Splendid North India Tour

01 Day: Arrival Delhi

Welcome and assistance on arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and transfer to the pre-booked hotel by aircon car. After check in, travel document related to the tour plan and services will be handed over to you; our representative will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. Later in the evening visit to see Light and Sound Show at Red fort. The show exhibits wonderful history of the city in a very interesting way. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: A spectacular show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the harmony of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and majestic past are vibrantly brought to life. Special effects combine with the exceptional character to make this show an impressively memorable experience.

02 Day: Delhi

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi: the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. The sightseeing continues to explore New Delhi including President House, India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple. In the evening you can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through the lively and colourful market of Chandani Chowk. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, the towering capital city of the independent and largest democratic country in the world: India. Delhi is located and sprawled on both banks of Yamuna River. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is a blend of the ancient past of India with the vibration of the modern world. The city designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas of epic Mahabharata, the august heroes, founded Delhi around 1200 BC & the name of the city was Indraprastha.

03 Day: Delhi – Varanasi (By Air)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to airport to board the schedule flight for Varanasi. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take an excursion to Sarnath, located at 10 kms from Varanasi where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to the five holy men; visit at Dharmarajika Stupa, the 110 ft tall Dhamekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon., also visit to Archaeological museum, the collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images, also see the Ashok Pillar with 4 lions, built in 3rd Century BC., symbolize both Ashoks's imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha. The four-lion capital was adopted as the emblem of the modern Indian republic. After visit drive back to Varanasi. Overnight at the hotel.

Varanasi: Also recognized with the name, Kashi (meaning the city of spiritual light) and Banaras. This is one of the oldest cities in India with fascinating past; it has found a place in the epic of Mahabharata as well in the Buddhist scriptures. This ancient Indian city is sandwiched between the rivers Varuna and Ashi as they unite with the Ganges, the most revered river in the country, and provides easy access to industrial zones, including the automobile, garment and leather sectors. The notorious American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”

04 Day: Varanasi

Early morning take dawn BOAT RIDE at holy river Ganges, during the sunrise the city and river come alive, in the magical rays of the Sun; the city looks so exotic and lively: People bathe early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. Later return to the hotel for breakfast, afterwards take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting famous ghats of Varanasi: two cremation ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra, sightseeing continues visiting the Bharat Mata temple Durga temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, the most famous temple is the Kashi Vishvanath or Golden temple which though off-limits to non-Hindus, can be seen from the top floor of the old house opposite it. Afterwards visit Banaras Hindu University: the largest residential university in Asia, with over 12,000 students living on its campus, spread over 1350 acre (5.5 kms) In the evening visit at the bank of Ganga River to witness speculative Aarti (worship) ceremony, as this beautiful ritual process with brass lamps with chanting of Mantra in presence of crowd, every moment fills you with spiritual thoughts and feelings. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

05 Day: Varanasi – Khajuraho (By Air)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to airport to board the schedule flight depart for Khajuraho. On arrival transfer to the hotel. After refreshment visit Raneh Falls is one of the prominent tourist attractions, which is named after King Rane Pratap, the erstwhile ruler of the region. Situated in close vicinity of the destination, the waterfall emerged at the confluence of Ken and Khuddar rivers. Also visit Archaeological museum with its collection of stone sculptures of the Chandela dynasty. In the evening enjoy the speculative light and sound show. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: This fascinating light & sound spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day. The 50 minutes sound and light show is conducted by tourism department in the garden of western group of temples. The show is entertaining and informative about the construction, history and importance of the temples. The life and times of the great Chandela kings and the legend and grandeur of the unique temples from the 10th century to the present day are narrated in the voice of Amitabh Bachchan– the Bollywood legend.

06 Day: Khajuraho

After breakfast explore Khajuraho, is worldly known for its magnificent temples of erotica built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho is world heritage town, the temples are scattered in an area of 8 sq km. take a sightseeing tour visiting Western group of Temples consisting of the massive Laxman Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples dedicated to Vishnu’s consort Laxman, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chausath Yogini temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Later take a sightseeing tour of Eastern group of Temples which consists of 3 Hindu and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular, visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman both dedicated to lord Vishnu. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Khajuraho, The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, were built between 950 and 1050 A.D.It derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. The divine sculptures in these temples are a tribute to Life itself, embodying everything that is sublime and spontaneous about it. With the wane of the Chandela Empire, these magnificent temples lay neglected, and vulnerable to the ravages of Nature.

07 Day: Khajuraho – Orchha (175 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Orchha, on arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment drive to the historic city of Jhansi is 18 km from Orchha. It is a famous tourist destination and is known for the exploits of Rani Jhansi, who played an important role in fighting the British during the revolt of 1857. A number of monuments belonging to this period including Jhansi Fort and Rani Jhansi's Palace are important tourist attractions of Jhansi. Later enjoy the speculative light and sound show: depicting the history of Orchha, afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Orchha: The medieval city of Orchha, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, seems to have frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their original grandeur. Orchha had the distribution of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of Central India. The Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, founded the city, located by the side of the beautiful Betwa River, in the 16th century. The word Orchha means 'hidden'.

