Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at airport assistance & transfer to hotel (Standard hotel check in time 12pm, early check in subject to room availability). Rest time free to relax and personal activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 2: Delhi

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the majestic Red Fort (closed on Monday) the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. 
In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun`s first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Bahai House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape. Also drive pass President House, Parliament & India Gate etc. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 3: Delhi - Agra (210kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Agra check in at hotel. 
Later visit Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Agra Fort the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. And Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 4: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Abhaneri - Jaipur (245kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Jaipur via visiting Fatehpur Sikri an abandoned predominately a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area. See the graceful buildings including Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bai Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & Buland Darwaza. Next stop to visit Abhaneri a small village popular for India`s deepest, largest and amazing step well & a Hindu Temple. 
Continue drive to Jaipur check in at hotel. Evening explore the local market of Pink City. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 5: Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Jaipur the first planned city of India. Established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the king of Amber when he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city. In 1876, the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur and the entire Jaipur city was painted in pink the symbolic colors of hospitality to welcome him. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple. 
In morning visit Amber Fort followed by Jaigarh Fort. Later visit City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal, Sisodia Rani Garden & Birla temple. Explore the famous bazaars of Pink City with its rich history and heritage exudes an amazing mix of royalty and art. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 6: Jaipur - Pushkar - Jodhpur (330kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Jaipur enroute visit Pushkar, one of the oldest cities in India surrounded by hillocks on three sides. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city. The city of Pushkar is home to the only active temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Visit Pushkar Lake one of the holiest lake in the country having 52 bathing ghats, Brahma & Savitri Temple. In nearby city Ajmer visit Nasiyan Jain Temple an architecturally rich Jain temple built between 1864-95. Khwaja Dargah E Sharif, tomb of the revered Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda one of the oldest mosques in India, and the oldest surviving monument in Ajmer and Anasagar Lake built by Arnoraja, the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan, in 1135 -1150 AD. 
Continue drive to Jodhpur check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 7: Jodhpur 

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Jodhpur popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architectures, forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with eight gates leading out of the fortress. Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD, Rao Jodha the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur. Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar is a major historical sites lying just 10kms out from Jodhpur where you will find the cenotaphs of Jodhpur`s former rulers built along the lines of Hindu temples. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum, Toorji Ka Jhalra, Mahamandir fantastically carved 84 pillars big temple, Rai ka Baag Palace, Mandore Temples, Gardens & Cenotaphs. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 8: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur (260kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Udaipur enroute visit Ranakpur Jain Temple. The temple complex comprises of 1444 intricately carved pillars, 24 pillared halls accompanied by 80 domes which are borne by 400 columns. The apogee of this entire temple architecture is the fact that no two pillars in here are the same! The entire ceiling of this temple complex is bedecked with geometric designs and scrollwork. 
Continue drive to Udaipur check in at hotel. Evening enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola. Pichola Lake is an artificial fresh water lake created in the year 1362 and named after the nearby village. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples bathing ghats and embankments. There are four islands inside the lake and they are developed with several beautiful palaces where are the ideal spots with breathtaking views of the lake. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 9: Udaipur 

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Udaipur located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. The beautiful City Palace and Monsoon Palace add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. Visit City Palace & Museum, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Bada Mahal, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Ahar Cenotaphs & Bharatiya Lok kala Museum. Explore Hathi Pol Bazar, Bada Bazar, Chetak Circle & Shilpgram a craftsmens village. Evening watch folk dance show Dharohar at Bagore ki Haveli. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Bundi (275kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Bundi via Chittorgarh. 
Visit Chittorgarh named after its most imposing structure, the Chittorgarh Fort which stands atop a 180 meter high hill and is spread across 700 acres. Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past, this bastion of the Rajputs has faced violent attacks thrice in its entire history. The first was in 1303 when the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji, who was enamoured by Queen Padmini, launched an attack to abduct her. More than two centuries later, in 1533, it was Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, who caused immense destruction. Four decades later, in 1568, Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked and seized the fort. It was finally in 1616, under the rule of Mughal Emperor Jahangir that the fort was returned to the Rajputs. Chittorgarh resonates stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. The bards of Rajasthan sing tales of courage and sacrifice recounting stories that are known to every child and adult in the city. Visit to Chittorgarh Fort, Rani Padmini`s Palace, Rana Kumbha Palace, Vijay Stambh (the Tower of Victory), Kirti Stambh & Jain temples, etc. 
Arrive Bundi check in at hotel. Later city tour of Bundi, a magnificent town dotted with fairy tale quality palaces & forts. Bundi was once the capital of the great Hadoti Kingdom, renowned for its art and sculpture. Bundi still retains its charismatic medieval grandeur. And just like Jodhpur and Rajput, the architecture of Bundi also possesses a noticeable bluish hue, designed to keep houses cool during hot summer, in the intricately carved brackets and pillars. Visit Garadia Mahadev Temple, Sukh Mahal, Rani Ji Ki Baori, Phool Sagar, Taragarh Fort, Nawal Sagar Lake, few Cenotaphs & Step Wells and the royal site of the frescoes & paintings in Braj Bhushan Ji Ki Haveli. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Bundi - Ranthambore (150kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Ranthambore National Park check in at hotel. 
Later visit Ranthambore Fort built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century. The fort encompass temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls, numerous cenotaphs, ruins and abandoned settlements overcome by nature testament to battles and romances of an era long gone. The fort is also related to the historical legend of the royal women performing jauhar (self-immolation) when the Muslim invader Alauddin Khilji laid siege on this fort in 1303. Lunch, dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 12: Ranthambore

