Classical North India

Day 1

Welcome to India - arrive at Delhi T3 terminal. Our representative will meet you following customs and assist in providing transfer to your hotel (check in time 1400 hour).

Delhi, the capital city of India, is one of the largest and fastest growing metropolises in the world attracting people from across the country. Home to sixteen million people, its vibrant history is etched in its monuments, forts, and historical sites. Delhi is characterized by two distinct parts: Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi, the domain of the Mughals, boasts iconic landmarks like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, alongside bustling markets. Meanwhile, New Delhi, constructed by the British as their Indian capital, offers tree-lined boulevards such as the Kartavya Path, showcasing the magnificent Raj-period architecture, along with numerous museums and modern shopping districts.

Rest of the day is free for you to relax at the hotel and get accustomed to Indian weather and timing.

Day 2

In the morning, you will meet with your guide in the lobby of the hotel. The day has been set for you to explore the different facets of the historic city of Delhi and its finest sites.

You will depart for a tour of Old Delhi, driving past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on your way. To truly experience the delightful chaos of the city, hop on a cycle rickshaw for an exciting ride through its narrow lanes. The Old City walls wrap around Chandni Chowk, an ancient market that continues to thrive to this day. Take in the electrifying energy around you while you expose your senses to the enticing colors and exotic scents of cardamom and allspice. Also, discover the Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest mosque.

In the afternoon, drive past the impressive India Gate and the Secretariat building on the way to Humayun's Tomb for an orientation with a conservationist from Aga Khan Foundation involved in heritage conservation. The 16th century Humayun's Tomb is one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first garden tomb of Asia. Like the Taj Mahal it is a testament of love built by a queen for her beloved husband Humayun, the 2nd Mughal Emperor of India.

Day 3

This morning drive to Jaipur - the 18th century capital of Rajasthan.

Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’, for the abundance of pink plastered stone used to build its massive forts, magnificent palaces and exquisite temples. The city built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. There is far more to the city than just its famous monuments and to get a complete experience of Jaipur, uncover the mysteries of the bazaars and visit silversmiths, turban sellers and traditional markets.

Reach hotel and check-in for your stay and relax.

Day 4

This morning, drive to the outskirts of the city to visit the magnificent Amber fort - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Maota Lake. Once on top, you may stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the numerous mirrors embedded in the walls and ceilings, lighting up the entire room.

Your next visit is to the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world’s largest sundial. The massive astronomical instruments were built from local stone and marble and the monument pays homage to 18th-century architectural innovations during the Mughal period. Continue to the 18th century City Palace, now a fascinating museum housing some of the treasures of Jaipur’s princely past. The former royal family retains a part of the palace for their personal use.

Rest of the day is free for individual activities.

Day 5

This morning drive to Agra.

On your way to Jaipur, stop at Abhaneri Village, a popular stop along the Agra-Jaipur road for the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and the Harshat Mata Temple. The Chand Baori is perhaps the region’s most visited stepwell and is one of the largest and deepest in all of India.

Continue to Agra.

Agra, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra came into full flower during the 16th and 17th centuries as one of the four capitals of Mughal dynasty. Descended from the Timurids in Central Asia, the Mughals conquered Delhi in 1526 which resulted in three centuries of dynastic rule that ended in 1857. It was in Agra that the artistic excellence of the Mughals reached its zenith at a time that coincided with the political high water mark of their vast and expanding empire. Agra today exudes the atmosphere of a provincial town engaged in trade and manufacturing, its heyday well behind it.

On arrival, check into the hotel and relax. Evening is free at leisure.

Day 6

Rise early to catch the first rays of light on the Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal, a masterpiece that now stands as a symbol of love to the world; this UNESCO World Heritage Site has captivated the hearts and minds of travelers for centuries. Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who passed away during childbirth, the iconic mausoleum rises above a well-manicured garden and the monument’s interiors display an elaborate inlay work of precious and semi-precious stones.

Return to hotel for breakfast and wash & change. Later visit Agra Fort.

Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site- a red sandstone fort built on a bend of the Yamuna River. The Mughal Dynasty fort served as the main residence of the emperors until the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi, and is an impressive monument with a rich architectural history. The Emperor Shah Jahan was once imprisoned inside the Agra Fort, and the tower of his imprisonment offers spectacular views of the Taj Mahal in the distance.

Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Day 7

This morning transfer to railway station and to board the train to Khajuraho. Arrive at the Khajuraho railway station. The train is expected to reach your destination by 14:20 hours.

Khajuraho, once the citadel of the Chandela dynasty, is best known for its collection of breathtaking temples built between 950-1050 CE. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the temples of Khajuraho are divided into three groups, Eastern, Western, and Southern. Though globally famous for their erotic sculptures, the temples of Khajuraho offer much more than sensuality and erotica.

On arrival in Khajuraho, transfer to the hotel. Reach hotel and check in for your stay.

Later proceed for a fascinating tour of the Western Group of Temples to learn about their history, architecture, presiding deities, and of course, the magnificent carved embellishments that cover the walls and interiors of the temples. Although famous for their erotic depictions, a majority of these sculptures at these temples illustrate domestic scenes, dancers, musicians, and teachers and disciples.

Day 8

This morning take assisted transfer to Khajuraho airport to board the flight to Varanasi.

Varanasi, with spiritualism that will haunt you long after you have departed, Varanasi located on the bank of River Ganga is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and an important pilgrimage center for Hindus. It is also home to the exquisitely woven Banarasi sarees.

You will be provided assistance on arrival and then transferred to your hotel. Reach hotel and check in for your stay.

This evening, you will witness the enthralling Aarti offered to River Ganga in order to seek her blessings before cruising down the river on a boat. The boat will halt at the perfect point from where you can enjoy unobstructed view of the ceremony that marks the final ritual of the day.

Day 9

Early in the morning we will take you for a boat ride along the Ghats on the Holy River Ganges. At sunrise the Hindu faithful flock to the river to cleanse themselves of their sins. It is said that ‘To die in Varanasi is to end the Hindu cycle of re-birth’ thereby making it a popular place to end one's life. Later take a small walk around the ghat to explore some of the temples.

Return back to the hotel for breakfast and wash & change.

Later you will take a tour through the landmarks of Varanasi including the Banaras Hindu University, the Bharat Kala Bhawan located within its premises, Bharat Mata Temple, and Durga Temple.

Post this you will drive a short distance to one of the four main pilgrimage centers of Buddhism- Sarnath.

Sarnath is known as the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon. The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, a great proponent of Buddhism commissioned the building of several magnificent stupas, monasteries, and an engraved pillar, which went into oblivion by the 12th century following the decline of Buddhism and Muslim invasions. British archaeologists rediscovered it in the early 19th century and today, followers from across the world come to visit.

Day 10

This morning transfer to Varanasi airport to board the flight to Delhi to connect your flight back home.