Itinerary

Day 01:           Arrival in Delhi

 Arrival at New Delhi International Airport, meeting assistance by our representative who will welcome you and will provide transfer to the hotel. Upon reaching your hotel, you will be handed over the travel documents with a complete briefing of your tour by the representative. Check-in and proceed to your room.    

 Overnight stay at Hotel.

 Day 02:           In Delhi

 Breakfast at hotel. This morning explore India’s capital city by touring its magnificent monuments, start your tour by visiting - Old Delhi: an ancient walled city earlier known as Shahjahanabad. Take a photo stop at Red Fort: the most opulent red sandstone fort and palace of the Moghul Empire (1639-1648 built by Shah Jahan the 5^th Mughal Emperor of India and the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra), visit Jama -  Masjid: Largest mosque in India, the foundation of the historic Jama Masjid was laid on a hillock in Shahjahanabad by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1650 AD, this mosque was the result of the efforts of over 6,000 workers, over a period of six years (1650-1656 AD). The cost of the construction in those times was 1 million rupees. This Mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. About 25,000 people can pray here at a time. The mosque has a vast paved rectangular courtyard, which is nearly 75 m by 66 m. The whole of the western chamber is a big hall standing on 260 pillars.

 Visit Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city, designed by Emperor Shah Jahan’s daughter Jahanara Begum. Jahanara laid the foundation of Chandni Chowk, which is the largest trading center of Delhi as well as India. At present the street is a busy thoroughfare and is really congested. This area is renowned for 'Kuchas and Katras' also known as Alleys. These alleys house traditional Havelis, innumerable places of worship, popular specialised markets and century-old eating joints. Enjoy a cycle-rickshaw ride. 

 Visit the Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi - Father of Nation. 

 Later visit New Delhi designed and built by the British in the 1920's it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. First drive past Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the capital, then drive to Rajpath (King’s Way), India Gate - the 42mt high stone "Arch of Triumph", erected in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in First World War. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (President Palace) and Parliament House. Later visit the Qutab Minar 12^th century minaret built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty - this building complex dates back to the onset of Muslim rule in India and is fine example of Afghan architecture which is graceful and well sculptured and stands 75 meters. Also visit the Baha’i Temple (Lotus Temple) Lotus being a symbol of peace and prosperity all around the world, the shape of the temple personifies the purpose for which the foundation of this marvelous man-made architectural was laid. Lotus temple is made of pristine marble blocks, cement, dolomite and sand and the entire ascetic value is coddled by the group of nine pools filled with crystal clear water. In accord with the mores of Baha'i religion, the temple is open to everyone from anywhere in the world who is looking for inner peace & tranquility.

 Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03:           Delhi / Jaipur

Breakfast and checkout from hotel. This morning drive to Jaipur, arrive and check-in at hotel.   

In the evening, visit the Birla Temple, built as recently as 1985 in marble, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Witness the Aarti Ceremony (Prayer ceremony) which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Also visit the Albert Hall for a photo stop.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04:           In Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel, this morning take an excursion to Amber Fort, the former royal capital. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills.We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. This fort is a architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delighted their former royal residents. Later stop for a photo-stop at Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a four-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could see the royal processions, unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens. Afterwards, proceed for tour of City Palace in the heart of Jaipur known for its blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the complex which houses the rare and rich collection of Ornaments, Arms, Royal Costumes, Carpets and Decorative Art objects of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture. Another monument near the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh-I, the founder ruler of Jaipur. It is an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date, it is classified as a world heritage site.

Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 05:           Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra

After breakfast check-out from hotel, later drive to Agra, stopping enroute at deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire’s splendour. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. Afterwards continue your ride to Agra. Upon arrival check-in at hotel.

