Classic Indian Heritage Tour

Day 01 Arrive Delhi

Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.

Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.

Later in first half of 20th?century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.

Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

Day 02 Delhi (Full Day Tour)

Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.

In New Delhi , we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation20on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Overnight Hotel - Delhi

Day 03 Delhi – Jaipur (262km - 5-6hours)

Today we drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City , the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colorful past, resplendent with tales of velour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.

Overnight Hotel – Jaipur (B)

Day 04 Jaipur (Full Day Tour)

Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience.

Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows).

Overnight Hotel - Jaipur

Day 05 Jaipur – Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (260 km - 6 hours)

Today we drive to Agra, en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. We visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti.

Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from the year 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Later we visit Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) , symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.

Overnight Hotel – Agra (B)

Day 06 Agra – Jhansi (Shatabdi Express Dep. at 0800-1040 hrs.) & Jhansi – Orchha - Khajuraho (166 km/ 04 hrs)

Post breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to railway station to board the train for Jhansi. Upon arrival, drive to Orchha. Orchha has a medieval town atmosphere attached to it. The Betwa River quietly flows by the town. The 16th?century palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers appear to be suspended in time. Upon arrival, meet assistance and check-in hotel.

Here we will visit Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Ram Raja temple. Later we drive to Khajuraho, built between 950-1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst of creativity. Contain stunningly explicit erotic sculptures. They were rediscovered in the 20th century, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Optional - Sound & Light Show

Overnight Hotel – Khajuraho (B)

Day 07 Khajuraho(Half Day Tour)

Today we visit Khajuraho temples, famous for the magnificent carvings depicting numerous exotic postures of the famous Kamasutra, ancient Indian work on sex. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 originally built. In fact, worship is still done today in the Matangeshwara temple, continuing an unbroken 1000 year tradition.

Overnight Hotel – Khajuraho (B)

Day 08 Khajuraho – Varanasi (by Flight 9W 724 at 1325/1410 hours)

In time transfer to airport to board flight to Varanasi. Varanasi picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism.

On arrival Varanasi, transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for own activities.

Later in the evening we witness the Aarti ceremony at the ghats.

Overnight hotel - Varanasi (B)

Day 09 Varanasi (Half Day Tour)

Today we start our day with a boat ride on the river Ganges. Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rise, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy. Later we explore the city by foot to get the feel of this oldest living city of the world.

Half Day Excursion Later we take an excursion to Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.

Overnight hotel - Varanasi (B)

Day 10 Varanasi - Delhi (by flight 9W 724 at 1440/1600 hours)

Later in the evening transfer to Varanasi airport to board flight for Delhi. Upon arrival, meet assistance and transfer to hotel.?

Overnight hotel - Delhi (B)

Day 11 Delhi - Departure

Morning transfer to international airport to board flight for onward journey.

Our tour concludes: We assists you with your transfer to the airport for boarding onward flight,

Thanks you for your patronage and looks forward to serving you again in the near future.