Day 01  :  ARRIVE  DELHI
Arrive Delhi International airport in the evening.  After immigration & customs, you will be met & transferred to your prebooked Hotel.

Day 02  :  DELHI
After breakfast, visit the capital of India. Delhi is a fascinating mix of history and modernity, a city of contrasts where imposing fortresses, palaces & mosques, medieval ruins in landscaped gardens, the elegant edifices of the British ‘Raj’ all blend harmoniously into the trappings of a modern city. Cool tree lined avenues of Lutyen’s Delhi are as much a part of the city’s charm as the bustle of the busy bazaars of the walled city of Shahjehanabad. Delhi also offers a range of cultural treats including cultural treats such as the arts and fine museums

The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, it is the largest mosque in India, accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers at one time. Designed by Shah Jahan, this grand red sandstone and white marble mosque was said to have been built by 5,000 artisans from 1644 to 1656. The broad red sandstone steps lead up to gates to the east, north and south

The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate - An imposing structure, the gate was built in memory to the of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence

Day 03  :  DELHI - JAIPUR                        260 kms / approx. 05 hrs.
Morning, drive to Jaipur, The City of Victory – also known as the Pink City – is capital of princely state of Rajasthan. It is the gateway to Rajasthan, the home of the Rajputs, the land of chivalry and martial tradition, of legends of brave men & beautiful women. Stately palaces, colourful bazaars, and old fortifications brooding above the city give it a medieval air. Jaipur is however only two hundred years old. Encouraged by the waning of Mughal power, Maharaja Jai Singh abandoned his ancestral hill fortress of Amber in 1727 and built the city that was named after him. The city reflects the character of state and its people; surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by formidable fort, beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout the city. It was a planned city in the modern sense, built on a grid pattern but divided into nine sectors to symbolise the nine divisions of the universe.

Day 04  :  JAIPUR
After breakfast, excursion to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area. Enroute visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," one of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually little more than a façade. The five story building overlooks the main street of the old city and is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink, semi-octagonal, honeycombed, sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.

Upon reaching Amber Fort, experience the majesty of a bygone era, riding like royalty atop elegantly draped and painted elephants into the high mountain fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.

Afternoon, tour part of the City Palace, which is open to the public. The most striking building on entering through the Atish Pol or stable gate is the beautiful marble and sandstone Mubarak Palace, initially used to welcome foreign dignitaries and later used as the Cabinet Office. Today the palace houses the textile gallery exhibiting an excellent collection of costumes and rich textiles from the private collection of the Jaipur royal family. The armory is entered through the magnificent marble inlaid Singh Pol or Lion Gate. The most impressive part of the place is the Diwan-I-Khas or the hall of Private audience. Entered through a gateway richly decorated in pietra dura and flanked by a pair of elephants carved out of a single block of marble, the star exhibits of this area are a pair of enormous sterling silver vessels used to store holy water from the Ganges. The water was used by the Maharaja for his daily bath when travelling overseas, to protect him from ritual pollution. Also of interest is the Art Gallery, which has a collection or royal memorabilia. The Jantar Mantar which you visit next is a collection of futuristic structures and astronomical instruments designed by Sawai Jai Singh the founder of Jaipur. This was a result of this intense study of Astrology and Astronomy, and these 17th century extraordinary structures are accurate even today

Day 05  :  JAIPUR - FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA
After breakfast, drive to Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. It is complete with palaces and mosques and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed. Now it is an extraordinary place to wander around with its buildings in near perfect condition. 

Continue drive to Agra - founded in 1475 AD., famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. Also known as City of Taj. However city attained glory under the Mughal rulers during which Agra witnessed a frenzy of building activity. Modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft persons.    Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked Hotel.

Day 06  :  AGRA
A very early start to see the incredible spectacle of the sunrise over the Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays). The Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631, built the beautiful white marble Taj Mahal, the most extravagant monument ever built for love. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun during the day and is matched by the rich interior detail.  Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants.
Although the Taj is impressive from any angle, it's the close-up detail that is really astounding. Semi-precious stones are inlaid into the marble in beautiful patterns and with superb craftsmanship.

After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort - an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort.  The seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. This is where Emperor Shah Jahan was kept under house arrest by his son Aurangazeb and spent the last year of his life viewing the Taj Mahal from the little octagonal tower in the fort. The maze of courtyards, mosques, palaces, gardens, halls of private & public audience of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire

Afternoon, at leisure.  Free for individual activities.

