Itinerary

Arrive at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport.

Delhi - the capital of India – The city consists of two parts - Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts. New Delhi, the imperial city was created by the British as the capital of India. In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the most renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi which flaunts a surprising number of impressive monuments related to its conquests by the Mughals, Turks, Persians and ultimately the British.

Meet & Assist: you will be met by our representative in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. You will be transferred to your hotel.

Check-in at your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel

Today  you will tour some of the other sights of the capital city.  Today you will explore the area referred to as Old Delhi.  This was the former Imperial capital of the Mughal Emperor, though very little remains of the grandeur of the Emperor Shah Jahan’s city.  Drive past the Red Fort which was built in the mid-17^th century when the Emperor moved his capital from Agra to Delhi.  From here you drive to the 300 year old Chandni Chowk market, its narrow lanes best explored in a cycle rickshaw.   As you wind your way through the narrow alleys you will see remnants of the grand houses that were once the homes of wealthy nobles.  Today it is a busy market selling an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewelry, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables.  Apothecaries sell home grown medicinal items, and roadside dentists display their bizarre array of equipment and false teeth.  This is an excellent introduction to the organized chaos which is quintessentially Indian.  You will disembark at the Jama Masjid, believed to be the largest mosque in India and which was Shah Jahan’s last architectural legacy.  Originally it was called Masjid-I-Jahanum which means “The mosque commanding a view of the world”.  In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, Raj Ghat is an oasis of manicured lawns and peace.  This is the simple yet stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India’s independence.  

Afternoon you tour some of the sights of the capital city.  You will start at the Qutb Minar complex which has many historic monuments. The first mosque in India – The Quwwat-Ul- Islam – built from the dressed and carved stones of demolished temples lies in this complex.  It establishes the political victory of Islam in northern India.  The Qutb Minar was begun in 1199 by Qutb ud din Aibak and was completed by his successors.  This fluted elegant tower is decorated with elegant balconies and carvings.  From here you visit one of the architectural triumphs of the Mughal Empire – Humayun’s Tomb.  Humayun’s tomb is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India.  Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former splendor and the fountains working, it is a very attractive site.  Architecturally the mausoleum drew its inspiration from the styles prevalent in Samarkand, and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb. 

You return to your hotel via the Rashtrapati Bhavan.  Combining what Lord Hardinge, The Viceroy suggested “western architecture with an Oriental motif”, this former viceregal lodge, today is the home of the President of India.  Though the incorporation of Indian motifs in the final design was superficial, the enormous dome was fashioned on the great Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi.  You will drive up Rajpath, stopping at the India Gate.  This was designed by Lutyen in memory of the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the First World War.  Among the other buildings you will stop at will be the Parliament House; The Cathedral Church of Redemption and to its north the Italianate Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart.  Both these were conceived by Henry Medd whose design won architectural competitions.

Overnight at Hotel

 Morning transfer to airport to connect flight for Varanasi.

Arrive in Varanasi. Meet & greet by our representative at the airport who will later escort you to your hotel, where you stay for 02 nights.

Varanasi is probably the place in India that has the most profound impact on visitors. Formerly known as Benares, it sits on a bend of the Ganges, and its spiritual significance comes from its status as a "crossing place", where Gods and Goddesses can descend to earth. It has been a pilgrimage site since the sixth century BC; Hindus try to visit at least once in their lifetime to pray and bathe in the holy river. The Old City, a maze of tiny alleys, has several temples, including the Golden Temple - which is only accessible to Hindus - and many cows, which have traffic priority.

Evening witness a Hindu prayer ceremony `aarthi' on the Ganges River! You will be escorted to one of the Ghat from where you will embark on a boat to witness the aarti for approximately 20- 30 minutes. En-route, drive past through the local bazaars. The river banks `ghats' and temples are lit with oil-lamp and candles which create a magical effect. Devotees float the oil lamps in the water as an offering to the holy river.

Overnight at Hotel.

Enjoy early morning boat ride on the holy River Ganges.

River Ganges: 2&1/2 hrs over three miles in length, steps lead down from a steep bank of the sacred river. The time to see the ghats is early dawn when out of the morning mist, forms descend the steps, their numbers increasing by the minute until a silent multitude, lit by the sun’s first rays, moves in the same direction to immerse itself in the holy stream and to salute the sun.  These rituals remind one of the nature worship prevalent in India during the Aryan age, 3,000 years ago.

Return to hotel for breakfast.

Morning proceed for city tour of Varanasi.

Visit the Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, which, instead of gods and goddesses, houses a relief map of India carved out of marble. Emperor Aurangazeb’s Mosque built in the 17th century on the site of a Hindu Temple. The rear of the mosque reveals specimens of the ancient temple art of India. Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple) erected by Rani Ahalyabai Holkar of Indore in 1776.  The shikharas of the temple are gold plated. Visit the Durga (Goddess of Power) Temple, popularly known as the Monkey Temple because of hundreds of monkeys in the courtyard.

