DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi
On your arrival, after clearing immigrations, you will be met by Ancient Yatra representative who will escort you to your hotel.
Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India, is a fusion of ancient and modern. Standing at the western end of the Gangetic Plain, it is a vibrant city rich in culture, architecture, beautiful gardens and human diversity. Its rich history is reflected in magnificent monuments, in museums and in galleries. It comprises two contrasting yet harmonious parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India from the 12th to the 19th centuries, while New Delhi was created by the British Raj and replaced Calcutta as the capital in 1931. It is India’s main international gateway, and the travel hub of Northern India.
Check in at the hotel and spend rest of the day at leisure following your flight.
Overnight in Delhi
DAY 2: DELHI SIGHTSEEING
Post Breakfast, full day city tour of Old and New Delhi.
The sightseeing of Old Delhi includes Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort and Raj Ghat.
Jama Masjid: This great mosque is the largest in India, built by Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1658. With a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees, the highly decorative mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40 metre high minarets constructed of alternating strips of red sandstone and white marble.
Chandni Chowk: Chandni Chowk, the bustling oriental bazaar, is next to the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. It was built in 1650 by Shah Jahan's favourite daughter, Jahanara Begum, as a compliment to the imperial habitat, the Red Fort.
Red Fort (FROM OUTSIDE): The red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort (Lal Qila) stretch some two kilometres and rise to 33 meters above the clamour of Old Delhi. It was a fort and royal residence, and a striking reminder of the magnificent power of the Mughal emperors. (Closed on Mondays)
Raj Ghat: Set in a lovely garden a black marble platform on the banks of the Yamuna River marks the place where “the father” of the Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi) was cremated after being assassinated in 1948.
Later start for the sightseeing of New Delhi includes the Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and a drive past various Government buildings including Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan
Qutab Minar: An excellent example of Afghan architecture, the Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 metre high tower of victory. Started in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom, it was completed by his successors. Gracefully hand-carved for its entire height, it has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15-metre diameter at the base to just 2.5 metres at the top. The lower three storeys are red sandstone, while the upper two are of marble and sandstone.
Humayun’s Tomb: Built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Refined over the years, this striking and beautiful tomb’s design evolved into the Taj Mahal. Notable feature are the centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome and the garden squares (chaharbagh) with their pathways water channels.
India Gate: At the eastern end of the Raj Path in New Delhi stands the 42 metre high India Gate. An "arch of triumph it commemorates and bears the names of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the World War I and North West Frontier (Afghan) campaigns.
Overnight in Delhi
DAY 3: DELHI - JAIPUR (SURFACE 05 HRS APR.)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Jaipur.
Jaipur is the state capital of Rajasthan and owes its name, planning and foundation to the Maharaja Jai Singh II. In 1727 he decided to move from his hillside fortress at Amber to the plains, and thus Jaipur was conceived. It is also known as the "Pink City", derived from the pink painted sandstone from which the buildings in the old walled city are constructed. The city is endowed with great architectural elegance and beauty, with magnificent historic palaces, temples, gardens, museums and an amazing observatory built by Jai Singh.
Arrive Jaipur, check in the hotel and spend your day at leisure.
Overnight in Jaipur
DAY 4: JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING
Breakfast at hotel. Later Full day sightseeing of Jaipur.
Morning, sightseeing of Amber Fort : Seven miles outside the city, in the rugged hills that surround Jaipur, is the magnificent Amber Fort. This Rajput Fortress/Palace was constructed from 1592 by Raja Man Singh II, and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Within the Fort is Jai Mandir (Sheesh Mahal - Palace of Mirrors), renowned for its architectural designs using mirrors of varied shapes and sizes in the intricate design of its wall decoration.
Afternoon, sightseeing of Jaipur City: A city tour takes you through the bazaars to the Maharaja's City Palace. Part of it is now a fine museum with a comprehensive display of historic artefacts. A relatively small portion of the palace is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur.
