Highlights: Visit the most important tourist destinations in the plains of Northern India. Start with our capital city Delhi, where history embraces modernity with open arms; Go onto Jaipur - Mughal and Rajput architecture, grand fortresses, exquisite jewels and textiles are the legacy of this city; Next visit Agra city – the land of the magnificent Taj Mahal; Combine it with the imperial temples of Khajuraho and complete your trip with the holiest pilgrimage site of the Hindus - Varanasi. |
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| Day 1 : Arrive Delhi |
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport/ Railway Station in New Delhi where our representative will receive you and escort you to your hotel. |
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| Day 02 : DELHI to JAIPUR (200 kms/ 5.5 hrs drive approx.) |
After an early breakfast at your hotel, our driver will pick you up for a day of sightseeing of the capital city. This sightseeing will comprise of parts of both New Delhi as well as Old Delhi.
Following sites will be covered in New Delhi – |
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Qutb Minar Complex – This site just south of Delhi is an ensemble of three monuments: The Iron pillar, The Quwwatul-Islam mosque and The Qutb Minar (minaret).
The Qutb Minar was built by Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Muslim Sultan of Delhi. This tapering, fluted structure is set in red sandstone, stands 73 meters high and has five storeys - each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies.
The most remarkable is the Iron Pillar, situated in the courtyard of the mosque. It is made of such pure iron that it has not rusted even after 2000 years, a standing testimony to the metallurgical skill of ancient Indians. |
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Humayun Tomb – Yet another magnificent Mughal building, the tomb of the emperor Humayun was built by his wife in 1565-66. This finely proportioned structure in red sandstone and marble, set in a square enclosed garden, served later as a model for the Taj Mahal and many other Mughal tombs |
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India Gate – At the heart of the capital city is this elegant 42 meter arch in buff colored sandstone. The memorial is dedicated to the 70,000 Indian soldiers killed during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers. The foundation stone of the memorial was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens. |
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Parliament House – The circular design with 144 pillars flaunts excellent architecture by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. Built in buff and red sandstone, the beautifully proportioned structure has a circumference of nearly one third of a mile. There are chambers of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the library inside the sprawling building. Indian Nationals can apply at the Parliament Secretariat in order to have the visitor's pass whereas the Foreign Nationals have to apply through their respective Embassies or High Commissions |
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President House – Built atop Raisina Hill, the 340-roomed Viceregal Lodge is now the residence of the President of India and is known as the 'Rashtrapati Bhawan'. Though Lutyens claims the dome to be inspired from the Pantheon in Rome; the architecture of the palace bears much evidence to the Indian architecture. The Mughal Gardens inside the premises is one of the major attractions.
Following sites will be covered in Old Delhi – |
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Jama Masjid – Located just opposite the Red Fort is the imposing Jama Masjid with its black and white striped domes and minarets. It is one of the largest mosques of India. The sprawling courtyard has a capacity to hold 25,000 devotees at a time. One of the major attractions of the mosque is the treasure room where - a hair of the beard of Hazrat Muhammad, his used chappal, the canopy of his tombstone, the footprint of Muhammad on the stone and a chapter of the holy book is kept. People following other religion are not allowed to enter the premises form 12:30-2 pm. |
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Raj Ghat – Raj Ghat is the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. The memorial stone of Mahatma Gandhi placed there is a simple square platform made of black stone, with the words "Hey Ram" inscribed near it. As homage to the Mahatma, an eternal flame, in a copper urn, keeps on burning there. Every Friday, a remembrance ceremony takes place at the Delhi Raj Ghat National Memorial.
In the evening drive from Delhi to Jaipur. Upon arrival check into your hotel, have dinner and rest. |
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| Day 03 : In JAIPUR |
After breakfast, our driver will pick you up for a day of sightseeing of the “Pink City” - Jaipur.
Following sites will be covered in Jaipur – |
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Amber Fort - At a distance of around 11 kms from the city of Jaipur, on the Aravalli hills is located the famous Amber Fort. The fort is an ideal example of Rajput passion for grandeur and their patriotism. For visiting tourists, the Amber fort holds forth numerous attractions in form of palaces, temples and gardens. In fact reaching Amber Fort itself is a wonderful experience. Sitting on the back of an elephant, tourists feel like a king or queen of the Rajput clan. Walking up the fort is also an option. |
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City Palace – The palace, which was originally used for official purpose, today serves as a museum. The museum was established in the year 1959 by Sawai Man Singh II who wished to safeguard the cultural property he had acquired from his ancestors. The City Palace is a splendid blend of the Rajasthani and the Mughal style of architecture. The entire complex is divided into numerous courtyards, gardens and buildings. There are two main entrances from to the palace; the first one is from Jaleb Chowk and the other one from Tripolia Gate. |
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Hawa Mahal - The Hawa Mahal is counted amongst the most gorgeous and captivating piece of work by the Rajput rulers. The Rajputs were strictly traditional and did not wish their women fok to be seen in public. The Rajputs women were themselves immensely particular about their dignity and did not prefer to come out in open with the common public. However, this did not deter them from taking interest in the proceedings of the court. So, Hawa Mahal was a window to the outer world for the royal ladies and the Rajput ruler who ordered its construction in the year 1799 was Sawai Raja Pratap Singh. The Hawa Mahal is an elemental part of the City Palace complex of Jaipur, yet it stands away from it and commands its own identity from the passer-by. |
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Jantar Mantar - Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh. Jantar Mantar draws its name from Sanskrit terms 'yantra' and 'mantra'. The former term means instrument while the latter means formulae. Built between the period of 1728-34, the Jantar Mantar is based on the astronomical studies conducted by Sawai Jai Singh and his men around the world. This astronomical observatory is an excellent example of the marvelous precision, wherein each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes or azimuths, calculating eclipses. Some of them still work!
In the evening return to your hotel and rest. |
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| Day 04 : JAIPUR to AGRA (232 kms/ 5.5 hrs drive approx.) |
After breakfast, collect all your belongings and proceed for Agra with our driver. Enroute stop to visit the deserted capital of Fatehpur and Abhaneri. |
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Fatehpur Sikri - Just 44 km away from Agra on the way to Jaipur is Fatehpur Sikri that briefly served as capital of Emperor Akbar. The majestic marble and red stone structures of the city still narrate the formidable past of this ancient city. It is believed that city was quickly abandoned due to lack of potable water. Palaces, meeting halls, courtyards inside the complex is in a remarkable state of preservation. Holy shrine of Saint Salim Chisti here is one of the important pilgrimages for Muslims and Buland Darwaza which Emperor Akbar built to commemorate his victory on Gujarat is very imposing. |
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Abhaneri – Abhaneri is an ancient village in Rajasthan, famous for its early medieval monuments. The temple is now in ruins; pieces of sculpture showing a fine degree of craftsmanship lie scattered around. However, highlight of the visit to this place is to see the 10th century Baoris (step-well). It is believed that this well is an indigenous invention of the locals for harvesting the rainwater. This 13 level step-well, fortified with flights of steps on three sides is indeed an interesting piece of architecture.
Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel and rest. |
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| Day 05 : JAIPUR to AGRA (232 kms/ 5.5 hrs drive approx.) |
After breakfast proceed to the reception of your hotel where our guide & driver will be waiting to take you for a day of sightseeing of Agra.
Following sites will be covered in Agra – |
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Agra Fort - This Fort, built by the successive contribution of three Mughal generations – Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan – still fascinates the entire world with its majestic glory. More like a city inside, the fort was built to fulfill the military purpose which spreads on the banks of Yamuna enclosing a humongous area of 3 km radius. The Agra Fort gained its actual elegance, lavishness and royalty of a palace at the time of Emperor Shah Jehan. The Fort also serves as a vantage point to view the Taj Mahal from a distance and it is believed that the Emperor Shah Jahan spent his days in exile watching the Taj from here. |
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Itmad-ud-daulah Tomb – This tomb was built by Begam Nur Jahan wife of Jahangir, in the memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. He was one of the generals in the Mughal army who had been given the title of Itmad-ud-Daula meaning - “Pillar of the State”. Primarily built in red sandstone with marble decorations, this monument also elegantly displays white marble and Pietra Dura inlay which is considered to be one of the fore runners of the Taj Mahal. |
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Taj Mahal – One of the eight wonders of the world – The Taj Mahal is often described as "the epitome of love" & "a monument of immeasurable beauty". Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to enshrine the remains of his beloved empress Begum Mumtaz Mahal which manifested the immortal love between the two. The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make this monument gain a place amongst the most magnificent buildings of the world. You can stay on to view the monument changing its mood with the soft light of the setting sun. The Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.
Return to your hotel in the evening and rest. |
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| Day 06 : AGRA to KHAJURAHO (215 kms/ 3.5 hrs by train approx.) |
This morning after breakfast get transferred to Agra Cantonment Railway Station to board the train for Jhansi. Upon arrival in Jhansi lookout for our driver who will be holding a placard with your name on it. Drive from Jhansi to Khajuraho which is approx. 140 kms away. Enroute visit Orchha (16 kms from Jhansi) and break for lunch here.
Orchha is a small yet interesting town situated on the banks of River Betwa in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh. It served as a capital to the Bundela Kings. It is dotted with numerous temples and palaces, which were built between 16th and 17th century.
Following sites will be shown in Orchha - |
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Jehangir Mahal - Jehangir Mahal is exceedingly beautiful and the most visited monument in Orchha. The palace was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. The main attraction of the palace is the statue of two bowed elephants, right at the entrance of the gate. |
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Raj Parveen Mahal - This palace was built by King Indramani in the 17th century. It is said that he built it for his love Raj Parveen who was an exceptionally talented poetess and a musician. The palace is only two floors high. It was built this way to match with the height of trees in the area. You can get scintillating views of nearby gardens of Anand Mahal and the octagonal flower garden from here. |
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Laxminarayan Temple - The structure of this temple is huge and dominates its surroundings. The architecture of the building is an amalgamation of a fort and a temple that makes it very unique and fascinating. It was built in the year 1622 A.D. by Vir Singh Deo. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi. The paintings on the walls of the temple have been preserved with great care. Even though they are hundreds of years old, the colours used still retain their shine and are great to look at.
After the sightseeing continue your drive to Khajuraho. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest. |
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| Day 07 : In KHAJURAHO |
After breakfast proceed to the reception of your hotel where our guide & driver will be waiting to take you for a day of sightseeing of Khajuraho.
Following sites will be covered in Khajuraho – |
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Khajuraho Temples - The biggest tourist attractions of Khajuraho are the many temples that adorn the face of this unique town. Temples of Khajuraho are the greatest artistic gift given by the Chandela Kings to the world. The walls of these temples are carved with erotic statues and sculptures. Temples have been divided into three group, Western Group, Eastern Group and Southern Group according to their location in the town. |
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The Western Group – It is here that you will find the biggest and most intricate temples of all. The Kandriya Mahadev which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is the largest temple in Khajuraho towering to a height of 31 m. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, there is a lingam. Do notice the ceilings and pillars of the temple that are magnificently carved. Other well-known temples in the group are Chaunsat Yogini Temple, Lakshmana Temple and Matangeshwara Temple. The Chandela Kings were Lord Vishnu's ardent devotees, so you will find many temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most important of them is Varaha Temple, famous for the 9 feet high Boar statue. |
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The Eastern group - There are mostly Hindu and Jain Temples in the eastern group. They are situated closer to Khajuraho temple. Parsvanath Temple, which is the largest Jain temple, has the most scintillating structure in the group. Ghantai Temple is another famous Jain Temple in the group. The images on the walls depict day to day lives of people. The three Hindu temples in the group are Brahma, Vamana and Javari Temples.
Return to your hotel in the evening and rest. |
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| Day 08 : KHAJURAHO to VARANASI (40 mins by air approx.) |
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Morning is at leisure or free for optional activities. At noon get transferred to the domestic airport to board your flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi lookout for our driver who will be holding a placard with your name on it. Drive to visit Sarnath. |
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Sarnath - Sarnath, about 10 km from the holy city of Varanasi, is the place where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. On the day before his death Buddha included Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be sacred to his followers. It makes Sarnath one of the most venerated Buddhist places. Besides Buddhism, Sarnath is also connected with Jainism. There are many Buddhist monuments and edifices in Sarnath. Dharma Chakra Stupa is a must see place in Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining salvation. The area comes alive when the devotees fill the ambience enchanting Sanskrit mantra. Once you are in Sarnath, do not miss to visit the museum which contains some exquisite 6th or 11th century Buddhist icons excavated from the site, which may just leave you bedazzled. |
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After your sightseeing of the city of Sarnath, drive to Dasawamedh Ghat to witness the evening Aarti - Prayer Ceremony. This is a very vibrant experience, when a group of priests offer their evening prayer to mother Ganges. Big multistory butter lamps are beautifully floated synchronizing their rhythm with roaring sound drums and symbols. A beautiful scene is created here when thousands of devotees float oil lamps on leaf boats on the river.
In the evening transfer to your hotel, have dinner and rest. |
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| Day 09 : VARANASI to DELHI |
Early morning get transferred to the riverfront for a boat ride on the river Ganges. The boat ride starts from Dasaswamedh Ghat and ends at Manikarnika Ghat, which starts at 3 am in the morning. Observe the morning life along the ghats, when devotees offer their Morning Prayer and water to Sun God seeking blessings for the day after taking a holy dip in the river. It is widely believed that a dip in the sacred river may bring salvation leaving you free from all sins. Later in the morning walk through the narrow lanes of old Varanasi, visiting some of the most important temples on the way.
After breakfast the following sites will be shown during the day - |
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Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Standing on the western bank of the Ganges, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most revered temples of the country. It is also known as the Golden Temple for its 15.5 metre high spire coated with one ton of gold plating. The temple was destroyed during various invasions and was rebuilt by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore in 1776. You can even offer 'puja' in the temple with the help of holy saints present there. |
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Bharat Mata Temple - Built in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt, Bharat Mata Temple is dedicated to Mother India. This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi himself in 1936 so that the citizens could respect Mother India even though in a statue form. The statue is built in white marble. It is a replica of undivided India in three dimensions which has the mountains, plains and oceans in right proportion. |
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Tulsi Manas Temple - Tulsi Manas Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. This temple is built in the place where Goswami Tulsidas composed the famous epic - 'Ramacharitramanas'. This epic provides us with a detailed description of the history and deeds of Lord Rama. The Temple was constructed by a philanthropist family in 1964.
In the evening get transferred to the airport to board your flight for Delhi. Upon arrival, our driver will be there to take you to your hotel for a good nights rest. |
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| Day 10 : DEPART DELHI |
Transfer to International Airport/ Railway Station for onward journey. |
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