Detailed Itinerary

Best Of North India And Rajasthan

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Duration : 15 Nights / 16 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi

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Day 01
Arrive at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on in Delhi. Transfer to your hotel.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Relax. Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 02
Delhi
After breakfast we will meet at the lobby and proceed for a day tour of Old & New Delhi.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing 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 the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire. Drive by the fort ramparts and proceed for the rickshaw ride.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi. Lunch will be at the famous CHOR BIZIARRE.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, a drive along the ceremonial avenue Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the President's Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Overnight will be in Delhi.
 
Day 03
Delhi - Varanasi
By Flight  
Flight Number: 9W 723
Airline: Jet Airways
Departure: 1040 Hrs
Arrival: 1150 Hrs

Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed to the airport for flight to Varanasi.
Varanasi is the World's most ancient living city. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet-manufacturing place of India. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and ASI. It is also called CITY OF TEMPLES.
Rest of the day will be at leisure. In the evening proceed for the AARTI BY EVENING AT GANGES.
Overnight stay will be at Varanasi.

Day 04
Varanasi
Morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Then return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed for day guided tour of Varanasi. Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India, engraved in marble. Also visit the 18th century Durga Temple, commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the huge population of the monkeys. Proceed to the Tulsi manas Temple, crafted from white marble which features the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also visit the BHU considered as the biggest residential university in Asia. The University Campus houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Overnight stay will be at hotel.

Day 05
Varanasi – Khajuraho
Flight: 9W 723
Airline: Jet Airways
Departure: 1220 hr
Arrival: 1300 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel. Visit Sarnath - 5 Miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 B.C. Witness of the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a Fine Museum which House an Excellent Collection of Buddhist Art & Sculptures. Take flight to Khajuraho. Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven. After lunch visit the EASTERN TEMPLES and JAIN TEMPLES.
In the evening proceed for the SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW and retire for the night. Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 06
Khajuraho - Agra
(By Road to Jhansi 175 km / 4 hr)
By Shatabdi Express to
Agra in 2 hr)
Early breakfast will be at hotel.
Visit the WESTERN SET OF TEMPLES.
Transfer to JHANSI station after early lunch for SUPERFAST SHATABDI EXPRESS to Agra. Reach Agra at 2000 hr.
AGRA: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. Reach and check in at hotel. Overnight will be in Agra.

Day 07
Agra
Proceed for sightseeing of Agra after breakfast.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Visit AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.
Visit Itmadullah's Tomb built by Empress NOOR JEHAN in memory of her father (The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj).
Relax in the evening at the hotel. Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 08
Agra – Jaipur
(By Road 221 km in 5 hr)
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for Jaipur. Stop at Fatehpur Sikri. The deserted, red Sandstone City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Reach and check in at the hotel.
JAIPUR - The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history - A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. It is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.
This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.

Day 09
Jaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for the excursion to Amber fort in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride at Amer Fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber 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 finds its ultimate expression.
Proceed for the sight seeing tour of the city.
CITY PALACE - 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.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 10
Jaipur - Pushkar - Nimaj
(By Road 180 km in 4 hr)
Drive to Pushkar (3 hr) to experience the fair after breakfast.
PUSHKAR - Amongst the grandeur of Rajasthan, discover a unique gem - Pushkar. Lord Brahma - The creator of the world in a search for his abode on earth, performed the supremely spiritual VEDIC YAGNA at Pushkar. It is thus the site of the only Brahma Temple in the world. Blessed with cultural blends, it is the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair, with people coming from all over Asia to buy and sell cattle of breeds from across the world. The consecrated mausoleum of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer attracts pilgrims from all over the world. A city of Pilgrimage from time immemorial with over 500 temples and Ghats Pushkar begets a legacy of timeless architectural heritage. Pushkar radiates an ambience of peace and spirituality that casts a lure to visit again and again. The Pushkar fair is amongst the largest cattle fairs in the world and amongst the oldest cities in India, with references in mythology and the Mahabharat. There are 52 bathing Ghats, which are linked to the lunar calendar, enclose the lake. Each Ghat has its own miraculous qualities and powers of healing and this city of temples has over 500 temples built over different eras with varied architectural styles. The rose garden of Rajasthan - the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported the world over. Enjoy the fair and drive to Nimaj.

The fort of Nimaj was built in 1733 by the valiant ruler- Thakur Jagram Singh. Situated in the heart of the town, it is a massive structure built in traditional Rajput style with courtyards and separate wings for men & women. The little township is surrounded by places of historical interest, like the 9th century temple Magar Mandi, 3 kms away. Visit nearby villages to see local craftsmen at work & a little further see blackbucks, blue bulls etc.

Lakes in the desert region are a rarity having their own charm. Chhatra Sagar, 4 kms from the fort is a beautiful water body nestled between two hillocks. Built as a summer retreat, the lush green lawn, flowering trees and clear waters are like an oasis in the otherwise dry region. Boating and angling is possible. It is surrounded by lush green fields and vast grazing pastures. Chhatra Sagar, a hundred-year old reservoir with a periphery of about 10 kilometers, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and a perfect getaway from the chaotic city life.

