Arrival assistance at Delhi and transfer to the hotel.
The rest of the time will be spent at leisure.
Delhi, India’s capital, is a city built in layers. Over millennia, with the city as the epicenter, great empires have risen and fallen, one built atop the remains of another. Consequently, countless ruins and monuments dot the city, each with a story to tell. Alongside, New Delhi’s wide multi-lane motorways, bustling with shopping malls, fast cars, and steel and glass office complexes, belong unmistakably to the 21st century.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Post breakfast, proceed for sightseeing:
Raj Ghat is the famous memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The shrine bears testimony to the simplicity of the man who changed the world with the power of ideas. It is a simple black stone structure with an eternal flame burning at one end.
The majestic Red Fort was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 and remained the seat of the empire for the next two centuries. Today, the Prime Minister of India delivers his Independence Day speech to the nation from the ramparts of this red sandstone structure.
Jama Masjid is one of Asia’s largest mosques. We shall view this magnificent structure from outside, with its lofty and highly ornate domes and minarets reminiscent of a scene from the Arabian Nights.
Proceed for sightseeing in New Delhi.
New Delhi was built by the British in the 1930s as their imperial capital. Majestic government and administrative buildings line the wide, tree-lined avenues of what is also known as Lutyens' Delhi, named after Sir Edwin Lutyens who was commissioned to design the city in 1911. Start at India Gate, the red sandstone arch erected in memory of Indian and British soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I. Close by are the majestic Parliament House, the seat of the world’s largest democracy, and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Indian President’s official residence. Inside are the famed Mughal Gardens with their ornate fountains and manicured lawns. The Mughal Gardens are open to the public during spring.
Further south lies the Qutub Minar. Built by Qutubuddin Aibak, a slave general, in 1193, it is India’s tallest stone tower and marks the site of the country’s first Muslim kingdom. The iron pillar in a square opposite is unique in that it never rusts, although it has been exposed to the elements for centuries.
The lotus-shaped Bahai Temple south of Delhi is also of interest. An ideal place for meditation, this Bahai House of Worship is open to people of all faiths.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Post breakfast, drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’ from the facelift it received in 1853 to celebrate a visit by Prince Albert, is dotted with havelis (traditional mansions), bazaars, opulent palaces, and rugged majestic forts that showcase the glorious past of its rulers, the Rajputs.
The Rajput princes were fierce warriors, some of whom declared loyalty to the invading Mughals and proved to be formidable allies of the empire. Among them was King Jai Singh II, whom the Mughals gave the title Sawai Maharaja, or “King and a quarter.” Jaipur gets its name from this valiant king.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple. A stunning white marble structure, the three towers of the Birla Temple represent three different approaches to religion. Carvings on the ornate pillars celebrate Hindu gods and goddesses along with Christ, the Virgin Mary, and St. Francis of Assisi. Don’t miss the hypnotic evening Aarti, the ritual lighting of oil lamps.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed for a morning excursion to the Amber Fort. Enjoy the ascent to the fort on elephant back in a royal manner.
Amber Fort Palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jaipur, visiting:
City Palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple, and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory, consisting of outsized astronomical instruments, is still in use.
Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-story structure of sandstone plastered pink, encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
You will have free time in the evening for some exciting shopping.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Post breakfast, drive to Agra with an en route visit to Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, Humayun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri, his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of Sufis. Akbar, who was without a male heir, heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in 1568. The saint blessed him with three sons, and in gratitude, Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri to be built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings such as the Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai Palace, Birbal's House, Mariam's House, and the Panchmahal.
Continue driving to Agra. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
Agra: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire, giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat (Seat of the Emperor). Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow alleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
In the evening, visit Mehtab Bagh.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal – Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which is always the sole raison d'être for every tourist’s visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by the Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens, and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Agra Fort – The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a four-square formal garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture-perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Post breakfast, drive to Orchha with an en route visit to Gwalior.
Gwalior Fort – Medieval history has described it as the shining pearl in the garland of Indian forts. Different building styles from ancient to modern are encountered here. Built at a height of 700 meters on a hill and protected by tall ramparts and large towers, it was difficult to conquer. There are six gates that provide entry to the fort. Of all the palaces in the Gwalior Fort, Man Mandir Palace is the most beautiful. It is said that the walls were once covered in white plaster and the towers were clad with shining copper. Towers above the wall are decorated with blue tiles.
Continue driving toward Orchha. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
Orchha was founded in the 16th century by Rudra Pratap, the Bundela Rajput chieftain. This is the land that portrays the splendor of the well-known Bundela dynasty. The place is situated 16 km from Jhansi and is surrounded by captivating hills and lush greenery.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Explore other interesting places in Orchha such as Orchha Sanctuary, Sunder Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple, Raj Mahal, and Chattris. Sunder Mahal is a gorgeous palace in Orchha that now serves as a major pilgrimage center for Muslims. This palace belonged to a Hindu king named Prince Dhurbhajan and his Muslim lover.