Day 07  :  AGRA - JHANSI  (TRAIN) - ORCHHA - KHAJURAHO
After breakfast, transfer to Agra Cantt. railway station to board Shatabdi Express, scheduled to depart at 0817 hrs.  Arrive Jhansi Jn. at 1048 hrs. and transfer to Khajuraho, enroute visit Orchha - had the distinction of being the capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms of central India. Situated on the river Betwa, the medieval city was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Chieftain Rudra pratap.The succeeding rulers built some of the finest examples of Bundela architecture which can be seen at Orcha today, such as Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Raj Praveen Mahal, Ram Raj Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Sunder Mahal

Continue drive to Khajuraho - The 10th century Chandela rulers have left behind a legacy in Khajuraho that still leaves visitors speechless. They built 85 Temples over a hundred year period (950-1050AD) of which only 22 have survived. After the decline of the Chandelas in the 13th century the temples lay forgotten under thick undergrowth. A few decades ago these exquisite temples were “re-discovered” and designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.  Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked hotel

Day 08  :  KHAJURAHO - VARANASI  (FLIGHT)
After breakfast, visit the main temples in the Western group set amid gardens. Against this magnificent backdrop the annual dance festival is held. The carvings on the outer walls and shikhars (spires) of the temples are exquisite ranging from gods, goddesses, warriors, dancers, musicians, real and mythical animals etc. The carvings of erotic figures are everywhere, perhaps “revealing human passions and in doing so bringing about a realization of the emptiness of human desire”. The female form has been eulogized and captured in various poses, tying anklets, applying makeup, writing a letter etc.  The most magnificent of the temples is perhaps the Kandariya Mahadev. Its imposing spire rises 31 meters and is exquisitely carved, with mithuna (erotic) figures being quite prominent. The movements captured in stone have a lyric quality about them, yet are vibrant with life. Laksmi and Varaha shrines face the large Lakshmana Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu The Devi Jagadamba Temple is dedicated to goddess Kali. The oldest temple in the Western group is the Chaunsat Yogini dedicated to goddess Kali. The Chitragupta Temple is dedicated to Surya – the sun god. In the inner sanctum Surya drives his chariot pulled by 7 horses. A large six foot tall Nandi (Shiva’s vehicle) faces the Vishwanath Temple where lions flank the steps as well as elephants. The Matangeswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with an 8 foot high lingam is the only “living” temple where devotees come to pray bringing flowers and offerings. Stop at the Archaeological Museum if only to see the exquisitely carved dancing Ganesh

Afternoon, transfer to the airport to board flight 9W-724, scheduled to depart at 1235 hrs. for Varanasi - One of the ancient seats of learning in India. Home to some of the most ancient and revered monasteries in the world, Varanasi is the place where scholars still come to learn the ancient knowledge of the Vedas and debate on the nature of God.  For over 2,000 years it has been the religious capital of India, more revered and sacred than all the other places of pilgrimage put together. Hindus believe that to die in Varanasi is to be forgiven every sin, receive instant enlightenment and immediately be admitted to heaven, no matter who or what you are. As a result the elderly flock here to end their days, and cremation is big business on the ghats beside the Ganges. Apart from its religious significance, it is also the hub of many traditional industries and is world famous for its silks - in particular, its silk brocades. The town does a roaring trade with pilgrims and tourists alike. Being the cultural centre of India, it is home to many musicians, novelists and philosophers.  Arrive Varanasi at 1410 hrs., transfer to prebooked Hotel.

After lunch, excursion to Sarnath, located 6 miles (9 km) from Varanasi, which is the center of the Buddhist world, just as Varanasi is that for the Hindu. It was here that Buddha preached his first sermon, partially recorded on one of its stones. Dhamek Stupa dating back to 500 AD, is the largest with geometrical ornaments on its wall. Dharmarajika Stupa was set up by emperor Ashoka to contain the bodily relics of the Buddha. There is an outstanding museum, worth visiting

Day 09  :  VARANASI - DELHI  (FLIGHT)
Early in the morning, before sunrise, depart for a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River, where devout Hindus can be seen performing their daily ablutions. The bathing ghats, over three miles in length, lead down from a steep bank to the river and are the soul of the city. Here, where the wavelets of the Ganges lap the last of the stone steps, can be seen young Hindu men practicing Hatha yoga, older men seated, eyes closed in meditation, Brahmin priests under sunshades, waiting to bless the passing pilgrims, and beggars sitting in serried ranks. Manikarnika burning ghat is the chief cremation centre of Varanasi. Corpses lined in white silk or linen are borne on bamboo stretchers to the smoking pyres, where they are deposited to await their turn. Photography is not usually permitted here. Return to hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, explore Varanasi, the religious capital of the Hindu faith since the dawn of history. Known as Kashi in the 7th century BC it constitutes a microcosm of Indian life. No one knows how old it really is - when Buddha came here in 550 BC, it was already a flourishing ancient settlement. The town is one inextricable maze of small streets and alleyways, hiding in disorderly array no less than 2,000 temples and shrines. Domes, pinnacles, towers and derelict 18th century palaces dominate the left bank of the Ganges river. The streets are noisy, color is rife.

Afternoon, transfer to the airport to board flight SG-119, scheduled to depart at 1615 hrs.
Arrive Delhi at 1730 hrs.  Dinner at a local restaurant
Transfer to the International airport in time to board your flight back home

Day 10  :  DEPART  DELHI
Early morning, flight to your onward destination