Varanasi With Northern India Highlights

Day 02 : Delhi : 
After a leisure breakfast, commence half day Old Delhi sightseeing  tour. New Delhi, the city created in 1911 as the imperial capital of India by the British and the Old Delhi, the Muslim capital of India between the 17th and 19th centuries. In fact there have been at least eight cities on the site of modern Delhi – the earliest known settlement, Indraprastha, featured in the epic Mahabharata over 3000 years ago. Though not always the capital, Delhi has always been an important city of northern region of the subcontinent. Visit Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chadani Chowk, Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial) & Swaminarayan Akashardham Temples. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 : Delhi – Varanasi (Flight) : 
After leisurely breakfast at hotel,  drive to domestic airport, take flight to Varanasi,  On arrival at Varanasi meet to our local representative, drive to hotel, later half day Sarnath, Asi  Ghat, Dashasuman Ghat, Durga Temple, BHU and Bharat Mata Temple.  Varanasi  the ‘eternal city’ is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India and also a major tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi has been a center of learning for over 2000 years. Besides being a pilgrimage center, it is considered an auspicious place to die, ensuring an instant route to heaven. Varanasi is still a center of learning, especially for Sanskrit scholars, and students flock here from all over India.  Overnight in Varanasi.

Day 04 :  Varanasi – Khajuraho (Flight) : 
Very early morning  starts with a dawn boat ride on the holy river The Ganges. Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the river Ganges. At dawn, the city and the river are coming alive, the light is magical and Varanasi looks an exotic place. A highlight of any trip to Varanasi - this is an incredible scene, as multitudes of devotees comes to the river to pay homage to the Sun God.  After disembarked visit Kashi-Vishwanath or Golden Temple: Dedicated to Vishveswara Siva as the Lord of the Universe, the Golden Temple is across the road from its original position. Later, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check-out formalities.  Visit Eastern Group of temples :It’s includes the Lakshmi and Varaha Temple, the Lakshmana Temple, the Kandariya Mahadev, the Mahadeva Temple; the Devi Jagadamba Temple, the Chitragupta Temple and the Vishwanath Temple. Overnight in Khajuraho

 Day 05 Khajuraho-Jhansi- Train to Agra (3-4 hrs drive) :
Morning after breakfast check out and start your sightseeing, Khajuraho was once the capital of the Chandela Rajputs of Bundelkhand. It is home to the world famous 10th century Khajuraho temples. Western Group of Temples : Also houses the Matangesvara Temple, the only temple where worship continues and the Chausath Yogini Temple, presently in ruins and believed to be the oldest temple in Khajuraho. The Eastern Group of temples houses the Parasvanath Temple, the largest and finest Jain temple in the city as well as the Adinath Temple, the Shantinath Temple, the Ghantai Temple, the Javari Temple, the Vamana Temple and the Brahma and Hanuman Temple.  Later drive to Jhansi nearest railway station of Khajuraho, and board the Shatabdi Express train to Agra (1750/2000hrs). On arrival at Agra meet to vehicle and drive to hotel for overnight.

Day 06 : Agra - Jaipur (By road, 05 hrs drive) :  
Very early in the morning, drive to Taj Mahal, sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal.  Taj Mahal was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal who died during the birth of her child in 1631. The construction is said to have taken 22 years to complete, starting from 1631, with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. Artisans and experts were brought from France and Italy and the main architect was from Iran. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later, you will be picked up again for the guided tour of Agra Fort. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and it was to be predominantly a military structure until his grandson, Shah Jahan, added more palatial accommodations. There are a number of exquisite buildings within its portals such as Samman Burj, where Shah Jahan was held captive by his son, Moti Masjid, a white marble mosque, Diwan – e – Am, Diwan – e – Khas, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal. Later check out and drive to Jaipur en route visit  Fatehpur Sikri  the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar approximately 35 kms outside Agra. Built in the 16th century, this city was abandoned 12 years later due to a scarcity of water. The entire city of Red sand stone (sand stone palaces and temples) is virtually intact and a site worth seeing is the 54 m high main entrance -- The Buland Darwaza, The gate of victory constructed to commemorate Akbar’s victory in Gujarat.  After the visit, continue your drive to Jaipur. On arrival check in hotel.

Day 07 : Jaipur : 
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the “Pink City” because of the pink – colored buildings in its old city. It is situated on a dry lakebed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who was careful to cultivate good favour with the ruling Mughals, he laid out the city with rectangular blocks according to ancient Hindu architecture. It is a wonderful city for shopping.  Morning visit, Amber .  The Amber Fort is situated 11 kms away from Jaipur. Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur state. The Fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake, which reflects its terraces and ramparts. The climb to the fort is on gaily-bedecked elephants.  Hawa Mahal  (Palace of winds): Built by Maharaja Sawaj Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is one of Jaipur’s major landmarks, the facade of which is all pink windows and filigree screens. It was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. City Palace: It is still the home of the former royalty H.H Bhawani Singh Ji of Jaipur housing an extensive collection of art, carpets and old weapons. Jantar Mantar : (Observatory): It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728. At first glance, Jantar Mantar appears to be a curious collection of sculptures but in fact each construction has a specific purpose such as measuring the positions of stars, altitudes and azimuths, and calculating eclipses. The most striking instrument is the sundial with its 27 meter high gnomon. The shadow this casts moves up to 4 meter an hour. Overnight in Jaipur

 Day 08 : Jaipur - Delhi (By road 05 hrs drive)
After leisurely breakfast at hotel, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check out formalities. You will then start your drive to Delhi's on arrival check in hotel for overnight.

Day 09: Delhi Departure : 
After breakfast full day New Delhi sightseeing, visit Humayun’s Tomb, Government Buildings, Qutab Minar and rest of the time shopping etc. After dinner in time departure transfer to onward destination.