The itinerary covers much selected destinations of North India. They are the places that anyone first time in India must visit. It includes “The modern city of Delhi, besides the holiest place of the Hindus, Varanasi, located on the banks of the River Ganges; Khajuraho, the temple city of central India, famous throughout the world for its exquisitely carved temples & Sculptures in stones. Celebrated visit to the Agra “The monument of love Taj Mahal” beside the traditional and colorful Jaipur. It also includes the little town of Pushkar, which has gained international recognition as the venue of the largest camel fair in the world and the "Venice of the East" The Lake city Udaipur.
TOUR H I G H L I G H T S
The tour is designed to present the highlights of the North Indian States, the magnificent monuments, the culture, the tradition and the people. We visit the metropolitan capital cities with their historical rooting as seen in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. We would have the journey down the lanes of Old bazaars of Chandni Chowk of Delhi in Rickshaws. The mesmerizing sunrise boat ride on the Ganges called “Subeh Benares”. We have train journeys on the famous Indian railways offering unique opportunities to interact with locals from close quarters. We visit the exquisite temples of Khajuraho. The major highlight of the tour is the visit to the Wonder of the World the Taj Mahal, at sunrise. We do Jungle Safari to view Tiger with Naturalist at Ranthambhore National Park. At Jaipur Elephant Ride at Amber Fort and Walking Tour of the bazaars of Pink City winding up with relishing the Ethnic Rajasthani Cuisine with cultural and dance programme. The site of the World’s only Brahma Temple in Pushkar is also the site of the world’s largest camel fair. Our visits in the tour to the village and community school, and the home hosted dinner with an Indian family, truly makes this programme unique and all comprehensive experience of India. Tour at a Glance Day 01: Delhi-Arrival Day 02: In Delhi Day 03: Delhi-Varanasi (Flight) - Excursion to Sarnath Day 04: In Varanasi Day 05: Varanasi – Khujuraho (flight) – First Tour of Temples Day 06: Second tour of temples - Khajuraho-Jhansi-Agra train journey. Day 07: In Agra Day 08: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Abhaneri – Ranthambore Day 09 Ranthambore Morning Game Drive – Jaipur Day 10: Jaipur Day 11: Jaipur –Pushkar Day: 12: Pushkar – Udaipur Day: 13: Udaipur Day: 14: Udaipur – Delhi Flight
What to Expect?
This tour is designed for those on their first interactions with India. This is not a demanding tour; it is a relaxing itinerary with lots to see. Driving time is kept to minimum and the roads are generally pretty good, but local traffic and/or road damage can sometimes slow you down. These times then are for wonderful discoveries. The tour is not overly demanding, but some of the days can be busy, where traveling is combined with sightseeing and there are a lot of early mornings.It is a brief introduction with mid range comfortable accommodation, personal vehicle and modest prices.
Welcome to Incredible India! On arrival at Delhi International airport, you will be received by our representative and transferred further to your hotel. Rest of the time is kept free to recover from jetlag.
After having breakfast take a full day tour of Delhi First half will include a visit to Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Red Fort in Shah Jahanabad (Old Delhi), Raj Ghat & Humanyun’s Tomb. During the second half take a tour of the British Colonial Buildings viz. India Gate, Parliament House and President’s House in Lutyen’s Delhi (New Delhi). Stay overnight at your hotel. [B]
south_india_splenderHoliest Pilgrimage center: Varanasi - the essence of spiritual India. Formerly called Benaras, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world. Excursion to Sarnath. After breakfast get transferred to domestic airport to board flight for Varanasi.
