Classical North India Tours
Duration of Classical North India Tours – 11 Days
Destinations of Classical North India Tours
- Delhi, Varanasi,
Khajuraho, Agra,
Jaipur, Udaipur
Day 01: - Arrive Delhi,
India
Arrive at Delhi International Airport.
Delhi - A bustling metropolis and a city of 14 million inhabitants,
is also India’s capital. A near perfect blend of the
ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting two parts Old &
New Delhi, is a city with something for everyone. From Forts
and monuments that are almost 500 years old, to modern shopping
malls, nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is India’s
crown jewel.
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our
representative who will present you with a welcome pack including
all necessary documentation and arrange for your transfer
to your hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today,
since most of the International flights arrive into India
close to midnight only. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 02: In Delhi
This morning you are collected from your hotel for full day
tour of Old and New Delhi.
The tour of the 17th-century old city includes the great
mosque of Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the
colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk (“Moonlit
Street”). Red Fort, most spectacular pieces of mughal architecture,
built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648.
Drive past Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
The tour of New Delhi includes Qutab Minar, one of the most
popular landmarks in Delhi built in 1199. The Humayun's Tomb,
the precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular
Rajpath (“the Kingsway,”) passing the India Gate (the memorial
built to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the President’s
House, and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite
from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern
and colourful Hindu temple.
Evening at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover the
city or its many restaurants on your own. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Delhi - Varanasi
This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted
from your hotel to the Delhi airport in time for your flight
to Varanasi.
Varanasi - One of the holiest cities in India, Varanasi is
one of the most important pilgrimage sites and also a major
tourist attraction. It has been the religious capital of Hinduism
since time immemorial. Situated on the banks of the sacred
Ganges,
Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization for
more than 2,000 years. Written records of the Skanda Purana
and the Mahabharata mention its existence as long as 3,000
years ago. It is probably the oldest living city in India,
and one of the world's most ancient. Varanasi has been a great
cultural centre, especially in the fields of music, learning
and the craft of silk weaving.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc. Early afternoon, you are collected from your
hotel for a half-day tour of Varanasi.
The tour of this ancient city includes The Bharat Mata Temple,
which has a big relief map of India in marble, the Benares
Hindu University with its art gallery, and the Mosque of Mughal
Emperor Aurangazeb built on the side of an ancient Hindu temple,
bathing ghats, The Kashivishwanath temple, The Durgakund.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Varanasi
– Khajuraho
Early morning enjoy a boat ride on the holy river The Ganges.
A highlight of any trip to Varanasi - this incredible scene
as multitudes of devotees comes to the river to pay homage
to the Sun God. The riverfront, as seen from a boat at sunrise,
is a spiritually uplifting sight. Hinduism, deep and mystical,
is everywhere: in a decorated doorway; in a glimpse of a glittering
temple; in the sound of a sacred bell; in the chant of the
priests; and in the fragrance of flower oblations.
Return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast, and early
afternoon, met by our representative and escorted from your
Hotel to the Varanasi airport in time for your flight to Khajuraho.
Khajuraho - Famous for its temples that are India's unique
gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life,
to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression.
Life, in every form and mood, has been captured in stone,
testifying not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to
the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs
under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed
in the short span of a hundred yeas, from 950-1050 AD, in
a truly inspired burst of creativity.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc. Evening at leisure and overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Khajuraho –
Jhansi – Agra
This morning your are collected from your hotel for half-day
City tour of Khajuraho visiting eastern & western group
of temples.
Afternoon drive from Khajuraho to Jhansi (172kms/3½
hrs.) nearest railway station of Khajuraho, and aboard the
Shatabdi Express train to Agra (1750/2000hrs).
Agra - “The Land of Taj” was once the capital
of the Mughal Empire and even today it seems to linger in
the past. Not surprising, for the Mughal emperors with their
passion for building, endowed the city with some of the finest
structures in the world. Agra is an old city and it is said
that its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest that’s
finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. In more recent times
Agra came into prominence when Sikandar Lodi made it his capital
city in 1501. Later it passed into the possession of the Mughals.
It was during the time of the third emperor “Akbar”
that Agra came into its own and later on his grandson “Shah
Jehan” ornamented the city with that masterpiece of
Mughal architecture - The Taj Mahal.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Agra
This morning you are collected for half day city tour of Agra
visiting The Taj Mahal - a poem, a feeling of love, in white
marble, is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural
styles. It has been described as the most extravagant monument
ever built for love. Your tour also includes a visit to the
Red Sandstone Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the
16th century, lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost
in the heart of town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the
years of 1565-1573.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Agra –
Jaipur
This morning you drive to Jaipur (250 kms/05 hrs.), visiting
Fatehpur Sikri en-route – often called the ghost city
, built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as
the capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously
abandoned 13 years later. Later continue your drive to the
Pink City of Rajasthan - Jaipur
Jaipur - Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance, and song
with the traditional arts and crafts. It's one of India's
most well planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads,
streets and lanes in a grid system. The great warrior/astronomer
Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's foundation.
Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed specifications
from an epochal Hindu treatise on architecture.
This "Pink City," so called because its buildings
are painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses
the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs. The
royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The
palaces and forts of yesteryear, once witness to royal processions,
now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments, juxtaposition
accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing
people.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Jaipur
This morning, you are collected from your hotel for a city
tour of Jaipur.
Visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds,” one
of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually
little more than a façade. The five-story building
was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household
to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.
The City Palace, located in the heart of the old city, is
a large complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and
also houses an interesting museum.
Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient
astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion
for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a
warrior.
Your tour also includes a visit to the Amber fort, situated
on the outskirts of the city. Here; you are transported back
in time today, riding like royalty atop elegantly draped and
painted elephants into the high mountain fortress. Amber Fort
was the ancient capital of the State until 1728 and inside
the fort, you visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of victory glittering
with mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Jaipur
- Udaipur
This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted
from your hotel to the Jaipur airport in time for your flight
to Udaipur.
Udaipur - The enchanting city of Udaipur was once the lakeside
capital of Mewar. Romantic, wistful, and serene, Udaipur was
built around shimmering blue lakes that reflect the green
hills of the Aravali Ranges. Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur
in 1599, and this extraordinarily beautiful city has come
to be celebrated for its association with Queen Padmini and
Meera Bai, royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes
of the Sisodia family. Developed scientifically, the old city
was surrounded by fortified bastions with entry through 11
gates. Ruins of the se ancient fortifications are still in
evidence, and the more recently built palaces can still be
visited. Udaipur was also the location where the Hollywood,
James Bond blockbuster “Octopussy”was filmed.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc.
Afternoon, you are collected from your hotel for half-day
tour of Udaipur.
The tour includes a visit to the City Palace, the largest
palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted
balconies, and cupolas. The main part of the palace is now
preserved as a museum.
Saheliyon-Ki-Bari or “Garden of the Maids of Honor”
is a small ornamental garden with fountains, kiosks, marble
elephants, and delightful lotus pools.
Jagdish Temple is an Indo-Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
It has a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe.
The day ends with a sunset boat ride on the shimmering waters
of the Lake Pichola, within which seemingly floats The Lake
Palace Hotel. Considered one of the most beautiful palaces
in the world, arising out of the Turquoise Waters of the Lake
Pichola like an elegant fantasy in white marble.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Udaipur – Delhi
Morning at leisure in Udaipur, after which you will be met
by our representative and escorted from your Hotel to the
Udaipur airport in time for your flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc. The evening is at leisure to either relax, or
explore the city on your own, or perhaps indulge in some last
minute shopping. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Depart Delhi
Met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to
the Delhi airport in time for your flight home.
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