Discovery of India  

NAMASTE.  WELCOME TO INDIA! On arrival in Delhi you are greeted and escorted to your hotel.

Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its fold – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the tall and modern skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy.

Overnight is at the hotel.

After breakfast our representative brief you on your tour and then will escort you to for a sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi

You visit the Qutab Minar Complex, dominated by the 234-foot Victory Tower, followed by the spectacular Rajpath, passing the triumphant House of Parliament, Diplomatic Enclave, President’s House and the India gate & the famous Birla Mandir.

In the afternoon, you focus on Old Delhi.

Visit the great Red Fort which was the opulent residence of Shah Jehan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) which dominates the skyline.  You also visit the Raj Ghat-- cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, later walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahajahanabad, now a picturesque bazaar.

Later visit the main shopping areas in Delhi.

overnight at hotel.

After breakfast you are escorted to the airport for your flight to Varanasi (Benares),

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Upon arrival in Varanasi, you are met and transferred to your hotel.

This afternoon you emabark on a walking tour of Varanasi.

Since Varanasi is mainly associated with Hinduism, temples form the main attraction. The Ganga Ghats (river fronts) are the main center of religious activities and rituals and also form one of the main attractions of Varanasi. The Alamgir Mosque, blend of the Hindu and Mughal styles of the architecture, is another important attraction of Varanasi. Some of the most important temples of Varanasi are Durga temple, Vishwanath temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple and the Bharat Mata temple. The Bharat Mata Temple houses a huge relief map of the whole of Indian subcontinent and Tibetan plateau.

Return to the hotel for overnight.

Early this morning embark on a boat cruise on the river Ganga.

The riverfront, as seen from a boat, early in the morning, at sunrise, is a spiritually uplifting sight. Hinduism, deep and mystical, is everywhere. In a decorated doorway... in a glimpse of a glittering temple ...in the sound of a sacred bell ...the chant of the priests and the fragrance of flower oblations. This religious city is crowded with temples and its labyrinth of streets swelled with throngs of people.  Multitudes of devotees come to the river to pay homage to the Sun God.  Pass the bathing ghats where thousands of pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy water of the Ganges River, and the burning ghats where cremations are conducted. Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Return to your hotel for breakfast and in the afternoon you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Khajuraho.

Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight.

Khajuraho was the religious and political capital of the Chandela Dynasty during the 9th to 13th centuries. Although once a splendid city, today Khajuraho is best known for its amazing Tantric temples built in the graceful Nagara style of architecture and enveloped with erotic sculptures - the oldest site of its kind in the world.

After breakfast, visit the Western Group of temples, containing the largest and loveliest temples.

Of this group, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Shiva is the most perfect, and with its elaborate 31 meter high spire and bands of beautiful carving, it represents Chandela art at its best. It shares a high terrace with the older and simpler Devi Jagadamba temple. The less ornate Eastern Group reflects the austerity of the Jains.

Overnight is at the hotel

After breakfast drive to Jhansi, which is located at a distance of 170 kms and will take apprx 4 hours, to board superfast Shatabdi Express train to Agra. Enroute from Khauraho to Jhansi, stop at Orrcha.

Orcha a medieval city founded by Bundela rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th and 17th century which have remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The city is picturequely flanked by the river Betwa. A number of beautiful temples are built on the bank of this serene Betwa river

Continue drive to Jhansi, where you board your train for Agra, home of the one and only Taj Mahal

Upon arrival at Agra, you are transferred to your hotel for overnight.

After breakfast, a guided city sight seeing tour.

Explore the 16th century Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century. It lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the year 1565-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls red sandstone and a moat. 

Followed by a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, this incredible lacy white grandeur built by Emperor Shahjehan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz Mahal, the “lady of the Taj”. It has been described, as the most extravagant monument ever built for love for the emperor was heartbroken when his wife Mumtaz died. The Taj Mahal has recently been immortalized by the inclusion as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, also known as “Pink City”, located at a distance of  202 kms and takes apprx 4 hrs.

The city was painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, literally blushed pink when Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, stepped on its soil in 1863.  Interspersing the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs, painstakingly outlining the architectural highlights of Jaipur's buildings, the city has retained its glow since 1727 when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II had it built.  Surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; with beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts, Jaipur simply exemplifies the lifestyles of an amazing people.

Upon arrival you check in at your hotel.

This afternoon, with your knowledgeable guide, tour this incredible city where the past is never far from present. 

The Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds” provides an excellent view over the city as befitting its former role: enabling the ladies of the royal household to watch, unseen, the daily life and processions in the streets below. Explore City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards and arched entrances.  It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of weapons.  The Maharajah’s observatory, originally built in the city's early years, first appears as a collection of abstract sculptures, but is in fact a collection of the huge masonry instruments for studying the movement of constellations and stars in the sky.

Overnight at hotel.

Today you take an excursion to Amber Fort.

Amber was once the capital of the Mina tribes believed to be the original inhabitants of this area. History recalls the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals. Raja Man Singh was the Commander-in-Chief of Akbar’s army and Mirza Raja Jai Singh was a powerful ally of Jahangir. You will have a unique experience of riding a caprisoned elephant from the foothill to the ramparts of the ancient fort. Once inside we explore the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens.

Return to hotel hotel for breakfast. Rest of the morning is at leisure. Later drive to Delhi which is 262 kms and will take apprx. 6 hours. Upon arrival you will be taken to the International airport for your onward journey.