The Splendour of North India

Enjoy the magical beauty of North India

About trip

Experience the magnificent history, diverse culture and heritage of North India.

Destinations

Delhi-Jaipur-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Delhi

Duration

11 nights / 12 days

The Splendour of North India

North India, culturally known for its art, cuisine and architecture, consists of the Northern states of Delhi, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, among others.

 

Its diverse culture and past glory has a fascinating history in itself. For generations the region has been ruled by various invaders such as the Aryans, Greeks, Mughals and those of Persian origins. This can be witnessed in the art and architecture in the region. North India is blessed to have maintained these architectural forms that connects its history to its present.

 

With this tour, you will get to experience not only the magnificent monuments representing its history but also the diverse North Indian culture by visiting the Hindu pilgrimage centre of Varanasi, the exotic temples of Khajuraho, or the monument of love, Taj Mahal in Agra. The tour is designed in such a way that you’ll get to know more about Indian culture.

 

To be in Varanasi is an experience in itself, an experience to self–discover the eternal oneness of the body and soul. To every individual, Varanasi offers a diverse and breathtaking experience.

starts £ 1395 per person

Day 00 : Departure from UK

Leave from UK

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

Welcome to Delhi! You will meet our representative at the airport after clearing customs. Later transfer to your hotel for check in. Overnight at the Hotel.

 

Your first day will be a bit relaxed. You can either spend the day at the hotel or explore the area surrounding your hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi

You will be served breakfast at your hotel and then we’ll proceed for New and Old Delhi sightseeing Tour.

 

A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat – the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and a view of the Red Fort. You will also visit Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest markets in Delhi.

 

Later a tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Over night stay in Delhi.

Day 03 : Delhi- Jaipur

On this day you will drive to Jaipur, the fabled ‘Pink City’ of the desert named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. This is the only city in the world symbolising the nine divisions of the universe through the nine rectangular sectors subdividing it. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal processions and splendours, are now living monuments. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 04 : Jaipur

After an early breakfast, you will proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Amer or Amber Fort is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles find its ultimate expression.

 

In the afternoon, you will proceed for a sightseeing tour of Jaipur city visiting the City Palace, the Palace of Winds ‘Hawa Mahal’ and the Royal Observatory ‘Jantar Mantar’. A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. The Jantar Mantar or the Royal Observatory is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories, built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consists of out sized astronomical instruments, which are still in use. Continue to visit the City Palace, which is still inhabited by the current King of Jaipur. A photo stop at the ornamental facade of the Palace of Winds is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. This five-storey structure is made of sandstone plastered in pink, and encrusted with fine trellis work and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women. Overnight at the Hotel

Day 05 : Jaipur-Agra enroute Fatehpur Sikri

After having breakfast, you will leave for Agra and en route visit one of the most important places of the Mughal era, Fatehpur Sikri, founded by Emperor Akbar in 1569 AD as a ceremonial capital. But unfortunately this magnificent city was abandoned due to scarcity of drinking water and Akbar went back to Agra.

 

In Fatehpur Sikri, you will see the Buland Darwaza ‘Magnificent door’, and Diwan-I-Khaz ‘Hall of private audience’. Emperor Akbar built Buland Darwaza to celebrate the grand victory over Gujarat.

 

You will continue your journey, and upon arrival in Agra, check into the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 06 : Agra Sightseeing

After breakfast, you will proceed for a sightseeing tour of Agra city, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous monuments, and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. Twenty thousand men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial of Shah Jahan’s beloved wife. It’s a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone and undoubtedly will be the highlight of your tour.

 

Later you will visit the Agra Fort. This rusty and majestic red-sandstone fort, which stands on the banks of the river Yamuna was built by Emperor Akbar in 1566. At the Diwan-i-Khas or the ‘House of Commons’ the marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambiance, where the Emperor once sat on his gem-studded Peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly kingdoms.

 

You will stay overnight in Agra at the Hotel.

