Inbound Charms Of North India

Upon arrival, meet and greet reception at airport and transfer to the hotel
Dinner at Hotel Room

NEW DELHI, the capital of India has a strong historical background. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history.
The history of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. The town was known as Indraprastha, where Pandavas used to live. This period dates back to about 3000 BC.
Delhi has been a witness to the political turmoil for over five centuries. In 1192 the legions of the Afghan warrior Muhammad of Ghori captured the Rajput town, and the Delhi Sultanate was established (1206). The invasion of Delhi by Timur in 1398 put an end to the sultanate; the Lodis, last of the Delhi sultans, gave way to Babur, who, after the battle of Panipat in 1526, founded the Mughal Empire. The early Mughal emperors favoured Agra as their capital, and Delhi became their permanent seat only after Shah Jahan built (1638) the walls of Old Delhi.
In the year 1803 AD, the city came under the British rule. After independence in 1947, New Delhi was officially declared as the Capital of India.

Morning Depart for full day sightseeing tour of Delhi
Visit Lal Quila (Red Fort)
Guided Tour of Old Delhi & Experience Rikshaw Ride
New Delhi Sightseeing Tour - India Gate, President House

OLD DELHI architecture is a spectacular example of Mughal architecture, with plenty of charisma and nostalgia. While walking the bylanes of old Delhi you realize every wall has a story to tell. Old Delhi is a walled city shaped roughly like a quarter circle with the Red Fort as a focal point. The old city was surrounded by a wall enclosing about 1500 acres with 14 gates. Although the walls have largely disappeared, most of the gates are still present.
THE RED FORT is named for its massive walls of red sandstone and its proximity to the Salimgarh Fort. It was a political and ceremonial center for the Mughals. Constructed in 1648 by Shah Jahan, the architecture reflects the fusion of Persian and Timurid traditions, along with a huge beautiful garden. It was designated a UNESCO World heritage site in 2007. The Red Fort has an area of 254.67 acres enclosed by 2.41 kilometers of defensive walls, punctuated by turrets and bastions varying in height from 18 meters on the river side to 33 meters on the city side. The fort is octagonal, with the north-south axis longer than the east-west axis. The marble, floral decorations and double domes in the fort’s buildings exemplify later Mughal architecture.
Located in Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of one million rupees, it has three gates, four towers, and two 40m high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. The mosque is built on a red sandstone porch which is about 30 feet from ground level. The courtyard can accommodate 25,000 people. The Red Fort stands opposite to Jama Masjid. The floor is covered with white and black ornamented marble to look like a Muslim prayer mat. Beside it, a thin black border is marked for worshippers.

Today Depart to enjoy the Full day City Tour of Delhi
Morning Visit to Qutub Minar Complex
Afternoon Visit to Lotus Temple or Bahai Temple
Evening Enjoy free time for Shopping

QUTUB MINAR COMPLEX - Qutub-Minar in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India.
Built in the 13th century, the magnificent tower stands in the capital, Delhi. It has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75m on the top with a height of 72.5m. It is an architectural marvel of ancient India.
The complex has a number of other important monuments such as the gateway built in 1310, the Alai Darwaza, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque; the tombs of Altamish, Ala-ud-din Khalji and Imam Zamin; the Alai Minar, a 7m high Iron Pillar, etc.

LOTOUS TEMPLE or Bahai Temple - In the heart of New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionising the concept of worship. This is the Bahá'í Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, better known as the "Lotus Temple". With the dawning of every new day, an ever-rising tide of visitors surges to its doorsteps to savour its beauty and bask in its serenely spiritual atmosphere.

Early Morning Check out and Depart to Agra
Travelling Distance - 235 KM (04 hrs)
On Arrrival Visit to Taj Mahal
Afternoon Visit to Agra Fort
Evening Free for Leisure

THE TAJ MAHAL - Sheer poetry in marble. Majesty and magnificence, unrivalled, the Taj Mahal is the only one of its kind across the world. The monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realisation of Emperor Shahjahan's dream. One of the wonders of the world. From 1631 A.D., it took 22 years in its making. An estimated 20,000 people worked to complete the enchanting mausoleum, on the banks of the Yamuna. For a breathtaking beautiful view of the Taj Mahal, one has to see it by moonlight.

