Mysteries of North India 10 Days

Welcome to Delhi! Arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Terminal T3. Once you have de-boarded the flight, you will be required to clear immigration and customs. 

Meet our representative (with a paging board) will greet you and escort you to your vehicle once you have cleared the immigration process. You will then be transferred to the hotel of your choice. Welcome and check-in at the hotel on arrival.

Delhi “Charming, capricious, imperial” (as John Foster Fraser wrote), Delhi, India’s historic capital is one of the world’s longest continuously inhabited cities, a juxtaposition of old and new amidst a panorama of seven cities spanning over a millennia. From the crowded cauldron of Old Delhi’s bazaars set around the giant Jama Masjid mosque to the imperial grandeur of British Delhi radiating from its landmark buildings, the capital is a compelling medley of chaos and good order. 

Overnight at hotel in Delhi

In the morning, you will meet with your guide in the lobby of the hotel. The day has been set for you to explore the different facets of the historic city of Delhi and its finest sites. 

You will depart for a tour of Old Delhi, driving past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on your way. To truly experience the delightful chaos of the city, hop on a cycle rickshaw for an exciting ride through its narrow lanes. The Old City walls wrap around Chandni Chowk, an ancient market that continues to thrive to this day. Take in the electrifying energy around you while you expose your senses to the enticing colors and exotic scents of cardamom and allspice, and watch local men sip their tea at deliciously fragrant chai stands. 

In the afternoon, drive past the impressive India Gate and the Secretariat building on the way to Humayun's Tomb for an orientation with a conservationist from Aga Khan Foundation involved in heritage conservation. The 16th century Humayun's Tomb is one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first garden tomb of Asia. Like the Taj Mahal it is a testament of love built by a queen for her beloved husband Humayun, the 2nd Mughal Emperor of India. 

Overnight at hotel in Delhi

In the morning, you will check-out and depart for Jaipur by road (Driving time: 6 hours; Distance: 265km). 

Arrive in Jaipur in the afternoon. Welcome on arrival and check-in at the hotel. 

Jaipur Also known as the ‘Pink City’, for the abundance of pink plastered stone used to build its massive forts, magnificent palaces and exquisite temples. The city built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. There is far more to the city than just its famous monuments and to get a complete experience of Jaipur, uncover the mysteries of the bazaars and visit silversmiths, turban sellers and traditional markets. 

This evening, visit a Hindu temple to witness the evening prayer and take part in the blessing ceremony with locals. 

Overnight at hotel in Jaipur

Start your day with a visit the magnificent Amber fort - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Maota Lake. Once on top, you may stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the numerous mirrors embedded in the walls and ceilings, lighting up the entire room. 

On the way back, explore the sleepy town that lies at the base of the fort and pre-dates it by many years. This fascinating heritage walk winds through the surrounding Aravalli hills, where you can visit Meena tribal settlements and such historic structures as forts and shrines, as well as meet with locals. You may also visit the school situated in this village to interact with local kids to spend some quality time with children and weave in memories to take back home. (Note: The school is closed on Government holidays and Sundays) 

Your next visit is to the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world’s largest sundial. The massive astronomical instruments were built from local stone and marble and the monument pays homage to 18th-century architectural innovations during the Mughal period. Continue to the 18th century City Palace, now a fascinating museum housing some of the treasures of Jaipur’s princely past. The former royal family retains a part of the palace for their personal use. 

Overnight at hotel in Jaipur

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Later check-out and drive to Agra (Driving time: 6 hours; Distance: 240km). 

Before reaching to the city of Taj Mahal you will take a stop at Fatehpur Sikri. 

FATEHPUR SIKRI: Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted red sandstone city, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an extraordinary place to wander around. 

Continue drive to Agra. 