Day 07 : Agra / Jhansi train - drive to Khajuraho

After breakfast, you will start your journey towards Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. You will travel by train to Jhansi and thereon, you will be driven to Khajuraho. Awaiting you is the country’s most erotic art form carved on a group of temples.

 

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments consists of Hindu and Jain temples built between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty. The Monuments are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

 

Once in Khajuraho, you will spend the night at the hotel.

Day 08: Khajuraho Sightseeing

You will proceed for a tour of the temples after your breakfast.

 

The temples at Khajuraho are spread over an area of 20 KM and can be covered in groups of Western, Eastern and Southern group of temples.

 

The western group of temples include Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Chausath Jogini Temple, Vishwanath Temple, and Nandi Temple. The Kandariya Mahadeva temple, built in granite, is the largest temple at Khajuraho and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

 

The Eastern group of temples, dominated by Jain Temples, include Brahma Temple, Vamana Temple, Javari Temple, Parsavanatha Temple, Adinatha Temple, Ghantai Temple, and Shantinath Temple.

 

The Southern group of temples include Beejamandal Temple, which is still under excavation and is expected to be the largest temple in Khajuraho, Duladeo temple, and Chaturbhuj temple.

 

One of the outstanding features that you will notice among these temples is that most of them are made of fine grained sandstone in pink or pale yellow colour. Besides the erotic art, which comprises of 10% of art of in these temples, the architecture of these temples will leave you spellbound.

 

You will retire for the night at the hotel.

Day 09: Khajuraho - Varanasi Flight (50m flight)

After breakfast, you will catch a flight to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. You will meet our representative at the Varanasi airport who will direct you to your hotel.

 

After you have had enough time to freshen up, you will be visiting the Vishwanath temple, the most famous Shiva temple in Varanasi. Followed by a visit to the ghats for a glimpse of the Ganges. You will be taken to the Dasawamedh Ghat to watch the evening aarti ceremony, which is performed every evening for 45 minutes. It’s one of the most spectacular events at the ghats. You’ll see the crowd usher to the chants and prayers with thick aroma of incense sticks all over the place.

 

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: Varanasi

On this day, you will explore Vanarasi, starting with a boat ride at Ganga river. The best time for the boat rides are in the early morning. The ride takes you along the palaces located on the banks of the river and various ghats. The ride in itself will give you an idea of the spirit of Varanasi.

 

After the ride, you can spend some time at the banks of river Ganga or take a dip in the water. The River Ganga is considered to be the holiest river in Hindu culture and it is said that taking a bath in the river purifies one’s soul.

 

You will then visit the many temples of Varanasi exploring the city. Varanasi is said to house numerous temples in every nook and corner of the city.

 

A visit to Varanasi is not complete without a visit to Sarnath, about 10 kms from the holy city of Varanasi, where Lord Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. On the day before his death, Buddha included Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be sacred to his followers. It makes Sarnath one of the most venerated Buddhist places. The celebrated mantra, ‘Buddham Sharanam Gachhami’, owes its origin to Sarnath.

 

You will retire for the night at the hotel.

Day 11: Varanasi - Delhi Flight

On this day, you will travel back to Delhi by flight. The flight journey is about 1.30hr. Once you arrive in Delhi, you will meet our representative at the airport who will assist you to your hotel.

 

This is a free day for you to roam explore the city or shop around.

Day 12: Departure from Delhi

This day you will be transferred to the Delhi airport for your onward journey.

We begin this tour in the national capital of India, Delhi. The city has thousands of years of history and has been ruled by various dynasties and its flavors can be witnessed in the art and architecture of the region. The imperial British style of architecture with a blend of Moghul and Indian styles can be seen in the monumental structures of India Gate and the President’s House.

 

The city has also managed to maintain its old charm within its zest to modernize. It is a surreal experience to watch how the city performs on a day-to-day basis within its chaos.