AGRA FORT - Near the gardens of Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-E-Am, Diwan-E-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan died in 1666 A.D., Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Agra Fort, an excellent example of Mughal architecture, is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Morning Check out from the hotel and depart to Fatehpur Sikri
Travelling Distance - 35 KM (01 hr)
Fatehpur Sikri - The City of Victory by Mughal Emperor Akhbar
Visit to Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, Tomb of Salim Chisti
Also Visit to Jodha Bai Palace & Complex

FATEHPUR SIKRI - A Unique Blend of Arcitactural Monuments and Relegion, its magnificence and uniqueness offers a fine example of the emperor's architectural finesse. Akbar's tolerant religious views and interest in literature, architecture and fine arts gave the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri a charismatic blend of Islamic and Hindu elements in their style and design.

Afternoon Depart to Jaipur, RAJASTHAN

WELCOME TO RAJASTHAN ("Padharo Mhare Des") - Rajasthan is first choice for an international traveler to India as vacation getaway, surly you couldn't have picked a better destination. This 'royal state' is a beautiful representation of India's rich architectural heritage, cultural diversity and hospitality. But don't take our word for it. We wholeheartedly welcome you to revel in the colourful sights, sounds and flavours of Rajasthan.

Enroute to Jaipur Stopover at Abhaneri Village to See Famous Chand Baori (Stepwell)

CHAND BAORI - Chand Baori at Abhaneri Village in Rajasthan is the most photogenic step well of India. In all, there are 35,000 steps on 13 levels at the step-well. When you stand next to this 13 story deep step well with symmetric triangular steps leading to the water at the bottom. Chand Baori is the oldest surviving step well in Rajasthan and probably India. It was built by the King named Chanda or Chandra of the Nikhumbha dynasty. The time of the stepwell is 8-9th CE making it 1200-1300 years old.

After Breakfast in the morning depart to Pick City Tour
Visit to City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal
Later in the Afternoon Visit Albert Hall Museum
Evening visit to Choki Dhani

JAIPUR - The Pink City, Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its coloured gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. The bustling modern city is one of the three corners of the golden triangle that includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

The story goes that in 1876, the Prince of Wales visited India on a tour. Since the colour pink was symbolic of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city pink. The pink that colours the city makes for a marvellous spectacle to behold. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple.
Jaipur traces back its origins to 1727 when it was established by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber. He shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity.

HAWA MAHAL - Jaipur's signature building, the Hawa Mahal, a multi layered palace, was built by Sawai Pratap Singh (grand son of Sawai Jai Singh and son of Sawai Madhoo Singh) in 1799 A.D. and Mr. Lal Chand Usta was the architect. Famous for it's beehive like structure, the Hawa Mahal is an interplay of red and pink sand stone, carefully and painstakingly outlined with white borders and motifs. This five storey building, which looks out over the main street of the old city, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry, with its pink semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household, to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.

JANTAR MANTAR Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is considered to be the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. It contains sixteen geometric devices, designed to measure time, track celestial bodies and observe the orbits of the planets around the sun. It also houses the Interpretation Centre that helps the tourists to understand about the working principles & chronolgy of the observatory.

CITY PALACE Located deep within the walled city, the City Palace Complex was conceived and built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. A beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the palace is still home to the last ruling royal family which lives in a private section of the palace. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II is credited with building most of the structures, but it was expanded upon by later rulers as well. The City Palace Complex includes the Mubarak Mahal (the palace of reception) and the Maharani’s Palace (the palace of the queen). Mubarak Mahal now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and displays a vast and unique collection of royal costumes, delicate Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Benaras silk saris, and other dresses with Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery. The clothes of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I are also on display. The Maharani's Palace, surprisingly, has an interesting display of very well-preserved Rajput weaponry, some dating back to the 15th century. Other than the arms, the palace is adorned with beautiful paintings on the ceiling that are well-maintained.

