Arrive at New Delhi International airport. After completing the immigration and customs, proceed towards the arrival hall. Meeting and assistance upon arrival with a traditional welcome of garlanding and transfer to the hotel (the room being held from 1400 hrs).

Overnight in Delhi

After a leisurely breakfast, set off to explore Old and New Delhi, what India’s Capital Delhi has to offer. The visit of Old Delhi includes a drive past the Red Fort (closed on Monday), built-in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jehan in red sandstone, which gave the fort its name. Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India, built of red sandstone and white marble in the middle of the 17th century. Chandni Chowk is one of the liveliest places in Old Delhi which happened to be the imperial avenue where Emperor Shah Jehan rode at the head of the royal parade. Now, Chandni Chowk is full of shops, ateliers and stalls.

Later, we will head to New Delhi to visit India Gate which was built as a war memorial for the soldiers who were killed during WW I. Next, we will visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Viceroy’s imperial residence which was built in the 20th century. Today, it is used as Parliament and official residence of the President of India. After exploring this royal building, we will explore the first Mughal garden tomb, Humayun’s Tomb built in the 20th century. The emperor’s senior widow and mother of Akbar, Hamida Begum built this tomb. We will finish our day after visiting Qutub Minar, a 70-meter high minaret standing majestically since 1311 AD.

Overnight in Delhi

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Varanasi - dating back to more than 3000 years, Varanasi is said to be the oldest city in the world. The city is dotted with temples at every nook and corner. People here have faith that those who take their last breath here attain nirvana and liberation from the birth and rebirth cycle.

In the evening, attend the Aarti ceremony performed at the banks of River Ganges (Ghats). Participating in the evening aarti is one of the most visually-thrilling experiences when during the dusk; the river is lit up with countless earthen lamps which bring the city of Varanasi to a halt. The enchanting music originating from the sounds of dongs and chimes fill the atmosphere with spirituality and tranquility.

Overnight in Varanasi

Early Sunrise Boat ride on the River Ganges. The Ghats of Ganga dotted with temples or more than 100 ghats (Banks) alongside the Ganges. The best way to cover them all is a boat ride, which presents a very beautiful view of the Ghats bathed in crimson light.

After the early morning experience, return to the hotel for breakfast.

Later in the morning, proceed for the visit of Varanasi city, covering famous sites like Banaras Hindu, 18th century Durga temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, Tulsi Manas temple, ‘Bharat Mata’ (Mother India). Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple in 1936. Afternoon excursion visit to Sarnath (10 km/about 25 minutes drive one way) (closed on Friday), where Buddha delivered his first sermon (Religious language). Explore the Dharmek Stupa, Sarnath Museum. Ashoka pillar and the several statues dating from the Gupta period. Also, visit the Mulagandhakuti vihara temple with frescoes scenes of Buddha’s life.

Return to Varanasi city and you can explore the markets or walk around the city to get the feel of the city life.

Overnight in Varanasi

This morning after leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Khajuraho - renowned the world over for its fine temples, built between 950 and 1050 AD, which are amongst the most creative examples of Indian architecture. The most prominent theme of the carvings is a woman which represents in the form of amorous and playful. Other carvings of the temple represent other forms such as cosmic evolution of gods, nymphs, revolting demons, griffins along with emotions of man including doubt, ardent love, jealousy, consummate passion, fear, etc.

Meeting on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Later in the afternoon, we will proceed to visit the Temple complex and our focus this afternoon will be the eastern group of Temples - The eastern group of temples can be subdivided into two groups - an interesting complex of Jain temples in the walled enclosure and a group of four temples scattered through the small village of Khajuraho. Parsvanath is the largest of the Jain temples and noted for the exceptional skill and precision of its construction and the beauty of its sculptures. The Adinath Temple has fine carvings on its three bands of sculptures. The Shanti Nath Temple is a relatively modern one, built about a century ago, but it contains many components from older temples around Khajuraho.

Overnight in Khajuraho

This morning, after leisurely breakfast, we will take you to the famous temple complex and our focus is on Western Group of Temples - contained within a fenced enclosure, well maintained as a park. The large Lakshmana Temple(dating from 930 to 950 AD). The Varaha Temple (900 ad), dedicated to Vishnu’s boar incarnation (Vahara avatar. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple(1025 and 1050 AD), is the most artistically and architecturally perfect.

Overnight in Khajuraho

This morning, after an early breakfast, drive to Orchha, founded in the 16th century by the Bundela king, Rudhra Pratap, on the banks of the Betwa river, is a medieval city frozen in time and space, existing even today as it must have done in the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was built.

The countryside undulates gently between reverie plains and rolling forest-clad hills and the landscape is dotted with palaces and temples, a fortress and cenotaphs. The architecture is a fine composition of traditional Hindu style along with Indo-Saracenic with ornate Mughal style. Across Betwa River, one can get some breathtaking views of the surrounding.

After the visit, we drive to Jhansi, the railhead closest to Orchha to board the train to Agra - India’s capital during the 16th and 17th centuries, the city is home to an outstanding collection of Mughal architecture.

Meeting at Agra railway station and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Agra

This morning, we start early (during the sunrise, visit the world-famous Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), set within the paradise gardens. The whole Taj complex measures 580 by 300 m and the garden 300 by 300 m. The guiding principle is one of symmetry. There are four minarets each 41.6 m high, built on all the four corners of the platform which balance the tomb.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Late morning, visit Agra Fort – on the west end of the Yamuna River, Akbar’s magnificent fort dominates the center of the city. The outer walls tower above the outer moat faced with red sandstone, with a height of around 20 minutes. With a long straight wall that faces the river, the fort is built in a crescent shape.