As a hunting preserve of the Nimaj Estate, Chhatra Sagar has witnessed many exciting shikar camps and leisure parties. Today, the campsite, situated on the dam, offers breathtaking views of the sunrise, sunset and the Aravalli ranges on the horizon. The old shooting box - Aodhi has been put to good use as it provides a closer view of the water fowl and birds of prey.

Watch the birds, go for nature walks, soak in the fresh air, sit around the bonfire and listen to old folk lore - or be more adventurous and take one of the many safaris on offer. Experience the warm hospitality, and enjoy some truly delicious Indian and traditional Rajasthani meals cooked with farm fresh vegetables in the family kitchen.

Relax in the tastefully designed and well-appointed tented accommodation. Each tent has an attached bath with running hot and cold water, and its own private sit out overlooking the lake.

Spend time with the family.

Overnight will be at the camp.

Day 11
Nimaj - Udaipur
(By Road 190 km in 4 hr)
Breakfast will be at hotel. Start for Udaipur at leisure. Reach Udaipur and check in to hotel.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

Check in at DEVIGARH - Rajasthan's folklore is full of love stories-and romance fits beautifully into the elegant and tranquil surroundings of Devi Garh. Clinging to the rocky hill like a fairy tale fortress, the Palace casts an enchanting spell with its innumerable bay windows, canopies, terraces, and balconies. Dine by candlelit warmth where the silence of the stars is broken only by the sounds of distant music floating through the night sky. The magic of romance at Devi Garh is sublime, the effect staggering.
Overnight stay will be at Devigarh.

Day 12
Udaipur
Breakfast will be at the palace.
Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local folk Museum.

Proceed for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake and spend some time.
Overnight stay will be at Devigarh.

Day 13
Udaipur - Jodhpur
(By Road 260 km in 6 hr)
Breakfast will be at the palace. Proceed for Jodhpur.
En-route, visit the RANAKPUR TEMPLES, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures. Reach Jodhpur.

Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 14
Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed for morning sightseeing tour of Jodhpur - gateway to the desert beyond, home of the Rathors of Marwar. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, rising up a hilly scarp, built on the advice of a hermit, overlooking the city in the image of a long sentinel. Inside the Fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. In this palace you would see different miniature paintings & cradle room. After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial.

In the afternoon go for a village safari in the jeep and have a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. Abundant wildlife (game) and memorable moments of the great desert landscape fascinates one while driving along the countryside.
Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 15
Jodhpur - Delhi (By Air)
Flight: CD 7472 (Indian Airlines)
Aircraft: Boeing 737
Stopover: One
Departure: 0840 hr
Arrival: 1030 hr
Proceed to the airport to take the flight to Delhi.
Reach and check in at a hotel RADISSON or INTERCONTINENTAL EROS for the day.
Enjoy the day in the hotel relaxing or do some last minute shopping. Late evening check
out as per flight timing and proceed to the airport for flight home.

Day 16
Departure

THE TOUR INCLUDES:

1. Accommodation at mentioned hotels,
2. All sightseeing tours,
3. Air-conditioned private suv at disposal,
4. English speaking guide for all mentioned tours,
5. Assistance at the airports on arrival / departure,
6. All applicable taxes and service charges,
7. All road taxes, government taxes and driver allowances,
8. Ac first class train fare for sectors mentioned,
9. All meals at chattrasagar tents in Nimaj,
10. Sound and light show at khajuraho,
11. Bishnoi village drive at Jodhpur,
12. Mineral water bottles during drives,
13. Elephant ride at amer fort - Jaipur,
14. Boat ride at lake pichola in Udaipur,
15. Sarnath excursion with guide at Varanasi and
16. Sunrise boat-ride at river Ganges with guide in Varanasi.

HOTELS SUGGESTED:

CITY	LUXURY HOTELS	DELUXE HOTELS	NIGHTS
Delhi	Imperial	Taj Palace	02
Varanasi	Taj Ganges	Radisson	02
Khajuraho	Taj Chandela	Radisson	01
Agra	Amar Vilas	Trident	02
Jaipur	Rajvilas	Jai Mahal Palace	02
Nimaj	Chattrasagar Swiss Tents	Chattrasagar Swiss Tents	01
Udaipur	Taj Lake Palace	Fateh Prakash	02
Jodhpur	Umaid Bhawan Palace	Ajit Bhawan	02
Delhi	Radisson	Radisson	DAY USE

PRICE (PER PERSON):

OCCUPANCY	LUXURY TOUR PRICE (US$)	DELUXE TOUR PRICE (US $)
In double or twin room	USD 5499	USD 3499

Note: All prices are per person for two people traveling together. Single traveler prices are available on request. Please note that only lunches and dinners are not included along with personal expenses and camera charges at monuments, etc. fees, tips,

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