AIRLINE
FROM
FLYING TIME
Delhi
Varanasi
Kingfisher
09:55
11:20
1hr 25min
IT-231
New Delhi
Varanasi
Non Stop
IGI Airport -1D
Varanasi Airport
Upon Arrival you would be taken to your well appointed Hotel in Varanasi and later take a short excursion to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. The most prominent structure here is the Dhameka Stupa. Stay overnight at the hotel. [B]
Oldest inhabited city of the world: Enjoy an enlightening boat ride at dawn to see the pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges set against the back drop of the centuries old temples - perhaps one of the most impressive sights in the world. The western banks of Ganges have a string of 84 Ghats (the chain of stone steps) and interestingly each of them has a story to relate. Most of these Ghats built with pavilions, palaces and terraces are mainly used as Dharamsalas (a home for the pilgrims during their visit to the holy city). The sunrise on the Ganges popularly know as “Subeh Banaras” is a soul-lifting experience. At dawn-the Ghats are abuzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals. At Manikarnika Ghat- Cremation is a continuous process (photography prohibited) A boat ride from the dasaswamedh ghat along the Ghats gives you vantage views of these activity. After the boat cruise on the Ganges through the narrow lanes visiting the Gyanwapi Mosqueand the Vishwanath temple popularly know as the GoldenTemple Later visit the Banaras Hindu University (a center of education in Sanskrit, Indian Art, culture & music) and Durga (Goddess of Power) Temple. In the evening attend Aarti ceremony at a ghat of Ganges. Stay overnight at the hotel. [B]
After breakfast the day is at leisure till afternoon transfer to the Airport to board flight to Khajuraho.
AIRLINE
FROM
FLYING TIME
Varanasi
Khujuraho
Jet Airways
12:15
12:55
0hr 40 min
9w - 723
Varanasi
Khajuraho
Non Stop
Varanasi Airport
Khajuraho Airport
Upon Arrival the tour will start with a visit to the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to the Sun God, while the Vishwanath Temple sports a three-headed image of Brahma – the Creator of the Universe. The Lakshmana Temple is superbly decorated, while the Devi Jagdambi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Other temples in the Western Group include the Varaha Temple with a nine-foot high boar-incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Matangeshwara Temple with a eight-feet high lingam, and the Brahma Temple and the and the Duladeo Temple. Stay overnight at hotel. [B]
In the morning take a half day guided tour of eastern and western group of temples. Later transfer by surface to Jhansi railway station to embark the prestigious Taj Express to Agra. On arrival at Agra, transfer to your hotel.
Today is your special day; let this place of dreams be the one where you have the best day of your life and the incomparable “Monument of Love” the Taj Mahal, bear testimony to it. The Taj Mahal is the living symbol of the monumental passion of Shah Jahan and Arjumand Banu Begum. Later in the afternoon visit historical Agra Red Fort and if time permits you may also visit Itmad-Ul-Daula, a beautiful mausoleum made by Nurjahan, wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir for her Persian father Mirza Ghiasuddin Beg. In the evening you may opt for the local Play “Mohabbat the Taj” recreating the love story of the Emperor for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Encounter with king of Jungle. : Morning drive to Ranthambhore - Home for the King of Jungle i.e. Tiger, enroute visiting abandoned citadel of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World heritage site. It was a short lived capital of Mughal Empire (for 10 years only) as it had to be abandoned due to shortage of water supply. Later heading south west we make another stop at the famous Abhaneri step well. Abhaneri – The City of Brightness is a small town village, originally Abhaneri was named as Abha Nagri, which means the city of brightness, but due to mispronunciation of the term, it changed to the present name. Today, the city is in ruins; yet it still attracts tourists from across the globe. Upon arrival at Ranthambore in the evening, check into your hotel nestled amidst the wild terrain. Stay overnight at the resort. [D]