This will be followed by the visit to the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as a Baby Taj. This is the first Mughal building to be faced with white inlaid marble and was built by Empress Nur Jahan in memory of her father.

The evening is again planned to visit the long-standing symbol of love and devotion, The Taj Mahal.

Overnight in Agra

This morning, after an early breakfast, drive to Ranthambore, with a stop along the way at the deserted 16-century city of Fatehpur Sikri, the most important artistic center in South Asia in its heyday.

After the visit continue the drive to Ranthambore National Park, one of the country’s celebrated wildlife reserves where you can catch a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger (The National animal of India) amongst various other species.

Overnight in Ranthambore

Early morning and afternoon embark on a safari through the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, which expands over almost 400 sq km of thick foliage with an experienced naturalist.

Overnight in Ranthambore

Early morning embark on another safari through the Wildlife sanctuary.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast drive to the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur which means the city of victory was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. Jaipur is a well planned and structured city built from rose-coloured terracotta.

Evening, visit Hawa Mahal before participating in the evening prayer ceremony in the Govindji temple. The peaceful transcending end to the day is by a visit to the Govind Devji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in the City Palace. It is one of the most followed temples of Jaipur and the royal family is a great devotee of this temple. There is daily aarti (prayer) at different times of which the most spectacular is in the evening.

Overnight in Jaipur

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to the nearby 16th-century hilltop fortress of Amber, ascending the tortuous paved pathway to the fort on a four-wheel. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Raja Man Singh began this medieval capital of Rajputs and was used as a stronghold. When Sawai Jai Singh II became the king, he moved the capital to Jaipur which was newly created. Afternoon, visit the Jantar Mantar and the City Palace. Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century by the astronomer king Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, consisting mainly of 18 stone instruments that help to interpret the position of celestial bodies and calculate local time. It is no longer a working science center but is maintained as a monument by the archeological department and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The City Palace Museum which includes the Mubarak Mahal (The Palace of Reception) that now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum displays a vast plethora including interesting collection such as royal costumes, delicate Pashmina shawls, Benaras silk sarees, and other dresses with Sanganeri prints and embroidery.

Overnight in Jaipur 

Experience – Cycling In Pink City or Heritage Walk

After an early breakfast this morning, we will leave for Jodhpur, known as the Blue City of Rajasthan. On the way, we will stop at a religious city, Ajmer. The city is dotted with lots of shops selling religious items, around the courtyard of mosques where you will sense spirituality vibrating in local life. One of the most iconic mosques here is the Tomb of Moinuddin Chisti which is visited by countless pilgrims every year. After visiting Ajmer, we will continue our journey to Jodhpur, the Blue City which resonates with the folklore of ancient times, surrounded by the desert. Situated close to the Thar Desert, the city was once one of the most powerful princely states. Enclosed by several bastions, eight gates and high wall, around 10km in length, Jodhpur city showcases an impressive lifestyle where people put on artistically created costumes of several colours.

Overnight in Jodhpur

After a leisurely breakfast, visit Jaswant Thada - the 19th-century white marble royal memorial built in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. After this, we will explore Mehrangarh Fort, a formidable and impressive monument standing at a height of 125m above the city. The fort has been structured in a way that it looks indomitable from outside. With four gates accessed by a wide road, inside you will find marvelous palaces which are decorated with latticed windows and carved panels. Evening, walk through the Old Clock Tower Market. Jodhpur is famous all over the world for handicrafts in wood and iron. Walkthrough the Sadar Bazaar or main market, better known for its huge clock tower, stuffed with shopkeepers, vendors, bicycles, vehicles, cattle herders, etc. This chaotic yet vibrant atmosphere gives a hands-down experience of local culture.

Overnight in Jodhpur 

Experience: ZIP LINING

This morning after breakfast drive to Venice of the East, Jewel of Mewar, Udaipur with en-route visit of the famous Ranakpur Temple(temples are open between 1200 hrs till 1600 hrs), famous for its marvelous complex of finely ornamented Jain temples. One of the temples we visit this afternoon is the Adinatha, the complex’s most noteworthy building, with its 1,444 engraved pillars, no two of which have the same carvings. After the visit, continue drive to the romantic Lake City of Udaipur, tucked away in the heart of the forested Aravalli Hills. The regally romantic city is a symphony of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes and green hills and has always stood out from Rajasthan’s other desert cities with its network of manmade lakes.

Overnight in Udaipur

After a leisurely breakfast, visit the City Palace. This monument is based on a crest that overlooks Lake Pichola. The palace is Rajasthan’s largest palace which was constructed in parts at different periods however the synchronization in the design and construction is wonderful and is glorified by impressive towers in octagonal shapes which have been surmounted by many cupolas. After this, we will visit Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens) which is a remarkable example of Hindu landscape and gardening art on a princely scale. A profusion of fountains surrounds opulent pools which are decorated with cenotaphs and soft black coloured stones. The 17th century Jagdish Temple is famous for its Garuda statue built of bronze. In Hindu mythology, Gardu is a mythical bird related to Lord Vishnu. While you take a walk through a narrow street in the bazaar, you will find lots of shops, stalls and ateliers.

Evening, experience the beauty of royal Rajasthan on a boat ride along Lake Pichola overlooking the magnificent Lake.

Overnight in Udaipur

Today you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Delhi or Mumbai for your onward international flight back home taking back some fond memories of the trip Discover North India and Rajasthan.