Northern India Tour

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Rajasthan Tour »Classic Rajasthan » Colourful Rajasthan » Golden Triangle Tour » Indian Insight » Desert Romance » Rajasthan Uncovered » Royalty and Tiger » Romantic The Taj » Rajasthan Travel                            more....  South India Tour »Calm Kerala » Kerala Backwater » Spice of the South » Kerala Vacation Tour » Kerala Tour Package » Hyderabad Tour Package                            more....  Incentive Tour »Cities and Citadels » The Deccan Plateau » East with Tajmahal » Ranikhet Walking Tour » Wildlife & Cuisine Tour » Grand South India Tour » Indian Painting Textile Tour more....  Special Tour »Belts of Chattisgarh » Ethnic Trail of Rajasthan » Indian Textile Tour » Highlight of Rajasthan » Pappadoms and Palaces » Indian by Rail more....

Rajasthan & The North

Duration : 16 Days / 15 Nights
Destination : Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Gwalior - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur

Day 01 London - Delhi
Fly from London Heathrow to Delhi

Day 02 Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for two nights
(Room is held on immediate occupancy)

Enjoy a sightseeing of Old Delhi in the morning.
(Including Red Fort, Jama Masjid and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk)
Note: Red Fort is closed on Mondays

Old Delhi pulses with the energy and colour, the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars and is laced by a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian sub-continent. In Old Delhi you will see the famous Red Fort surrounded by shops, and bazaars (built by the Emperor Shah Jehan – the builder of Taj Mahal), the Jama Masjid mosque with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes, Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi's business nerve center), the hustle-bustle of everyday Indian life all around you and chattering voices.

Enjoy a sightseeing of New Delhi in the afternoon.
(Including Qutub Minar, Humayun's tomb and Lutyen's buildings)

New Delhi stands in formal splendour, like a lone sentry guarding an outpost of a long-gone empire. It is a city of wide boulevards, which offers ever-changing perspec­tives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city rich with formal parks and you will see the magnificent Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India in the 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens), once the awe-inspiring residence of the British Viceroys and now the Presidential Palace, India Gate (a majestic

42-mts high arch, built as a memorial to the Indian Soldiers killed in World War I), Qutub Minar (the 72.5 mts high tower dating back to 13th century and one of the greatest bequests of Islamic Culture), Humayun's Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore runner of the Taj Mahal, has Mughal Architecture at its graceful best).

Day 03 Delhi - Varanasi
Transfer to Delhi airport
Fly from Delhi to Varanasi by Jet Airways flight
9W 723 – 1040:1150 hours; operational daily

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for one night
Afternoon excursion to Sarnath - the site of Buddha's first sermon (on the outskirts of Varanasi)

At a distance of 12 km from Varanasi lies Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment.  Here he revealed the eight fold path, the Buddhist Doctrine. And also here, at some distance, are centres of Buddhist pilgrimage such as Patna, Gaya and Bodhgaya.

Day 04 Varanasi / Khajuraho
Early morning enjoy a boat ride on river Ganges.
(Witness the Hindu devotees taking holy bath in the river Ganges)

Boat Ride
The early morning boat ride on the Ganges to view the Sunrise, as seen from the boat can be a spiritually uplifting sight.  From dawn to dusk the riverfront (Ghats) are thronged by thousands of devotees, who perform their holy rituals in the hope of attaining eternal salvation, the "NIRVANA".
Later in the morning enjoy city sightseeing tour.

Varanasi City
The Holy City of Varanasi, the Religious Capital of  Hinduism, crowded  with temples and its labyrinth of streets with  their throngs  of  people,  is exciting, enticing and a  city  to be experienced.  As a place of devotion and worship, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. The city represents the best thoughts of Vedic religion and culture. The city sightseeing includes a visit to the Kashi Vishvanath Temple, the Bharat Mata Mandir and the new Vishvanath temple.  The  Kashi Vishvanath  Temple  (or the Golden Temple), is a  gold  spiraled temple  rebuilt  in  the 18th century and is  dedicated  to  Lord Shiva. The spire is covered with tones of gold plating donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab. Only Hindus are allowed inside. The Bharat Mata Mandir is dedicated to Mother India and has a relief map of "Mother India" in marble. The new Vishvanath Temple (1966) at the Benaras Hindu University (the largest residential university in Asia - a great seat of learning Sanskrit) is one of the tallest in India. The marble Shiva temple modeled on the old Vishwanath temple is open to all castes.

Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to Varanasi airport
Fly from Varanasi to Khajuraho by Jet Airways
9W 723 – 1220:1300 hours; operational daily

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for one night
Rest of the day is at leisure

Day 05 Khajuraho - Orcha
Morning visit the famous Chandela Dynasty temples.
A thousand years ago, this was the seat of the Chandela Kings who built 85 temples, of which 22 remain in eloquent testimony to the glory of the reign. The famous Chandela Dynasty Temples built between 950 and 1050 AD immortalized in stone is a wealth of sensuous and erotic sculptures, an exquisite depiction of human life and emotions, equating passion with spiritual union. The sculptures considered most perfect figures achieved in stone, depicts Gods and Goddesses and amorous couples.

Later drive to Orchha (about 5 hours drive)
Check in at your hotel overnight stay

Day 06 Orcha - Gwalior
Morning visit the ruins.
Once the capital city of Bundela, Orchha is now just a village, set amongst a complex of well preserved palaces and temples. It’s definitely worth a visit. Orchha was founded in 1531 and it’s golden age was during the first half of the 17th century. A special palace, Jehangir Mahal was built when Jehangir visited the city in 1606. It is of impressive size and there are good views of the countryside from the upper levels.

The Raj Mahal nearby has superb murals. Dinman Hardaul’s palace is also interesting palace. Orchha’s worth visiting temples date back to the 17th century. They are still in use today and are visited regularly by thousands of devotees. Ram Raja Temples with its soaring spires. The Lakshmi narayan temple is worth the walk for its well preserved murals. The walled Phool Bagh gardens, a cool summer retreat, are also worth visiting other places to see include the dilapidated Sundar Mahal and Chhatris (memorials) of Orchha’s rulers, down by the betwa river.

Later you will be transferred to Jhansi railway station to board the train Shatabdi Express to Gwalior
Air-conditioned chair car – 1805:1907 hours
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay

Day 07 Gwalior – Agra
Morning enjoy a sightseeing of the city.
(Includes the fort, Jai Vilas Palace & Museum)

Gwalior Fort built by Raja Man Singh Tomar, is one of the biggest and best Forts in India. The sights in the city include the Chhatris or Cenotaphs commemorating the rulers of the Scindia dynasty, which ruled the region till independence. The Mansingh Palace was built between 1486 to 1517AD. The Gujari Mahal built by Raja Mansingh in the 15th century for his favourite queen is interesting sites. The latter now houses an archaeological museum. Sas Bahu ka Mandir is an 11th century temple of Lord Vishnu, while the Teli ka Mandir is an over 300 meter high Vishnu Temple of the 9th century.

Later transfer to Gwalior railway station to board the train Shatabdi Express to Agra
Air-conditioned chair car – 1910:2035 hours
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for two nights

Day 08 Agra
Enjoy a sightseeing of the city.
(Including Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah)
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays

A sprawling industrial town, Agra is situated 204 kilometres from Delhi. Agra was established in 1475 by Badal Singh and came into its own when Sikander Lodhi of the Lodhi dynasty chose it for his capital because of its proximity to the Yamuna. Babur defeated the Lodhis to capture not only Agra but also to lay the foundation of the Mughal Empire. Places of interest in Agra include the most extravagant monument, Taj Mahal; Agra Fort, the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Itmad-Ud-Daulah.

Day 09 Agra - Jaipur
Drive from Agra to Jaipur (about 6 hours drive) visiting Fatehpur Sikri enroute
The deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after fifteen years due to scarcity of water. Here you will see the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti, the Panch Mahal & the other palaces.

