North India Heritage and Culture Tour

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive late evening at New Delhi International airport. Upon arrival at International Airport, you will be met by our representative, after a traditional 'Swagat' (Indian welcome consisting of garlands) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for two nights.

Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Over night Hotel Delhi

Day 02: Delhi
Full Day

Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.

In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India.

We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Optional - Sound & Light Show at Red Fort with dinner at Indian Cultural Restaurant
Overnight Hotel - Delhi

Day 03: Delhi / Varanasi ( by flight )
After breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the flight for Varanasi flight 9W 723 depart at 1040, assistance on arrival at 1150 hours, transfer to the hotel.

After relaxing, take an excursion tour to Sarnath - 10 kms visit the deer park and Bodhi Tree where Lord Buddha preached his First Sermon. In the evening you can visit to temples at the bank of holy river Ganga and various Ghats (banks) and enjoy Arati of Ganges.
Over night Hotel Varanasi

Day 04: Varanasi
Early morning at the time of sunrise take boat ride on the Ganges at dawn when it is full of pilgrims is an amazing place to witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. While on the boat you will also see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindi Rituals. Later proceed on a tour of the Golden Temple dedicated to lord Shiva.

After lunch visit to Banaras Hindu University - probably the largest residential university in Asia, in the university visit at Bharat Kala Museum. Also visit the Durga temple dedicated to goddess Durga. And Sankatmochan Temple interestingly the Sankatmochan Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys found in the Temple premises. Rest of the evening free for leisure.
Over night Hotel Varanasi

Day 05: Varanasi - Khajuraho ( By Flight )
Morning after breakfast checkout and transfer to the airport to board the flight to Khajuraho at 1220 hrs departure, arrival at 1300 hrs. On arrival check in to the hotel.

Later visit Western group of Temples consisting of the massive Laxman Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Laxmi and Varaha temples dedicated to Vishnu's consort Laxman, the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Chausath Yogini temple dedicated to goddess Kali. Also visit Archaeological museum with its collection of stone sculptures of the Chandela dynasty. Latter we will visit Eastern group of Temples and visit the Jain temples of Parsvanath, Adinath, and Shanti Nath. Also visit the temples of Vamana and Brahma/Hanuman both dedicated to lord Vishnu.
Over night Hotel Khajuraho

Day 06: Khajuraho - Jhansi via Orchha (Surface) - Agra (Shatabdi Express Dep: 1756 / Arr: 2025)
Later drive to Jhansi en route visiting Orchha, Once the capital city of Bundela, Orchha is now just a village, set amongst a complex of well-preserved palaces and temples. It's definitely worth a visit. Orchha was founded in 1531 and it's golden age was during the first half of the 17th century. A special palace, Jehangir Mahal was built when Jehangir visited the city in 1606. It is of impressive size and there are good views of the countryside from the upper levels.

Orchha, capital city of Bundela was founded in 1531 and it's golden age was during the first half of the 17th century. A special palace, Jehangir Mahal which is situated at the bank of Betwa river was built when Jehangir visited the city in 1606. It is of impressive size and there are good views of the countryside from the upper levels.

Visit Raj Mahal nearby has superb murals. Orchha's worth visiting temples date back to the 17th century. They are still in use today and are visited regularly by thousands of devotees. Ram Raja Temples with its soaring spires.

Later you will be transferred to Jhansi Railway station to catch the Shatabdi Express to Agra. Upon arrival transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Over night Hotel Agra

07 Day: Agra - Jaipur (240 Kms / 05 hours approx.)
After breakfast we checkout from hotel and visit to witness incomparable Taj Mahal ( Closed on Friday) with its' speculative view at the time of Sunrise. Taj Mahal, the architectural modern day wonder of the world; this monument is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles is one of the wonders of the modern world. Taj, endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. The tour continues with a visit to the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort, which lies, across the river Yamuna.

Thereafter drive to Jaipur (240 kms), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world.

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri we continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur, We check in at or pre-arranged hotel.
Over night Hotel Jaipur

08 Day: Jaipur
Morning post breakfast our guided tour starts from the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honored fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build.

Afternoon tour of the City - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments.

Evening at leisure to explore the colorful markets of Jaipur
Jaipur is a shopper's paradise, a statement that has not been told without a reason. Be it handicrafts or herbs, paintings or antiques, leather articles, rugs and carpets, linen & fabrics, silks, Pashmina Shawls from Kashmir, traditional garments or modern fashion statements, India has everything to offer. Each state in the country has something to offer sellers offering some of the most exotic products one can find anywhere.
Over night Hotel Jaipur

Day 09: Jaipur to Bikaner (324 Kms / 06 hrs approx.)
Post breakfast we will drive to the princely state of Bikaner, founded by Rao Bikaji (1465-1504 AD) in the year 1488 AD. He was a Rajput prince, descendent of the founder of neighboring Jodhpur. It lies in the north-western part of Rajasthan & has a stark beauty of the desert landscape with wide-spread sand dunes & thorny shrubs growing around. It is a royal city surrounded by a mammoth fortification wall, more than 5 km in circumference & about 5 to 9m high. Fort, Palaces & people with colourful traditional costumes are the chief attractions of the city.

