraho
Discover the famous landmarks like Jahangir Mahal and Laxmi Narayan Temple, the town is peppered with fascinating little shrines and memorials; drive to Khajuraho - a UNESCO world heritage site in central India, famous for its erotic sculptured temples. En route to Khajuraho, visit the quaint town of Alipura and enjoy lunch at Alipura Palace. Check in your hotel and enjoy the famous cultural dance show of Khajuraho (Dance show operates daily from August to April). (B/L/D)
Day 8: Khajuraho - Varanasi
Enjoy an early morning visit to the enchanting temples of Khajuraho with sculptures that draw their inspiration from the ancient art of Kama sutra; fly to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. Upon arrival in Varanasi, check in to your hotel and freshen up; experience a rickshaw ride to the ghats to enjoy the grand ‘Aarti’ ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat, conducted everyday at sunset by white-robed priests. The young priests sway in seemingly choreographed movements, worshiping the river goddess with incense, flowers and earthen lamps. Stay at your hotel for one night. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Varanasi - Delhi
Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Holy River Ganges. See the ‘bathing ghats’ where thousands of pilgrims pay homage to the Sun God by immersing themselves in the holy water of River Ganges, and the ‘burning ghats’ where cremations are conducted; visit to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century BC to 12th century AD; fly to Delhi and board your flight home. (B/L/-)
|
