DAY 02: DELHI
After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; Red Fort, one of the best surviving Mughal monuments, both built by Emperor Shah Jehan in 17th century; Raj Ghat where you can see the monuments raised in memory of Mahatma Gandhi (the father of the nation) and other great leaders of modern India.
Afternoon visit Jantar Mantar – an 18th century masonry observatory, Lakshmi Narayan Temple which epitomizes modern Indian temple architecture, Qutab Minar – one of the earliest remains of imperial Delhi built in 13th century; Humayun’s Tomb & Craft Museum; drive past India Gate & Parliament House. Overnight at The Connought.

DAY 03: DELHI – MANDAWA [246 Kms./ 6 ½ hrs]
After breakfast, checkout and leave for Mandawa. The semi-desert Shekhawati region is renowned for its magnificent painted havelis. The region also boasts of the Rajasthan fort, a couple of minor castles, distinctive wells, tombs and a handful of interesting mosques. Check in at hotel for 01 night. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Mandawa Castle.

DAY 04: MANDAWA – JAIPUR [190 Kms./ 3 hrs]
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Jaipur. Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur was built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Jai Singh. Designed in accordance with Shilpa Shastra – an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture, Jaipur follows a grid system. Check in at hotel for 01 night. Afternoon proceed for city tour covering City Palace, Hawa Mahal & Jantar Mantar - the astronomical observatory built by the Maharaja. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. Hawa Mahal, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with overhanging latticed balconies is unique in conception and is designed to catch the cool breeze on a hot summer day. Overnight at Shahpura House.

DAY 05: JAIPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA [238 Kms./ 5 hrs]
After breakfast, check out and visit Amber Fort. The magnificent delicate-pink, fort-palace of Amber, a beautiful, ethereal example of Rajput architecture, rises from a rocky mountainside about 11 Kms. north of Jaipur. Enjoy an elephant ride at the fort. Later drive to Agra. En route visit the fairy tale city of Fatehpur Sikri, which was also the short-lived capital of Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Visit the magnificent world heritage building belonging to the Mughals. Continue your journey to Agra. Check in at hotel. Overnight at Haword Park Plaza.

DAY 06: AGRA
This sprawling industrial city is synonymous with the Taj Mahal, India’s most famous building located on the banks of the Yamuna River. The Mughal emperor Babur established his capital here in 1526 and the next century Agra witnesses a remarkable spate of architectural activity as each emperor tried to outdo the splendid monuments built by his predecessors. Breakfast. Visit tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula also known as ‘Baby Taj’ as its design foreshadows the Taj Mahal. Later visit Agra Fort – built by three of the great Mughal emperors. Afternoon visit the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan commemorating his wife, Mumtaz. It is one of the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic Architecture, took 22 years for construction and is one among of the Seven Wonders of the World. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday’s). Overnight at Haword Park Plaza..
DAY 07: AGRA ++ JHANSI – ORCHHA [60 Kms./ 1 ½ hrs] – KHAJURAHO [150 Kms./ 3 ½ hrs]
After breakfast, check out and transfer to railway station to board SHATABDI EXP. to Jhansi [0820/1030 hrs]. On arrival meet and transfer to Orchha. Once the capital city of the Bundelas, Orchha is now just a few streets within a wonderful complex of well preserved palaces and temples. The picture book setting of spires and domes breaks the skyline in every direction. Refreshingly free of touts, Orchha’s peaceful beauty makes it a very relaxing and tranquil place to stay. Later, proceed for Khajuraho. Check in at hotel. Overnight at Greenwood

DAY 08: KHAJURAHO
The stunningly exquisite temples of Khajuraho are deservedly one of India’s major attractions and are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture. These temples were built by a Chandela dynasty that survived for over five centuries, before falling to the Mughal onslaught. Most date from a century–long burst of creative genius from 950 to 1050. These works of architectural and sculptural genius have a historic and poetic resonance that immediately captures the imagination. Breakfast. Visit the spectacular temples that have exquisitely carved statues of gods, goddesses, warriors, musicians, real & mythological animals and erotic figures as well. Overnight at Greenwood

DAY 09: KHAJURAHO / VARANASI
Breakfast. Check out and transfer to Airport to connect flight for Varanasi. [9W724 - 1330/1410 hrs]. On arrival meet and transfer to hotel for 02 nights. Afternoon proceed to the village of Sarnath. Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his message of the middle way to nirvana after he achieved enlightenment at Bodhgaya. He gave his famous first sermon here to a handful of followers in a deer park. In the 3rd century BC Emperor Ashoka made Sarnath a centre of Buddhist worship, built magnificent stupas and monasteries, erected an engraved pillar. Visit the Park, Museum, Main Shrine and Ashoka’s Pillar. In the Archaeological Museum here you can see beautifully carved capital from the pillar along with many other priceless Buddhist artifacts. Overnight at Greenwood

DAY 10: VARANASI
The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the oldest living city of India, and one of the world’s most ancient. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts large number of tourists – domestic & international. A dip in the holy river Ganges here is believed by pilgrims, to wash off all their sins. Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilization for over 2000 years. An early morning boat ride presents an incredibly creepy scene as multitudes of devotees come to the river to pay homage to the Sun God, Surya; pass by the bathing ghats where thousands of pilgrims purify themselves in the holy water of the Ganges River, and the burning ghats where cremations are conducted. Overnight at Radisson.

DAY 11: VARANASI / DELHI
Breakfast. Check out and transfer to Airport to connect flight for Delhi. [9W724 1440/1600 hrs]

 

HOTELS ( click on the links below for details )

Standard : The Connought (Delhi) | Mandawa Castle (Mandawa) | Shahpura House (Jaipur) | Haword Park Plaza (Agra) | Greenwood (Khajuraho)

Deluxe : Jaypee Siddartha (Delhi) | Mandawa Castle (Mandawa) | Rajputana Sheraton (Jaipur) | Jaypee Palace (Agra) | Radisson (Khajuraho)

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INCLUSIONS:
• 10 nights accommodation in double room on twin sharing on BB basis.
• All transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary in A/c medium car.
• Service of a local English speaking guide wherever applicable.
• Arrival & departure assistance.
• Elephant ride at Amber Fort.
• Entrance tickets.
• All currently applicable taxes (any Govt. or State taxes subsequently introduced will be extra.)

EXCLUSIONS:
• Expenses of a personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, still/video camera fees at monuments, laundry, phone/fax, tips & gratuities, travel insurance.
• Flight tickets.
• Any increase in fuel costs.
• Any items not mentioned in the clause “inclusions”.
• Flight & train fares & schedules are subject to change.

     
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