Arrival at Delhi and Transfer to the Hotel
Our representative will receive you at the airport and assist with your hotel transfer and check-in.
Delhi, India’s capital, has seen great empires rise and fall around it for millennia, with each new batch of rulers building over the works of their predecessors. As a result, the city abounds in monuments and ruins of stunning diversity. The seat of the world’s largest democracy, it also boasts magnificent symbols of government that pay architectural tribute to the ideals of self-rule and democracy. These co-exist side by side with wide multi-lane motorways, shopping malls, fast cars, and ultramodern steel-glass office complexes that characterize any large 21st-century metropolis.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Delhi Sightseeing
Proceed for sightseeing after breakfast.
Raj Ghat: 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.
Jama Masjid: One of Asia’s largest mosques. View this magnificent structure from outside, with its lofty and highly ornate domes and minarets reminiscent of a scene from the Arabian Nights. A short distance away lie the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk, “Moonlit Square,” the celebrated 17th-century market complex, where sweetshops from the 1790s still do roaring business.
Proceed to New Delhi for further sightseeing.
New Delhi: Built by the British in the 1930s as their imperial capital, this area is known as Lutyen’s Delhi, named after Sir Edwin Lutyens who designed the city in 1911.
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, open to the public during spring.
Humayun’s Tomb: An example of Mughal architecture, inspired by Persian styles. Built in memory of Emperor Humayun by his widow Hamida Banu Begum. It is said that Humayun himself drew up the blueprint of his tomb, though there is no documented evidence to support this.
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 tower in a square opposite is unique in that it never rusts, although it has been exposed to the elements for centuries.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Delhi – Jaipur (By Surface)
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Drive to the city of Jaipur. Reach and check into 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 is named after 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, 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.
Jaipur Sightseeing
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Enjoy the fort ascent on elephant back in a royal manner.
Situated on the top of a hill, the magnificent Amber Fort Palace offers a panoramic view of the old city. Established in 1592, its rugged exteriors belie the delicate architecture inside, a rare fusion of traditional Rajasthani and Islamic styles. Reach the fort in the old-fashioned way, atop a ceremonial elephant along a cobbled path that opens into several havelis, step wells, courtyards, and temples. Visit Sheesh Mahal (Chamber of Mirrors), Jas Mandir with its ornate ceilings and latticework, and the stunning Shila Devi Temple with its intricately carved silver door.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur:
City Palace: The sprawling City Palace has been home to the rulers of Jaipur since the 18th century. The architecture of the palace is a blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The City Palace Museum, located here, houses various items from Jaipur’s princely and warrior past.
Jantar Mantar: The scientific-minded King Jai Singh II, an astronomy enthusiast, commissioned five observatories around West Central India in the early 1700s. The one in Jaipur is the largest and best preserved. The massive architectural instruments, constructed out of local stone and marble, are still in use today. Explore this surreal maze of giant geometric objects.
Hawa Mahal: The exquisite outer facade of Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds," resembles a man-made honeycomb and is one of Jaipur’s most iconic and oft-photographed sights. Designed to facilitate maximum air circulation and cross-ventilation, the five-storied Hawa Mahal is made of lime and mortar and decorated with intricate trelliswork. From the privacy of its ornate jharokhas (traditional Rajasthani windows), the ladies of the court could gaze out at life in the streets below.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Jaipur (Day at Leisure)
Today is free for you to relax, shop, or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewelry, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts, and carpets.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (By Surface)
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Agra.
Fatehpur Sikri: The "City of Victory," built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 in honor of Sufi saint Salim Chishti, was the Mughal capital for 14 years. The white marble Tomb of Salim Chishti, with its intricately carved marble screens, occupies a central place in the courtyard.
Buland Darwaza: A colossal victory gate built by Akbar.
Diwan-i-Aam: Where the emperor held public hearings.
Diwan-i-Khas: Where Akbar held private consultations with his nine ministers, known as the Navaratna.
Jodhabai's Palace: Akbar's Hindu wife's residence.
Birbal's House: The residence of Akbar’s Hindu minister, known for his wit and wisdom.
Continue driving to Agra.
Agra: Once transformed by Mughal monarchs Akbar and Shah Jahan, Agra became a significant Mughal capital, known as Dar-ul-Khilafa. The city still reflects its Mughal heritage with its red sandstone and white marble edifices, narrow alleys, and charming buggies.
Check into your hotel on arrival.
Visit Sikandra at sunset.
Sikandra: A beautifully maintained monument marking the grave of Akbar the Great. A believer in religious harmony, Akbar created Din-i Ilahi, a unique religion combining elements of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. His memorial embodies architectural motifs from these faiths.
