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 – Board overnight train to Varanasi
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.
Evening board train to Varanasi.
Day 03 : Delhi – Board Overnight train to Varanasi
Arrive Varanasi in the morning. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon visit Sarnath, near Varanasi is the place where Lord Buddha
preached his first sermon. Evening watch “Aarti” at River Ganges.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 04 : 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 tour of
Varanasi visiting Bharat Mata temple, Tulsi Manas, Banaras Hindu University
etc. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05 : Varanasi - Khajuraho
Morning free for leisure. Later transfer to the Airport to connect flight
for Khajuraho. 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 06 : Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi - Agra
Morning free for own activities. Later drive to Jhansi (approx 170 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 07 : 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 08 : 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 09 : Bharatpur - Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur (175 kms / 4 hrs). Upon arrival transfer to the
hotel. . 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 you may explore the Colourful local markets of Jaipur by
own. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10 : Jaipur - Jodhpur
Morning visit Amber Fort on elephant back / Jeep. Amber Fort was the
ancient capital of the State. Later drive to Jodhpur (320 kms / 7 hrs).
Overnight at hotel
Day 11 : Jodhpur – Excursion to
Osain
Morning leave for city tour of Jodhpur, including the imposing Meherangarh
fort with its palaces and outstanding museum, Mahamandir Temple, Jaswant
Thada, Mandore Garden and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Afternoon excursion to Osain
which is famous for cultural heritage and ancient temples. Overnight at
hotel.
Day 12 : 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 13 : 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. Afternoon walking tour
of Narlai, where you are free to wander around this religious village.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 : Narlai – Ranakpur - Udaipur
Morning drive to Udaipur (approx 115 kms / 2 hrs). Enroute visit Ranakpur
Jain Temples. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 15 : Udaipur
Morning visit 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 ). Afternoon visit Eklingji and Nagda Temples.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 : Udaipur - Mumbai
Morning transfer to the Airport to connect flight for Mumbai. 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).
