From the heart of modern India in New Delhi to the ghats of the holy city of Varanasi, this itinerary covers the classic cities of North India showcasing history, architecture, religion, nature and the subtle nuances of diverse cultural distinction that India is known for. An ideal introduction for the first time visitor to India, this 11 day excursion spans across four Indian states rich in tourism – Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Welcome to India. Arrive Delhi Airport, and upon arrival at Indra Gandhi International Airport, you will be greeted by our tour representative. After this, proceed to the pre-booked Hotel, have some free time on your own to adjust to the time zone.
Discover Charms of Old Delhi Time: 3-5 Hours
After an early breakfast at the hotel, proceed for Delhi Excursion. Begin this Old Delhi tour by first witnessing alluring charms of India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid. Don’t forget to move along the locals engaged in daily prayer to admire the religious significance of this devotional site. Then, enjoy an exciting rickshaw ride to Chandni Chowk market for fantastic glimpses of Old Delhi. After scrolling narrow alleyways of moonlight marketplace, stop at Raj Ghat for some time and enjoy being at the peaceful site of Gandhi souvenir. Later, move to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Red Fort.
Touchdown Modernity of New Delhi Time: 3-5 Hours
Enjoy lunch at a local eatery before proceeding for New Delhi tour. Continue exploring architectural marvels of Humayun’s Tomb, first garden-concept feretory build by Mughal Empress of that time. Then, move to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar and its complex. Also, visit country’s prestigious landmark of India Gate while driving along the Rajpath. Moreover, see the presidential residence of Rashtrapati Bhawan along with other premier sites.
Later, return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Time: approx. 6 Hours; 281 km
Today, after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel you will drive west to the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the year 1727, Jaipur is the first planned city of Independent India. On your way to Jaipur, stop for some time to have lunch at a local eatery, and then continue to drive back to reach your destination. Upon arrival, complete check-in formalities and relax at the hotel as this evening is at leisure. Dinner & Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Explore The Pink City Time: 3-4 Hours
This morning, fly to Jaipur after early breakfast at hotel. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the year 1727, Jaipur is the first planned city of Independent India. Upon arrival at Pink City, meet your guide at the airport to get transferred to the pre-booked hotel. In the afternoon, relax in the hotel for some time, have lunch & later proceed to discover Jaipur’s pride, City Palace along with Mubarak Mahal. Later, visit the World UNESCO Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar for its observatory attraction.
At last, make sure you’ll get some time to explore charming markets of the Jaipur’s Old City. In the end, join your fellow for a traditional dinner at the hotel.
Time: approx. 5 Hours; 240 km
This morning, get ready to leave the Pink City after having light breakfast served at your hotel. En-route, stop some time at Fatehpur Sikri for astonishing views of this fortified city. Accolades for being the City of Victory, the abandoned city was built in 1569 by the Mughals Great Emperor, Akbar. Exhibiting finest architectural conformations of Mughals, this historic site makes a unique place among the UNESCO world heritage sites.
After this visit, stop meanwhile for lunch and continue to the city of Taj Mahal. On arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel to spend your evening at leisure. Sleep overnight at your hotel before dinner.
Sunrise Visit to Taj Mahal Time: 3-4 Hours
This morning, have breakfast leave early from your hotel to discover attractive trails of the imperial city, Agra. Make an early visit to the Seven Wonder of the World- Taj Mahal to watch the first rays of dawn over the Taj. Get smitten by witnessing the soft replica of the white-marbled monument in the Yamuna River punctuated by the flares of glinting golden sun rays. After witnessing the poignant beauty of incredible Taj Mahal from a far point, it’s time to enjoy the close view of Taj Mahal.
Afternoon Visit to Agra Fort Time: 1-2 Hours
After this, proceed to Agra Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 16th century Mughal monument where Shah Jahan was once held prisoner. Meanwhile, stop for some time to have lunch. Following evening leisure time, relax at the hotel and enjoy delicious cuisines served. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Agra to Jhansi On Roads Time: approx 5-6 Hours; 254 km
Today morning is at leisure. Eat your breakfast and finish off check-out formalities to leave for Jhansi. Upon your Jhansi arrival, you’ll be transferred to the local restaurant for lunch.
Jhansi to Orcha on Roads Time: approx 30 minutes; 17 km
After lunch, continue to drive back to Orcha, considered as one of the highlights of Madhya Pradesh. Here, you’ll drive pass the Orcha Fort and Orcha Temple, giving some fascinating glimpse of India’s incredible architecture which will help you realise a childhood fantasy – travelling back in time! Afterward, check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Morning Transfer to Khajuraho Time: approx. 4-5 Hours; 172 km
Today you will be driven to Khajuraho which is a journey of approximately 4 hours from Orcha. En-route, stop at a local restaurant for lunch and then continue to drive back to reach Khajuraho, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, renowned worldwide for UNESCO listed world heritage site of Khajuraho group of monuments. Upon arrival, complete check-in formalities and rest for some time.
Explore Khajuraho Erotic Artwork Time: approx. 1 Hour
Representing heritage gathering of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist temples, Khajuraho Group of Monument stand calmly on the land of great antiquity since AD 900 and 1130. There’s always something different about being the holy shrines that are over 800 years old. Prepare to get fascinated by erotic sculptures adoring architectural brilliance of their times. After witnessing erotic artwork emblessing 800 years old heritage, return back to your hotel for dinner & overnight stay.
This morning travel to Khajuraho Airport for flight to Varanasi – the holiest of the 7 sacred cities in India. This inimitable city has over a thousand Hindu and Buddhist temples and shrines. Upon arrival, complete check-in formalities and rest for the day’s afternoon. Have lunch on your own, and then step down to the holy waters of the Ganges where, at dust, prayers are chanted to rhythmic drumming, as lanterns drift by in an atmospheric aarti ceremony. Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
This morning wake up early to explore Varanasi- the holiest of the 7 sacred cities.
Morning Boat Ride across Ghats of Ganges Time: 1-2 Hours
Boating across the banks of Ganges river give you a chance to explore the reminiscing history of Hindus’ most visited pilgrimage sites, Varanasi. This place is worth to watch and experience the real charm of Hindu religion that’s spread across the banks of the holy river, Ganges. Afterward, return back to your hotel for breakfast. This afternoon is at leisure.
Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat Time: 1 Hour
Witness one of the liveliest ghats in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh Ghat to be a part of blissful evening aarti. It is a daily ritual that concludes evening prayers, collective chanting of mantras, shines of the holy deepams- all leading to a blissful experience to cherish for life! Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
This morning, you’ll be transferred to the Varanasi Airport to catch your next flight for onward journey after breakfast. We hope while you finish this 11 days ‘Taste of India’ journey the experience travels with you for the rest of your life. Come back soon….Namaste!