North India Holidays

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This journey begins in the historic capital Delhi and you then take a flight to the shores of the sacred river Ganges to visit the holy city of Varanasi, continue to Orchha and the magnificent Chhandela temples at Khajuraho, famed for the beautiful erotic carvings. Heading west, the journey encompasses all the most important sights, including the Taj Mahal, Love story in marble. The sand stone buildings at Fatehpur Sikri. The "Pink City" of Jaipur, before ending your journey in the historic capital of Delhi.

Destination : Delhi-Varanasi-Khajuraho-Orchha-Agra-Jaipur-Delhi.
Duration: 11 NIghts/ 12 Days
Highlights :
» Bathing Ghats of Varanasi.
» Erotic temples of Khajuraho.
» Taj Mahal.
» Elephant ride in Jaipur.
» People and Culture.

Best time : October to March.

Day 1 : Arrive Delhi : Arrive Delhi assistance on arrival and transfer to the airport hotel Ashok Country Resort for wash and change / breakfast.

Day 2 : Delhi - Varanasi (Fly ) : After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to the holy city of Varanasi, known to devout Hindus as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Its name derived from its situation on the banks of the Ganges at the confluence of two legendary rivers, Varuna & Assi. It is said that the city rests on the trident of Lord Shiva thus imparting an incomparable energy to it. It is the aspiration of every devout Hindu to die at Kashi, thus ensuring a direct passage to heaven. Breakfast overnight in hotel.

Day 3 : Varanasi - Sightseeing : Dawn Boat ride : Take an early morning boat ride along the river Ganges and see the famous bathing 'ghats', the stone steps which lead down to the river where you can watch the gathered faithful, ritually cleansing themselves. We will return to hotel for wash and breakfast, after breakfast we take a guided tour to visit Sarnath, ten kilometers from Varanasi lies the site of Sarnath where it is said Buddha preached his first sermon, setting in motion the Wheel of Law. Pilgrims travel from around the world to Sarnath and there are monasteries constructed by Buddhists from several countries including China, Burma, Tibet and Japan. Afternoon time to visit Tulsi Manas temple, Hindu University and Ashrams on the ghats. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 4 : Varanasi - Khajuraho (Fly) : Morning free. Afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to the Erotic city of Khajuraho, a thousand years ago, in the heart of India, artisans of the Chandela dynasty built the spectacular temples at Khajuraho, which were to become famed for their exquisite carvings and erotic sculptures. The Sculptures, which were rediscovered by an English soldier in 1839, are said to portray the rite of creation in which both body and soul are involved. Of the original 85 temples only 22 now survive. Arrive and transfer to the hotel for 2 nights. Khajuraho is home to the magnificent and remarkable erotic temple, with a backdrop of Vindhyan hills. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 5 : Khajuraho - Sightseeing : After breakfast visit to the Chandela Hindu temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in northern India. The remaining temples have been beautifully restored and are in excellent condition. Visit the Kandariya Mahadeva, the Chatrabhuj, Parswanath and Ghantai temples, each remarkable for its beautiful design and architecture. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.

Day 6 : Khajuraho - Orchha (drive 170 kms / 4 hrs) : After breakfast drive to Orchha, quite interesting drive to see the ritual life of India. Orchha is a wonderful example of a medieval fort palace. Within the turreted walls are gardens, gateways, pavilions and temples. Arrive and stay overnight in hotel. Afternoon visit to the Raj mahal a fine example of Bundela Rajput architecture also visit the most impressive Jahangir Mahal, built in stylish Hindu and Islamic architecture. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 7 : Orchha - Agra (drive 247 kms / 6 hrs) : After early breakfast., we drive to Agra, with the stunning Taj Mahal epitomizing the outstanding architecture of the Mughals. The earliest reference to Agra can be found in the epic Mahabharata where it is referred to as the Agravana. It was in the medieval period, however, that Agra rose to prominence as the capital of the Mughals when the city was beautiful with gardens, water falls, bathhouses and canals. Today, the bustling streets of Agra boast a thriving carpet industry, leather workers and of course marble and sandstone sculptures, some of whom claim to be descendants of the craftsmen who helped build the great Taj Mahal. Afternoon at relax by the pool side. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 8 : Agra - Sightseeing : Today we visit India's most celebrated monument the Taj Mahal, built as a monument of eternal love by Shah Jahan to the bride Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal looks amazingly graceful from almost any angle. It was built over a period of 20 years by 20,000 laborers and craftsmen and displays superb craftsmanship. The close up details of the Taj Mahal is an exquisite as the overall architectural design, with semi-precious stones and beautiful patterns covering the marble surface. Red Fort, Akbar began Agra Fort in 1565, with additions of the citadel being made through to the time of Akbar's grandson. Shah Jahan (King of the World). The forts have fine views of the Taj across the river Yamuna, and consists of Deewani _Aam (hall of public ordnances) and Deewan - i - Khas (the hall of Private ordnances), it also has a nice grape garden, beautiful fountain ways, Evening free, to relax by the pool. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 9 : Agra - Jaipur (240 kms / 5 hrs) : After breakfast drive through the Rajasthani villages, journey brings us first to the Deserted sand stone building of Fateh Pur Sikri and Sufi shrine of Sallem Chesti. Arrive Jaipur, built in 1727, as the dream of the brilliant ruler Jai Singh. It has retained its reputation as one of the formost cities in India planned and executed in a manner that draws accolades from modern town planners. Jaipur is known as the pink city, because many buildings are still washed pink, the traditional color of welcome, which was originally introduced to honor the visit of the Prince Albert in 1856. Evening free. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 10 : Jaipur . This morning we drive to nearby Amber, ascending by elephant to see the 16th century hilltop fortress - Palace and its richly decorated apartments. Ascend to the ancient Rajput capital of Amber, this fort palace was begun by Raja Man Singh and used by the Rajputs as their stronghold until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to the newly created Jaipur. You will visit the palace and its many intricate chambers and hallways, which has breathtaking views of the Jal Mahal (Water Palace) below. In the afternoon we visit City Palace, still inhabited by Jai Singh's descendants is a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. A city within a city, it includes the Govind Deo Temple, the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory and the Maharaja's museum with his personal collection of weaponry, miniature paintings, royal attire and jewellery. On the periphery of the Palace stands the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, an elaborate pink sandstone façade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 11 : Jaipur - Delhi (250 kms / 5 hrs) : After breakfast drive to Delhi. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital, Delhi. It was the magnet that drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and finally the British. All of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent history. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again rebuilding it at least seven times. Old Delhi Tour (half day) : Shah Jahan founded the city of Shahjanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. The famous Red Fort in the heart of Old Delhi was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire and it boasts the Diwan-i-am (hall of Private Audience). Opposite the fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Afternoon sightseeing to Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque & Humayuns tomb. Breakfast & Overnight in hotel.

Day 12 : Delhi - Departure : Early morning fly back to your home country.