After Breakfast in the morning depart to Visit Amer fort
Enjoy a famous short Elephant Ride to reach at the Palace
Visit Amer Fort & Jaigarh Fort
On the way back Stop over at Jal Mahal for Photostop
Later in the Afternoon Visit Albert Hall Museum
Evening Free for Leisure and Local Shopping at Jaipur City

Today in the morning check out and depart to Pushkar
Travellling Distance - 148 KM (03 hrs)
Enjoy the Walking Tour of City
Visit Pushkar Festival (Oct & Nov only)
Spend Some Free Time
PUSHKAR, the very name evokes images of a vibrant desert carnival that is a cultural congregation of sights and sounds, and of course, camels! Did we say carnival and camels? Yes, you read that right! The humpy king of the desert is one of the biggest attractions of the Pushkar Mela that draws crowds from around the globe to this part of the world. But Pushkar is so much more than this enthralling annual phenomenon! On one hand, the serene town makes for a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, thanks to its age-old temples and religious sites. On the other hand, it fascinates avid travelers with its quirky cafes, stunning architecture, colorful shopping spots, places to visit and culinary culture.

Morning Check out and Depart to Jodhpur
Travelling Distance - 185 KM (4 hrs)
JODHPUR - A DELIGHTFUL BLEND OF THE MODERN AND THE TRADITIONAL Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here. Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD. The history of this prosperous city revolves around the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. The city is known to be built in place of the ancient capital, Mandore of the state of Manwar. Hence, the people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are commonly known as Marwaris. Also, it is believed that the relics of Mandore can still be witnessed in the Mandore Gardens.

Today Enjoy the Village Safari, a day trip from Jodhpur
Late afternoon return to Jodhpur
Spend some free time to explore the city on your own

Today in the morning check out and Transfer to Jaipur Airport
Board the Local Flight fom Jaipur to Varanasi
Flight Duration - 01hour 45min (Direct)
Afternoon arrive Varanasi and Transfer to your Hotel
After Check in and relax depart for Walking Tour of old Town & Ghats
Evening assemble to join faous Ganga Aarti from the Boat on Ganga River

VARANASI is the India of your imagination. This so-called City of Light is one of the most colourful and fascinating places on earth. This is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, which is one of the oldest living cities in the world and one of the holiest in Hinduism. Pilgrims come to the Ganges here to wash away sins in the sacred waters, to cremate their loved ones, or simply to die here, hoping for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The land of Varanasi know called Benaras at ancient time it was known as Kashi, it has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown.
Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi.

Early morning assemble and depart to see the Sunrise from the Boat on Ganga River
Experience something different every time you visit Varanasi. The gentle waters of the Gangas, the boat ride at sunrise, the high banks of the 'Ghats' and an array of shrines, offer an almost spiritual experience that's unique to the city. Every morning, Varanasi wakes up by offering prayers to the holy river.
After this early morning tour return to Hotel, Breakfast and Relax
Later during the morning depart to Visit Sarnath Buddhist Complex
One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, Sarnath is famous as the place where Gautama Buddha deliverd his first Sermon.
The main attractions of Sarnath are Archaeological and Excavation Area (Sarnath, Deer park), Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhammek Stupa (Dhamekha Stupa), Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, Ashoka Pillar (Ashokan Lion Pillar), Ashokan Lion-Capital (the national emblem of India) and the Archeological Museum.
Evening enjoy the Varanasi Market Tour on Rikshaw ride

Today in the morning check out and Transfer to Varanasi Airport
Board the Local Flight fom Varanasi to Khajuraho
Flight Duration - 01hour (Direct)
On arrival Visit Western Group of Temples
Afternoon Visit to Eastern Group of Temples

KHAJURAHO Group of Monuments - India's most titillating town is famed far and wide for the erotic stone carvings that swathe Khajuraho’s three groups of World Heritage–listed temples. The Western Group of temples, in particular, contains some stunning sculptures that together make up some of the finest temple art in the world. The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Temple of Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.

Morning check out and Transfer to Airport to board the Flight to Delhi
On Arrival pick up from airport and depart for rest of the day shopping at local markets in Delhi
After Dinner transfer to Delhi Airport for your return flight back to home country
***End of the Tour***
Bring Sweet and wounderful memories of Incredible India back to your home to share with your Friends and Family !
IMPORTANT NOTICE - Those who will extend the tour they will continue the onward journey as per their schedule.