Destination: – Delhi – Varanasi – Khajuraho – Orchha – Jhansi – Agra – Jaipur – Samode – Delhi
Duration: – 8 Nights/9 Days
DAY 01: Arrive Delhi
Meet and assist on arrival in Delhi. Later transfer to your pre-booked hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel in Delhi.
DAY 02: Delhi
After breakfast, our guide will meet you at hotel lobby to take you on the full day city tour of Delhi. The tour includes visit to interesting places in Old Delhi in the first half, covering”Red Fort” (exterior) built by Emperor Shahjahan the creator of Taj Mahal,” Jama Masjid” one of Asia’s largest mosque, enjoy the cycle rikshaw ride in “Chandni Chowk” the main street in old Delhi and a lively shopping bazaar and later visit to ”Rajghat”, memorial site of father of the nation Mahatama Gandhi. Afternoon tour of New Delhi to include, the mid- 16th century “Humayun’s Tomb”, the 12th century medieval tower “Qutub Minar” and drive past “India Gate” a 42m high stone memorial arch, “Parliament House” and “President’s residence” in New Delhi. By evening return to your hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 03: Delhi- Varanasi (Flight AM hours)
Morning transfer to the airport to board the flight for Varanasi, known to be the oldest living city in the world, situated on the western bank of holy river Ganges. Varanasi is also known by other names as Kashi and Benaras. Meet and assist on arrival at Varanasi airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon excursion to “Sarnath” where Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, 2500 years ago. In the evening visit river “Ganges” with guide by cycle rickshaws to witness the evening “Aarti”- worship of holy Ganges with lit oil lamps with recitation of holy chants and music. Overnight.
DAY 04: Varanasi
Morning “boat cruise” at the river Ganges to observe the riverside activities, performed by pilgrims on various Ghats (Banks) of the Ganges. Later visit the “temples, Aurangzeb’s Mosque, Banaras Hindu University”, one of the oldest and biggest university of India and the “Museum”. Rest of the day is free to relax at hotel or spend the time at the Ghats of the Ganges or visit the narrow lanes and bazaars of the city. Overnight.
DAY 05: Varanasi- Khajuraho (Flight PM hours)
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight for Khajuraho. Arrive Khajuraho and transfer to hotel. Post lunch take a guided tour of the Chandela dynasty Hindu temples built around 10th century, known for their erotic sculptures & carvings. Visit the Northern, eastern & Southern group of temples. Evening enjoy the sound and light show. Overnight.
DAY 06: Khajuraho- Orchha-Jhansi (By Road- 175 Kms/3.5 hours approx)- Agra (By evening train)
After breakfast drive to Orchha the erstwhile capital of Bundela rulers. The most famous tourist attractions in Orchha are 14 “Chattris” (Cenotaphs) built during 16th & 17th centuries, laid along the river Betwa & serving as memorials to the Bundela Kings. The most famous of these are “Rajamandir” and “Jahangir Mahal” a beautiful specimen of Hindu architecture. Continue for Jhansi railway station to board your evening Shatabdi train for Agra. Arrive Agra and transfer to hotel. Overnight.
DAY 07: Agra-Jaipur (By Road- 265 Kms/ 5 hours approx)
Morning at sunrise visit the magnificent “Taj Mahal”- one of the seven wonders of the world. The symbol of eternal love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal . Later, visit the grand Agra Fort built by Great Emperor Akbar. After Lunch drive to ” Pink city” as Jaipur is popularly known as, enroute stop at “Fatehpur Sikri” (World Heritage site) 37 Km south west of Agra, red sand stone city built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Continue for Jaipur and on arrival check into your hotel. Overnight.
DAY 08: Jaipur
After breakfast, make a guided city tour of Pink city Jaipur, visit the Amber fort, built in 16th century, and enjoy an elephant ride at Amber. Drive past the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) originally built to enable ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life and procession of the city. In the afternoon you will visit the beautiful City Palace, a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture and the museum, walk to adjacent Jantar Mantar an astronomical observatory. Rest of the evening is at leisure. Stay overnight at hotel in Jaipur.
DAY 09: Jaipur – Samode- Delhi – (By Road- 260 Kms/ 5 hours approx)
Leisurely breakfast at hotel and later drive back to Delhi via Samode village to visit the Samode palace. The palace has been converted into one of the premium palace hotel of the country. The Palace is a perfect example of Rajput-Mughal architecture. On arrival in Delhi, met & transfer to international airport to connect flight back to home/ onward destination with sweet memories of your trip to India.