Best of North India Tour

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Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Destination : Delhi - Alwar - Jaipur - Agra - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi

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Major Attraction

- Visit to Old & New Delhi. - Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi. - Safari at Sariska Tiger Reserve Park. - Elephant ride at Amber Fort. - Visit to Rug Factory. - Visit to Marble Factory. - Sightseeing of the world famous erotic    temples of Khajuraho. - Morning sunrise boat cruise on the ganges. - Evening farewell dinner at a Indian restaurant.

Day 01 : Arrival at Delhi
Our company representatives will meet you at the International airport in Delhi, and make sure you get a taste of traditional Indian hospitality as soon as you step on to the Indian soil. Next, you will be escorted to the hotel in the luxury of an air-conditioned vehicle. Relax and unwind for the night.

Delhi could be called a palimpsest where the glorious past still lingers on in the shadow of the newer section of the city getting more and more high-tech by the passing minute. Ruled by numerous dynasties over the centuries, Delhi is the ideal starting point of your journey to this incredible land full of myriad features entailing everything from snake charmers and magicians to modern gizmos and contemporary architecture. Exploring this 'encyclopaedia to India' can surely turn out to be a fascinating and rewarding experience.

Day 02 : Delhi
Relish a sumptuous buffet breakfast at the hotel and be prepared for a jaunt across Delhi. Our sight seeing tour is planned for a sweeping coverage of both old and new Delhi. Capture the rustic charm of the old city and be introduced to the hub of modern India, New Delhi.

Old Delhi - Commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Shahjahanabad is a place marked by the remains of crumbling walls and centuries old havelis, which takes one back in time to the royal past that the city witnessed under a number of dynasties. Enjoy an enthralling rickshaw ride through the crowded streets of Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk and visit the pride of Delhi, the Red Fort.

New Delhi - High rise buildings, ultra modern shopping malls, happening parties and the hub of modern India...that is New Delhi for you. Get a complete insight into modern Delhi which includes a visit to Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar, a pleasant drive across the monumental India Gate and the Parliament House.

The sight seeing tour will be followed by some time to relax at The Park in Connaught Place before proceeding to witness the fascinating Light and Sound Show.

Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight at Delhi

Day 03 : Delhi - Alwar
There is no better way to start your day then with a hearty dose of Paranthas served along with spicy achaar (pickle) and fresh creamy curd. Choice of other international cuisine is also offered.
Proceed for ALWAR and reach by noon.

The 170 km (3.5 hrs) journey from Delhi to Alwar is a complete fete for the eyes passing through the verdant countryside. The soothing sight of lush green fields and trees that gently sway in the cool breeze provides eternal sensory pleasure.

ALWAR is nestled between a cluster of small hills of the ARAVALI range. Perched on the most prominent of these hills is a massive ancient fort that whispers tales of the rich history of the city. Apart from its long history, the city has a rich natural heritage with some beautiful lakes and picturesque valleys thickly wooded in parts.

Some of the finest variety of birds and animals are spotted here. ALWAR has one of the finest wild life sanctuaries in Rajasthan - SARISKA, which is an excellent tiger country.

Visit the PALACE and complete all sightseeing and stay at SARISKA PALACE for the night.

Day 04 : Alwar - Jaipur
After breakfast, start for the walled city of Jaipur and reach there by noon.
Jaipur is a comfortable 109 km (2 hrs.) from Alwar. Get up close with the desert as you pass by tiny villages. Observe traditional Rajasthani homes overlayed with a mixture of mud and cow dung, a mechanism used especially to protect the residents from the oppressive heat and humidity.

Check in at the hotel.

Jaipur - Also sometimes known as Sawai Jaipur after its founder Sawai Jai Singh II, the foundation ceremony of the pink city was held on 29th November 1727, although it incorporates structures built much earlier. Jaipur has been constructed according to the traditional nine grid pattern believed to be auspicious in ancient Indian architecture. Consisting of a high wall and seven gates that served as entry points, the cities defence was extremely well planned making it nearly impossible to pierce. Much of these structures is difficult to spot now as the city has expanded far beyond, since those days. Jaipur was covered with pink plastered stone in honour of the visit of Queen Victoria, and thus acquired the name pink city.

Evening will be free for leisure. Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 05 : Jaipur
While in Rajasthan, do not miss out on some delicious food served in traditional style. Infact, that is the speciality of the day. Breakfast will be served in your room or the hotel dining room according to your requirements, after which we will proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city.
In Jaipur you will always feel connected to its rich tapestry of history visible in a delightful medley of the ancient, medieval and modern architecture. Visit the chirping bazaars and roam the meandering lanes that recreate vignettes of what life must have been centuries ago.

Our Jaipur tour entails visiting sights that perfectly combine the flavours of both medieval and contemporary Rajasthan. Some of the must visits on our sightseeing list includes City Palace - an impeccable blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal architecture

Jantar Mantar - The largest of the observatories built by Jai Singh II and Hawa Mahal - the five storeyed pink sandstone structure was used as a veil by women of the royal family to watch everyday proceedings on the street below.

Feel the vibrant past of the city come alive with visits to the numerous majestic forts that are witness to some of the most fierce battles in history.

Jaigarh Fort - Situated 15 km out of the main city, it houses the biggest canon on wheels in the world, tha jai ban has a twenty feet long barrel.

Nahargarh Fort - The ancient fort lies atop a 600 ft high hill and houses beauties like the hawa mandir and madhvendra bhawan. Other sites to see include Central Museum, Birla Planetarium, Sisodia Rani Garden and Amer Fort.

Return to hotel and relax in the evening. Overnight at Jaipur.

