Duration: 16 Nights & 17 Days
Routing: Delhi - Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Orcha - Khajuraho - Varanasi
Tour Highlights | |
Delhi | Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, President House, Humayun Tomb & Qutub Minar Optional Sound & Light Show at Red Fort with dinner at Chor Bizarre |
Udaipur | City Palace, Sahelion Ki Bari, Lok Kala Museum & Boat Ride at Lake Pichola Optional Sound & Light Show / Vintage Car collection |
Ranakpur | Jain Temple Complex |
Jodhpur | Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada |
Pushkar | Bramha Temple around Lake and village life |
Jaipur | Elephant ride to Amber Fort Palace , City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Observatory) & Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) Optional Cultural evening at Chokhi Dhani, |
Fatehpur Sikri | Akbars Residential Palace, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti |
Agra | Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandara |
Orcha | Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Ram Raja temple |
Khajuraho | Temple Complex - Kandariya Mahadeo, Chaunsat Yogini & others Optional Sound & Light Show |
Varansi | Excursion to Sarnath, Boat Ride & Explore ghats in Ganges |
Kathmandu | Pashupathinath, Boudhnath, Swambhunath, Bhakatpur & Patan |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.
Later in first half of 20thcentury much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)
Day 02 : Delhi
Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jehanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.
In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aybak. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In time transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward journey.
Day 03 : Delhi / Udaipur (By Flight)
Today you take the flight for Udaipur. Udaipur, was founded in the year 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh after his final unsuccessful attempt to defend the Mewar capital, Chittorgarh from the invading Mughals under Emperor Akbar. The Kingdom of Mewar was considered the most respectable among all Princely states in Rajasthan & still remembered for the courage to protect the Kingdom. The site for Udaipur was chosen for its natural beauty, abundant water & natural protection afforded by the surrounding forests & Aravali mountains. It is set on the edge of three lakes & also known as the "City of Lakes & Palaces". Undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in India, its beautiful Palaces are mirrored in the calm waters of Lake Pichola & the city is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces & temples.
Overnight Hotel - Udaipur (B)
Day 04 : Udaipur
Half Day Tour with boat ride in the evening
Today we visit the City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings contributed by various Maharanas (Kings) after Udai Singh & built in the year 1725. The magnificence of the Palace starts right from its entrance at the northern Tripolia Gate that brings us to the central courtyard, the best place to view the facade of filigreed balconies & ornate cupola-topped towers. Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) is an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter & the Ladies of the Queen's court. He built the garden with several fountains, pools & is decorated with chiselled pavilions & elephants. The fountains worked on the unique hydraulic technique devised in the year 1700 AD & work till today.
Later we visit Jagdish Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in the year 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images. We also enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola, the beauty of the lake is enhanced by the surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats & embankments. The Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag Mandir, the two island palaces on the lake look like pearls in the lake.
Day 05 : Udaipur / Jodhpur via Ranakpur ( 260 Kms / 06 Hrs)
Today we drive down to Jodhur. Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 & it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state, also known as Marwar.
En route Ranakpur
En route we will visit Ranakpur, renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in marble, created in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha.
Overnight Hotel - Jodhpur (B)
Day 06 : Jodhpur / Pushkar ( 198 Kms / 04 Hrs )
Half Day Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m high hill & has some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels latticed window. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (Elephant saddles), royal cradles, miniatures paintings, musical instruments, costumes & furniture.
We also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur.
Overnight Hotel - Jodhpur (B)
Today we drive down to Pushkar. Pushkar, located at the bank of Pushkar Lake is famous for Pushkar Fair, The biggest cattle fair held annulaly (october / November ). There is a Hindu Temple of Bramha, the creator of Universe. Upon arrival check the hotel and later explore the village of your own.
Overnight Hotel - Pushkar (B)
Day 07 : Pushkar / Jaipur ( 160 Kms / 03 Hrs )
Post breakfast an Orientation Tour of Pushkar visiting Holy Lake and Brahama Temple.
