This truly is the most remarkable way of
seeing Northern India. The discovery begins in the grandeur of Delhi with
its imperial buildings and tree lined avenues, before travelling to Lucknow,
scene of the great siege of 1857. We continue our journey with the spiritual
aspects of India, visiting Varanasi, situated on the banks of the holy river
Ganges, Khajuraho with its wonderful carvings, and Orchha steeped in Bundela
architecture. By train to Agra, where our two visits to the Taj Mahal allow
us to see the many faces of this magical monument, We head west to The 'Pink
City' of Jaipur via the bird sanctuary at Bharatpur, one of Asia's leading
bird sanctuaries, and a must for any ornithologist. In Jodhpur the ancient
streets cluster around the magnificent Meherangarh Fort, and while staying
in the small village of Luni we enjoy the contrasts of village India. After
driving through some of Rajasthan's most scenic and dramatic landscapes we
arrive in Udaipur, with its incomparably romantic surroundings. To Bombay,
where the bustle is a marked contrast to the serenity of rural India, and
impressive gothic architecture stands juxtaposed with the sights and sounds
that capture the essence of India.
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Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
On arrival at the airport, you will meet our representative and be
transferred to hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi
Morning leave for sight-seeing tour, which includes visit to Jama Masjid -
the largest mosque of Emperor Shahjahan. Later proceed to Raj Ghat-
cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, to India Gate - a 42 meter stone arch
built in the memory of the Indian Soldiers who died in World War I, Drive
past the President's House & Parliament House, and the Qutab Minar.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03 : Delhi - Lucknow
FMorning connect train # 2004 Lucknow Shatabdi Expres de. 06:15 hrs. arr.
Lucknow at 12:30 hrs. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Afternoon leave
for sightseeing tour of Lucknow visiting Bara Imambara, Clock Tower, Rumi
Darwaza, British Residency etc. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 04 : Lucknow - Varanasi
Morning transfer to the Railway-station to connect train # 4204 LKO BSB
Intercity dep at 07:00 hrs arrive Varanasi at 13:25 hrs. Upon arrival
transfer to the hotel. Later visit Sarnath, near Varanasi is the place where
Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05 : Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on river Ganges to see the Bathing & Cremation
Ghats. Come back for the breakfast at hotel. Later leave for city city tour
of Varanasi visiting Bharat Mata temple, Tulsi Manas, Banaras Hindu
University etc. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 06 : Varanasi - Khajuraho
Morning free for leisure. Later transfer to the Airport to connect flight
IC 806 dep. at 12:10 hrs arrive Khajuraho at 12:50 hrs. Upon arrival
transfer to the hotel. Later visit the famous erotic temples of Khajuraho
built between AD 950 and 1050 by the kings of the Chandela, the site
originally possessed 85 temples, of which 20 are still reasonably preserved.
The temples are best known for the erotic friezes on their walls.
Day 07 : Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra
Morning
free for own activities. Later drive to Jhansi (approx 190 kms / 5 hrs).
Enroute visit Orchha Temples, the 16th Century temples well know for its art
works. Upon arrival connect train # 2001 New Delhi Shatabdi Express dep. at
17:56 hrs arrive Agra at 20:25 hrs. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 08 : Agra
Morning visit world famous "Taj Mahal" the monument of love
immortalized in marble. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of
his Queen Mumtaj. Agra Fort dominated by red sandstone construction &
houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and other noteworthy structures. Rest of
the day free for shopping or for own activities. Overnight stay at hotel.
(Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)
Day 09 : Agra - Bharatpur
Morning drive to Bharatpur (55 kms / 1 hr). Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri
the deserted, red sandstone city, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital
and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. Upon
arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon enter into the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
for a silent ride on bicycle rickshaws to view the migratory birds from all
over Asia. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10 : Bharatpur - Jaipur
Morning re-visit inside the Bird Sanctuary. Afternoon drive to Jaipur (175
kms / 4 hrs). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening you may explore
the Colourful local markets of Jaipur by own. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11 : Jaipur - Jodhpur
Morning visit Amber Fort on elephant back / Jeep. Amber Fort was the
ancient capital of the State. Visit the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Victory
glittering with mirrors. Afternoon leave for city tour visiting City Palace
and Museum. Nearby is the ornate Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds) which is five
stories high and is decorated with delicate screens carved from stone. Also
visit Jantar Mantar Observatory, which is still equipped with immense, brick
and mortar instrument. Evening transfer to the Railway-station to connect
train # 4059 Delhi Jaisalmer Express dep. at 23:57 hrs. Overnight on train.
Day 12 : Jodhpur
Morning arrive Jodhpur at 05:50 hrs. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Later leave for city tour of Jodhpur, including the imposing Meherangarh
fort with its palaces and outstanding museum. Also visit Mahamandir Temple
and the Kailana Lake. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 : Jodhpur - Luni 
Morning drive to Luni, located on the outskirts of Jodhpur covering a
distance of 40 Kms / 01 Hr. Later visit Fort Chanwa, an exquisite residence
of a local noble, has impressive red sandstone facade which dominate
surrounding village. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 14 : Luni - Narlai
Morning drive to Narlai (145 kms / 2 ½ hrs), where you can lunch en
route at a step well on the outskirts of the village. Stay at the charming
Rawla Narlai, a converted former hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Jodhpur.
Afternoon walking tour of Narlai, where you are free to wander around this
religious village. Overnight at Rawla Narlai.
Day 15 : Narlai - Udaipur
Morning drive to Udaipur (approx 115 kms / 2 hrs). Upon arrival transfer to
the hotel. Afternoon leave for city tour visiting City Palace, Jagdish
Temple, drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion ki bari (Queen's resort for
her friends) and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir (Folk art museum ). Overnight stay
at hotel.
Day 16 : Udaipur - Mumbai
Morning transfer to the Airport to connect flight 9W 3401 dep at 08:40 hrs
arrive Mumbai at 10:20 hrs. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Afternoon
leave for city tour of Mumbai. Your tour of Mumbai includes the
British-built arch "Gateway of India," Mumbai landmark; the
Hanging Gardens and the affluent community of Malabar Hills; the Prince of
Wales Museum, and the Gandhi Memorial. Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 : Mumbai - Out
Morning cruise across the harbor to Elephanta Island and its famous caves,
filled with carvings and sculptures dating back to 550 A.D. Evening transfer
to International Airport to connect flight for onward destination. (hotel
checkout 12:00 hrs).
Cultural
Tours in India