Built in the style of a fortified campus, one of the palaces is the Hawa Mahal, known as the Palace of the Winds. Built in 1799 this five-story building looks out over the main street, and was originally for the ladies of the royal household to be able to watch life outside the cloistered Royal Residence
Nearby is the Jantar Mantar, which has the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Built by Jai Singh in 1728, it is still equipped with the its original ancient instruments including a very accurate 90-foot sundial. Many of them are still in working condition.
Overnight in Jaipur
DAY 5: JAIPUR - AGRA (SURFACE 05 HRS APRX.)
Post breakfast checkout and drive to Agra, Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri: Located 40Km from Agra, it was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, who blessed Akbar and prophesised the birth of a son, who later became Emperor Jehangir. It is in a superb and complete state of preservation, and within the walls are palaces and the Jama Masjid. The main entrance is the 54 metre high Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Victory.
Upon arrival in Agra, check in to your hotel.
Agra was the capital of the Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi’s empire from 1501. It passed to the Mughal’s soon after and in 1526 Emperor Babar transformed Agra, giving it a unique character and beauty. A great patron of the arts, he made changes to the culture and life-style of his people, which in turn brought forth some of the finest craftsmen, artists, statesmen, warriors and nobility ever seen in this part of India.
Over the next few centuries Agra witnessed a rise in pomp and pageantry under the rule of three great Mughal monarchs - Emperors Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. All lavished their love and riches on this fabled city, making it one of the great centres of art, culture, learning and commerce.
On arrival in Agra, check in at your hotel and spend rest of the day at leisure.
Later proceed for Sunset visit of Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan between 1631 to 1653 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal and to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble and in-laid with precious and semi-precious stones. It stands testimony to the skill of some 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy, and who laboured for 22 years to complete this ‘Love Poem in Marble'. (Fridays closed).
Overnight in Agra
DAY 6: AGRA - JHANSI (TRAIN) - ORCHA - KHAJURAHO (SURFACE 04 HRS APRX.)
After an early breakfast, checkout and you will be transferred to the railway station for your train to Jhansi.
Arrive Jhansi, you will be met and driven to Khajuraho. Enroute visit Orchha Temples
Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, who chose a stretch of land along the Betwa River as the site for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular
Fort Complex: Orchha's fort complex, approached by a multi-arched bridge, has three palaces set in an open quadrangle. The most spectacular of these are:
Jehangir Mahal: Built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Its strong lines are counterbalanced by delicate chhatris and trelliswork, conveying an effect of extraordinary richness.
Chaturbhuj Temple: Built on a massive stone platform and reached by a steep flight of steps, the temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Rama. Lotus emblems and other symbols of religious significance provide the delicate exterior ornamentation. Within, the sanctum is chastely plain with high, vaulted walls emphasizing its deep sanctity.
Chhatris (Cenotaphs): There are 14 Chhatris or Memorials to the rulers of Orchha, grouped along the Kanchan Ghat of the river Betwa.
Later drive to Khajuraho
The temples at Khajuraho are fine examples of Indo-Aryan architecture. Often called the Temples of the Karma Sutra, they are one of India’s major attractions. Built by the rich and powerful Chandela Emperors, whose dynasty survived for five generations before falling to the onslaught of Islam, the temples are magnificent, and richly carved with erotic images, the recurrent theme being woman in all her glory. There are some 85 temples, most dating from a one century-long burst of creative genius between 950 and 1050 AD. Each temple has a number of spires in ascending order representing man's aspirations.
Arrive Khajuraho, check in at your hotel and spend rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Khajuraho
DAY 7: KHAJURAHO - VARANASI (BY FLIGHT)
After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Khajuraho Temples.
The Western Group: Comprising 10 temples, these are the best known, and most interesting. The two largest, the Kandariya Mahadev, and Lakshmana belong to this group. Kandariya Mahariya is artistically and architecturally the most perfect. Built around 1030 AD it presents Chandella art at its most refined. The main spire is 31 metres high with prolific carving. In total there are some 872 statues and carvings both on the inside and outside. Though similar in design the Lakshmana temple is dedicated to Vishnu, and is one of the oldest temples, dating from around 930 AD. It is also the best preserved.