Today we drive down Jaipur. Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors
Optional Tour - Chokhi Dhani
An evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village resort located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground & includes the entertainment by folk dancers & musicians. Later drive back to hotel. Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (B)
Day 08 : Jaipur
Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort (11 km); the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience.
Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar, the Solar Observatory, an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We now visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows).
Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (B)
Day 09 : Jaipur - Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (260 km - 6 hr)
Today we drive to Agra, en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water.
Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage site.
Half Day Tour
Today we visit Taj Mahal (Closed on fridays), symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal emperor, Shah Jehan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years. Further we visit Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.
Overnight Hotel - Agra (B)
Day 10 :
Agra / Jhansi ( By Chair Car Train),
Jhansi - Orcha ( 16 Kms / 30 Minutes )
Today we take Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi. From Jhansi we drive to Khajuraho, en route we visit Orchha, located at a distanceof 16 km from Jhansi. It has a medieval town atmosphere attached to it. The Betwa River quietly flows by the town. The 16thcentury palaces & temples built by its Bundela rulers appear to be suspended in time. We will visit Orchha Fort complex. Within the Fort complex we visit Jahangir Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Raj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo. We also visit Ram Raja temple, palace-turned-temple with soaring spires & palatial architecture. Built by the King Madhukar Shah it is one of the most unusual temples in India & the only place where Lord Rama is worshipped as a King not as a deity.
Overnight Hotel - Orcha (B)
Day 11 : Orcha / Khajuraho ( 150 Kms / 04 Hrs )
Today we continue our drive to Khajuraho, built between 950-1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst of creativity. Contain stunningly explicit erotic sculptures. They were rediscovered in the 20th century, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Half Day Tour
Today we visit Khajuraho temples, famous for the magnificent carvings depicting numerous exotic postures of the famous Kamasutra, ancient Indian work on sex. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 originally built. In fact, worship is still done today in the Matangeshwara temple, continuing an unbroken 1000 year tradition.
Optional - Sound & Light Show
Overnight Hotel - Khajuraho (B)
Day 12 : Khajuraho - Varanasi (BY Flight)
Today we take a flight to Varanasi, picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism.
Overnight Hotel - Varanasi (B)
Day 13 : Varanasi
Half Day Tour
Today we start our day with a early morning boat ride on the river Ganges. Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rise, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy. Later we explore the city by foot to get the feel of this Oldest living city of the world.
Half Day Excursion
Later today we take an excursion to Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism.
Day 14 : Varanasi - Kathmandu (By Air)
Today we leave for the airport on time to board the flight for Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, situated on the southern slopes of the mighty Himalayas. The flight is magnificent as we view the mighty Himalayan peaks. On arrival we assist you to check-in at our Hotel
Overnight Hotel- Kathmandu
Day 15 : Kathmandu
After breakfast, we leave at 0900 hrs for a full Day city tour of Kathmandu. We visit Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu shrine & one of the most important sites in the world for Shiva worshipers since Pashupathinath is the guardian spirit & holiest of all Shiva shrines in Nepal. Its followed by Boudhnath Stupa, the largest stupa in the valley. It looms 36 meters tall & presents one of the most fascinating specimen of stupa design. Then we visit Swambhunath stupa, which watches over the valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Its establishment is linked to creation of Kathmandu valley out of a primordial lake. Then we leave for visit to Bhaktapur, the city of devotees situated at an altitude of 1401m, & reminds one of the conch shell. Then Patanpur, also known as Lalitpur, the city of fine arts & beauty. Later back to hotel in Kathmandu for overnight stay.
Kathmandu is also famous for its nightlife, scattered with many luxury Casinos.
Overnight Hotel- Kathmandu
Day 16 : Kathmandu
Days at leisure for personal activities. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 17 : Kathmandu / (By Air),
Delhi and connecting flight to Madrid
Day at leisure. Later in the afternoon leave for the airport to board the flight for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi you will have connecting flight for back home.
Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & ensures a punctual transfer to the Airport for onward travel.
Note: The driving hours given above from one city to another is based on the normal conditions of the roads and may vary. Any break for Food / Tea / Toilets / Sightseeing on the way will take extra time than the above given hours.
Cost includes:
Package does not include: