|
Over the space of nine days, this fully escorted tour is your chance to visit some of India's most incredible sites, including the three Royal cities - Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. You also visit Khajuraho, Orcha and Varanasi, the spiritual home of India.
Departure dates are guaranteed and are as follows: 18 February '12 and 03, 17 & 31 March '12
This is a fantastic tour, staying in Luxury Hotels at an amazing price, so call us today to book your place !!
Day 1: Arrive Delhi - Upon arrival in the Indian capital, New Delhi, you meet your representative at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and after a warm welcome, you will be escorted to the Oodles Hotel. Day 2: Day in Delhi - Sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, including a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, ‘silver street’, one of the largest trading centers of India; see the Red Fort, the place marking announcement of India’s freedom from the British Raj; visit Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. In the afternoon, discover the modern city of New Delhi, including a visit to Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and the world’s tallest minaret; Photo stop at India Gate, the war memorial arch; drive past the President's & Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi. Overnight in the Oodles Hotel,
Day 3: Delhi to Jaipur (260km) - After breakfast, you travel overland to Jaipur, the reservoir of Indian customs, traditions and legacy. Afternoon at leisure and later in the evening, you visit the Laxmi Narayan temple, to witness evening aarti. Overnight in the Four Points Sheraton.
Day 4: Day in Jaipur - Today visit the Amber Fort, built in the 16th century. An elephant ride will help your ascent. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace complex with its museums and Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory, and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in the 18th century. You explore the many facets of Jaipuri crafts such as semi precious jewels, pottery, colourful embroidered fabrics with mirror work, woven carpets etc – watch artisans at work and enjoy souvenir shopping in this colourful city. Overnight in the Four Points Sheraton.
Day 5: Jaipur to Agra (235km) - Depart Jaipur, visiting Abhaneri, a small village, popular for it's amazing 'Baoris' (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple, en route. Enjoy lunch at the Geejgarh Camps before stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. The architectural grandeur of this deserted city are a unique blend of different architectural traditions. Overnight in the Jaypee Palace Hotel in Agra.
Day 6: Day in Agra - Visit the awe-inspiring beauty of the eternal symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, often referred to as a poem in white marble. The Taj Mahal displays the saga of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. You visit the Agra Fort, built in red sandstone, with it's magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens. Overnight in the Jaypee Palace Hotel.
Day 7: Agra to Khajuraho via Orcha - This morning you experience the Indian railways as you board the train to Jhansi. Upon arrival drive to Khajuraho, visiting Orcha, a medieval riverside town known for its palaces and temples, en-route. Apart from the famous landmarks such as the Jahangir Mahal and Laxmi Narayan Temple, the town is peppered with fascinating little shrines and memorials. Later embark on your drive to Khajuraho (182km) where you overnight in the Radisson Khajuraho. Day 8: Khajuraho to Varanasi - Tour the Eastern & Western Group of Khajuraho's temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for it's intricate, sensual carvings of entwined figures that embellish the temples. Afterward you are transferred to the Airport for your flight to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and freshen up. Later, enjoy a visit to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, and a renowned school of learning from the 6th century BC to 12th century AD. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the national emblem of India. Visit the ruins, stupa, Buddhist temple and the Sarnath Museum. Overnight in the Radisson Varanasi. Day 9: Varanasi to Delhi - Early morning boat ride on the Holy River Ganges. See the ‘bathing ghats’ where thousands of pilgrims pay homage to the Sun God by immersing themselves in the water of River Ganges, and the ‘burning ghats’ where cremations are conducted. After the boat ride, return to hotel, before being transferred to the Airport for your return flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the International Airport, in time to board your flight back home. Please Note: If you have a special request or if you would like a tailor-made itinerary, please give us a call !! ** India Visa Application Form **
|