India- Khjauraho & Benares

Day 01 : ARRIVE DELHI   (- / - / -)

Flight to Delhi. Arrival by flight, reception and transfer to your hotel.

(Hotel check-in at 14:00 Hours) 

A kingdom from which many empires were founded, 'Delhi' today is an incredible combination of ancient and contemporary. It is the magnet that attracts Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and Britons, all contributing to its glorious but turbulent past. Such was the fascination with Delhi that although it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned again and again rebuilding it at least seven times. Today, the twin cities of Old and New Delhi offer a stark contrast for a first-time traveller. You can find high-rise towers, swanky malls, and BMWs blending in with historical landmarks, rustic ruins, and ox carts. An excellent gateway to unwind without compromising on luxury, this city is sure to surprise you. 

Overnight at the hotel. 

Day 02 : DELHI  (B / - / -)

• Visit the city of Delhi: Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar
• Passage in front of the Red Fort or Lal Qila
• Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
• 01 Rickshaw ride

Breakfast at the hotel. 

City tour : 

You will fall into a world of colors and smells during this rickshaw ride in the crowded and typical alleys of Chandni Chowk market which means "meeting point illuminated by the moon". Chandni Chowk is reminiscent of the oriental bazaars with its stalls, stalls of all kinds, vendors haranguing the crowd, stalls overflowing with fruits, vegetables, spices, utility items etc... 

Visit Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jahan from 1644 to 1658. It is the largest of the Indian subcontinent. Its two minarets of 40 meters high are decorated with vertical bands of red sandstone alternating with white marble. Its courtyard can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. 

Passing in front of the Red Fort or Lal Qila whose red sandstone wall extends over 2 kilometers. It was started by the emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 and finished by his son Aurangzeb in 1648 (the latter having imprisoned his father in the Agra Fort just after the beginning of the work).  

Later visit the Sikh temple (Bangla sahib) and witness the community kitchen, where thousands of worshippers are fed round the clock. Participate in the kitchen work. 

Afternoon devoted to the discovery of New Delhi, spacious, it includes many embassies and administrative buildings.  

Passage through the Royal Way, Rajpath, a wide avenue flanked by decorative basins. It is the work of the architect Luytens and the scene of the parade during the annual celebration of the Republic on January 26.  

At the two ends, the India Gate (triumphal arch) stands to the east and the Rashtrapati Bhawan to the west, the former residence of the Viceroy, which is now, houses the President.  

Visit of the Humayun's Tomb, a beautiful example of the beginning of the Mughal architecture which will lead to the construction of the Taj Mahal. 

Visit the Qutub Minar, a 72-meter high minaret dating from the 12th century at the dawn of the Muslim era in India. This tower commemorates the victory of Mohammed of Ghor over the last Hindu ruler Prithviraj III in 1192. Two earthquakes in the 14th and 19th centuries severely damaged the Qutub Minar and the surrounding buildings. Its five floors are separated by balconies, the first three being in red sandstone and the last two embellished with white marble. 

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE : CHANDNI CHOWK BY NIGHT 

This excursion explores Old Delhi at night which has a completely different vibe when compared to Old Delhi during day time. The walk starts at Sisganj Gurudwara, a Sikh Temple followed by a visit to the next door Sunehri Masjid with its very interesting history and a quick stop at Kanwarji's – a sweet shop and an Old Delhi institution. The walk continues through Ballimaran's plentiful bakeries and chai shops, wander towards Jama Masjid and its glittering bazaars which remains open till the wee hours of the morning. Enjoy dinner at Karim’s – another Old Delhi institution or at Dharampura Haveli (on direct payment).  

Recommended for those clients who don’t want anything too structured and are happy soaking in the atmosphere of Old Delhi by night. Subject to availability of  the expert.  

Language : English  

Timing : 17.30 – 21.30hrs 

Overnight at hotel. 

Day 03 : DELHI / AGRA ( 220 km - 05 hrs )  (B / - / -)

• Visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

After breakfast continue your drive towards Agra. 