08 Day: Orchha – Gwalior – Agra (255 kms: 5 - 6 hrs)

After breakfast, enjoy the scenic beauty of Betwa River Surrounded by Sheesh Mahal, & Chattaris and Ram Temple. Later check out the hotel and drive to Agra, en route stop over at Gwalior and take sightseeing of the majestic Gwalior fort is one of the largest and mightiest forts in India. Also visit Sas-Bahu Temples are 11th-century temples of Lord Vishnu while Teli-ka-Mandir is a 300-metre-high Vishnu temple of the 9th Century, Man Singh Palace, after visit proceed to Agra, on arrival, transfer to the hotel, in the evening one should visit Oswal Emporium to watch the replica of Taj Mahal it took 10 years for the artists to build this artistic epitome, also enjoy light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”, the only show of its kind in India! Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Gwalior: Steeped in the splendour of its past, the ancient capital of Gwalior has yet made a successful transition into a modern Indian city, vibrant and bustling. A multitude of reigning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas, Kacchwahas and Tomars have left indelible etchings of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. Gwalior's tradition as a royal capital continued until the formation of present day India, with the Scindias having their dynastic seat here.

Agra: The city is known for one of the Seven Wonders of the World the Taj Mahal; a crown of all the loveliest buildings in the world. Agra is one of the oldest cities of India. This is believed that the name Agra is originated from Agrabanad means forest, mentioned in Epic Mahabharata. One can see many other wonderful historical places: Agra Fort- a splendid fort, Ram Bagh, and Itmad-Ud-Daulah - the imperial ruins of the Mughal regime. A pleasing town is known for its amazing inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are inheritor of those who worked under the Mughals.

09 Day: Agra

Early morning visit world’s most popular and beautiful monument: Taj Mahal with its’ fabulous view at the time of sunrise. Taj Mahal, a beautiful architectural monument is one of the 7 wonders of the world. This historical masterpiece is an illustration of the fusion of diverse architectural styles. Taj Mahal is the crown of all the lovely buildings in the world and a symbol of eternal love. The tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort. The fort was built in 1576 AD by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, structured and designed with red stoned barricaded; here you will find the splendid Pearl Mosque and various other classic example of art: Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, and Meena Bazaar and Musamman Bhurj. Emperor Shahjahan imprisoned by his rebellious son Aurangzeb in the Musamman Bhurj, would see his love reflecting through the Taj Mahal, where his dear wife was cremated. Afterwards visit Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 kms from Agra, built by Empress Noor Jahan daughter of Shahjahan, this monument a tribute to her great father. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

10 Day: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (240 kms: 5 - 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Enroute stop over at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted town of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who blessed birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar. It is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important structure here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane e Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. Also stop over at Abhaneri near Jaipur, and visit Step Well, it was built by King Chanda of the Chauhan Dynasty, and was dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness upon completion. Afterwards continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Jaipur is widely known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. The walls, houses and buildings of the entire city were washed with pink colour for a grand and royal welcome of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria of Britain, who visited Jaipur in 1853 A.D. This splendid city as was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is designed in accordance with Hindu architectural science called Shilpa Shastra. The city had been designed in rectangular shape of 9 blocks, depicting the 9 partition of the universe.

11 Day: Jaipur

Today morning after breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to splendid Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, built in the 15th Century by Rajput King Man Singh. Later visit another mighty and majestic Nagargarh fort, close to Amber fort. Drive back to the main city to visit the imperial City Palace - present residence of the royal family of Jaipur. The incredible Jantar Mantar was innovated and constructed by Jaipur King Swai Jai Singh. Splendid Hawa Mahal, also known ‘Palace of Winds’ Birla Temple, with its white shimmering marble glittering in the night. You can visit to Amber fort to see the Light and Sound Show: holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years & 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Later you can explore the bustling market by hoping onto a cycle rickshaw ride. Enjoy your evening at the most authentic and ethnic village resort: called Chokhi Dhani, designed on the theme of an ethnic village of Rajasthan with lots of traditional environment with entertainment like folk dances, puppet shows, astrology, music, camel ride, Here you can enjoy the traditional Rajasthani food. Afterwards return back to hotel for overnight stay.

12 Day: Jaipur – Neemrana – Delhi (270 kms: 6 hrs) – Hometown (By Air)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Delhi, en route visit to one of the splendid citadel of Rajasthan: Neemrana Fort to explore this magnificent royal abode. Now converted in to the magnificent heritage hotel, one can opt to have lunch in a Royal ambience; can also enjoy Zip Tour over here - an exhilarating and exploratory activity. You can have camel cart rides and vintage car rides. Later continue drive to Delhi, on arrival transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport to board the flight for hometown/onwards journey. On departure the tour concludes with happy memories.

Neemrana Fort - The Neemrana Fort Palace is situated on an elevated hillock and offers magnificent picturesque views of the surrounding region. In 1467, The Chauhan's capital shifted from Mandhan to Neemrana when the fort was established by Raja Dup Raj. It was subsequently conquered by the Mughals and the Jats before reverting back to the Rajputs in 1775 when the princely state of Alwar was established. It was made into a heritage resort back in 1986 and is among India's oldest heritage resort hotels.