Duration: 09 Nights/10 Days tour by land and air
Route: Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi
Season: All year round

Highlights: Temples and ghats of Varanasi the oldest living city in the world, the erotic sculptures and shrines of Khajuraho - a UNESCO World Heritage site, chhatries and palaces of Orchha, Taj Mahal & Agra fort, cultural tours of Jaipur and Delhi

Varanasi (Benares or Kashi) is the oldest living city in the world and has been the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the holy land of Varanasi will attain salvation from the cycle of birth and re-birth. A dip at any of the 84 sacred ghats of the Ganges is believed to wash away the sins of mortals. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days.

Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela chieftain Rudra Pratap.

The temples of Khajuraho are famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. These 10th-11th century temples The 85 temples were built in North Indian 'Nagara' style of architecture, though only 20 of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years of time. The two richer distinctive groups of temples are the Western and Eastern group of temples. Khajuraho and its erotic temples have a very interesting legend that connects them to the origins of Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girls known as Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world.

Itinerary

Day 01: ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive IGI airport Delhi and transfer to the Hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 02: DELHI
After breakfast combined tour visiting important sites of New and Old Delhi - Qutab Minar a 12th century tower and one of the tallest of its time, Humayan's Tomb considered to be one of the forerunner of the Taj Mahal and evening drive pass President House, India Gate and other colonial buildings. In Old Delhi visit 16th century Red Fort the ultimate symbol of Mughal power in India, take a cycle rickshaw ride in the narrow alleyways of Chandni Chowk which once served as royal market, Jama Masjid one of the biggest mosque in India built during the same time as Red Fort and the Raj Ghat. Overnight at hotel

Day 03: DELHI to JAIPUR
Morning depart by surface for Jaipur (250 kms / 5 hrs drive). Arrive Jaipur and check in at Hotel. Late afternoon visit the City Palace and the museum, which houses the royal armory, old manuscripts and textiles. Visit the Jantar Mantar an astronomical observatory built over 150 years ago which works quite accurately till date. Overnight at hotel

Day 04: JAIPUR
Morning excursion to the Amber Fort the Old Capital of Jaipur that guarded the city from invading enemies. Climb atop the fort on elephant back and explore some impressive palaces of bygone era. Also visit Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) en route to Amber Fort. Rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities. Overnight at hotel

Day 05: JAIPUR to AGRA
Early morning depart by surface for Agra (250 kms / 2 hrs drive) stopping en route to visit the deserted capital of Fatehpur Sikri, which is in a remarkable state of preservation. It is believed that this place was abandoned due to lack of potable water. Arrive Agra and check in at Hotel. Followed by visit to the Agra fort from where four of the mightiest rulers from Mughal dynasty ruled their vast domain - explore the palaces built by successive rulers, amongst them hall of private audience, hall of public audience, Moti Masjid are most talked about and later visit the fabled Taj Mahal, stay on to view the monument changing its mood with the soft light of the setting sun. Overnight at Hotel

Day 06: AGRA - ORCHHA - KHAJURAHO
Morning optional visit of Taj Mahal. In time transfer to the railway station to board the train for Jhansi. Arrive Jhansi and depart by surface for Khajuraho (168 kms / 4 hrs drive) en route visiting Orchha, a medieval city situated on the banks of the River Betwa. The magnificent Jehangir Mahal is surrounded by lovely chhatries. Complementing the exotic exteriors are the grand interiors housing some of the unique representation of the Bundela school of paintings. Arrive Khajuraho and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 07: KHAJURAHO to VARANASI
Morning explore some of the important exquisitely carved temples with erotic sculptures in Western and Eastern group that has made Khajuraho a World Heritage site. In time transfer to the airport to board the flight for Varanasi. Arrive Varanasi and afternoon city tour of Sarnath, famous for its Dhamekh Stupa and for it being the place where Buddha preached his first sermon enshrining the principle of his teachings into laws. Overnight at Hotel

Day 08: VARANASI
Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges to witness sun-rise over the river and ghats of Varanasi. Witness the devotees taking holy dip and offering morning prayers.Return to hotel for breakfast and proceed for tour of Varanasi. The city sightseeing includes a visit to the Kashi Vishvanath Temple, the Bharat Mata Mandir and the new Vishvanath temple. The Kashi Vishvanath Temple (or the Golden Temple) is a gold-spiraled temple rebuilt in the 18th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The spire is covered with tones of gold plating donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab. Only Hindus are allowed inside. The Bharat Mata Mandir is dedicated to Mother India and has a relief map of "Mother India" in marble. The new Vishvanath Temple (1966) at the Benaras Hindu University (the largest residential university in Asia - a great seat of learning Sanskrit) is one of the tallest in India. The marble Shiva temple modeled on the old Vishwanath temple is open to all castes. Overnight at Hotel

Day 09: VARANASI to DELHI
In time transfer to the airport to board the flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel

Day 10: DEPART DELHI
In time transfer to the international airport to board the flight for onward destination.


Culture Tours in India:
1857 Mutiny Tour, North India Culture Tour,
Varanasi and Khajuraho Tour, Kerala Spice Coast Tour,
Rajasthan Culture Tour, Camel Safaris in Rajasthan