The attractions in Fatehpur Sikri are Jama Masjid – a beautiful building containing elements of Persian and Hindu Design. The main entrance is through a 54-metre high Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Victory, constructed to commemorate Akbar’s victory in Gujarat. The Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) is a projecting room with walls made entirely of stone latticework. Birbal Bhavan, built either by or for Raja Birbal, Akbar’s favourite courtier, this small palace is extremely elegant in its design and execution. Hiran Minar (Deer Minaret) is said to have been erected over the grave of Akbar’s favourite elephant. Panch Mahal – This amusing little five-storied palace was probably once used by the ladies of the Court and originally had stone screens on the sides. The lower floor has 56 columns, no two of which are exactly alike.
Check in at your hotel for two nights

Day 10 Jaipur
Morning enjoy an excursion to Amber Fort which is ascended on elephant back or by jeep
Amber, built by Man Singh, embodies the Rajput belief that the fort symbolizes the strength of the King. The commanding view, sheer walls and rock face, and the curved route that leads to the palaces within, all point to concern with security and defense. The fort is mirrored in Maota Lake, which stands adjacent to the Dilaram Garden. The private apartments begun by Man Singh in the17th century combine Hindu and Mughal styles and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), its walls covered with tiny mirrors, becomes a dazzling fantasy with the light of a single match. Visit  the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory, glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Kali Temple.
Enjoy a sightseeing of the city in the afternoon.

The capital of Rajasthan, also known popularly as the ‘pink city’, Jaipur was founded in the year 1727. Here you will see the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), which remains only a façade today was originally built to enable ladies of the royal family to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The Jantar Mantar (Observatory) was built between 1728 and 1734. Each of the instruments serves a particular function and each gives an accurate reading. Situated in the centre of the city occupying a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings, the City Palace is an interesting place to visit. You can see the textile and costume museum, arms and armour museum, art gallery and hall of public and private audience.

Day 11 Jaipur - Jodhpur
Morning is at leisure
Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to Jaipur railway station to board the train Intercity Express to Jodhpur
Air-conditioned chair car – 1740:2300 hours
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for two nights

Day 12 Jodhpur
Enjoy a sightseeing of the town in the morning.
(This will include the imposing Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada)

Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 when he shifted his capital here from nearby Mandore. There are Palaces, housed within this daunting structure, among them are Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Jaswant Thada, constructed out of thin sheets of marble, which allow the sun to filter in, was built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, in 1899.

Enjoy an excursion to the Bishnoi village in the afternoon
The villages are inhabited by the Bishnoi tribe who are staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. The villages are marked by khejri trees and deer which thrive there. The Bishnoi villages are located along and off the Pali Road to the south-east of Jodhpur. The cult was established in the last 15th century by Guru Jambhoji, who outlined 29 conservation principles. The Bishnois hold all animal life as sacred and the rare blackbuck thrives in their region. At Guda Bishnoi, along the small artificial lake, migratory birds, blackbucks and chinkaras can be seen.

Day 13 Jodhpur – Narlai
Drive from Jodhpur to Narlai (about 4 hours drive)
Check in at your hotel for one night
Rest of the day is at leisure

Day 14 Narlai – Udaipur
Drive from Narlai to Udaipur (about 2 ½ hours drive)
Check in at your hotel for two nights

Enjoy a sightseeing of the city in the afternoon
(This will include the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-ki-bari)

Udaipur, the enchanting City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. City Palace was built in 1725, and has various palaces inside such as Dilkush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Krishna etc, all ornately decorated. Saheliyon Ki Bari - this 'Garden of Maids of Honour' is a small ornamental pleasure garden, contains an elegant lotus pool, gushing fountains, beau­tiful black marble kiosks on the corners of the pool and stunning bougainvilleas covering the wall of the enclosures. Shilpgram situated on the outskirts of Udaipur, the Shilpgram is a crafts and performing arts center and houses various craftsmen from different states who display live their crafts and products for the benefit of the visitors.

Day 15 Udaipur – Delhi
Day is at leisure
Later transfer to Udaipur airport
Fly from Udaipur to Delhi by Indian Airlines flight
CD 7472 – 1850:2145 hours; operational daily
You will be met on arrival and transferred Delhi international airport for your flight back to London

Day 16 Departure Delhi
Fly out