BEST OF NORTHERN INDIA                

 ITINERARY

Our 10-day Best of Northern India itinerary takes you through the great northern plains of India, traversed by the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, have been the cradle of the mighty empires of the last two millennia, from the Mauryan dynasty that reached its zenith under Ashoka in the 3rd century BC to the powerful Mughals whose glorious architectural legacy is evident in the many forts, palaces and temples that remain. An introduction to the varied splendors of the subcontinent.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS  Free and easy tour * Comprehensive sightseeing tours * World heritage sights visits * Elephant-back excursion to Amber Fort * Cultural evening in a famous ethnic village resort in Jaipur * Sound and light show in Khajuraho * Private evening and dawn cruise on the Ganges *  Indian classical dance performance and farewell dinner in Delhi

Day 1 Arrival Delhi  Warm welcome with fresh flower garlands, your room is available for immediate occupancy.

Day 2 In Delhi  Sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. We visit Jama Masjid, this immense mosque is the largest in India, Red Fort citadel, rickshaw ride in the local markets.We stop to see the Qutab Minar Tower, the India Gate and the grand government buildings, the President’s House and Parliament House all dating back to the time of British Raj.Overnight Hotel.

 Day 3 Delhi – Jaipur, We journey to the fabled « pink city » of Jaipur named after Jai Singh, the former Maharaja of Jaipur. We leave for cultural evening at a famous ethnic village resort, the vitality of Rajasthani folk culture comes alive as children dance rhythmically to the loud tenor of folk songs sung by men and women, festooned in bright clothes. Overnight Hotel

Day 4 In Jaipur Ride to the Amber Fort on elephants back to wander among glittering mosaics and the enchanting Hall of Mirrors.Other visits include the elegant Hawa Mahal or  Palace of the Winds , Maharajah’s City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory.Evening free to strol in the colourful bazaars of Jaipur. Overnight Hotel

Day 5 Jaipur – Agra  Morning drive leisurely to the city of  Taj, Agra, en route we visit the evocative city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century, it is a veritable fairytale city built of red sandstone, and its « ruins » are in pristine condition.  Overnight HotelRide to the Amber Fort on elephants back to wander among glittering mosaics and the enchanting Hall of Mirrors.Other visits include the elegant Hawa Mahal or « Palace of the Winds », Maharajah’s City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory.Evening free to Stoll in the colourful bazaars of Jaipur. Overnight Hotel

Day 6 In Agra  Today we discover the earlier capital of the Mughals – Agra, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, the wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone - undoubtedly the highlight of the tour.

Post lunch tour of the imposing Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble is a hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards, fountains and gates.Evening free to explore the local bazaars. Overnight Hotel

Day 7 Agra – Orchha  We drive to the small town of Orchha, once the capital of Bundelas, Orchha is a village, set amongst a complex of well preserved palaces and temples. Post lunch tour of this historical site with visit to the magnificent temples and monuments. Overnight HotelToday we discover the earlier capital of the Mughals – Agra, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, the wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone - undoubtedly the highlight of the tour.Post lunch tour of the imposing Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble is a hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards, fountains and gates.Evening free to explore the local bazaars. Overnight Hotel

Day 8 Orchha - Khajuraho  We leave for Khajuraho, the legendary temples of Khajuraho built in the 9th and the 10th century are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one of the world’s artistic wonders. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of its erotic sculptures.

Post lunch visit the exquisite 10th century temples. Evening witness the “sound and light show” in the western group of temples. Overnight Hotel                  

Day 9 Khajuraho - Varanasi  Morning at leisure. Fly to Varanasi, said to be the India’s most sacred city situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganges.                                                    

Day 10 Varanasi - Delhi  Early morning boat ride on the Ganges shows us  thousands of Hindus performing rites of prayer along its banks.We then we visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Sarnath's temples and Archaeological Museum are full of Buddhist art treasures.  Evening rickshaw ride to the holy river Ganges, and than we take a boat cruise to view the « Aarti » ceremony on the Ghats.   Overnight Hotel

Afternoon fly back to Delhi. Evening dinner at popular Delhi restaurant followed by Indian Classical Dances program and later transfer to the airport to Board your homeward flight or connect to your onward destination.

Extend Your Stay

Not quite ready to end your holiday, take our extension trip to « Mystic Nepal ».

OPTIONAL POST – TOUR EXTENSION

Nepal

The Kingdom of Nepal is the home of the great Himalayan range. With its peaks rising over 25,000ft these legendary mountains provide a spectacular sight. Nepal is a 'must visit’ preferably after visiting India. It is an exotic country with a rich culture and natural beauty.

  • Day 10 Delhi – Kathmandu  Fly to  Kathmandu - the capital town of Nepal, the house of the highest mountains. The day is free at leisure. Overnight Hotel.
  • Day 11 Kathmandu  Set out for a sightseeing tour visit Pashupatinath Temple- the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal, Boudha Nath Temple- the worlds largest stupa, Swayambhunath temple - the oldest Buddhist shrine. Looking east from here, one can see the entire Kathmandu valley spread out below.Post lunch visit Durbar square - the temple of the Living Goddess, Kasthamandup - a temple built from a single tree from which the Kathmandu derives its name. Evening free for shopping in the popular shopping center – Thamel.  Overnight Hotel.
  • Day 12 Excursion Patan & Bhaktapur  Early morning opportunity (weather-permitting) of taking the optional flight to view the spectacular Himalayan Mountains including Everest.Other excursions include visits to the medieval cities of Patan & Bhaktapur. Evening farewell Dinner at a popular restaurant with cultural program.  Overnight Hotel.
  • Day 13 Kathmandu – Delhi  Fly to delhi and pay a visit to Iskcon temple - One of the 40 Iskcon temples in India.Transfer to the airport to board your homeward flight or connect to your onward destination.