 

From Delhi, you will then travel to Jaipur which is the capital of the Rajputanas, the land of the Forts and Palaces. Jaipur was possibly the first planned city in Northern India, and popularly known as the Pink City due the excessive use of pink stone during construction of the buildings. The city can charm tourists through its art, architecture, textile, traditions, music, jewellery and more.

 

From Jaipur, you will head to Agra. Between Jaipur and Agra you will visit the 16th century “Fatehpur Sikri” or Victory Town. The town is home to an extravagant mosque and fort complexes. The city has managed to preserve its brilliant Mughal architecture and is considered as the best preserved one in India. It’s one of the most under represented historical towns. If Jaipur’s enormous forts were your favourite, wait to be surprised by the Fatehpur Sikri.

 

In Agra, the highpoint is the magnificent mausoleum of eternal love, the immortal “Taj Mahal”. A world heritage site and one of the wonders of the world. No words can describe this white marble edifice, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb in memory of his beloved wife, the Empress Mumtaz Mahal. Although your guide will explain the amazing historical stories behind this stupendous site, nothing can really prepare you for a visit to the Taj Mahal.

 

You will also visit Agra Fort, a 16th century monument situated near the gardens of Taj Mahal. It was in this fort that Emperor Shah Jahan spent his last few days.

 

From Agra you will travels towards Khajuraho to see the spectacular group of temples representing the Chandela dynasty. The Temples in Khajuraho are well known for their erotic sculpture and paintings.

 

From Khajuraho you will visit Vanarasi, which is considered the holiest city by Hindus. Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. The word ‘Kashi’ originated from the word ‘Kas’ which means to shine. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi is the ‘original ground ‘created by Shiva and Parvati, upon which they stood at the beginning of time.

 

Varanasi is more than 3000 years old and is famous as the city of temples. In Varanasi, there are temples at every few paces. Looking at the number of temples in Varanasi, it is hard to believe that a large number of them were demolished during the medieval times.

 

Since time immemorial, Varanasi is a great centre of learning. The holy city has been a symbol of spiritualism, philosophy and mysticism for thousands of years and has produced great saints and personalities like Gautam Buddha, Mahavira, Kabir, Tulsi Das, Shankaracharaya, Ramanuja and Patanjali.

 

The Ganga Ghats (river front) are the most popular pilgrimage spot of Varanasi and are centres of music and learning.

PRICES / TERMS & CONDITIONS
(All prices as offered in Pound Sterling – Minimum two persons traveling)

Offer Starting from : £ 1395 per person *

Supplements may apply peak periods, city sold out dates, and high seasons.

Supplement for superior hotels apply.

*Train bookings open 120 days prior to the date of operation. Complete passport details are required to process the booking. Seats are booked on first come first serve basis.

 

PACKAGE COST INCLUDES:

  • Economy class flight for UK to India
  • Economy class flights domestic flights for Khajuraho / Varanasi / Ddelhi
  • Accommodation at above mentioned or similar hotels on twin sharing basis as per the chosen Option
  • Daily buffet breakfast at all hotels mentioned above
  • All transfers / visits / excursion as per the program by air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Services of English speaking local guide for sightseeing as per itinerary.
  • Entrances at the Monuments (01 visit).
  • Train fare for the sector Agra/Jhansi in best available class
  • All road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes
  • Escorted arrival/departure transfers at airport/train stations as per itinerary
  • Current taxes as applicable

 

PACKAGE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages camera/video fee at monuments, medical expenses, Porterage, airport departure tax etc
  • Meals other than those specified above
  • Transport during days at leisure
  • Visa to India.

 

MONUMENT CLOSURE DAYS

  • Delhi – Red Fort – Closed on Mondays
  • Agra – Taj Mahal – Closed on Fridays
  • Varanasi – Sarnath Museum – Closed on Fridays.

 

SPECIAL REMARKS:

* Elephant rides at Amer Fort are at the discretion of Rajasthan Government-Department of Tourism. On days when Elephants rides are suspended visit to Amer Fort will be provided in Indigo/Innova for 01 -03 Pax and in Non Air-conditioned jeeps for 04-10 Pax.

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