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Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Namaste ! We are warmly greeted the traditional Indian way with
hands together.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi
Day 02: Delhi
The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of
India. We visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of
Parliament, Connaught Place and the Qutb Minar - a perfect
minaret towering 102 m into the sky. New Delhi is an exotic
blend of Mughal, Hindu, British and modern independent India.
Day 03: Delhi
Our tour of Old Delhi takes us back to the reign of the Moghuls
with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the
most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Next we visit the
majestic Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by the
Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end our tour
with a bazaar experience at Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver
and goldsmiths. Evening is free to enjoy an optional Sound and
Light Show at the Delhi Red Fort.
Day 04: Delhi / Jaipur (drive 260 kms / 156 mi)
An interesting drive conveys us to Jaipur, the rose pink capital
of Rajasthan. En-route we visit Sikandra, the burial site of
Akbar the Great.
Overnight: Hotel in Jaipur
Day 05: Jaipur
We are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with an elephant
ride to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of
17th Century Rajput architecture. Next we visit the old
astronomical observatory, the Palace, home to a rare collection
of Indian art and Hawa Mahal, the most prominent of the
buildings in the pink city. We end the day at the colourful
bazaar.
Day 06: Jaipur / Agra (drive 235 kms / 145 mi)
Today we drive to the World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, the
beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Mughal King Akbar the
Great and later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of
Mughal architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the
desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of
Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar
leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir, the builder of the Taj.
After our visit here we continue to the city home of the world
famous Taj Mahal.
Overnight: Hotel in Agra
Day 07: Agra
Our tour of Agra begins with the spectacular Taj Mahal, probably
the best known World Heritage Site. Built by Shah Jehan as a
mausoleum for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is built
of white marble, beautifully carved and inlaid with
semi-precious stones. Next we visit Agra Fort followed by Agra
town and bazaar. Later we have free time for shopping for
replicas of the Taj, handicrafts and various other curios that
the descendants of the builders of the Taj are famous for
crafting. .
Day 08: Agra - Gwalior
Today we depart for former princely state of Gwalior aves. The
state was formed in the mid-18th cent. By Ranoji Sindhia, a
Maratha chief Half day tour visiting the Man Mandir- Built
between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh. Within the palace rooms
stand bare, stripped of their former glory, testifying to the
passing of the centuries. Vast chambers with fine stone screens
were once the music halls, and behind these screens, the royal
ladies would learn music from the great masters of the day.
Below, circular dungeons housed the state prisoners of the
Mughals. Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother, Murad imprisoned,
and later executed here. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where in the
Rajput tradition, the Ranis committed mass sati after their
consorts had been defeated in battle. At Man Mandir Palace, a
poignant ambience of those days of chivalry and heroism still
lingers in the silent chambers. Later we visit Gujari Mahal- The
15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja
Mansingh Tomar for his intrepid Gujar Queen, Mrignayani.
Overnight: Hotel in Gwalior.
Day 9 Gwalior-Orcha- Khajuraho (Train and road)
Today we board the famous Shatabdi Express Train to Jhansi and
continue by coach to Orchha, an amazing medieval fortress-city
located on the shores of the Betwa River. After our visit to
Orchha we proceed to Khajuraho Famous for its Exotic temples
built during the apogee of the Chandella dynasty between 950 and
1050 AD. Today only 20 temples remain and these fall into three
distinct groups, belonging to two different religions - Hinduism
and Jainism. Overnight: Hotel in Khajuraho.
Day 10: Khajuraho
Today we visit the world famous erotic sculptures in Khajuraho.
The most important ones include the Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta,
Vishvanath and Nandi Temples. Theses beautiful temples strike a
perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The
Kandariya, the most exquisite of the temples, is decorated with
a profusion of sculptures recognized Our afternoon is free to
wander in the traditional bazaars of Khajuraho.
Day 11: Khajuraho / Varanasi (flight)
After further sightseeing in Khajuraho we take a short flight to
the holy city of Varanasi. This afternoon we tour the oldest
city of India visiting Bharat Mata Temple, home to a large
marble relief map of India, the Durga temple, and the Tulsi
Manas Mandir. Banaras Hindu University, which has an Art Gallery
and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. This evening is
free to explore the city's amazing bazaars.
Overnight: Hotel in Varanasi.
Day 12: Varanasi / Lucknow (Train)
Early morning we take a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges. One
of the cardinal principles of Hinduism is the belief of the
holiness of the Ganges and every morning scores of pilgrims and
priests fill the riverbanks performing the holy dip and other
rituals. This is a site that has to be seen and experienced as
it is so different from anything else one may have seen anywhere
else in the world.
Later we tour Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon
after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist
monks and followers. Then we visit local homes to see in-home
silk weaving and soak up some local customs, culture and
hospitality. Later we take train to Lucknow.
Overnight: Hotel in Lucknow.
Day 13: Lucknow
Lucknow is a city that reflects the last remains of the Mughal
Raj within its lifestyle, dress, customs and architecture. Visit
the great Imambara, Jama Masjid, Picture gallery, the Clock
Tower, Roomi Darwaza, and Residency & Dilkusha Palace.
Day 14: Lucknow / Delhi (Shatabdi Express train)
Today we are transferred to railway station to board our train
to Delhi.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi.
Day 15: Depart New Delhi / Home
Today is free for shopping and personal pursuits. In the evening
we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home or to
connect to another Indian adventure in the South or East of the
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