During
the Highlight of North India tour by road we get to know the best of North
India. The Glory of Rajput dynasty, highlights of
Mughal architecture, magnificent forts and Hindu Temple will
not only leave
an unforgettable impression but also the scenic beauty
of the villages and colourful dresses of the people of north
India will also accompany you while traveling by road. One of the
highlight of tour would be in Varanasi where you will have
a Boat ride on the holy river of Ganges and observe the rituals
performed by Hindu devotees in the early morning. This Journey
is an ideal one to have impression of the brilliant past and
lively present of India. We invite you to accompany us on this
tour of north India and visit the places Delhi, Jaipur, Fatehpur
Sikri, Agra, Gwalior, Khajuraho and Varanasi.
Day 01. Flight to India (Delhi)
Around
Midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan City and capital Delhi
is the main gateway for travelers. You are met by an Indo Vacations
representative and transferred to your Hotel.
Day 02. Old - New Delhi
This morning is at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a
Rickshaw Ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous
Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes
"Rajghat", the site where
Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and
Jama Masjid,
the
great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun Tomb" which is the first
substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and “Qutub Minar” which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199. Before
we proceed to the Hotel we have a drive through New Delhi where we
see the India Gate, Government Buildings and Embassies.
Day 03. Delhi - Jaipur (about
180 km)
Today we drive to the Pink City,
Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of
Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. In the afternoon we visit the
City Palace which is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the
City Palace , we visit the private collection of the Jaipur
Maharajas. We continue to
Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments reveals us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.
Day 04. Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of
Amber, laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created
Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we visit the
Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being
seen. In the afternoon we have a walk through the colourful Bazaar of Jaipur and visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done since centuries in
Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit
"Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony. Today we have dinner with a presentation of Indian music and dance.
Humayuns Tomb Delhi
Amber
Fort Jaipur
Day 05. Jaipur - Fatehpur
Sikri - Agra (about 260 km)
Today we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages in direction of Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit
Fatehpur
Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. Late evening arrival in
Agra. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 06. Agra
We start today our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign,
Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of
India, the
Taj
Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory home. After the visit of Taj Mahal we have a look at the famous fine marble inlay work which is still being done in Agra by the descendants of the families of builders and artists of the Taj Mahal.
Fatehpur Sikri
Taj
Mahal, Agra
Day 07. Agra - Gwalior (about
120 km)
After the breakfast we drive to Gwalior. Gwalior's strategic position between
North and South India has made it's Fort an important possession and it was captured by several ruling houses. Some left almost as soon as they came, while others stayed on to build and beautify the citadel. We visit the fort of Gwalior today
itself. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 08. Gwalior - Orcha
- Khajuraho (about 330 km)
Today early morning we leave Gwalior and proceed to Khajuraho. On the way to Khajuraho we visit
Orchha. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine
perfection. After the visit of Orchha we proceed for Khajuraho. Arrival in Khajuraho in the late evening.
Gwalior Fort
Orchha
Day 09. Khajuraho
Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandela dynasty. The Chandela Kings claimed descent from the moon. The temples of Khajuraho are among the finest examples of temple craftsmanship in the whole of India. Today we visit the temple complex of
Eastern Group and
Western Group to see the most beautiful temples in India. Most famous among them is the Laxmana Temple, which is dedicated to
god Vishnu. The presence of erotic sculptures in the Temples at Khajuraho is one of the expressions among others of the celebration of all human activities displaying different aspects of
Hinduism.
Day 10. Khajuraho - Varanasi (about 420 km)
In the morning we leave for Varanasi. Varanasi is without doubt India's most sacred city and thus visited by over one million
people. Varanasi is also called the city of light - Kashi or Benaras. Buddha visited this city in 500 BC. Benaras is regarded as one of the oldest and the holiest city. According to the Indian chronicles Benaras was a established city as long ago as twelve hundred years before the Christian Era.
Day 11. Varanasi
In the early morning we take a boat ride on the Holy River Ganges and enjoy sunrise on the
boat. Ghats (flight of steps) and the activities of pilgrims on that are the principal attraction for visitors to Varanasi. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves through taking a bath in the holy river
Ganges. In the noon we visit the city of Varanasi.
drive to Sarnath (10 km). Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon at deer park.
Laxaman Temple, Khajuraho
Ganga
Aarti Varanasi
Day 12. Varanasi - Delhi (by air)
In Afternoon we fly from Varanasi to Delhi. In Delhi we have rest of the day at leisure. Optional:
Further excursion in Delhi can be
organized as per the individual wishes. Rooms are available to get fresh and change before we depart for the Airport with Indo Vacations representative.
Day 13. Flight to Home
Around midnight flight to home destination.
TourReservation
To get more
information or to book this tour please submit the
Query Form
or send us an
e-mail ! Your
booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from
your side.
About
Hotels:
We
provide you the accommodation as per your budget mentioned above in
the table of hotels category for any of the booked tour. Hotels
provided by us are from budget to luxury class hotels. Luxury hotels
are all five stars or of above standard. Deluxe would be a
combination of 3 and 4 star Hotels and standard would be a
combination of 2 and 3 star or similar hotels. The
criteria for selecting hotels by us remains the best value of your
money. We also provide you wherever possible accommodation in
heritage hotels. Heritage Hotels are old Palaces, Forts and Grand
mansions of Maharajas which have been later renovated and converted
into Hotels. Rooms are decorated all individually. Rooms are
comfortable, romantic and present the flair of olden Maharaja days.
Our
Services Include:
Accommodation in double rooms on twin sharing basis with bath and WC
in the
chosen category.
Rooms
on the departure day.
American/continental Breakfast.
Rickshaw
Drive in Delhi.
Elephant Ride in
Amber.
Boat Ride in Varanasi.
One
Dinner will be with a presentation of Indian music and dance in
Jaipur.
Services of qualified local guides (English speaking
or languages of your choice)
at every place of sightseeing.
All
Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo
Vacations
representative.
All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an
air-conditioned Car with
driver. For groups an individual air-conditioned bus (Except
Standard Hotels) will be
provided.
Exclusions:
Any
Kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills
and Alcoholic
beverages.
Camera Fees (Still
or Movie).
Any Flight Charges.
Monument Entrances.
Unspecified Meals etc.
We always look forward for any changes in the itinerary as wished
by you for your individual trip.
If you are willing to travel in a group - the
Group
Departure dates are available
!
Check
our
Festival calendar to know about the dates of various festivals of North
India
during your travel !
Visit
North
India Tours for more Tours &
information on North India !
If you are a group over 15 people please
e-mail
us with the number of participants
and the wished dates to enable us to workout the
tour cost !
Please have a look at our
References
to read the testimonials of tourists & guests
who have
traveled with us.
Please also check our
FAQ
page to get more
information.