Day 06 : Jaipur - Agra
After relishing a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, proceed to the historic city of Agra.
Take a last look at the pink city as we bid farewell to Rajasthan and move on 220 km (4.5 hrs) to the former Mughal capital, Agra. The barren deserts give way to the more lush areas as we enter the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Before moving onwards, we stop by at the deserted Fatehpur Sikri. 38 kms from Agra is the magnificent city of Fatehpur Sikri, built during the 16th century by king Akbar in gratitude towards Sufi Saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. Now mostly in ruins, the city provides a glimpse of what life would have been like, during the glorious Mughal period. A huge complex of monuments and temples built in a uniform architectural style includes the gigantic Buland Darwaza - the largest gateway in the world.

Drive through scenic spots to the city of Agra and check in at the hotel.

The fascinating city of Agra is synonymous with King Shah Jahan's monument of love, the imposing Taj Mahal. Agra became the capital of India during the Mughal era of 16th and 17th century, a time when most of the magnificent buildings of the city were constructed including the structure which thousands of people have visited India solely to see - the Taj Mahal. From the tourist point of view, it would only be fair to say that the city of Agra features much more than the Taj. Visit the massive Agra Fort, the tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah, Jami Masjid and the beautifully constructed Akbar's Mausoleum. Treat your taste buds to a sumptuous Mughlai delicacy or purchase a crafts item fabricated by skilled craftsmen, in the local market.

Taj Mahal - The glory of this imposing monument of love can be summed up in the words of former US president Bill Clinton, who rightly exclaimed that the world is divided into two parts, people who have seen the Taj Mahal and people who have not. This famed Mughal monument was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife, Arjumand Banu Beghum, who passed away while giving birth to their 14th child. Construction of the monument began in 1632 and took 22 years and the services of more than 20000 workers to complete. It is said that the emperor wanted to build another similar structure of black marble, but could not execute his aspiration as he was imprisoned and deposed by his son Aurangzeb.

The hectic day of sightseeing will be followed by a rejuvenation session in the comforts of your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Agra.

Day 07 : Agra - Khajuraho
After having breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city.
Agra Fort - Stretching to a mammoth two and a half kilometres, the majestic Agra Fort stands proudly on the banks of river Yamuna. Built mostly of red sandstone, the impressive structure consists of a number of buildings including the famed Pearl Mosque.

We conclude our tour of Agra with a visit to the tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah, the first of the Mughal structures to be built of white marble instead of the customary red sandstone.

Next, transfer to airport in time for your flight to the 'land of temples' Khajuraho, situated at a distance of 400 km from Agra. Khajuraho may look like a deserted place from a distance but wait until you actually get there. Reach Khajuraho after a 45 min. journey and check in at the hotel.

Khajuraho is a quaint village situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and famed for its erotic temples which depict the hidden human emotions in the form of innumerable murals and paintings on its walls. In all, eighty five temples, depicting Indian art and architecture in its most evolved form, were constructed by King Chandravarman of the Chandela dynasty, believed to be a descendant of the moon god. Even centuries after their construction, the twenty temples that remain standing, reflect the view of the Chandela's that is actually relevant to the entire human civilization. Khajuraho, with its undulating charm, is fast becoming a favourite haunt for tourists and historians from around the world.

Visit the Western Temple complex in the afternoon. Overnight at Khajuraho.

Day 08 : Khajuraho - Varanasi
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Proceed for a guided tour of the Eastern group of temples.
Next, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Varanasi.

Airlines : Indian Airlines
Flight : IC 451
Dep. : 1320
Arr. : 1400

The 399 km journey seemed just like a few moments. Our representatives will receive you upon arrival at Varanasi and transfer to hotel. Check in at the hotel.

The most ancient living city in the world and one of India's most prolific religious places, Varanasi lies in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The numerous temples reflecting in the shimmering waters of the Ganges present an awe inspiring sight. Visit the cremation ghats and witness purification rituals being performed. Interact with the locals and try to understand the exotic rituals and customs as practised in this part of the world. Visit Varanasi and witness one of the most exotic sights in the world unfold before you.

Day 09 : Varanasi
Varanasi is a holy city where life begins to take shape early in the wee hours of the morning, as the time is considered pure and ideal, especially for performing holy rituals. Accordingly, we start as early as 0500 hrs. and proceed towards the Daswamedh Ghat. Take a boat ride on the silent waters of the holy Ganges and witness the purification rituals being performed on the cremation ghats (river bank). Take some time to observe the ceremonies as your guide talks you through the cultural and religious importance of these acts. As sun rises, the emerald waters and the ghats are bathed in a golden hue, providing a mesmerising sight. The place starts getting chirpy as thousands of other devotees start pouring in, waiting for a turn to purify their souls and lead themselves on the road to nirvana with a dip in the holy waters. We move back to the hotel passing through labyrinthine streets. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple en-route.
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Proceed for a guided tour of Varanasi entailing sights like the Vishvanath Khanda - an intricate maze of narrow lanes and bylanes, Kedar Ghat - a prominent place having links with the kedarnath shrine in the upper reaches of the Himalayas, Alamgir Mosque - situated on the panchganga ghat, it is also known as the 'beni madhav ka dera' and the Durga Temple - it is also sometimes called the monkey temple because of the overwhelming simian presence.

Overnight at Varanasi.

Day 10 : Varanasi - Delhi
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing of Sarnath.
Sarnath - 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Sightseeing at the place includes the ancient Buddhist temples, stupas, the ruins of a monastery. Visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Reach Delhi after a 75 min flight and you will be transferred to airport for your flight to onward destination.