Enjoy a Bollywood-style dance drama depicting the love story of the Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Agra - Gwalior (By Surface)
Proceed for a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal: Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, designed by Persian architect Ustad. This white marble structure appears to float in the air and is best viewed in moonlight or at dawn and dusk. The intricate inlay work on the marble showcases the peak of Mughal art and architecture.
Return to the hotel for breakfast, then start the city tour.
Agra Fort: A majestic red sandstone structure built in 1565 by Akbar. It later served as Shah Jahan's prison. From Musamman Burj, an exquisite octagonal marble tower, Shah Jahan spent his last days looking at the Taj Mahal.
Itmad-ud-Daulah: Commissioned by Empress Nur Jahan, it is a memorial to her father and may have served as a blueprint for the Taj Mahal.
Later drive to Gwalior.
Gwalior has been significant since the 8th century, with its grand fortresses, palaces, monuments, and temples.
Gwalior Fort: One of India’s biggest fortresses, spanning over 2.4 km, with intricate stone carvings, palaces, and temples. Don't miss the rock-cut Jain temples and the 40-foot tall Tirthankara statue.
Man Mandir Palace and Gujari Mahal: Man Mandir Palace, with its music halls and dungeons, and Gujari Mahal, built for King Man Singh Tomar’s beloved Gujar Queen, now houses the Archaeological Museum.
Sas Bahu Temples: Highly ornate three-tiered red sandstone structures unique for their beam and pillar support.
Attend the evening sound and light show at the fort.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho (By Surface)
After breakfast, proceed by road to Orchha.
Orchha: A medieval city founded in 1501 by the Bundela rulers on the Betwa River. Famous for its cenotaphs (chhatris), Orchha Fort, Chaturbhuj Temple, and Raj Mandir.
Proceed to Khajuraho: Built by the Chandela dynasty between the 9th and 10th centuries AD. The temples are known for their intricate sculptures, including erotic figures that reflect the liberal outlook of medieval Indian society.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Khajuraho Sightseeing (By Suraface)
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Western group of temples.
Kandariya Mahadev: The largest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, with over 800 sculpted figures.
Chausat Yogini Temple: The oldest granite temple in the complex, dedicated to an aspect of the Hindu Mother Goddess Kali.
Lakshmana Temple: Look for the minor shrine with the sculptor’s likeness.
Vishwanath Temple, Matangeshwar Temple, Chitragupta Temple, and Varaha Temple: Each with unique and intricate sculptures.
Visit a local school in the afternoon or relax at the hotel. In the evening, attend a sound and light show.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Khajuraho - Varanasi (By Flight)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Varanasi.
Varanasi: The ancient city on the west bank of the holy Ganga has been a spiritual center for Hinduism since ancient times. The ghats (steps) are bustling with priests, devotees, bathers, and sadhus. The city’s vibrant atmosphere is a unique experience.
Watch the mesmerizing evening aarti at the Ghats. Your guide will explain the nuances of the ceremony.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Varanasi Sightseeing
Go for an early morning boat ride along the river to watch the spiritual life of Hindu India unfold along the banks. Visit Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika, the holiest of the Varanasi ghats. A section of Manikarnika serves as a cremation ground, where it is said the funeral pyre never dies.
Return for breakfast at the hotel. Later, visit Sarnath.
Sarnath: A short drive from Varanasi, Sarnath is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. The 1600-year-old Dhamek Stupa marks the spot where the Buddha sat as he delivered his first teachings. This ancient stupa stands in for an earlier structure erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC.
Sarnath Museum: Houses antiquities dating back to the 3rd century BC, including gigantic red sandstone standing Bodhisattvas and the magnificent Ashokan pillar, which is India’s state symbol.
Afterwards, embark on a guided tour of Varanasi.
Bharat Mata Temple: Where the principal deity is a relief map of India engraved in marble.
Durga Temple: An 18th-century temple where the idol of the goddess is said to have appeared spontaneously.
Tulsi Manas Temple: White marble temple with scenes and stanzas from the Hindi epic Ram Charit Manas engraved on its walls. The temple is in the traditional Shikhara style, representing the Himalayan summits.
Benaras Hindu University: A 4000-acre campus housing an art gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Explore the city at your own pace in the evening.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Varanasi Sightseeing
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Explore the narrow, ancient alleyways (galis) of Varanasi. Steeped in history, these alleyways have witnessed the comings and goings of millions, from kings to commoners, over the centuries.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Varanasi - Delhi Airport Departure
Transfer to Varanasi airport and board the flight to Delhi. From there, continue your onward journey.
'TOUR ENDS WITH MEMORIES'