Explore the mysteries of northern India on this memorable nine-day tour. Discover the sanctity of the river Ganges, the magnificent 11th-century temples of Khajuraho, the huge mediaeval palaces of Orchha, the world-famous symbol of love Taj Mahal, and the Amber fortress in Jaipur. And all around you, the ever-present colours, music, dances and foods of India that together offer an unforgettable experience.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Delhi: Delhi is a combination of the cities that were founded between 900 BC and 1930 AD. An elegant capital city brimming with history.
Varanasi: Life in Varanasi is concentrated around the ghats that skirt the holy river Ganges, where most of the temples and ritual activities are located.
Khajuraho: The Temples of Khajuraho are adorned with hundreds of carved figures: a galaxy of gods and goddesses, animals, snakes and a multitude of erotic couples representing a hymn to everyday life, love and joy.
Agra: The ancient capital of the Mughal dynasty, one of the most visited cities in India and an important part of the "Golden Triangle" tour of northern India.
Jaipur: The capital city of Rajasthan is famous for its pink sandstone buildings. It was founded by King Sawai Jai Singh II, a great astronomer, and was built according to the Vastu Shastra.
Day 1: ARRIVAL DELHI
Welcome to Delhi, the capital city of India, where a representative will meet you at the airport and guide you to your transfer to your hotel. Learn about the fascinating medieval history of northern India in this city that has undergone massive changes in the last few decades. In this land, fabled to have seen seven cities over the millennia, signs of the old are continuously jostling with the new, presenting a fascinating and ever-changing panorama. After check-in at your hotel, in the afternoon, visit the beautiful historical Jama Masjid, commonly known as the Friday Mosque. At the end of the day, we recommend a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi, before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: DELHI – VARANASI (1.5 hrs by flight; not included)
In the morning, after breakfast, transfer to the airport and board a flight for Varanasi (not included in the tour price). The antiquity of Varanasi, like its spirituality, is immortal. Life in Varanasi today takes place around the Ghats that skirt the river Ganges, where most of the temples are located. From dawn to dusk, a steady stream of devotees can be seen here performing rituals. The city itself is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, which hide about a thousand temples and shrines. Thus is Varanasi, the city of prayer. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in, and later witness the "Aarti" ceremony performed on the Ghats of the sacred Ganges river.
Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 3: VARANASI – KHAJURAHO (1 h by flight; not included)
Wake up early in the morning to enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges River. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then transfer to Varanasi airport, where you’ll catch a flight to Khajuraho (not included in the tour price). Khajuraho was the capital of the kings of the Chandela dynasty, and its temples were built over a period of hundreds of years. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and then visit the temples of Khajuraho. Most of these temples were destroyed by Muslim invaders and now only 22 of them remain, adorned with exquisite sculptures. The most famous of them are Kandariya Mahadev, the Chaturbhuj, the Paraswanath and Ghantai, probably the ultimate Hindu sculpture, combining voluptuous, human and divine forms.
Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 4: KHAJURAHO – ORCHHA – JHANSI (200 km – 4 hrs) / JHANSI – AGRA IN TRAIN (3 hrs by train)
After breakfast, depart for Orchha. The palaces and temples of this medieval town were built by the rulers of the Bundela dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Jehangir Mahal, for instance, was built in the 17th century by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Upon arrival, visit the temples of Orchha. The Raja Mahal has a simple exterior crowned by cenotaphs and the interior is adorned with murals painted with religious themes. The temple of King Raja Ram is more unusual as it is a palace turned into a temple, wherein Rama is worshiped as a Raja (King). Later transfer to Jhansi railway station to catch an evening train for Agra, where you’ll arrive late at night. Agra, sitting on the banks of the sacred river Yamuna, is one of the most visited cities in India, and most of its visitors come for one thing: the Taj Mahal.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 5: AGRA
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by an excursion to Sikandara to visit the Akbar’s tomb. On the way back, make a stop at the Eit-mad-ud-daullah, the tombs of the in-laws of Mughal emperor Jehangir. They are famous as a baby Taj Mahal, due to its intricate work in white marble. Return to the hotel. In the afternoon, proceed to visit the Agra Fort, also built by Emperor Akbar. Constructed entirely with red sandstone, the Agra Fort is a breath-taking combination of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 6: AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – JAIPUR (250 km – 5 hrs)
After breakfast, enjoy a morning visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal, erected by Shah Jahan in 1630 to enshrine the mortal remains of his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned entirely from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy. This 'Love Poem in Marble' took 17 years to complete. Then, en route to Jaipur, stop to visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This city was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century but was deserted 14 years after its founding because of a scarcity of water. Visit the remarkably well-preserved and graceful buildings of the 'Ghost City', which evoke a mysterious past: the Panch Mahal, a strange building resembling a Buddhist temple, a courtyard enclosing the audience hall, the black-and-white floor where the emperor played chess with slaves as pawns. Continue then to Jaipur, where you’ll check in at the hotel. Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the terra-cotta-coloured lime plaster that coats the old part of the city’s walls, buildings and temples. Pink is the traditional colour of hospitality, a tribute to Jaipur’s gracious tradition of hospitality. Today, Jaipur is quickly becoming a vibrant economy that is attracting many multinational enterprises to set up shop here.
Overnight it Jaipur.
Day 7: JAIPUR
Wake up to breakfast and head by jeep to the Amber Fort for a morning visit. This is one of the most fascinating Indian forts, comprising a palace of mirrors, a hall of public audience and many beautiful gardens, all of which give us a glimpse of the majestic life it housed in a bygone era. En route to the fort, make a brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of the Winds’. Then, once inside the Fort, visit the Jag Mandir, or ‘Hall of Victory’, famous for the Sheesh Mahal – a room in which all four walls and the ceiling are completely covered with glittering mirror pieces. Later in the afternoon join a visit to the Maharaja's City Palace, part of which is now a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Its Armoury Museum houses an impressive array of pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory made of stone and marble in the world. The observatory contains 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 8: JAIPUR – DELHI (260 km – 6 hrs)
In the morning, after breakfast, bid farewell to Jaipur and set off on the long drive back to Delhi, coming full circle back to where your adventure began. Check in at your selected hotel and spend your last night in the capital city of India at leisure, making the most of the services available at the hotel or further exploring the many fascinating sites this bustling city has to offer.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 9: DEPARTURE DELHI
After one last breakfast in the hotel, hop onto your transfer to the International Airport of Delhi, where you’ll catch your onward flight to your next destination.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