Breakfast at hotel. Head into Ranthambhore Park twice to enjoy game drives through the rugged terrain which is home to lots of wildlife, including the elusive Bengal tiger. Your game drives are early in the morning and then early evening, when animals at their most active. Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the world`s best known wilderness areas at the junction of some of the geologically oldest mountain ranges, the Aravallis and Vindyas. Once a private game reserve of the royal house of Jaipur Ranthambore offers some of the finest opportunities for sighting the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger in the wild. This dry-deciduous forest is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, a mix of rolling hills and crags, meadows, lakes and rivulets. Apart from the tiger, you can also spot sloth bear, leopard, caracal, jackal, fox, hyena, Indian wolf and mongoose. The dainty chital, sambhar deer, the blue bull antelope, rhesus macaque, langur and an incredible variety of birds amidst a setting of dhok, fig and banyan trees makes a visit to this park a delight for tourists and naturalists alike. Basking crocodiles, king vulture on a snag, the scream of the serpent eagle, the alarm call of spotted deer are some sights and sounds that make this safari experience like none other. Lunch, dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 13: Ranthambore - Shivpuri - Orchha (300kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Orchha via Shivpuri. In Shivpuri visit Madhav Palace a quaint palace that has the colonial touch. George castle built for a short stay of King George V. Collectorate of Shivpuri and memorial of Tatya Tope. The Chhatris of royals Scindia king and queen. Flanked by the Mughal gardens with path adorned with picturesque fencing. The chhatris are a great blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. In order to give a similar effect like Taj Mahal, the cenotaph of Madho Rao Scindia is ornamented with precious & semi-precious stone and gemstone. 
Arrive Orchha check in at hotel. Evening boat ride on River Betwa. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 14: Orchha - Panna National Park (200kms)

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Orchha a historical town known for its grand palaces, intricately carved temples adorned with classic mural paintings, frescos and cenotaphs that were constructed to commemorate the Bundela rulers. Visit the Orchha Fort complex, which houses a large number of ancient monuments. These are Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens and pavilions. Chaturbhuj Temple a multi-storied structure noted for having one of the tallest Vimana among Hindu temples. Chattris (Cenotaphs) situated on the banks of Betwa river, are magnificent royal tombs of the Maharajas, placed on a platform and supported by the pillars. 
Visit the Orchha Fort complex, which houses a large number of ancient monuments. These are Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens and pavilions. Chaturbhuj Temple a multi-storied structure noted for having one of the tallest Vimana among Hindu temples. Chattris (Cenotaphs) situated on the banks of Betwa river, are magnificent royal tombs of the Maharajas, placed on a platform and supported by the pillars. 
Drive to Panna National Park checks in at resort. Rest time free to relax. Lunch, dinner & overnight at hotel.

 

Day 15: Panna National Park - Khajuraho (35kms) 

