Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi

Delhi is a city of dramatic contrasts, and is the most popular starting point for any tour of India. A tour to Old Delhi includes the Red Fort and the mosque of Jama Masjid with a stroll through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Square"). A New Delhi travel includes the Humayun's Tomb, in many ways the precursor of the Taj Mahal, the India Gate, a memorial dedicated to the unknown soldiers who laid their lives in the World War I, the President's House, and the Parliament House.

Relax and enjoy an airport transfer in a private vehicle, with driver, and English-speaking assistant.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

The Hilton New Delhi/Janakpuri hotel is only 20 minutes from Delhi's international and domestic airports. With the Metro station on the doorstep of this hotel, access is easy to the central business district, Gurgaon, and the international exhibition center, Pragati Maidan. All of the contemporary, air-conditioned guest rooms are some of the largest hotel rooms in the city. Enjoy a range of dining options with 8 on-site bars and restaurants. Keep fit while you travel in the fitness center by Precor and spoil yourself with a treatment in the Urban Spa, which features a sauna, steam room and outdoor swimming pool.

Overnight at Hilton (Janakpuri).

Day 2 Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and known as the Pink City for its reddish stucco on the massive Rajput forts. The Amber Palace complex overlooking the artificial lake south of the town is one of the most popular tourist sites. Bustling markets offer great shopping.

This private guided tour of New Delhi boast spectacular monuments and holy sites.  The city of New Delhi was designed in the typically British colonial style, with tree-lined avenues and colonial bungalows.  Whilst on the this tour you will see the Laxminarayan Temple, a modern Hindu temple, and Gate of India which is a 42 m high War Memorial Arch.  On route you will drive past the Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings and the Vice Regal Palace, which is now the official residence of the President of India.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Jaipur.

The Traditional Rajput architect, a mixture of Mughal and Indian, a facade with domes and frescoes. The House is a very fine example of Shekhawati frescoes and architecture. The family portraits, which add to the charm of this family hotel where tradition still runs strong. Like many historic houses, Shahpura House is a curious mixture of the old and the new.

Overnight at Shahpura House (Heritage).

Day 3 Jaipur

Private guided tour of the City Palace of Jaipur, an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture, originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs. The vast palace complex occupies one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of massive astronomical instruments, built of local stone and marble. Each instrument carries an astronomical scale marked on the marble inner lining, and bronze tablets were also employed. Adjoining the Palace is the  Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal overlooks one of the main streets and also provides some excellent views of the city.

Avail a vehicle and driver at your disposal around Northern India.

Overnight at Shahpura House (Heritage).

Day 4 Agra

Agra boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, and nearby Fatehpur Sikri. The Taj Mahal in all its timeless beauty is still the inspiration of poets and painters, writers and photographers. Agra Fort is a testament to the Mughal dynasties and their conqueror architecture. And the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri dazzles with its temples and palace yards.

Enjoy this transfer to Agra in a private vehicle with driver. On the way, you will visit the ancient ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. This area was built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, and was known as the "City of Victory", and the capital of the Mughal Empire for 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples boasts uniform architectural style, which includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.

Situated close to the Taj Mahal, the world-renowned monument to love, The Taj View Hotel is also conveniently located near Agra Cantt Railway Station. Guests can look forward to gracious interiors, personalized service and the Taj's inimitable style for a memorable stay. Stylish and comfortable, all guestrooms at Taj View Hotel evoke the beauty of the Taj Mahal itself, with several offering an uninterrupted view of it. Taj offers a distinctive dining experience, one that explores the nuances of the finest Indian and international cuisines, serving traditional and contemporary favorites.Guests can take advantage of the hotel's recreation activities and its dedicated activity team that organizes a range of recreational activities.

Overnight at Taj Gateway.

Day 5 Agra

Be amazed on this private guided tour of Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his dear wife and Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Also visit Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble. This great monument of red sandstone dominating a bend in the river Yamuna, 2km northwest of Taj Mahal was constructed by the Mughals during 1565-1571.

Avail a vehicle and driver at your disposal around Northern India.

Enjoy your overnight train ride from Agra to Varanasi. The train departs late in the evening and arrives at Varanasi in the morning.

Overnight at Overnight Varanasi Train.

Day 6 Varanasi

Varanasi is set at the left bank of the mighty river Ganges, this immensely chaotic place of pilgrimage is known for its ritual burnings. A dawn boat ride down the river is a fascinating and unforgettable spectacle. The city is sacred to Hindus and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the back drop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world - definitely a must see destination on any trip to northern India.

From Varanasi, a private vehicle with driver and English-speaking guide will take you on a private guided tour of Sarnath. This site is known as deer park, but more importantly is the location where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Amongst the ruins is Dharmekh Stupa, an impressive structure built to approximately 128 feet high, by 93 feet in diameter. This site dates back to around 200 BC and is where the Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon. Dhamekha Stupa was originally constructed by the Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, and has had several face-lifts and additions added in the 3rd and the 11th century BC.

The Taj Gateway hotel is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, just 21 kms (45 mins drive) from the airport. The hotel is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this crowded, ancient temple city. The hotel is 6 kms away from the city centre or the commercial hub of Varanasi, also commonly known as The Chowk. The hotel is constructed in the holy Swastik shape (The Swastika is an ancient symbol which re-presents good fortune and blessing). Taj Gateway offers recently renovated & refurbished world-class contemporary rooms & suites with choice of views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool. The hotel has 130 rooms divided in four categories - Standard Rooms, Executive Rooms, Executive Suites and Deluxe Suites.

Overnight at The Taj Gateway.

Day 7 Varanasi

Winding through the streets and popping out onto the riverside will give you an insider’s look at the symbiotic life of the riverside people of Varanasi. Eventually, as you tour through the city you will end up on Bengali Tola, the street of the Bengalis, where you will be visiting the hidden Mother Goddess Kali shrines, and the vistas of life along the riverside. The tour continues to the historic ritual bathing site called Dashaswamedh, or the ten-horse sacrifice Ghat, the perfect way to conclude this walking city tour.

This evening Aarti Ceremony is an absolutely wonderful sight seen from the Gange river.  This tour includes a boat ride to experience the magic of the river during this spectacular event.

Overnight at The Taj Gateway.

Day 8 Delhi

Glide along the famous and holy Ganges waterway in a private boat accompanied by an expert guide.  The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi attract tourists and pilgrims of all ages for the opportunity to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one's sins.  Pilgrims and tourists alike can be seen swimming and bathing immediately next to the funeral pyres of the riverside temples.  This is a somewhat surreal experience and only for those with a strong constitution.

From your hotel, a private vehicle, with driver, and English speaking guide, will transfer you to the airport for your flight.

Enjoy your flight from Varanasi to Delhi today. The flight duration is approximately 90 minutes.

Relax and enjoy an airport transfer in a private vehicle, with driver, and English-speaking assistant.

Depart from Delhi international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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