Later during the day visit the Agra Fort a World Heritage Site, located near to the Taj Mahal gardens on the banks of River Yamuna. The real specimen of architectural marvel, this fortress was constructed in the 15^th century. The construction of this mammoth structure started during 1565 during the reign of Emperor Akbar and continued the developments up to the period of Emperor Shah Jahan. The fort, in a length of 2.5 km marvelous enclosure walls, is built in red sandstones and encloses many monuments which are real architectural wonders. Many exquisite palaces such as the Jehangiri Mahal, Shah Jahani Mahal, the Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam - which was used as a communications ground between the public and the aristocracy and once housed the Peacock Throne, Diwan-i-Khas - a hall of private audience, it was used to welcome Kings and dignitaries and Mussaman Burj - a large, octagonal tower with a balcony facing the Taj Mahal are enclosed in the Fortress. Other monuments include the Fish Pavilion, the Nagina Masjid, Garden of Grapes and the Pearl Mosque. Views of the Taj Mahal from the Fort are amazing.

Day 06:           Agra / Delhi / Varanasi (by flight)

This early morning visit world famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonder of the World. A pristine monument of undying love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. It took 22 years and hard toil of more than twenty thousand workers to construct Taj Mahal. The beauty of the Taj Mahal is enchanting and it reflects the marvellous beauty of architecture. Taj Mahal symbolize the richness of art and architecture of the Mughal period.

Later, return back to our hotel for breakfast, check-out from hotel and drive to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to the domestic airport to board flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi, assistance from airport to hotel.

Check-in at hotel for overnight stay.

Day 07:           In Varanasi

Breakfast at hotel, visit several temples and the Benaras Hindu University. First stop would be the Bharat Mata (temple of Mother India) it features a huge marble map of India on the ground floor. Next visit the Durga Temple, this temple is one of the most imposing architectural monuments in Varanasi.

Banaras Hindu University is an internationally reputed temple of learning, situated in the holy city of Varanasi. This Creative and innovative university was founded by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, in 1916 with cooperation of great personalities like Dr Annie Besant, who viewed it as the University of India. Banaras Hindu University was created under the Parliamentary legislation - B.H.U. Act 1915. It played a stellar role in the independence movement and has developed into the greatest center of learning in India. It has produced many great freedom fighters and builders of modern India and has immensely contributed to the progress of the nation through a large number of renowned scholars, artists, scientists and technologists who have graced its portals. The university, which occupies a large piece of land at the southern end of town, is also home to the New Vishwanatha Temple. The New Temple is modern in design and open to Hindus and non-Hindus alike. Evening, visit the ghats of river Ganges to witness the performance of Ganges Aarti – prayer ceremony. See Hindu devotees performing the "Puja" with lighted lamps. The view is very mesmerizing and the ambience is spectacular in the backdrop of the ringing bells as well as the incessant chantings.

Later return to the hotel, overnight stay at hotel.

Day 08:           In Varanasi

At dawn we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride. Every morning at dawn hundreds of worshippers can be seen bathing in the sacred waters. The great river banks are lined with an endless chain of stone steps—the ghats—that stretch from one end of the city to the other. The Ghats form an impressive part of the religious landscape of the city. Proceeding downstream at a leisurely pace, you would be pointed out the significant temples and buildings as well as the changing architectural style. Life and death go hand in hand in Varanasi. While young people seek prosperity and protection from harmful influences, the older generation comes to Varanasi to cleanse their souls in the forgiving waters in preparation for their ultimate dissolution.

Following the boat ride we set off on foot to explore the inner city. Through a maze of narrow alleys, home to numerous shrines and shops.

Return hotel for breakfast. Afterwards - take an excursion to the Buddhist city of Sarnath. It is here that the Buddha preached his first sermons after attaining enlightenment.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 09:           Varanasi / Delhi 

Breakfast at hotel, Morning is at leisure for independent activities. Afternoon transfer to the airport to board your flight to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi transfer from airport to local restaurant for Farewell Dinner, after dinner, transfer to international airport to board return journey flight. 

Day 10:           Departure from Delhi

Departure by an international flight early in the morning.   

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