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North India Explored

North India Explored – 10 nights/11 days

Destinations of North India Explored – 10 nights/11 days - Delhi – Varanasi – Khajuraho – Orchha – Gwalior – Agra – Jaipur

A journey of discovery in North India! Visit the bustling metropolis of Delhi, enjoy the contrasts of Old & New, continue on to India’s holiest city, Varanasi on the Ganges River. Explore the famous Chandela temples of Khajuraho, the temples and chattris of Orchha and the impregnable fort of Gwalior. In Agra discover the sheer beauty of the Taj Mahal and then head into Rajasthan to visit the Pink City of Jaipur, famous for its forts and palaces; it is also a great place to shop.

Day 01 – Arrive Delhi

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel in Delhi. The country's energetic capital, offers a panorama of fascinating but very conflicting images, from the forts, tombs and ruins in Old Delhi to high-rise buildings and stately homes on wide, tree-lined avenues in New Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02 – In Delhi

A full day’s sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi visiting the mighty Red Fort; Friday Mosque -Jama Masjid; silver street of Chandni Chowk; Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi; The Hindu temple - Birla Mandir; India Gate & Rajpath; Rashtrapati Bhawan – the President's House; Humayun’s Tomb; Qutab Minar - a 73m high victory tower and the Bahai Temple – beautifully shaped to resemble a lotus flower. On your second night in Delhi we would be happy to recommend some restaurant options.

Day 03 – Fly Delhi to Varanasi

You will be transferred to Delhi Airport for the flight to Varanasi where you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel. Later explore the holy city of Varanasi visiting the bathing ghats which line the banks of the holy river Ganges, The Kashiviswanath Temple, The Durgakund, The Sankatmochan - Shrine of Monkey God Hanuman. Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 04 – Fly Varanasi to Khajuraho

The day starts early – watching the sun rise over the golden city of Varanasi as your boat gently drifts down the holy river Ganges provides memories that will last forever. The people go about their day, bathing and worshipping at the Ghats and the sun slowly warms you, this is one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India. Return to your hotel for a well earned breakfast and later transfer to Varanasi Airport for the short flight to Khajuraho. Met on arrival in Khajuraho and transferred to your chosen hotel for overnight.

Day 05 – Drive Khajuraho to Orchha (180 kms/04 hrs)

The day starts with a sightseeing tour of the Eastern and Western Group of temples of Khajuraho includes the Lakshmi and Varaha Temple, the Lakshmana Temple, the Kandariya Mahadev, the Mahadeva Temple; the Devi Jagadamba Temple, the Chitragupta Temple and the Vishwanath Temple. The Western Group also houses the Matangesvara Temple, the only temple where worship continues and the Chausath Yogini Temple, presently in ruins and believed to be the oldest temple in Khajuraho.

The Eastern Group of temples houses the Parasvanath Temple, the largest and finest Jain temple in the city as well as the Adinath Temple, the Shantinath Temple, the Ghantai Temple, the Javari Temple, the Vamana Temple and the Brahma and Hanuman Temple. Overnight in Khajuraho.

After the sightseeing tour of Khajuraho, drive to the medieval town of Orchha to stay a night at Orchha Resort.

Day 06 – Drive Orchha to Gwalior (130 kms/03 hrs)

Spend a morning exploring the tiny town of Orchha visiting the Jahangir Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal the Chaturbhuj temple and the Royal Chhattris by the Betwa river. Later drive to Gwalior. Situated at the very geographical and historical crossroads of India, Gwalior’s immense fortress shines out as the noblest of all Hindu castles. Spend a night at your chosen hotel in Gwalior Hotel.
 

Day 07 – Drive Gwalior to Agra (120 kms/03 hrs)

A half day of sightseeing in Gwalior reveals the Gwalior Fort, Museum, Rani Laxmibai Memorial and Tansen’s Tomb followed by the drive to Agra, City of the Taj Mahal. On arrival, check in to your selected hotel for two night stay and enjoy the afternoon in the hotel or exploring on your own.

Day 08 – In Agra

The day starts early with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World, created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later visit the Agra Fort, offering gorgeous views from its lofty walls, and the Itmad-ud-Daulah – the exquisite tomb of a Persian adventurer who became chief minister at the Emperor Jehangir's court. His grand-daughter Mumtaz married Shah Jehan and her tomb is, of course, the Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra.

Day 09 – Drive Agra to Jaipur (250 kms/05 hrs)

Your drive to Jaipur takes you via Emperor Akbar's deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, an almost perfectly preserved 400 year-old Mughal capital. After the visit, continue to Jaipur, painted pink to welcome Prince Albert in 1853, and pink still. On arrival, check in at your chosen hotel in Jaipur.  Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 10 – In Jaipur

A full day of sightseeing in Jaipur includes the Amber Fort, 11 kms from the city. The Fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture and you can either ride to its lofty heights by jeep or on a gaily-bedecked elephant. Returning to Jaipur, visit the museums, palaces and halls of the City Palace (still a royal residence) and the Palace of the Winds. At the Jantar Mantar Observatory, learn how it was constructed to measure 'the harmony of the heavens', a concept dear to Hindus as they believe their fated souls move to its rhythms. Overnight in Jaipur.

 

Day 11 – Drive Jaipur to Delhi (250 kms/05 hrs) Depart Delhi

Leave Jaipur and drive to Delhi, pausing for tea at the Neemrana Palace, a most elegant and historical heritage hotel. Continue on to Delhi's International Airport for your flight home.

 NORTH INDIA EXPLORED

* Small supplements may apply for travel between 01st and 15th November'2008 and during the month of February '2009. Chritmas / NYE supplements may apply for travel between 20th December '2008 and 05th January'2009.

Inclusions:-

# Accommodation on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis at the hotels of your choice.

# All arrival-departure transfers and land transportation using an aircon car exactly as per the itinerary.

# Sightseeing tours along with a local English Speaking Guide and including entrance fee to monuments exactly as mentioned above in the Itinerary.

North India Tour