North India tour cover the main destinations of North India Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi.
Tour starts from Delhi the capital city which is melting pot of various cultures of India - however it still has a salad bowl approach, where one can see the distinct features of individual cultures from across the country when observed more carefully. Jaipur the heart of present Rajasthan, always played a pivotal role in the history of Rajputana. Imposing forts, extravagant palaces and colorful markets is how one describes this city in one sentence. Agra the land of Taj Mahal an ultimate symbol of love, a monument that is witness to what a man can do to express his love. Varanasi one of the most ancient cities in India and great centre for learning, Varanasi is the holiest pilgrimage for Hindus.
A visit to deserted capital of Fatehpur Sikri which en route between Jaipur and Agra drive which is in a remarkable state of preservation is an additional experience. A rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, elephant ride in Jaipur and boat ride in Varanasi are some other activities this tour includes to add to the experience.
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arrive IGI airport Delhi. Met by our representative upon arrival at the international airport and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 – Delhi
Proceed on a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi. Capital of India where history has seamlessly given space to modernity without loosing its presence. One of the largest cities in the world, it is dotted with imposing monuments of Hindu, Mughal and Colonial era.
Visit Jama Masjid the largest mosque of India which can accommodate 25000 people at a time for offering prayer. Qutab Minar one of the tallest break minarets in the world, Humayun Tomb considered to be one of the forerunners of the Taj Mahal. Drive pass India Gate and other government buildings. A visit to Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial) will be a part of the sightseeing.
Apart from visiting historic buildings one gets to take cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow alleyways of Chandni Chowk is an experience by itself. Once was a flamboyant bazaar (market place) for the novels of the Mughal era, it today is the largest wholesale market of Asia.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 – Delhi to Jaipur
Morning drive to Jaipur (270 Km/ 06 Hrs. approx.). Arrive at Jaipur and check-in at hotel with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 – Jaipur
Morning proceed on a full-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Start your day with an excursion to Amber Fort. Amber Fort lies on the outskirts of Jaipur city. Erstwhile capital of Kachhawaha Rajput rulers of Jaipur, the Amber Fort guarded one of the important defiles against invading enemies. Wander around the fort exploring extravagant palaces that once witnessed the opulence and magnificence of the Royal Rajasthani lifestyle. The mirror palace, winter palace, summer palace, etc. are some of the highlights of the visit to this fort. You will climb atop the fort’s ramparts on an elephant’s back.
Stop at Hawa Mahal en route to the fort. Built-in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap a five-story façade in red sandstone with 953 small windows, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is part of the City Palace. It was built with an intention to allow ladies in the palace to observe everyday life on the street below without being seen. However, today Hawa Mahal has become the emblem of Jaipur.
City Palace – a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, The City Palace official residence of the present royal family covers a series of courtyards, gardens, and residential buildings, etc. A part of this Palace has now been converted to a museum housing an elaborate collection of Armoury, Textiles, and Artifacts. Jantar Mantar - this 17th-century astronomical observatory is an excellent example of the marvelous precision wherein each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes, and calculating eclipses, etc. and some of them still work quite accurately.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 – Jaipur to Agra
Morning drive to Agra stopping by en route to visit the deserted capital of Fatehpur Sikri (185 Km/ 06 Hrs. approx.). Fatehpur Sikri briefly served as the capital of the Mughal empire during the reign of Emperor Akbar, however, it was quickly abandoned due to lack of potable water. Palaces, meeting halls, courtyards all built in red sandstone inside the complex are in a remarkable state of preservation.
Continue drive to Agra (44 Km/ 1 ½ Hrs. approx.) on finishing the visit. Arrive at Agra and check-in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 – Agra
Full day sightseeing tour of Agra visiting the Taj Mahal. This ultimate tribute of love built by a grieving emperor for his wife is actually flawless to its conception and execution. It is aptly said that the beauty of the Taj Mahal has to be experienced, it cannot be described in words.
Agra Fort from where four of the mighty Mughal rulers controlled their vast empire. Built by successive emperors, the fort consist of residential palaces, courts, social areas, and private mosques represents the excellence of Mughal architecture. Fort also is a vantage point to view the Taj Mahal from a distance. Itmad-ud-daulah Tomb, considered to be one of the forerunners of the Taj Mahal. Built primarily in red sandstone, this monument elegantly displays intricate white marble and pietra dura inlay work on its walls and floor.
Late afternoon visit the Mehtab Bagh across Yamuna river to view Taj Mahal changing its color with the fading light of setting sun.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 – Agra to Delhi and Varanasi
Optional visit to Taj Mahal early morning to view the monument in the sunrise.
Later in the morning drive to Delhi airport (210 Km/ 04 Hrs. approx.) to connect the flight for Varanasi.
Arrive Varanasi and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 – Varanasi
Morning proceed on an excursion to Sarnath (9 km) - the place where the Lord Buddha turned the Wheel of Law and delivered his first sermon. See the ruins of 9th and 10th century monasteries and temples, Chowkandi and Dhamek Stupas and the famous Sarnath Museum.
Afternoon proceed on a sightseeing tour of Old Varanasi. One of the most important pilgrimages for Hindus - Kashi or Benaras as it used to be called in the olden days, Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities of the world and has been a center of religious and cultural learning for well over 2000 years. Explore the narrow alleyways of Varanasi and visit the Bharat Mata and Durga Temple and see the famous Vishwanath temple with its spires covered with gold, dedicated to Shiva, the presiding deity of the city.
Evening visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat to see evening prayers. Witnessing the evening Aarti at Dasawamedh Ghat is a very vibrant experience. A group of priests offers evening prayer on the bank of the river Ganges swinging big multi-story butter lamp beautifully synchronizing their movement in the rhythm with the sound of sound roaring drums and symbols. A beautiful site is created here when devotees float oil lamps on leaf boats on the river.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 – Varanasi to Delhi and Depart
Early morning go to the riverfront for a dawn boat ride along the Ghats of the River Ganges. A boat ride in the early hours of the morning on the Ganges is a magical experience, it is a very emotional and philosophical experience for many as one sees the truth of life and death here from a close quarter. While one observes devotees taking holy deep in the river offering their morning prayers and celebrating life in one end – on the other end one will witness mourning and performing of the last rites and burning funeral pyres.
The rest of the morning will be at leisure or free for optional activities.
Afternoon transfer to airport to board the flight for Delhi. Arrive at Delhi and transfer to international airport to connect flight for onward destination.
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