NORTH INDIA TOUR

Arrive Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport this evening. You will be greeted at the airport by our representative with warm welcome with fresh flower garlands and transfer to your hotel by airconditioned vehicle. Your room is available for immédiates occupancy. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, followed by a sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. Including Jama Masjid – this immense mosque is the largest in India, Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire, nearby we enjoy the rickshaw Ride in the local markets of Chandni Chowk & Kinari Bazar.

In New Delhi visit 11th century Qutab Minar Tower, the India Gate and the grand government buildings, the President’s House and Parliament House all dating back to the time of British Raj. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

After breakfast we drive to Jaipur - the fabled “pink city” of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal processions and splendors, are now living monuments. Arrive and check in to the hotel.
This will be a cultural evening, we visit Chokhi Dhani - An ethnic village resort, the vitality of Rajasthani folk culture comes alive as children dance rhythmically to the loud tenor of folk songs sung by men and women, festooned in bright clothes. Gaily caparisoned camel, horses and bullock carts offer joy rides. A traditional Rajasthani dinner will be served. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel we visit the dramatic hilltop fortress at Amber – ascend the imposing fort on a painted elephant. We wander among glittering inlays and the Hall of Mirrors.
We stop to view the elegant Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)- this elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world.

After lunch tour of the Maharajah’s City Palace, now partly a museum display a unique fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and house a rare collection of paintings, Rajput armoury and costumes. Later we visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory - situated in the heart of the city where time has been accurately measured since the 17th century. Explore the colourful bazaars of Jaipur where one can shop for Jewellery, Paintings, block prints, textiles, carpets, brassware, blue pottery etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to the city of Taj, Agra, we stop at a good restaurant for lunch enroute also visit the evocative city of Fatehpur Sikri - Built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century, it is a veritable fairytale city built of red sandstone, and its "ruins" are in pristine condition. And continue to Agra, arrive and check inn to the hotel.

Afternoon we leave to explore the monumental heritage of the Great Mughals, including the magnificent Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. It's a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone - undoubtedly the highlight of the tour.
Later tour of the imposing Agra Fort - built of red sandstone and marble is a hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards, fountains and gates. Rest of the evening free to explore the local handicrafts and shopping centers of the city where one can look for marble inlay work, fine quality carpets, Zari and embroidery, leather goods etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.
[Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday].

After breakfast we drive to Orchha - once the capital of Bundelas, Orchha is a village, set amongst a complex of well preserved palaces and temples. Though Orcha was founded in 1531, it's golden age was during the first half of 17th century. When Jahangir visiting the city in 1606, a special palace, the Jehangir Mahal was built for him.

After lunch tour of this historical site with magnificent temples and monuments. Some of the Palaces were decorated with painted murals, which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of Painting. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Khajuraho – the legendary temples of Khajuraho built in the 9th and the 10th century are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one of the world’s artistic wonders. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of its erotic sculptures.

Afternoon arrive and check in to the hotel. After lunch we visit the exquisite 10th century temples of Khajuraho.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Varanasi, on arrival check-in to the hotel.
Later we take the rickshaw ride to the holy river Ganges and take the boat cruise to view the “Aarti” ceremony on the Ghats. Later continue drive to hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early morning proceeds on a Sunrise boat tour on River Ganges visiting all the bathing Ghats followed by walk through the narrow lanes visiting the Golden Temple (old Vishwanath Temple) and Annapurna Devi Temple.
Return to hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast visit Bharat Mata Mandir, Benares Hindu University, New Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple, Kalvairav Temple & Sarnath. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning breakfast at the Hotel.
Later transfer to the Airport to connect the flight to Delhi.