On arrival visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Visit the Taj Mahal. On the bank of the Yamuna, the emperor Shah Jehan made erect, to perpetuate the memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal, the most perfect jewel of the Indo-Persian art. This sublime monument is one of the most universally admired wonders. It symbolizes the story of a great love. Under the dome Shah Jehan and Mumtaz rest together in eternity. (Please note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays and person can visit the Taj Mahal only for 03 hrs). 

Then, discover the Red Fort. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monument, a mighty citadel of red sandstone, is totally significant of the 17th century Mughal period. Built on an eminence dominating the Yamuna river, it contains many palaces with refined decorations, audience rooms and two very beautiful mosques. 

On arrival check in to hotel.     

Overnight at hotel. 

Day 04 : AGRA / GWALIOR (By Train)  (B / - / -)

• Train ride to Gwalior
• Visit Gwalior fort and Jai Vilas Palace 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Then transfer to Agra railway station to take train to Gwalior. 

Depart Agra at 07:55 hrs

Arrive Delhi at 09:23hrs

Gwalior was founded in 8th century AD and has been ruled by several historic northern Indian kingdoms. From the Tomars in the 13th century, it was passed on to the Mughal Empire, then to the Maratha in 1754, followed by the Scindia in the 18th century. The magnificent mementoes of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior an appeal unique and timeless. Gwalior's tradition as a royal capital continued until the formation of present day India, with the Scandia’s having their dynastic seat here. 

On arrival proceeds to explore the main sights of the city such as the 8th century hill top Fort with its temples and palaces. Along the road to the fort gate are mid-15th century Jain sculptures, some impressively high. Within the fort, see the Man Singh Palace with its multi-coloured tiled and painted decorations.. Also visit Jai Vilas Palace, still inhabited by the present Maharajah, where 35 rooms now house a museum. In the old town visit the tomb of Mohammed Gaus and the mausoleum of Tansen, the famous court singer of Akbar. 

After visit, check in to hotel. 

Overnight at hotel. 

Day 05 : GWALIOR / ORCHHA (121 km - 02:30 hrs)  (B / - / -)

• Visit Ram Raja Temple and Orchaa Town

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Drive to Orchha. 

Orchha is a restful and enchanting place. The vestiges of innumerable temples appear on the horizon, witnesses of a prestigious past. A powerful Rajput capital built in 1531, it became the most important city in the region under the Bundela dynasty (16th and 17th centuries).  

Visit the small village of Orchha, bathed by the Betwa, is part of a group of well-preserved temples and palaces. You will succumb to its peaceful and old-fashioned charm. Crossing a bridge over the Betwa, you will arrive on an island that houses three palaces: the Jehangir Mahal with its archaeological museum, the Raj Mahal with its magnificent frescoes and the Rav Praven Mahal with its hammam and camel stables.  

Orchha's many temples date back to the 16th century, the main ones being the Ram Raja Temple, the Chaturbhuj Temple and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. 

Overnight at hotel. 

Day 06 : ORCHHA / KHAJURAHO ( 172 KMS - 3 HRS )  (B / - / -)

• Visit Khajurâho: the famous erotic temples 
• Sound and light show 

After breakfast, drive to Khajuraho. 

The peaceful village of Khajuraho is renowned for its sandstone Hindu temples, built during the Chandela dynasty and dating mostly from the 10th and 11th centuries. The period from 950 to 1050 was marked by a current of artistic genius. These temples are considered to be one of the jewels of Indo-Aryan art due to their superbly crafted sculptures. They depict scenes from daily life in the first millennium and from mythology. Its erotic sculptures are the best known...   

Visit Khajurâho, where the famous erotic temples are concentrated, representing some of the finest examples of this type of architecture in North India.  These temples were not destroyed by the Muslim invaders and therefore the fine carvings are in very good condition. 

In the evening enjoy sound and light show at western group of Khajuraho temples. (Subject to operation). 

Overnight at the hotel. 

Day 07 : KHAJURAHO / VARANASI ( 396 KMS - 8 HRS )  (B / - / -) 

• Drive to Varanasi

Breakfast at the hotel.   

Drive to Varanasi.  

Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India. Also known in history as Kashi (City of Life) and Banaras by the British, Varanasi is an important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. The city finds mention in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was a flourishing trade centre when Buddha came to Sarnath, to preach his first sermon in 500 BC. It is also a cherished name in the art of silk weaving. The Banarasi silk sarees and brocades are prized all over the world. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote: “Banaras is older than history, older than tradition older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. 

On arrival, check in to hotel. 

Overnight at the hotel. 

Day 08 : VARANASI (B / - / -)

• Early morning boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise
• City tour 
• In the evening, take a rickshaw ride and witness the Aarti ceremony on the ghats 
• See the preparation of Chaat 

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise.  

The ghats are the scene of daily "puja" (offering ceremonies), from sunrise to sunset, performed by priests and devotees. There are no less than a hundred ghats in Varanasi, most of which are used for bathing but some are reserved for cremations.  

Countless Sadhus walk the banks of the river to distribute their blessings and receive offerings. These men choose to abandon all their material goods to reach the fourth stage of the Hindu ideal: the wandering ascetic.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.  

Then city tour : 

Varanasi is known worldwide for its many ghats, stone staircases built along the bank of the Ganges where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. A visit to Varanasi includes the Bharat Mata temple with its large marble relief map of India, the Durga temple and the modern marble Tulsi Manas temple whose walls are engraved with scenes and verses from the Ramcharitmanas, the Hindi version of the Ramayana. Visit also the new Viswanath temple, one of the highest in India (non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple), and also the Hindu University of Benares and its museum, as well as the mosque of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. 

In the evening, take a rickshaw ride and witness the Aarti ceremony on the ghats (stairs leading down to the Ganges) illuminated by thousands of small and large lamps. The ceremony is presided over by priests who sing traditional Sanskrit songs in honour of the Ganges. 

Optional Experience : Indian Classical Music Walk

This Walk endeavours to showcase the evolution of Indian classical music in Varanasi over 5000 years! The experience offers opportunities to see the living quarters of one of the famous Indian classical musicians like Ustad Bismillah Khan (Shehnai maestro), Pandit Ravi Shankar (Sitar maestro), Girija Devi (Indian classical music singer) etc. 

Walk in the narrow alleys of Bengali Tola listening to the sounds of Indian classical music wafting through air. Some of the streets here have shops selling finest hand-made traditional Indian musical instruments such as sitar, tabla, flute, sarod, harmonium etc. The shopkeepers will briefly demonstrate how different instruments are played. At the end of the walk, stop at a local musician’s family home to enjoy a cup of tea over introduction to basics of Indian Classical Music. 

Duration : 3Hrs 

Language : English Speaking guide 

Return and overnight at hotel. 

Day 09 :  VARANASI / DELHI ( By Flight )  (B / - / -)

• Sarnath Visit 
• Transfer to the airport to board flight for Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Departure for the excursion to Sarnath, located 10km northeast of Varanasi is one of the most important places of Buddhism. It is indeed in this place that Lord Buddha came to preach "the Middle Way" after having reached enlightenment in Bodhgaya.  

This holy place was at its peak in the 7th century and had then 1500 priests, a 100 meters high stupa, the famous Ashoka column and other remarkable buildings. At that time, the place was called "the Deer Park" from the name of the first sermon of Buddha. Unfortunately, after the passage of various invaders who destroyed and desecrated the place Sarnath was only a shadow of its former self. It was only in 1835, after archaeological excavations conducted by the British, that Sarnath regained some of its former glory.  

The Dhamekh, a 34-meter high stupa, was built in the place where Buddha preached for the first time. Of the main sanctuary, where the emperor Ashoka is said to have meditated, only the foundations remain, dominated by the Ashoka column, whose capital is in the Sarnath archaeological museum (Closed on Fridays). It represents the royal symbol of the four lions back to back which is now the emblem of modern India. (The museum is closed on Friday). 

Transfer to the airport to board flight for Delhi.  

On arrival at Delhi, transferred to hotel. 

Overnight at hotel. 

Day 10 : DELHI / DEPARTURE  (B / - / -)

Breakfast at hotel. 

Later transfer to international airport to board your flight towards onwards journey. 

End of the tour