The Camel Breeding Farm in Bikaner is only one of its kinds in the whole Asia & so is the illustrious Camel Festival.

Optionally en route you can visit at Mandawa fort or lunch & can visit to Laxmangarh sightseeing of old Havelis. Continue to proceed to Bikaner. On arrival our representative will assist you for check-in.
Over night Hotel Bikaner

Day 10: Bikaner to Jaisalmer (320 Kms / Approx 6 hours)
After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Bikaner covering Junagarh Fort - constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & two entrances, Bandh Sagar Temple - The 16th century Jain temple, is the most important temple of this complex.

And later we drive to Jaisalmer (320 kms - 6 hrs), founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Often described as Golden City & rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage the commanding Fort etched in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber-hued city with its entire awesome splendour. Because of its strategic location it was an important ancient trading centre & camel caravans laden with precious spices & silk crossed the territory en-route India, Sindh, Arabia & Europe. The merchants of the 19th century built Havelis (Mansions) that are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone & are still in a beautiful condition. The life within the Fortified town conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples, & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.
Over night Hotel Jaisalmer

Day 11: Jaisalmer
Today we visit the old town of Jaisalmer & visit Jaisalmer Fort, built in the year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m high hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts, the golden hued Fort is standing like a sentinel in the bleak desert landscape. It is the only "Living Fort" in India & within its ramparts has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely Havelis (Mansions), Palaces & beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.

We also visit magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli in the heart of the town. It was built by the rich merchant Guman Chand Patwa & his sons, whose business stretched between Afghanistan & China. It is the most elaborate & magnificent of all the Jaisalmer Havelis & is virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade & gold. Later we drive down 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Sam to take the Camel ride on the Sand Dunes of Sam while the sun is setting down.
Over night Hotel Jaisalmer

Day 12: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur (290 km - 7 hr)
Today we drive to Jodhpur, bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.

Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in the year 1459 & it is named after him. It was formerly the seat of a Princely state, also known as Marwar.
Over night Hotel Jodhpur

Day 13: Jodhpur - Ranakpur (180 Kms / 4-5hrs)
Today we take a guided tour of Jodhpur, visiting the Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m high hill & has some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels latticed window. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (Elephant saddles), royal cradles, miniatures paintings, musical instruments, costumes & furniture.

We also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur.

Drive from Jodhpur to Ranakpur (about 4- 5 hours).Check in at your hotel for one night.
Over night Hotel Rankapur

Day 14: Ranakpur to Udaipur (90 kms / 03 hrs approx.)
Ranakpur is situated near the village of Sadri lies the Ranakpur temple complex - one of the biggest and most important clusters of Jain temples in India. Nestled in the Aravalli Range, Ranakpur is a mere 90 kms from Udaipur. The Chaumukha temple, or four faced temple, is the main temple in the complex and dates back to the 15th century. Built in marble, the temple has 29 halls supported by more than 1400 pillars, no two of which are alike.

After visiting Ranakpur Jain temples, renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in marble, created in the 15th century AD during the reign o f Rana Kumbha.

Today we drive to Udaipur, was founded in the year 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh after his final unsuccessful attempt to defend the Mewar capital, Chittorgarh from the invading Mughals under Emperor Akbar.

The Kingdom of Mewar was considered the most respectable among all Princely states in Rajasthan & still remembered for the courage to protect the Kingdom. The site for Udaipur was chosen for its natural beauty, abundant water & natural protection afforded by the surrounding forests & Aravali mountains. It is set on the edge of three lakes & also known as the "City of Lakes & Palaces".

Undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in India, its beautiful Palaces are mirrored in the calm waters of Lake Pichola & the city is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces & temples.
Over night Hotel Udaipur

Day 15 : Udaipur
Today we visit the City Palace, an intriguing collection of buildings contributed by various Maharanas (Kings) after Udai Singh & built in the year 1725. The magnificence of the Palace starts right from its entrance at the northern Tripolia Gate that brings us to the central courtyard, the best place to view the facade of filigreed balconies & ornate cupola-topped towers.

Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) is an ornamental garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his daughter & the Ladies of the Queen's court. He built the garden with several fountains, pools & is decorated with chiselled pavilions & elephants. The fountains worked on the unique hydraulic technique devised in the year 1700 AD & work till today.

Later we visit Jagdish Temple, the Indo-Aryan temple, built in the year 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, is the largest & the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images. We also enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola, the beauty of the lake is enhanced by the surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats & embankments. The Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) & Jag Mandir, the two island palaces on the lake look like pearls in the lake.
Over night hotel Udaipur

Day 16: Udaipur - Mumbai (By Morning Flight )
Transfer to Udaipur airport to catch the flight for Mumbai, upon arrival in Mumbai you will met our representative and depart for half day sightseeing tour covering the Gateway of India, the entrance to the port of Mumbai. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911. Historically the Gateway holds greater significance as the last of the British troops, which left independent India by sea, marched through its portals. To be followed by an Elephanta Caves boat cruise from Gateway of India. The caves are at the top of a gentle stairway, which begins almost immediately where the ferry wharf hits dry land. Other attractions would be the Prince Wales Museum & Marine Drive which runs along the shore of the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point past Chowpatty Beach to the foot of Malabar Hill.

Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward to serve you again in near future.