CLASSIC INDIA Delhi – Jaipur – Agra – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi
11 days / 10 nights
Soak in the culture and the traditions that make India what it is. See the beautiful architecture of ancient India, the erotic temples of Khajuraho and experience the moving Arti ceremony at the Ghats of the Ganges in Varanasi
Day 1 Arrive Delhi, India’s capital and true metropolis. The city has something for everyone, art, cuisine, adventure, lifestyle and more.
Day 2 Discover Delhi’s dynasties through its monuments. Visit New Delhi’s Parliament House and Presidents Palace; take a pedi-cab ride down old Delhi and see the beautifully preserved mausoleum of the great Mughal Emperor – Humayun and more.
Day 3 Transfer to Jaipur, one of the richest principalities of pre-independent India. The city still retained its old world charm, with its amazing forts and palaces. Spend an evening walking through the gallis or lanes of Old Jaipur.
Day 4 A full day in Jaipur includes visits to the majestic Amber Fort, the illusory Palace, better known as the Palace of Winds and the relatively new City Palace. Also visit Jantar Mantar, the largest and most well preserved observatory built by Jai Singh I
Day 5 After breakfast travel to Fatehpur Sikri a fairy-tale ghost city of delicately carved red sandstone. Continue to Agra. Home to the Taj Mahal, Agra is a tiny town with a huge history, having been the capital of India under the Mughal rule. Visit the Taj Mahal at sunset.
Day 6 This morning you can return to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Sunset and sunrise are the most beautiful times to see the Taj Mahal, when the sun casts its rays and a warm glow on the white marble building. Also visit Agra Fort, once the seat of power of the Mughal Empire. An awe-inspiring architectural marvel that stretches over a mile and half along the banks of the Yamuna River.
Day 7 Board the train to Jhansi and experience life on Indian Rails. After a short detour to visit the little town of Orchha, famous for its palaces adjacent to the bubbling River Betwa. Continue on to Khajuraho a city famed for its intricately carved erotic temples. Watch a sound and light show at the temples depicting the story of the dynasty that built these beautiful temples.
Day 8 Visit Kandariya Mahadeo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Western Group temples known for its amazing bas-relief.
Day 9 Fly to Varanasi, one of the most pious of Hindu cities and the birthplace of yoga. It is the city of sunrises and saints. This evening visit Sarnath where Gautam Buddha delivered his sermons to his followers. Enjoy a soul stirring prayer ceremony on the Ganges and watch the priests invoke the Gods to seek their blessings.
Day 10 A boat ride on the Ganges early this morning allows you to imbibe the true spirit of this great city. Watch as the temples, homes and schools awake with the morning sun. Visit the famous Vishwanathji Ki Gali a crowded market full of shops selling every color of bangles. Board your flight to Delhi.
Day 11 Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.