North India Highlights with Khajuraho

After breakfast at the hotel, we will go to Old Delhi and enjoy an Old Delhi heritage walking tour. Visit the Sikh temple in Chandni Chowk areas. We will start our walk-through Silver street, Decoration market (Kinari Bazaar), Food street (Parathe wali Gali), Spice Market (Khari Baoli). It is Asia's biggest wholesale spice market. You will be mesmerized once you enter the market with the stunning colours and rich aroma of the of the various spices and dry fruits.

After we visit Old Delhi, drive to India Gate, a memorial to 70000 soldiers who died during the first world war. Drive past Parliament house, President house. Later visit of Humayu's tomb, classified as world heritage sites by UNESCO.

After breakfast our driver will come and pick you up to transfer you to Delhi airport. Take a flight to Varanasi. On arrival you will be met by our local representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Later visit of Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. In the evening attend a prayer ceremony at Ghats of river Ganges. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Early morning our guide will come and take you to the old city near Dashashwamedh Ghat. Enjoy a sunrise boat ride on the river Ganges. You can observe here the Hindu way of life along the banks of the Ganges (Ghats) River. There are number of Ghats alongside river Ganges. Your guide will explain about Ghats, Hinduism, beautiful ancient building and temples. After the boat ride take a small walk in to the old city of Varanasi. Return to hotel. After breakfast we will transfer you to airport. Fly to Khajuraho (schedule may vary as per the flight availability).

Arrive at Khajuraho airport, our representative will meet and assist you and take you to your hotel. Later visit the world famous Khajuraho temples. Khajuraho is known for its ornate erotic temples that are among the most beautiful medieval monuments in the country. These temples were built by the Chandella rulers between AD 900 and 1130. The spectacular carvings and erotic sculptures of Khajuraho have always been a point of fascination for everyone. Return to hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to a small town called Orchha. On Arrival visit Orchha Palace, also called Jahangir Palace. It is an impressive Palace with a small archaeological museum on the ground floor. You can also visit two other monuments, Raj Mandir and Sheesh Mahal, and also the Haveli and Garden of Rai Praveen who was an accomplished courtesan in the reign of Raja Madhukar Shah. After the visit our driver will take you to Jhansi railway station located just 17 km from Orchha (30 minutes).

At Jhansi station you will take a day train for 2h35 to arrive at Agra Cantt railway station. Our representative will meet you just outside your coach at the platform and take you to your hotel. Check into your hotel. Evening is free with an overnight stay at your hotel in Agra.

Early morning sunrise visit of the Taj Mahal. (In December and January due to heavy fog you may not have a proper sunrise view of Taj Mahal).

Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later visit the Agra fort. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and it was to be predominantly a military structure until his grandson, Shah Jahan, added more palatial accommodations. There are a number of exquisite buildings within its portals, such as Samman Burj, where Shah Jahan was held captive by his son, Moti Masjid, a white marble mosque, Diwan–e–Am, Diwan–e–Khas, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal.

You can also visit Mehtab Garden and Baby Taj. Overnight in Agra.

After breakfast check out and drive to Fatehpur Sikri (40km). Visit this imperial city which was founded by Akbar as capital of Mughal Empire. Further drive to Abhaneri step well also called as Chand Baori. This stunning 9th century step well consists of 3500 narrow steps. It has 13 floors and about 64 feet deep. After the visit continue drive towards Jaipur. Arrive and check into your hotel. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast explore pink city. Jaipur is considered as first planned city of India. It was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. Jaipur has morphed itself into India’s capital of cool. There is a subtle sass in its stride. A silent swag. And it is all under the radar. Very few cities in the world carry the weight of tradition with the gait of cool. Jaipur does that. It plays effortlessly on the seesaw of the then and the now.

Jaipur has lot of attractions to visit. As per your interests and desire your driver will take you to monuments or places of your interests.

You can visit the Amber fort, the Wind Palace (Hawa Mahal), the Water Palace (Jal Mahal), or the Birla Temple (Galtaji).

We recommend you take a heritage walking tour in the Old City. Especially designed walking tours will give you an opportunity to maximise your understanding about the city and experience the hidden corners of Jaipur city. Your guide will take you through vibrant bazaars and lanes of the Old City. You can also interact with locals and try some of the best street food delicacies of Rajasthan. In the evening end your tour by visiting Govind Dev ji Hindu temple located near city palace. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. One of the important practices that are done in the temple is ‘Aartis’ and ‘Bhog’ which has taken place since the temple was constructed and people are still continuing with it today. You can witness the prayer ceremony at this temple.

Return to hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to desert city of Bikaner in north-west Rajasthan. The city was founded by Rao Bika in 1488 AD. Arrive and check into your hotel. Later visit of Junagarh Fort. This fort was never captured. The Fort complex has some magnificent palaces built in red sandstone and marble.

In the evening enjoy a tuktuk ride in Old city of Bikaner. You will see beautiful Havelis (private mansions), narrow lanes, colourful bazar and vegetable vendors. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. On the way visit the Rat temple in Deshnokh village. The extraordinary and unique Karni Mata temple is one of India’s weirder attractions. These holy rodents are worshipped by followers and locals. The rates in this temple are being fed by pilgrims and priests. If you are scared of rats, then you can skip this visit and continue on towards Jodhpur.

Arrive and check into the hotel, then later visit the Mehrangarh Fort (pictured). Rao Jodha became the ruler in 1458 and within 1 year of his accession Rao Jodha decided to build a new capital. The foundation of this fort was laid on 12th May 1459 by Jodha himself on a rocky hill six miles south of Mandore the ancient capital of Marwad. The hill, a hundred and twenty meters high, was known as Bhakurcheeria, the Mountain of Birds, or Cheeriatunk, the Bird's Beak. This fort has never been taken in a siege. Visit various palaces inside the fort. In the evening take a stroll in the busy Clock tower market. Overnight in Jodhpur.

After breakfast drive to Udaipur. En route visit famous Jain temples at Ranakpur. The temple is said to have been built by Seth Dharna Sah (a Jain businessman) with the aid of Rana Kumbha, who ruled Mewar in the 15th century. The temple has over 1444 marble pillars carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same, where all the statues face each other. Continue drive towards Udaipur. Arrive and check into your hotel. Evening free at your leisure.

Visit of Udaipur, often called ‘The Venice of the East’, or ‘City of lakes’. The Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) located in the middle of Pichola Lake is the finest example of architectural and cultural marvel. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above enhances the beauty of this magnificent city. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, crafts and its famed miniature paintings. The Shilpgram festival is a great crowd-puller on New Year. Visit the City Palace which towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Udai Singh initiated the construction of the palace but successive Maharanas added several palaces and structures to the complex but retained remarkable uniformity in the design. The entry to the Palace is from the Hati Pol, the Elephant Gate. Also visit Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon Ki bari. Overnight at the hotel in Udaipur.

Morning free at leisure in city of lakes. Then in the afternoon transfer to airport to take the flight back to Delhi. Connecting flight back home.