Per Person on twin sharing basis
Offering an inspiring introduction to the Subcontinent, this journey combines Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi and Lucknow’s cultural and natural wonders. Delving into centuries of history, the tour uncovers ornate temples, magnificent Islamic architecture and marble palaces. Explore the Old and New Delhi highlights; visit the ultimate symbol of love, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Varanasi which is considered the oldest living city in the world. Experience the spiritual aspect of India’s age-old beliefs and enjoy a unique cultural experience in the metropolis of Nawab known as Lucknow.
Day 01: Delhi Arrival
Arrive at Delhi International Airport. Please clear immigration and visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. INDIA Tailor Made Executive will page you by your name. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer to the hotel for check-in. Stay overnight in Delhi. (No Meal)
Day 02: Delhi
Delhi, the capital of India, symbolises the soul of the country. Mesmerise yourself in the splendid sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi, Visit Jama Masjid; the largest mosque in India built in red sandstone with extensive use of marble, with relics of the Prophet and Holy Quran enshrined here, Visit Chandni Chowk, now a chaotically bustling area, typical of real India, containing a mix of stalls, shops, food outlets and temples. Between the mosque and Chandni Chowk is a narrow shop-lined street along which you will be transported by cycle rickshaws on your most photogenic journey of the tour. Visit Qutub Minar; built at a height of 72meters, and being one of the most important landmarks of Delhi, with calligraphically decorated interiors, and also inscriptions of verses of the Holy Quran, visit the Gandhi Memorial; the resting place of the father of the nation, India gate; a memorial tribute with names inscribed of all the soldiers martyred during the Afghan War. Stay overnight in Delhi. (B)
Day 03: Delhi – Varanasi (By AM flight: TBA)
Morning gets in time transfer to airport to board the flight to Varanasi. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ghats of Varanasi is a natural supplement to the concept of divinity and is known as the city that liberates the soul from the human body to ultimate. Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk saris and silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items, across the world, even today. The city is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. On arrival, you will be received by our Tour Executive at the Airport, transfer to hotel for check-in. Remaining part of the day free for self-recreational activities. Stay for two nights at Varanasi. (B)
Day 04: Varanasi
Wake up early morning and proceed to enjoy the sunrise boat ride on river Ganges. The river will be thronged with early morning bathers, raising their faces to the rising sun and reciting the sacred mantra. One can see the perpetual movement of the pilgrims on the steps, the vivid colours of their clothes glistening against the pale gold water, the triangular flags fluttering atop the temple spires. Varanasi is associated with the promotion of spiritualism, mysticism and Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language. Visit the Banaras ghat, Assi ghat and various other ghats. Return back to the hotel for buffet breakfast. After breakfast, proceed for morning city tour of Varanasi visiting various temples including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple etc. Afternoon proceeds for an excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at the deer park after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka down to the 12th century A.D. Ashoka, built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and nearby is a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adorned Lions, which today forms the national emblem of India. Later in the evening witness grand prayer ceremony on the ghats of river Ganges. Stay overnight at Varanasi. (B)
Day 05: Varanasi – Lucknow (By Train: TBA)
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure. In time transfer to the Varanasi railway station to board the train to Lucknow. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. 'The City of Nawabs' is an intriguing blend of old world charm, warm hospitality, courteous people, beautiful architecture and Rich heritage. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Stay for two nights in Lucknow. (B)
Day 06: Lucknow
After breakfast at the hotel, see some of the highlights of the city, Bada Imambara a famous monument of Lucknow that has historical, cultural and heritage importance. The complex also includes the large Asfi mosque, the Bhul-Bhulayah (the labyrinth) and a summer palace with running water. Government Museum is a must visit for all the tourists, is situated in a modern three-storied building at Banarasi Bagh area of Lucknow. This afternoon enjoys heritage walk across the lanes and bylanes of the chowk of Lucknow, where the time stands still in the medieval century, exploring the unexplored and explaining how vast a history this city of superlatives holds. It is said that each building in the old city has an anecdote and a gamut of tales connected to it, our expert 'Heritage Guides' will take you into the bygone era of this city, that is a world unto itself. Explore the unexplored, learn the history beyond the books and rediscover the life of Lucknow through the walk. Stay overnight at the hotel. (B)
Day 07: Lucknow – Agra (By train: TBA)
Lucknow is the center for Chikan embroidery, renowned for its timeless grace and gossamer delicacy, a skill more than 2000 years old. After a leisurely breakfast, visit a Chikan workshop and watch skilled karigars (workers) delicately working on unique styles and stitches. In time, transfer to Lucknow railway station to board the train to Agra. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Known by all as the home of the Taj Mahal, the city is still associated with the Mughals who were great builders and you will see this by the architecture of the buildings as you pass by. Stay for two nights in Agra. (B)
Day 08: Agra
Early morning visit Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) - the epitome of love, stands on the banks of the river Yamuna built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The white marble building changes its hue with the variations in the daylight. Made entirely of white marble and decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work, different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. This magnificent monument is built around a Charbagh or ’four gardens’ plan, split by watercourses— reflects the influence of Persian architectural style. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Then after a visit to Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, which is a mixture of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture and Itmad-Ud-Daula Tomb; nicknamed as baby Taj; another fine example of Mughal architecture. Stay overnight at Agra. (B)
Day 09: Agra – Jaipur (Distance: Approx. 05 hours)
The morning after a leisurely breakfast, check out and travel to Jaipur, the first planned city of India, is a treasure-trove of culture, art and history, famous for its colour, lifestyle and Rajasthani cuisine. It is a city exuding royal heritage and extravagant richness. The historic city also has many temples and shrines. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The perfectly preserved red sandstone buildings consist of palaces, courtyards, a life-size chess board, tombs and mosques. Visit the Diwan-e-Khas with its remarkable central pillar. Also unmissable is Panch Mahal, the five-storied structure used as the viewing station for the harem. On arrival check into the hotel. Stay for two nights in Jaipur. (B)
Day 10: Jaipur
After breakfast enjoys the visit to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of Rajasthan and the majestic palace complex to witness a unique system of air-conditioning of the 17th century. Drive by Jeep to the entrance of the fort, a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, garden and temples built by Rajas over a period of about two centuries, it still stands in its magnificent state. The red sandstone and white Marble palace have some very interesting apartments- Diwan-I-Am, Ganesh Pol, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir, Man Singh Palace and Shila Devi Temple.
Then visit Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace); built-in 1799 at a time when women of the royal family had to observe strict purdah, it is believed that this palace was built for them to take pleasure in the processions and various activities taking place in the streets below, without showing themselves and thus enjoying a sense of freedom, Jantar Mantar (Observatory); one of the famed observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh is a complex of astronomical instruments, chiseled out of stone which provides fairly accurate information to this day. Stay overnight in Jaipur (B)
Day 11: Jaipur – Delhi Departure (Distance: Approx. 05 hours)
Morning checks out and travel to Delhi, ending your tour with a drop at Delhi Airport to board your flight to onward destination. (B)
3 Days & 2 Night
4 Days & 3 Night
4 Days & 3 Night