Classic India – Journey Through Timeless Heritage & Spiritual Wonder

Breakfast at hotel

Morning half day sightseeing of New Delhi with drive past visits of Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s Palace), India Gate.  Later visit Laxmi Narayan Temple- a Hindu temple built by the industrialist Sh. J.K. Birla in 1939. The presiding deity in the temple is Laxminarayan God Vishnu along with his consort Goddess Lakshmi and also visit Qutub Minar, victory tower” in the complex, named after the religious figure Sufi Saint Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, was begun by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, who was the first Sultan of Delhi of the Mamluk dynasty.

Later continue drive to Jaipur and on arrival check-in at hotel

Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight stay at the hotel

Breakfast at hotel

Morning Sightseeing of Jaipur city visiting Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Observatory

Amer Fort this ancient capital of Jaipur was founded in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. A UNESCO world heritage site, constructed on a small hilltop in red sand stone and marble, it is a great example of Rajput architecture with influences of Mughal architecture at some places.  The Fort contains Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors) in the main courtyard.  The Fort has many gates known as “Pol” like Chand Pol, Suraj pol, Ganesh Pol etc.. The Fort also contains many rooms diwan-e-aam (Hall for commons) & King’s rooms and Zenana Mahal rooms used by ladies of the house (Ascend to the fort will be by Indian Jeeps).

En-route to Amer Fort, photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 CE, which is one of the main attractions of Jaipur. Perfect to stop for a while for pictures.

Later continue with visit to City Palace. The palace covers a vast area and is a complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings. Part of this palace today is a museum, which includes 3 halls: Weapons, Textiles and Artifacts. A part of the palace is still used by the royal family as their residence and Jantar Mantar (observatory): built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 CE.  This observatory is a unique example, since each structure has its own special purpose and exceptional accuracy in determining the location of stars, heights and azimuths, or calculating eclipses.

Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel

Morning depart Jaipur for Agra en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri- A city predominantly in red sand-stone, built by Emperor Akbar who wanted to build his Capital from Agra in honor of the great Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti.  Its magnificence offers a fine example of the emperor’s architectural finesse.  However, the capital was abandon in less than 10 years due to lack of drinking water and shifted back to Agra

Later continue drive to Agra and on arrival check in at the hotel.

Afternoon visit Itmad-ul-Daulah Built by Nur Jahan, wife of Jahangir in memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. arched entrances, octagonal shaped minarets and use of exquisitely carved floral patterns represent Islamic style architecture.

Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight stay at hotel

Early morning visit Taj Mahal at sunrise (closed on Friday’s): One of the seven wonders of the world, the legendary architectural monument built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his sixteenth wife, Mumtaz Mahal.  Located on the right bank of Yamuna River, a UNESCO World Heritage.  Taj Mahal represents the finest architectural and artistic achievement through perfect harmony and excellent craftsmanship in a whole range of Indo-Islamic sepulchral architecture.  An interesting facet of the Taj Mahal is that it changes colors throughout the day. During sunrise, it appears to be pale pink; in the afternoon, it is sparkling white; and in the evenings, it turns a bronzish-orange as the sun sets. In late evenings, the Taj appears to be light-bluish in color.

Return back to hotel for breakfast

Early noon visit Agra Fort, stronghold of the Mughal Empire. This impressive fortress holds many stories in its walls of deep red sandstone that spans almost 3 kilometers (two miles) long.  Explore its various palaces, halls, and mosques that showcase exquisite Mughal architecture.  Also View the Taj Mahal from fortress trough an ornated window arch

Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight stay at the hotel

Early morning transfer to train station to board train to Khajuraho (Packed breakfast will be served on the train)

On Arrival in Khajuraho, assistance at the train station and transfer to hotel

Afternoon half day sightseeing of Eastern and western group of temple complex dating to 10th century, a UNESCO world heritage site. The tour concentrates on the famous erotic temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in Northern India.  The remote location of Khajuraho meant that the temples were unharmed by Muslim invaders and as a result, the intricately fine carvings are in very good condition and are said to represent life in heaven.

Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight stay at the hotel

Breakfast at hotel

In time transfer to airport to board onward flight to Varanasi

On arrival in Varanasi, meeting assistance at airport and transfer to hotel

Afternoon take Silk tour of Varanasi, visit to the Weavers colony, experience how silk made clothes are woven.   The weavers of Varanasi and their workshop.  A group of skillful and experienced weavers collectively work under a powerful and well-organized management.   The Head of the team maintain the production of almost 40-50 artists.  Go through the complete process of making right from raw materials to threads and skilled artisans working on the looms.  Its is about one km narrow colony where the local weavers making Banarasi, Carper, Pillow cover, Bed sheets by hand as well as by machines.

Evening visit the Ghat areas stroll through the narrow lanes visiting some of the ghats like Manikarnika Ghat, also known as the burning ghat,  Interact with locals (small vendors etc..).  also witness the Ganga Aarti.

Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight stay at the hotel

Early morning take a leisurely boatride on the holy river Ganges enjoying sights on both sides of the river, where locals perform their daily morning prayer rituals. You also get a glimpse of Manikarnika and Harishchandra, the two prominent cremation Ghats where the sacred funeral pyre is lit up along with other ritualistic practices. It is a belief amidst the pious Hindus that to breathe their last in Kashi and get cremated here is close to attaining Nirvana, from the mortal existence.  Also visit Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Return back to hotel for breakfast

Early noon visit Sarnath which is a prominent Buddhist center and where Buddha gave his first lecture. Explore several parts of the UNESCO World Heritage site including Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, Tibetan Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and Archeological Museum.

Evening return back to Varanasi

Overnight stay at the hotel

On this day you will be transferred from Varanasi to Delhi to the international airport by our company representative to board your flight for onward destination.