Gems of India Tour - Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi & More

Arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, meet & greet with Traditional Indian welcome. Transfer to the hotel.

Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast visit Old Delhi. It was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce.

Also take a Cycle Rickshaw Puller Ride through the bustling and colorful market of the old city is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi.

In the afternoon, visit New Delhi. It was designed and built by the British in the 1920's-it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eight cities - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947. You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. drive pass through the Raisina Hill, ceremonial avenue past the imposing India Gate, Government Buildings, President House and Parliament House. Also visit Sikh Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to see the worship etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, once the capital of Rajasthan province, "the abode of rajahs". Everywhere you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. It has the distinction of being a well-planned and laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound. Jaipur is one of the main centers for shopping in India -- especially with regard to textiles, Jewellery, stones carpets, etc. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.

Later visit Sanganer village situated on the outskirts of Jaipur. Look at the Jain temple from the 17th century and visit the traditional wood block printing, tie and dye fabric, paper factory and blue pottery that make the reputation of the craftsmanship of the city rose. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit the 17th century fortress of Amber Fort - marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort ascended on Caparisoned Elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings.

In the afternoon, visit to Maharaja’s City Palace - where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art, The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 A.D.), Birla White Marble temple and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires Evening time to walk in local Market. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Agra through the Rajasthani countryside we see villages, woman dressed in the brilliantly colored saris of the region, Camels, Elephants & scenes of rural lives.

En route visit the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Begin at Chand Baori, one of the largest step wells in India, fortified on all sides. This unique idea, conceived by the early natives to function as a water reservoir, is located adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, goddess of joy and happiness. Then, stop for an unforgettable experience, an authentic camel cart ride. Afterwards, continue to Agra. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early morning, enjoy Horse cart (Tonga Ride) ride to the Magnificent Taj Mahal – The 7th Wonder of the World and Monument of Love in the warm glow of sunrise, which was built in 1630 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction are said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahmad Lahori.  Legend has it that once construction was completed, what makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation.  Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughal brought this concept to India, they elevated it to heights of incomparable artistry.

After breakfast drive to Gwalior - a mosaic of the Rajput clans. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Later visit Gwalior Fort, Sas Bahu Temple, Karan Mahal, Gujri Mahal, Tan Sen Tomb and Jai Vilas Palace & Museum. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Orchha - Jewel of Madhya Pradesh, the ancient capital of a Rajput kingdom. A medieval city founded by Bundels rulers with palaces and temples of 16th & 17th century situated on the banks of the Betwa. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Later leave for the sightseeing of Orchha, which includes Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Praveen Rai Mahal, Lakshmi Narayan, Chaturbuj and Ram Raj temples.  Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Khajuraho. En route visit Dhubela, 110 km from Orchha - the kingdom of Maharaja Chhatrasal (4 May 1649 – 19 December 1731), is a historical place situated at Orchha – Khajuraho road near Now gong (Mau Saniya Village) in Madhya Pradesh. Our drive continues to Khajuraho. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit renowned Khajuraho group of temples dedicated to god and goddesses from Hindu mythology. Visit the world famous Chandela temples where forthright sculptures celebrate the Joy of life and love for which there is no equivalent in the world. Also visit the eastern group of temples of Khajuraho that consists of the Parasvanath Temple, which is the only Jain temple at Khajuraho and has excellent sculptures on the outer walls of the sanctum. Visit Javeri temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to airport to board the domestic flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.

Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. Also known as Banaras, this city has been the center of the Hindu faith for all of recorded history. Kashi, Banaras or Varanasi is the oldest living city in the History of Mankind. This City is acknowledged as the cultural Capital of the Oriental part of the Globe. In the evening see “aarti” Ceremony on River Ganges at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today enjoy the sunrise boat excursion on the Holy River Ganges to see the bathing Ghats and crimination sites. Watching people bathing and worshiping at the Ghats is one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India.

The Spectacular 4 kms sweep of the Ghats is a unique sight, best view at dawn, in that "soft first light" when the river and Ghats have a timeless appeal. Life in almost panoramic details unfolds here from dawn to dusk as a steady stream of devotees-swelling to thousands of auspicious days-perform rituals by the Ganga. The Ghats are best approached by Dashashwemdha Ghat, where boats are available on hire.

After breakfast, explore the old city on foot, including the Bharat Mata Temple and stroll along the bazaars near to hotel full of shops selling, among other things, the world famous Banaras silk.

Afternoon day return excursion to Sarnath,10 kms from the holy city of Varanasi. It is the blessed locale where more than 2,500 years ago Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon, after attaining Nirvana. Gautam Buddha with his five disciples formed the first Sangha along with Yasa of Varanasi and his 54 friends. The beginning of the celebrated Mantra, “Buddham Sharanam Gachhami” owes its origin to Sarnath. The three jewels “I go for refuge to the Buddha, I go for refuge to the Wheel of Law, and I go for refuge to the Sangha” first laid down here, have remained unchanged ever since. Hence rightly, every Buddhist Pilgrim after Bodhgaya endeavors to be blessed with a visit to Sarnath in his lifetime. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to this fascinating and memorable tour & transfer to the airport to board the flight to Delhi for onward destination.

The above itinerary can be further customized as per your travel requirements.