Raj Mahal is one of the famous palaces of Orchha that grabs the attention of visitors from around the world. It was initially built by Rudra Pratap Singh in the 16th century and completed by his successors. Chattris are the tombs of Maharajas, positioned on prominent platforms and supported by pillars. They are designed and structured in a unique way, making them major tourist attractions in Orchha.
Later, drive to Khajuraho. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing of Khajuraho.
The temples of Khajuraho are India’s exclusive gift to the world, representing a way of life, love, and joy, flawless in implementation and beautiful in appearance. Every form of life has been carved in stone, attesting not only to the craftsman’s artistry but also to the astonishing extensiveness of vision. The temples were conceived and constructed under the rule of the Chandela Rajputs. Exteriors as well as the interiors of the temples are beautifully adorned. The ceilings in the interiors are engraved with lavish floral and geometric designs. The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: Western, Eastern, and Southern. Among these, the Western group can be called the best.
Visit the famous temples of Khajuraho. The Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho constitutes some of the most splendid and architecturally marvelous specimens of temple architecture in India. The group includes such magnificent temples as Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, Chaunsat Yogini Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Matangeswara Temple, and Varaha Temple.
Later, visit the Eastern Group of temples, which are quite different from the other temples in Khajuraho. These are primarily dominated by Jain temples, including Parsvanath Temple, Adinatha Temple, and the Ghantai Temple. There is also a Brahma Temple dedicated to Vishnu, which is the only temple built in granite here.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Morning drive to Prayagraj.
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Proceed for sightseeing.
A fusion of history, religion, tradition, sanctity, and architecture, Prayagraj draws the attention of pilgrims and heritage lovers. The city opens visitors to a world of mythological and spiritual wonders. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati, Prayagraj hosts the world’s largest congregation of devotees, the Kumbh Mela, which offers a unique experience. Prayagraj is indeed an ideal place to visit in Uttar Pradesh for travelers looking for a soulful escape.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Morning drive to Varanasi.
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
The ancient city of Varanasi, located on the west bank of the holy Ganga, has been a spiritual center for Hinduism since ancient times. Varanasi’s high ghats (steps leading to and from the river) are crowded with priests, wrestlers, astrologers, devotees, bathers, morning walkers, and saffron-clad mendicants or sadhus. The ringing of temple bells and the heady, heavy smell of incense permeate the air. In Varanasi, even a short walk or a simple boat ride is an unforgettable adventure.
The cinematic nature of daily life in Varanasi has not been lost on filmmakers, and over the years, many have chosen Varanasi as their backdrop, including maestros like Roberto Rossellini, James Ivory, and Satyajit Ray. Fittingly, the first moving picture ever shot on Indian soil was filmed here in 1899.
Varanasi is one of the unforgettable highlights of your luxury holiday in the timeless Indian subcontinent.
In the evening, proceed to the ghats for the sunset. Enjoy the evening Aarti at the ghats, where the guide will provide commentary on the proceedings and meanings of the chants during the Aarti ceremony on the river. This is a highlight of the tour.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Go for an early morning boat ride along the river to witness the spiritual life of Hindu India unfold along the banks.
Visit Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika, the holiest ghats in Varanasi. A section of Manikarnika serves as a cremation ground, and it is believed that the funeral pyre never dies here.
Kashi Vishwanath, with its famous solid gold spire, is one of the holiest Hindu temples. Devotees believe that praying here after a dip in the Ganges will grant them Moksha, liberation from the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Later, visit the 18th-century Durga Temple. According to legend, the idol of the goddess simply appeared at the spot where the temple stands today.
Next, explore the 4000-acre campus of Banaras Hindu University, which houses an art gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
A short drive from Varanasi lies Sarnath, where millennia ago, the Buddha delivered his first sermon. Today, thousands of travelers from around the world visit each year to pay homage to one of the holiest places in Asia. The 1600-year-old Dhamekh Stupa marks the spot where the Buddha sat as he delivered his teachings. Interestingly, this ancient stupa stands in place of an even earlier structure erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate the teaching.
The highly recommended Sarnath Museum houses antiquities dating back to the 3rd century BC. Don’t miss the gigantic red sandstone standing Bodhisattvas and the magnificent Ashokan pillar, which is India’s state symbol.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast transfer to Varanasi airport and board the flight to Delhi.
Arrival assistance at Delhi and transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Transfer to New Delhi airport and board the flight to your home country.
'TOUR ENDS WITH MEMORIES'