 Agra Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra came into full flower during the 16th and 17th centuries as one of the four capitals of Mughal dynasty. Descended from the Timurids in Central Asia, the Mughals conquered Delhi in 1526 which resulted in three centuries of dynastic rule that ended in 1857. It was in Agra that the artistic excellence of the Mughals reached its zenith at a time that coincided with the political high water mark of their vast and expanding empire. Agra today exudes the atmosphere of a provincial town engaged in trade and manufacturing, its heyday well behind it. Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel – on arrival, check in for your stay.

Overnight at hotel in Agra

Rise early to catch the first rays of light on the Taj Mahal. 

TAJ MAHAL: A masterpiece that now stands as a symbol of love to the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has captivated the hearts and minds of travelers for centuries. Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who passed away during childbirth, the iconic mausoleum rises above a well-manicured garden and the monument’s interiors display an elaborate inlay work of precious and semi-precious stones. Return to hotel for breakfast. 

AGRA FORT: In the afternoon, you will visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site- a red sandstone fort built on a bend of the Yamuna River. The Mughal Dynasty fort served as the main residence of the emperors until the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi, and is an impressive monument with a rich architectural history. The Emperor Shah Jahan was once imprisoned inside the Agra Fort, and the tower of his imprisonment offers spectacular views of the Taj Mahal in the distance. 

Overnight at hotel in Agra

Post breakfast, you will board train to Jhansi. Arrive at the Virangana Lakshmibai railway station, earlier known as Jhansi railway station. The train is expected to reach your destination by 12:35 hours after which you will drive straight to visit the Orchha Fort complex. 

Post lunch, you will continue your drive to Khajuraho (Driving time: 4 hours; Distance: 180km). Khajuraho Khajuraho, once the citadel of the Chandela dynasty, is best known for its collection of breathtaking temples built between 950-1050 CE. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the temples of Khajuraho are divided into three groups, Eastern, Western, and Southern. Though globally famous for their erotic sculptures, the temples of Khajuraho offer much more than sensuality and erotica. 

Post this you will be transferred to the hotel. On arrival, welcome and check-in. 

Overnight at hotel in Kharjuaho 

Proceed for a fascinating tour of the Western Group of Temples to learn about their history, architecture, presiding deities, and of course, the magnificent carved embellishments that cover the walls and interiors of the temples. Although famous for their erotic depictions, a majority of these sculptures at these temples illustrate domestic scenes, dancers, musicians, and teachers and disciples. 

In the afternoon, assisted transfer to the airport to board the flight to Varanasi. 

Varanasi With spiritualism that will haunt you long after you have departed, Varanasi located on the bank of River Ganga is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus. It is also home to the exquisitely woven Banarasi sarees. 

You will be provided assistance on arrival and then transferred to your hotel – on arrival, welcome and check-in. 

Overnight at hotel in Varanasi 

In the morning, you will take a tour through the landmarks of Varanasi including the Banaras Hindu University, the Bharat Kala Bhavan located within its premises, the New Vishwanath Temple, the Bharat Mata Temple, and the much revered Durga Temple. 

Post this you will drive a short distance to one of the four main pilgrimage centres of Buddhism- Sarnath. 

Sarnath is known as the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon. The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, a great proponent of Buddhism commissioned the building of several magnificent stupas, monasteries, and an engraved pillar, which went into oblivion by the 12th century following the decline of Buddhism and Muslim invasions. British archaeologists rediscovered it in the early 19th century and today, followers from across the world come to visit. 

This evening, you will witness the enthralling aarti offered to River Ganga in order to seek her blessings before cruising down the river on a boat. The boat will halt at the perfect point from where you can enjoy unobstructed view of the ceremony that marks the final ritual of the day. 

Overnight at hotel in Varanasi 

Witness the tranquil ghats of Varanasi as you take a boat ride down the River Ganges in the early hours of the day. Watch the sun rise over the sleeping city and its people slowly arriving at the ghats to perform their daily chores- performing rituals, taking a bath, worshipping the Sun God, or simply setting up shop for the day. 

Later you will return to the hotel. 

Check-out and transfer to the international airport to board your flight back home.