HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTH INDIA

This journey begins in the historic capital Delhi, and proceeds onwards to the holy city of Varanasi, on the banks of the sacred river Ganges; then further to Orchha and the magnificent Chandela temples at Khajuraho, famed for beautiful erotic sculptures. Continuing westwards, the excursion takes in the most important sights, including the Taj Mahal - royal love immortalised in a marble mausoleum; the sandstone buildings at Fatehpur Sikri; and the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, before concluding the tour in Delhi.

Best time: October to March
Route: Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi

Highlights:
» Bathing ghats at Varanasi
» Erotic temples of Khajuraho
» Taj Mahal
» Elephant ride in Jaipur
» People & Culture

Day 1, Arrive Delhi:
Arrive Delhi assistance on arrival and transfer to airport hotel, Ashok Country Resort, for wash and change / breakfast.

Day 2, Delhi - Varanasi (fly):
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to the holy city of Varanasi. Known to devout Hindus as Kashi, it is one of the oldest extant cities in the world; its name derived from its position on the banks of the Ganges, at the confluence of two legendary rivers, Varuna and Assi. It is said that the city rests on the trident of Lord Shiva, thus imparting an incomparable energy to it. It is the aspiration of devout Hindus to breathe their last at Kashi, thus ensuring a direct passage to heaven. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 3: Varanasi (sightseeing):
Take an early morning boat ride along the river Ganges and see the famous bathing 'ghats', the stone steps leading down to the river, where you can watch the devoted, ritually cleansing themselves. We return to hotel for wash and breakfast; after breakfast take a guided tour to Sarnath, 10km from Varanasi. It is said that Buddha preached his first sermon here, setting in motion the Wheel of Law. Pilgrims from around the world come to Sarnath, and there are monasteries here constructed by Buddhists from several countries including China, Burma, Tibet and Japan. Afternoon visit to Tulsi Manas temple; Banaras Hindu University; and Ashrams on the ghats. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 4: Varanasi - Khajuraho (Fly):
Morning free. Afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to Khajuraho: a thousand years ago, in the heart of India at Khajuraho, against a backdrop of the Vindhyan hills, artisans of the Chandela dynasty built spectacular temples, which have become famed for their exquisite carvings and erotic sculptures. The sculptures, which were rediscovered by an English soldier in 1839, are said to portray the rite of creation in which both body and soul are involved. Of the original 85 temples, only 22 now survive. Arrive and transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 5: Khajuraho (sightseeing):
After breakfast, visit to the Chandela Hindu temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in northern India. The remaining temples have been beautifully restored and are in excellent condition. Visit the Kandariya Mahadeva, the Chatrabhuj, Parswanath and Ghantai temples; each remarkable for its attractive designs and architecture. Breakfast and overnight in hotel.

Day 6: Khajuraho - Orchha (drive 170km/4hrs):
After breakfast drive to Orchha. Orchha is a wonderful example of a medieval fort palace: within the turreted walls are gardens, gateways, pavilions, and temples. Arrive and stay overnight in hotel. Afternoon visit to Raj Mahal, built in stylised Hindu and Islamic architecture. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 7: Orchha - Agra (drive 247km/6hrs):
After early breakfast, we drive to Agra, famous for the beautiful Taj Mahal. This monument is the epitome of the outstanding architecture of the Mughals, which evolved over a span of 200 years. The earliest reference to Agra can be found in the epic Mahabharata, where it is referred to as the Agravana. It was in the medieval period, however, that Agra rose to prominence as the capital of the Mughals, when the city was beautified by its rulers with gardens, water falls, bathhouses and canals. Today, the bustling streets of Agra boast a thriving carpet trade; leather and shoe industries; and marble and sandstone sculptures. Many of these sculptors claim to be descendants of the craftsmen who helped build the Taj Mahal. Afternoon relax by the pool side. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 8: Agra (sightseeing):
Today visit India's most celebrated monument - the Taj Mahal - built by Emperor Shah Jahan, as a testimonial of his eternal love for his queen Mumtaz. The Taj Mahal looks amazingly graceful from every angle. It was built over a period of 20 years by 20,000 labourers and craftsmen, and displays superb craftsmanship. The close-up details of the Taj Mahal are as exquisite as the overall architectural design, with semi-precious stones and beautiful patterns covering the marble surface. Emperor Akbar began construction of the Agra Fort in 1565, but additions to the citadel were made up to the time of Akbar's grandson. Shah Jahan. The fort has fine views of the Taj standing across Yamuna River, and consists of Diwan-i-Aam (hall of public audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (the hall of private audience). It also has a charming grape garden and beautiful fountain ways. Evening free to relax by the pool. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 9: Agra - Jaipur (240km/5hrs):
After breakfast drive to the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, its sand stone buildings standing sentinel in the wilderness around; and the shrine of Salim Chisti. Continue to Jaipur driving past dusty hamlets. Built by Sawai Jai Singh in 1727, Jaipur has retained its reputation as one of the foremost cities in India. The city planned and executed according to Vaastu Shastra (a treatise on traditional Indian architecture) still draws accolades from modern town planners. Jaipur is known as the pink city, because many buildings are still washed pink, the traditional colour of welcome, originally introduced to honour the visit of Prince Albert in 1856. Evening free. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 10: Jaipur:
This morning we drive to the nearby 16th century hilltop fortress of Amber, ascending the tortuous paved pathway to the fort on elephant back. This medieval Rajput capital, with its palaces and richly decorated apartments, was begun by Raja Man Singh and used by the Rajputs as their stronghold until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to the newly created Jaipur. We visit the palace, and its many intricate chambers and hallways, which has splendid views of the Jal Mahal (Water Palace) below. In the afternoon we visit City Palace; still occupied by Jai Singh's descendants it is a superb fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. A city within a city, it includes the Govind Deo Temple; the Jantar Mantar (observatory); and the Maharaja's museum, with his personal collection of weaponry, miniature paintings, royal attire and jewellery. On the periphery of the Palace stands Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds): an elaborate pink sandstone façade, behind which the ladies of the court sat and watched the daily goings on in the street below. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 11: Jaipur - Delhi (250km/5hrs):
After breakfast drive to Delhi. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend, as the Indian capital. It was the magnet that drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and finally the British, all of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent history. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again rebuilding it seven times. Old Delhi Tour (half day): Shah Jahan founded the city of Shahjanabad in 1648, now referred to as Old Delhi. The famous Red Fort in the heart of Old Delhi was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Opposite the fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world: built by Shah Jahan this mosque once dominated the city now swarming with humanity. Afternoon sightseeing to Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Humayun's Tomb. Breakfast & overnight in hotel.

Day 12: Delhi - Departure:
Early morning fly back to your home country.