Breakfast at hotel. Game drive gypsy safari in tiger reserve with naturalist. The park is located where the tropical and subtropical forest belts are found. River Ken runs through this relatively dry national park providing water to the wildlife throughout the year. Many rare species and endangered species can be spotted in this park. You can spot the majestic tiger, the ghariyal - a huge reptile found only in the Indian subcontinent, Indian wolf, four-horned antelope, sloth bear pangolin, rusty spotted cat, leopard, carcal and a variety of flora and fauna. There are six species of vulture found in this park. Also visit the magnificent Pandav Falls inside the park a perennial fall fed by a tributary of the river Ken. The falls cascades down from a height of about 30 meters into a heart shaped pool. Surrounded by lush green forests. At the foot of falls there are some ancient caves overlooking a large pool of water. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata are believed to have spent a part of their exile here.
Drive to Khajuraho check in at hotel. Evening attend light & sound show. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 16: Khajuraho - Varanasi (flight)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit well maintained UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring eastern, western & southern group of temples adorned by erotic and sensuous carvings. The architecture of these temples depict the erotic forms of love, the carvings on the walls display passion in the most sensuous yet aesthetic ways. Built between 950 to 1050 AD by Chandela dynasty the temples of Khajuraho are India`s unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world`s great artistic wonders. 
After sightseeing transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi. 
On arrival transfer to hotel. Evening attend Holy Ganga Aarti, a magical ritual held every evening at sunset on the banks of the Holy Ganges. The entire Ghat gets illuminated with a divine light that can be felt strongly. The magnificent ritual involves huge brass lamps lit with oil and the priests chant the holy mantras that reverberate in the entire location. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 17: Varanasi 

Early morning boat ride & ghat visit along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water. Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges. The city has 88 ghats, most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremony ghats, while two ghats are used exclusively as cremation sites. The ghats are frequented by the people which include early morning bathers, priests, people practicing meditation and yoga, students and tourists as well. 
Breakfast at hotel, city tour visit Banaras Hindu University. With 5.3 sq kms campus and 30, 000 residing students it is the largest residential university in the continent. Bharat Mata Temple built in 1936 houses a relief map of undivided India, carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Mandir one of the most famous temples in Varanasi. The temple has beautiful images of Lord Rama, Mother Sita, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman. The walls of temple are adorned with verses from Ramcharitmanas, the Hindi version of the epic Ramayana. Continue to Sarnath, it was here Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining the Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The great Dhamekh Stupa and glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C. stand testimony to the importance the place enjoyed at that time. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 18: Varanasi - Delhi (flight)

Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. From Delhi board connecting flight for your onward destination.

Assistance on arrival at airport.

17 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.

Daily breakfast at hotels. Any other meal (lunch/ dinner) if clearly mentioned in the itinerary).

Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.

English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.

Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.

3-Time shared Gypsy safari in Ranthambore National Parks with forest department naturalist.

1-Time shared Gypsy safari in Panna National Park with forest department naturalist.

Bottled drinking water in car.

Government taxes.
 

 

Hotels used or similar for 17 nights accommodation

Delhi x 2 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Emarald Hotel
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Agra x 1 night
3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Atulyaa Taj
4* - Radission Hotel/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
5* - Trident Hotel/ Courtyard by Marriott

Jaipur x 2 nights
3* - Redfox Hotel/ Park Ocean
4* - Holiday Inn City Centre/ Lemon Tree Premier
5* - ITC Rajputana/ Hilton Jaipur

Jodhpur x 2 nights
3* - Devi Bhawan/ Pal Haveli
4* - The Ummed/ Ranbanka Place
5* - Welcome Hotel/ Ajit Bhawan

Udaipur x 2 nights
3* - Jaiwana Haveli/ Hotel Amar Kothi
4* - Hotel Lakend/ Amet Haveli
5* - Aurika Udaipur - Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels/ Trident Udaipur

Bundi x 1 night
3*/4/5* - The Hadoti Palace/ Nawal Sagar Palace

Ranthambhore x 2 nights
3* - Tiger Machan Resort/ Sher Vilas
4* - Ranthambhore Regency/ WH Ranthambore Mount Valley Resort
5* - Nahargarh Ranthambore/ Dev Vilas

Orchha x 1 night
3* & 4* - Orchha Resort/ Amar Mahal 
5* - Orchha Palace and Convention Centre x 1 night

Panna National Park x 1 night
3* - Greetoe Resorts
4* - Tuli Tiger Corridor/ Pench Jungle Camp
5* - Sarai at Toria/ Pugdundee Safaris Pench Tree Lodge

Khajuraho x 1 night
3* & 4* - Ramada/Clarks Hotel
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Hotel Chandela

Varanasi x 2 nights
3* - Meraden Grand/ Amaya Hotel
4* - Rivatas by Ideal/ Palace On Ganges
5* - Radisson Hotel/ Gateway Hotel Taj

Khajuraho - Varanasi & Varanasi - Delhi flight fare approx INR 9, 500 per person in economy class.

Camera charges at monuments.

Meals other than mentioned in day plan.

Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc. 

Gratuities & optional activities.

Anything not mentioned in inclusions.