Afternoon visit Sarnath. It is one of the important Buddhist centres where Lord Buddha had preached his first sermon and set in motion the Wheel of Law (Maha-Dharmachakra-Pravartan). Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between 3rd century BC and 11th century AD. Most of the ancient buildings and structures at Sarnath were damaged or destroyed by the Turks. However, amongst the ruins The Dhamek Stupa is the most distinguished one. It was built in 500 AD to replace an earlier structure commissioned by the great Mauryan king Ashoka in 249 B.C.E., along with several other monuments, to commemorate his pilgrimage there. Also visit the museum which houses a collection of valuable ancient scriptures & artifacts related to Buddhism (Sarnath museum is closed on Friday).

Overnight at Hotel.

Morning free for independent activities.

Afternoon transfer to railway station to board train for Agra leaving at 1520 Hrs & arriving Agra at 2220.

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 gullies and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughal still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.

You will be met on arrival & transferred to Hotel.

Overnight at Hotel.

Morning visit Agra fort & Taj Mahal.

After leisurely breakfast you visit Agra Fort.  The present structure stands on the site of 14^th century fort that was occupied by the Lodi Sultans of Delhi.  When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the fort as a beautiful fort palace.  The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughal’s ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture.  Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb.  His private quarters where he was confined, has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna.

Taj Mahal is perhaps the world’s most perfectly proportioned monument.  This stunning mausoleum immortalized the name of Shah Jahan’s last wife Mumtaz Mahal, “light of the palace”. Built by Indian artisans and artisans from neighboring Islamic countries, it is aptly described by the poet laureate Tagore as “A tear on the face of eternity”.  Decorated with a mosaic of semi-precious stones and Persian calligraphy recreating verses from the Koran, the mausoleum is an “Urs”, an important place of pilgrimage since the empress died in childbirth making her a martyr.  Prayers are said and passages from Koran are constantly recited in the mosque and cenotaph chamber.

Afternoon drive to Jaipur en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri , the deserted red sandstone city was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and Palace in the late 16th century. It is a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are in pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the former days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, which is the largest gateway in the world.

After visit continue drive to Jaipur.

Jaipur: The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. Inspite of growing into bustling metropolis, it still retains it’s character and history.... a beautiful fusion of yesteryears and modernity. For long called the Pink city because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honour of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

Upon arrival check in at Hotel.

Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast you will visit Amber Fort.  Hill forts were always important to the Rajput rulers.  Belonging to the Hindu “Kshatriya” or warrior class, they believed in the line from the sacred holy book, the Purana that “a fort is the strength of a king”.  They built a number of such forts all over the state of Rajasthan; some made for purely defensive purposes, but most built as fort palaces.  Amber is one of the finest examples of a fort palace, built similar in style to the surrounding richly decorated Mughal courts. 

This afternoon you will proceed on a city tour of Jaipur.  You will tour part of the City Palace which is open to the public.  The most striking building on entering through the Atish Pol or stable gate is the beautiful marble and sandstone Mubarak Palace, initially used to welcome foreign dignitaries and later used as the Cabinet Office.  Today the palace houses the textile gallery exhibiting an excellent collection of costumes and rich textiles from the private collection of the Jaipur royal family.  The armory is entered through the magnificent marble inlaid Singh Pol or Lion Gate.  The most impressive part of the place is the Diwan-I-Khas or the hall of Private audience.  Entered through a gateway richly decorated in pietra dura and flanked by a pair of elephants carved out of a single block of marble, the star exhibits of this area are a pair of enormous sterling silver vessels used to store holy water from the Ganges.  The water was used by the Maharaja for his daily bath when traveling overseas, to protect him from ritual pollution.  Also of interest is the Art Gallery which has a collection or royal memorabilia.  The Jantar Mantar which you visit next is a collection of futuristic structures and astronomical instruments designed by Sawai Jai Singh the founder of Jaipur.  This was a result of this intense study of Astrology and Astronomy, and these 17^th century extraordinary structures are accurate even today. 

Overnight at Hotel

Morning free.

Afternoon in time transfer to Delhi international airport to connect flight for onward destination.

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The Land cost includes

• 07 nights’ accommodation on Twin share at the hotels mentioned above.
• Daily breakfast at the hotels as per the program.
• Transport using an air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary.
• Services of an English Speaking locally appointed guide during sightseeing..
• Elephant ride to Amber fort while acceding the fort.
• Cycle rikshaw ride in by lanes of Old Delhi.
• Boat ride on river Ganges in Varanasi.
• Train fare in executive class (Top  class) for Varanasi – Agra
• All presently applicable taxes on hotels & transportation.

The Land cost does not includes -

• Expenses of personal nature like personal gratuities, telephone charges, laundry, spa activities, drinks, etc.
• Any meals (Lunch & Dinner) not included in the program other than mentioned.
• Entrance fee to monuments as per programme.
• Beverages during meals.
• Any airfare, visa fee, airport tax and any kind of insurance.
• Any Camera / Video Fees at the monuments.