Start very early (0500 Hrs) in the morning set out for the much awaited Safari to the Tiger land. Ranthambore was hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur is a favorite haunt for the wildlife enthusiasts in India today. Ranthambore National Park is a well spread 1334 sq Kms of wildlife habitat guarded by the worn down ranges of the Aravalli and the Vindhya hills. The park is mostly a rugged terrain with thick undergrowth interspersed with rocky outcrops and covers a core area of 275 sq. Kms. The river Banas on the north and river Chambal on the south and their off shoots drain the park&39s ecosystem and make it an ideal habitat for Leopard, Jackal, Hyena, Sloth Bear, Deer, Sambar, Nilgai and a variety of resident and migratory birds. However, the endangered Tiger eats the maximum footage in any sighting, travelogue, photo-album, souvenir, and brochure and of course, a travel agent&39s itinerary. And this Project Tiger Reserve since 1973 hardly disappoints anyone. Within the parks precincts lie a 1000 years old Ranthambore fort, after which the park was named, an old yet living temple dedicated to lord Ganesha which are worth a trek in case of ample time. On the road towards the park, beautiful wildlife paintings made by the local artists are displayed in the Ranthambore School of Arts. In the afternoon visit the old fort. Post visit drive to Pink City, Jaipur. On arrival at Jaipur, check in at your hotel. Stay overnight at your hotel. [B, L]
City of Colors: Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of city including a visit to the Amber fort, which you climb on an elephant&39s back or by a jeep. The main attractions are the Sukh Mandir (Temple of Contentment - an aptly named pleasure chamber, cooled by a stunning water cascade) and the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror palace) here. You also stop to see some of the architectural marvels of Jaipur viz. the Palace of wind, Jantar Mantar (the UNESCO World Heritage Site). On your way back to hotel, shop in the colorful bazaars of Jaipur. In the evening visit an ethnic village located in the outskirts of Jaipur for exotic Rajasthani dinner. Stay overnight at your hotel. [B, D]
After a leisure breakfast we set out for the sacred city of Pushkar. Pushkar is famous for its temples and the most notable amongst these is the Brahma Temple. Pushkar also attracts devotees from all over the world who come here to take a dip in the holy waters of the PushkarLake. But by far the greatest attraction of Pushkar is its annual cattle fair, which is a spectacle to behold, and a large number of tourists visit Pushkar during the time of the fair. Otherwise, Pushkar is a tranquil and peaceful city. For those who want to know about Pushkar and its great historical and cultural heritage, a visit to this city gives the perfect opportunity. Stay overnight at hotel. [B]
After breakfast travel further south to the “City of Lakes” Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur check-in hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, either in shopping or roaming about in the colorful bazaars of the city or to rest cozily in your room and refresh yourself. In the evening, cruise through the placid waters of Lake Pichhola at sunset and visit the Jag Mandir Palace. Stay overnight at hotel. [B]
After having a sumptuous breakfast set out for the sightseeing tour of the regal city. The highlights of the first half of the trip are rich collection of magnificent City Palace Museum, majestic Jagdish Temple and an elegant garden called Sahelion-Ki-Bari. Spend the evening at your leisure, to continue shopping or roaming about in the friendly bazaars of the city or relax at your hotel. Stay overnight at hotel. [B]
Soon after breakfast at appropriate times you would be transferred to International airport for your home bound flight.
~The tour ends with fond memories~
Accommodation on Twin occupancy including breakfast at the following Hotels or similarENVISAGED :-
Day
City
Hotels
Category Hotels
Category Room
01 / 03
Delhi
Le Meridien
5 Star
Deluxe
03 / 05
Varanasi
Gateway Taj Ganges
5 Star
Standard
05 / 06
Khujuraho
Taj Chandela
5 Star
Superior
06 / 07
Agra
The Gateway Hotel (Taj)
5 Star Deluxe
Standard
07 / 09
Ranthambhore
Tiger Den Resort
Heritage
Cottage
19 / 10
Jaipur
Samode Haveli
Heritage
Deluxe
10 / 12
Pushkar
Pushkar Palace
Deluxe Resort
Superior Deluxe
12 / 14
Udaipur
Rajputana Resort
Heritage
Deluxe
14 / 15
Delhi
Le Meridien
5 Star
Deluxe
Hotel Details
Accommodation on Twin occupancy including breakfast at the following Hotels or similar ENVISAGED :-
Day
City
Hotels
Category Hotels
Category Room
01 / 03
Delhi
Le Meridien
5 Star
Deluxe
03 / 05
Varanasi
Gateway Taj Ganges
5 Star
Standard
05 / 06
Khujuraho
Taj Chandela
5 Star
Superior
06 / 07
Agra
The Gateway Hotel (Taj)
5 Star Deluxe
Standard
07 / 09
Ranthambhore
Tiger Den Resort
Heritage
Cottage
19 / 10
Jaipur
Samode Haveli
Heritage
Deluxe
10 / 12
Pushkar
Pushkar Palace
Deluxe Resort
Superior Deluxe
12 / 14
Udaipur
Rajputana Resort
Heritage
Deluxe
14 / 15
Delhi
Le Meridien
5 Star
Deluxe
Destination
Delhi it is the capital of The Democratic Republic of India and boasts to be one of the oldest and largest cities in the world. Resting on the foundations of eight cities from the ancient times is now is a modern metropolis where you encounter antiquity at every bend. With a history spanning over 5000 years that saw several dynasties, invasions, migrations, destruction, construction and the Partition, Delhi is a cultural conundrum. The best way to relish New Delhi is not to try to unravel its idiosyncrasies but enjoy the cultural ensemble it offers.
