|
(08 nights / 09 days)
Delhi/ Jaipur/ Agra / Varanasi/ Delhi
Day 01 : Arrive in Delhi
Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of Group Tours to India and escorted to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.
Day 02: Delhi 
Delhi is a bustling metropolis where history mingles with modernity. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, Delhi is a conglomerate of seven cities. It was the seat of power of many famous dynasties such as those of Chauhan, Slave, Khilji, Mughal and finally the capital of the British. The division between the walled city and Imperial New Delhi is also distinct and marks a clear demarcation in lifestyles. You can get a view of the tradition, colors and charm of the past in the walled city whereas New Delhi is a modern city trying its honest best to live up to the standards of 21st century.
In the morning, embark on a city tour of Old and New Delhi.
The tour of the old city includes the great mosque of Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and the final piece of architecture involving extravagance of Shah Jahan. Stroll down the labyrinths of the colorful shopping bazaar of Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Street"). Visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India's Independence.
The excursion to New Delhi includes the Humayun's Tomb, considered to be the precursor of the famous Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath ("the Kingsway"), passing the India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate those soldiers killed in the World War I), the Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Parliament House. Enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colorful Hindu temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Delhi-- Jaipur
After breakfast travel to Jaipur by road. Upon arrival you will be met a representative of Group Tours to India and escorted to the hotel. Later embark on a city tour.
Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and is always at its exuberant best in terms of color, dance, and song with the traditional arts and crafts. A well planned cities, with straight wide avenues following a grid system of roads, streets and lanes. Founded by the great astronomer king Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century, this pink city is a dream tourist destination for those who wish to enjoy the colors of life.
Transfer to the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," one of the most photographed monuments in the world. Overlooking the main street of the old city, the monument is a fine example of Rajput architecture and was built to enable the royal ladies to watch the processions and every day life of the city. The City Palace, located in the canter of the old city, is a large compound of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and also houses an interesting museum. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose penchant for astronomy was even more famous than his military prowess.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04: Jaipur
After taking breakfast excursion to the city includes ride the painted elephant to the magnificent fortress-palace at Amber. Once the royal capital, the fort is a fine example of the perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Jaipur -- Agra
Morning drive to Agra, visiting en-route the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Known as India's "Pompeii", Fatehpur Sikri was once a glittering imperial capital, later mysteriously deserted. Today you'll see the remarkably well preserved building and red sandstone palaces. The main entrance to the complex is Buland Darwaza or "Great Gateway". It was built o commemorate Akbar's exploits in Gujarat.
Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06: Agra
This morning embark upon a full-day city tour of Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Itamad Ud Daula's tomb. Proceed to the Agra Fort (also called Red Fort), noted for its fine views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River. Then move on to the Taj, the single most important sight a visitor to India can see. The most extravagant monument ever built for love, Taj was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal.
The Itamad Ud Daula's tomb was built by Empress Noor Jahan, consort of Jehangir, in memory of her father, Ghiyas Beg, also the Chief Minister in the Court of Mughal Emperor Jehangir. The monument is beautifully conceived in white marble, mosaic, and lattice. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Agra -- Varanasi
Morning transfer to airport to board your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival you will be met by a Group Tours to India representative and escorted to the hotel. Later embark on a tour to the city.
One of the ancient and holiest cities in India, Varanasi is an important center of pilgrimage for the Hindus and also a major tourist destination. Every Hindu has a desire to visit this sacred city. Situated on the banks of the most sacred river of India Ganges, Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization from ancient times. It finds mentions in the Mahabharata and other ancient scriptures. It is probably the oldest living city in India, and one of the world's most ancient.
As a very sacred place of devotion and worship, Varanasi attracts thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year who tour its temples and bathe in the Ganges River to gain religious merit. Many Hindus wish to spend the later part of their years. Also called Kashi, meaning light or luminescence, there is no doubt that the place indeed illuminates with a spiritual light.
This religious city is crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets swells with throngs of people. Varanasi is a city that cannot be described--only experienced.
Morning visit the different ghats (riverside platforms with steps) and hire a boat to see the amazing sight which is not to be found anywhere else in the world. Multitude of devotees enter the holy waters of the Ganges from the 70 ghats to purify themselves before the rising sun. Later on walk past the cremation grounds.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08: Varanasi
Take a half-day trip to Sarnath, one of the most famous Buddhist sites in the world. Here Buddha delivered his first sermons to his five disciples. This even is known as "Dharmachakra Parivartan" (the turning of the wheel of the law) in Buddhist terminology. Return to the hotel.
Afternoon embark on a city tour including Kashi Vishvanatha, the most famous Hindu temple. Also visit the Bharat Mata Temple, which has a big relief map of India in marble, the Banares Hindu University with its art gallery, and the Mosque built by the 6th Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb on the side of an ancient Hindu temple.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09: Varanasi /Depart Delhi
Later transfer to airport for your flight back to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. After checking out of the hotel transfer to airport for your international homebound flight.
|
