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North India Tours |
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| Tour Itinerary in Detail (Tour code: INDIA/PTT/TR 07) |
NORTH INDIA TOUR > Delhi – Jaipur – Agra – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi > 09 Nights / 10 Days
The great northern plains of India, traversed by the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, have been the cradle of the mighty empires of the last two millennia, from the Mauryan dynasty that reached its zenith under Ashoka in the 3rd century BC to the powerful Mughals whose glorious architectural legacy is evident in the many forts, palaces and temples that remain. It was here, also, in what became known as ‘Hindustan’, that the British Raj consolidated its rule over the Indian sub-continent after the effective collapse of the Mughals, and here also that the devastating Indian Mutiny of 1857 most seriously challenged that rule. |
Day 01
Arrival Delhi: Met on arrival by our representative. Traditional welcome with garlanding and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
Day 02
Delhi / Jaipur (250 Kms - 05 hrs): After a morning at leisure we drive to Jaipur - the fabled “pink city” of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal processions and splendors, are now living monuments. Arrive and check inn to the hotel.
This will be a cultural evening, we visit Chokhi Dhani - An ethnic village resort, the vitality of Rajasthani folk culture comes alive as children dance rhythmically to the loud tenor of folk songs sung by men and women, festooned in bright clothes. Gaily caparisoned camel, horses and bullock carts offer joy rides. A traditional Rajasthani dinner will be served. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
Day 03
In Jaipur: After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel we visit the dramatic hilltop fortress at Amber – ascend the imposing fort on a painted elephant. We wander among glittering inlays and the Hall of Mirrors.
We stop to view the elegant Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)- this elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world.
Post lunch tour of the Maharajah’s City Palace, now partly a museum display a unique fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and house a rare collection of paintings, Rajput armoury and costumes. Later we visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory - situated in the heart of the city where time has been accurately measured since the 17th century.
Explore the colourful bazaars of Jaipur where one can shop for Jewellery, Paintings, block prints, textiles, carpets, brassware, blue pottery etc. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
Day 04
Jaipur / Agra (250 Kms – 05 hrs): Morning drive leisurely to the city of Taj, Agra, we stop at a good restaurant for lunch enroute also visit the evocative city of Fatehpur Sikri - Built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century, it is a veritable fairytale city built of red sandstone, and its "ruins" are in pristine condition.
We continue to Agra, arrive and check inn to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
Day 05
In Agra: After having our breakfast at the hotel we leave to explore the monumental heritage of the Great Mughals, including the magnificent Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. It's a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone - undoubtedly the highlight of the tour.
Post lunch tour of the imposing Agra Fort - built of red sandstone and marble is a hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards, fountains and gates.
Rest of the evening free to explore the local handicrafts and shopping centers of the city where one can look for marble inlay work, fine quality carpets, Zari and embroidery, leather goods etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.
[Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday]. |
Day 06
Agra / Orchha (238kms – 04hrs): After breakfast we drive to Orchha - once the capital of Bundelas, Orchha is a village, set amongst a complex of well preserved palaces and temples. Though Orcha was founded in 1531, it's golden age was during the first half of 17th century. When Jahangir visiting the city in 1606, a special palace, the Jehangir Mahal was built for him.
Post lunch tour of this historical site with magnificent temples and monuments. Some of the Palaces were decorated with painted murals, which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of Painting.
Overnight stay at the hotel. |
Day 07
Orchha / Khajuraho (178 Kms - 4 hrs.): Morning drive to Khajuraho – the legendary temples of Khajuraho built in the 9th and the 10th century are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one of the world’s artistic wonders. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of its erotic sculptures.
Arrive by lunch and check inn to the hotel. After lunch we visit the exquisite 10th century temples of Khajuraho.
Evening enjoy “Sound and Light show” in the western group of temples.
Overnight stay at the hotel. |
Day 08
Khajuraho / Varanasi (By flight): Morning free at leisure. Afternoon flight to Varanasi - said to be the India’s most sacred city situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganga. It is also the oldest living city in the world. As a place for devotion and worship, with hundreds of temples dotting the city, sunrise on the riverfront as seen from a boat can be a spiritually uplifting sight. It has a fascination uniquely its own, a quality of sublime beauty, a timeless eternal appeal. Varanasi is the city, which cannot be described, only experienced.
On arrival we transfer to the hotel.
Evening we take the rickshaw ride to the holy river Ganges, and take the boat cruise to view the “Aarti” ceremony on the Ghats.
Overnight stay at the hotel. |
Day 09
Varanasi / Delhi (By flight): Morning we take a Boat cruise at the river Ganges to observe the way of life of pilgrims by the Ghats later back to hotel and have your breakfast.
Then we visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Sarnath's temples and Archaeological Museum are full of Buddhist art treasures. This afternoon we fly to Delhi.
Arrive Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
Day 10 In Delhi & Departure: Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. Including Jama Masjid – this immense mosque is the largest in India, Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire, nearby we enjoy the rickshaw Ride in the local markets of Chandni Chowk & Kinari Bazar.
In New Delhi visit 11th century Qutab Minar Tower, the India Gate and the grand government buildings, the President’s House and Parliament House all dating back to the time of British Raj.
Evening enjoy Indian Classical Dances show (1900/2010hrs) and dinner at popular Delhi restaurant. Later transfer to the international airport to Board your homeward flight or connect to your onward destination.
End of our services… |
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