| Day 1 - Flight to India (Delhi)
Around Midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to your Hotel. |
| Day 2 - Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw Ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat", the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and Jama Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun Tomb" which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and “Qutub Minar” which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199. Before we proceed to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we see the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies. |
| Day 3 - Delhi - Jaipur (about 180 km)
Today we drive to the Pink City, Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. In the afternoon we visit the City Palace which is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the City Palace , we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments reveals us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy. |
| Day 4 - Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of Amber, laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we have a walk through the colourful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance. |
| Day 5 - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 260 km)
Today we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages in direction of Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. Late evening arrival in Agra. Rest of the day at leisure. |
| Day 6 - Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory home. After the visit of Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous fine marble inlay work which is still being done in Agra by the descendants of the families of builders and artists of the Taj Mahal. |
| Day 7 - Agra - Gwalior (about 120 km)
After the breakfast we drive to Gwalior. Gwalior's strategic position between North and South India has made it's Fort an important possession and it was captured by several ruling houses. Some left almost as soon as they came, while others stayed on to build and beautify the citadel. We visit the fort of Gwalior today itself. Rest of the day at leisure. |
| Day 8 - Gwalior - Orcha - Khajuraho (about 330 km)
Today early morning we leave Gwalior and proceed to Khajuraho. On the way to Khajuraho we visit Orchha. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. After the visit of Orchha we proceed for Khajuraho. Arrival in Khajuraho in the late evening. |
| Day 9 - Khajuraho
Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandela dynasty. The Chandela Kings claimed descent from the moon. The temples of Khajuraho are among the finest examples of temple craftsmanship in the whole of India. Today we visit the temple complex of Eastern Group and Western Group to see the most beautiful temples in India. Most famous among them is the Laxmana Temple, which is dedicated to god Vishnu. The presence of erotic sculptures in the Temples at Khajuraho is one of the expressions among others of the celebration of all human activities displaying different aspects of Hinduism. |
| Day 10 - Khajuraho - Varanasi (about 420 km)
In the morning we leave for Varanasi. Varanasi is without doubt India's most sacred city and thus visited by over one million people. Varanasi is also called the city of light - Kashi or Benaras. Buddha visited this city in 500 BC. Benaras is regarded as one of the oldest and the holiest city. According to the Indian chronicles Benaras was a established city as long ago as twelve hundred years before the Christian Era. |
| Day 11 - Varanasi
In the early morning we take a boat ride on the holy river Ganges and enjoy sunrise on the boat. Ghats (flight of steps) and the activities of pilgrims on that are the principal attraction for visitors to Varanasi. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves through taking a bath in the holy river Ganges. In the noon we visit the city of Varanasi.
Optional: A drive can be organized to Sarnath (10 km). Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon at deer park. |
| Day 12 - Varanasi - Delhi
In Afternoon we fly from Varanasi to Delhi. In Delhi we have rest of the day at leisure.
Optional: Further excursion in Delhi can be organized as per the individual wishes. Rooms are available to get fresh and change before we depart for the Airport with Indo Vacations representative. |
| Day 13 - Flight to Home
Around midnight flight to home destination. |