Pushkar a pilgrimage places for Hindus, boasts for the only Brahma Temple in the world, dedicated to Lord Brahma the creator of the Universe. Pushkar is a temple town with numerous ghats dotting the holy Pushkar Lake. The town has also found a place on the tourist map with foreigners flocking to seek spiritual bliss. Pushkar is most famous for the Pushkar Camel Festival, the largest camel trading fair. During this time, the desert town wears a festive look as locals and tourists alike partake in friendly competitions including camel races, moustache twirling and cricket matches.
Jaipur is a part of the famous Golden Triangle. From camel carts, multihued fabrics, antique cars, to traditional men sporting bright turbans, the city flaunts everything that is conventional. Walk through the city to explore markets thronging with local crowds dressed in vibrant bright colors, women wearing ornaments, and men wearing pagris (turbans). Jaipur is where you&39ll experience the local culture, yet find every comfort of the contemporary world that you&39re accustomed to.
Agra, the word conjures a romantic image of the Taj Mahal created by Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Agra is the epitome of a cultural city, with many historical relics beginning from the Persian to the Mughal era. Interwoven with tombs, a trip to Agra is a treat, not just to your eyes, but to your senses as well. But hidden behind these beautiful monuments is a thriving industrial city getting richer by the day. Agra could just as well be a Mecca for shopaholics with marble artifacts, leather goods and silk fabrics available at dearth cheap rates.
Shopping: Marbles, leatherwork, crafts, Zardosi thread work, Panchi Petha and Dalmoth Visit local factories for excellent leather buys, wallets, shoes, jackets and belts and is a good place to shop for silk &39saris&39 and &39dupattas&39. The Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.
Ranthambore is most famous for its tiger population, the Ranthambore National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary covers 392 sq Kms of the total 1334 sq Kms area of Ranthambore. Two rivers, Chambal and Banas are the lifeline of the area and during the dry summers, pools formed on the river beds serve as the best place for animal sightings. For those who like tranquility, the 200 km safari on four different trails, presents an amazing assortment of resident and migratory birds and animals in Ranthambore National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors have to adhere to the Forest Department&39s fixed timings for the morning and afternoon safaris of three hours each.
Udaipur set in the foot of the Aravallis mountain ranges which surround the city protectively and gifting it with breathtaking views of the hills that rise and fall. Evenings by the lake side is an amazing experience, which can also be enjoyed from the city&39s numerous rooftop restaurants. Udaipur has often been called the most romantic city in India. Udaipur is known for handicrafts like puppets, bandhini cloth, silver jewellery, hand made paper products, and miniature paintings made in the traditional Mewar style.
Gallery
Price and Inclusions
Per person total tour amount payable on twin sharing basis : US$ 1750 Single Supplement: US$ 400
Rates include following specific services
Rate does not include
Accommodation on Twin Occupancy basis along with the breakfast, inclusive of all presently applicable taxes that are subject to change. Check-in / checkout time is 1200 noon.
Transport using all transfers / sight seeing is envisaged using air-conditioned Medium Car along with transfer of baggage in same car.
Representative assistance at airport/ hotel is included in our rates for arrival and departure transfer.
Guide: English – speaking local guides at Varanasi as mentioned in the itinerary.
Game Drive at Ranthambhore with Naturalist.
Ethnic Rajasthani Cuisine at Jaipur.
Train Fare 2nd A/c Fare from Jhansi to Agra.
Air Fare in economy class between Delhi – Varanasi and Varanasi – Khajuraho.
Entrances fees to the monuments as shown in the itinerary.
Home hosted Dinner with an Indian Family.
All meals at Ranthambhore.
Traditional welcome on arrival with garlands of marigold flowers.
One bottle of Mineral water per person per day.
Any International or Domestic Airfare other than mentioned above.
Airport tax payable on final departure, which is mostly included in the International tickets.
Personal expenses such as room service/ laundry/ phone calls / mini bar and Porter charges. These are to be settled directly by the occupant of the room at the time of check-out. Also does not include table drinks, tips etc.
Room for immediate occupancy on the day of Arrival or late checkout on day of departure.
Camera/ Video Camera charges at monuments.
Personal & health insurance coverage.
Meals other than specified.
*Air Fares may change at the time of booking and the difference of the cost would be payable. Rates are subject to availability and valid till September.