The Eastern Group: Comprising seven temples, the main being the Parsvanath, Adinatha and Santinatha Jain temples in a walled enclosure, and four others, the Ghantai, Brahma, Vamana and Javari, which are scattered through the village. All covered with carved images in a variety of sensuous attitudes: languid, provocative, mischievously inviting, give credibility to the theory that Khajuraho's erotica were meant to test the devotees who came to worship their gods at the temples.
Later checkout and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Varanasi.
On arrival, you will be met with assistance, who will escort you till your hotel.
Varanasi (Also known as Benares and Kashi) standing on the western bank of the sacred River Ganges is the most important Hindu pilgrimage. One of the world’s oldest living cities, its history stretches back into the mists of time. It has been a center of learning for over 2,000 years. At Sarnath, just 10 Km away, Lord Buddha preached his first message of enlightenment 2,500 years ago.
The relationship between the river and the city is the essence of Varanasi. Along the water's edge are bathing and burning Ghats, where devout Hindus come to bath in the sacred waters and the departed are cremated on pyres of sandalwood. The most sacred Ghat is Manikarnika, associated with the Goddess Parvati. In the heart of the city is the majestic Vishveswara Temple, dedicated to Shiva, the Lord of the Universe, who according to legend, after his marriage to Devi Parvati, left his Himalayan abode and came to reside in Kashi with all the gods in attendance.
Evening tour of the downtown area by Rickshaw: An intimate experience of Varanasi on a leisurely cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow streets and alleys of the city. In the evening the Ghats and temples are atmospheric, lit with candles and oil-lamps. There will be the opportunity to participate in an Arti Ceremony (collective prayer) and watch the floating Diyas (lamps) on the River Ganges.
Overnight in Varanasi
DAY 8: VARANASI
Morning Sunrise Boat Ride
The best time to visit the Ghats is at dawn, so an early start today. At this time the city is just waking-up and the light is magical, playing on the water and the buildings. The boat will cruise along the waterfront and the spiritually uplifting activity along the Ghats is viewed. From dawn to dusk the Ghats are thronged by thousands of devotees, who perform their holy rituals in the hope of attaining eternal salvation; Nirvana.
Return to hotel for breakfast.
Half-Day City Tour
A half-day city sightseeing tour including the Kashi Vishveswara Temple, Bharat Mata Temple and the Benaras Hindu University
Kashi Vishveswara Temple (Golden Temple); In the heart of the city is the majestic Vishveswara Temple, dedicated to Shiva, the Lord of the Universe, who, according to legend, after his marriage to Devi Parvati left his Himalayan abode and came to reside in Kashi with all the gods in attendance. Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore built the Temple in its present form in 1776, and has been a living embodiment of India’s timeless cultural traditions and high spiritual values.
Bharat Mata Temple: Dedicated to “Mother India” it was opened by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. Instead of customary gods and goddesses, the unique aspect of this temple is a perfect relief map of India. It can be viewed from above and from a sunken “room” looking across India from the far south to the Himalayas in the north.
Benaras Hindu University: The largest residential university in Asia, and a major seat of Sanskrit study, it is internationally reputed. Founded by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, in 1916, the area of the main campus is 1,300 acres, with well maintained roads, extensive gardens, a temple, an air-strip and buildings that are an architectural delight. The new Vishveswara Temple in the University grounds is dedicated to lord Shiva, and is a replica of the original Vishveswara Temple.
Evening Sarnath tour
Situated 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage centres in India. Having found enlightenment at Bodhgaya, it is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples, preaching the middle path for attaining 'Nirvana'. Realising the sanctity of the site, emperor Ashoka built fine Stupas and other monuments. The 'Dhamekh' Stupa is perhaps the most remarkable structure. It was at its height in 640 AD when some 1,500 priests were in residence.
Overnight in Varanasi
DAY 9: VARANASI - DELHI (FLIGHT)
After leisurely breakfast, check out and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Delhi.
Arrive Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Check in at your hotel and spend rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Delhi.
DAY 10: DEPART DELHI
After breakfast, check out and you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight back to home.