Golden Triangle with Classical India

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

Detailed Tour Itinerary: On arrival at International airport meet our representative and transfer to hotel. Relax. Overnight at Delhi
Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India is one of India's fastest growing cities. The city has two distinct parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi reflects shades of Mugal Empror where as New Delhi shows the legacy of what British left behind.
The streets of Old Delhi are narrow and bustling. The beauty and serenity lies inside the courts of the main buildings. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), and is tree-lined and spacious.
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Day 02 : Delhi
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast proceed for day sightseeing of Delhi covering old Delhi as well as New Delhi.  Today we will cover following spots
Rajghat- a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, also know as Bapu (Father of nation).
Red Fort (Lal quila) - Old Delhi is centered on the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1636 and 1658, when the mougal empire was on its peak.
Jama Masjid (Mosque) - Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the largest mosque in India.
Qutub Minar - is the tallest stone tower in India. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer
India Gate - Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War I, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.
Built from sandstone, the arch also houses the Eternal Flame, a gesture in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Rashtrapati Bhawan - Formely the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms
Back to hotel and overnight at hote

Day 03 : Delhi - Jaipur (250 kms - 5 hours drive by road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast proceed for Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and check in hotel.

Jaipur -  the pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. However, Jaipur has joined the parade of metropolitan cities; still there are some traditions and customs in the city, which you will find quite surprising. Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the kshatriya warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed. Have dinner at Chokidhani where you get to know about the culture and customs of Rajasthan. Rajasthani are known to be very good hosts so enjoy their hospitality. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 : Jaipur
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
Amber fort palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.  Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I.  Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families.
Continue sightseeing.
City palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city.  It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.  This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.  It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Evening leisure for shopping or one can visit Birla temple to explore the religious side of Jaipur. Overnight at hotel.
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Day 05 : Jaipur - Agra (225 kms - 6 Hours drive by Road)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast start for Agra by road. On the way stop at Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri in Agra is a city in Uttar Pradesh, built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar during the 16th Century BC. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a combination of various regional schools of architecture. Influence of Hindu and Jain architectural features are found in this monument with traces of Islamic elements in it. Fatehpur Sikri is made of red sandstone and the beautiful marvel tomb of Seikh Salim Chisti is located here.
Start from Fatehpur sekri for Agra. Arrive agra and check in at Hotel. Overnight at Agra Agra- Heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached.

Day 06 : Agra
Detailed Tour Itinerary: After breakfast visit Taj mahal, symbol of love, Agra fort and Baby taj
Taj Mahal For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and song. It is one of the most flawless architectural creations of the world. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty. The Taj Mahal in Agra India is considered one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in India. The history of the Taj Mahal is one of the great love stories of the world. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ruled from 1628 to 1658 and was married to Arjumand Bano Begum in 1612 A.D. He called his wife Mumtaz Mahal or Crown of the Palace. Her dying wish to Shah Jahan was that he should "build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before." The history of the Taj Mahal begins with Mumtaz Mahal's tragic end.

AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone.  Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

After Agra Fort we will visit BABY TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. Overnight at agra
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Day 07 : Agra - Jhansi (Shatabdi - 3 hours) - Khajuraho (172 kms - 4 hours drive by road)

Detailed Tour Itinerary: Early morning transfer at Agra station to catch shatabdi to Jhansi. Arrive and transfer to Khajuraho.
Khajuraho - used to be the capital of the Chandela kings and the temples found here were built between 950 and 1050 AD under the later Chandela kings. The temples of Khajuraho are brilliant examples of medieval Indian architecture.It is believed that Khajuraho originally had 85 temples. But only about 22 have survived the ravages of time and they are strewn amidst lakes and fields in the area. The existing Khajuraho temples are divided into three groups - western, eastern, and southern. The western group is most famous, and it is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The sculptors of Khajuraho have decorated the walls of the temples with carved figures of men and women of the day doing their daily routines, such as musicians playing music, women putting on make-up, etc. That includes depiction of Mithuna or human couples engaged in sexual acts. Though only about 10% of the carvings on the temple walls show erotica, this is what make the temples of Khajuraho so talked about thing.
Check in at Hotel. Relax. Overnight at hotel

Day 08 : Khajuraho - Varanasi (By Air)
Detailed Tour Itinerary: Morning visit temples of Khajuraho. Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi transfer to hotel.

Varanasi - has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". . Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.
Visit Sarnath 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
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Overnight at hotel in Varanasi

Day 09 : Varanasi
Detailed Tour Itinerary: In the morning we drive to the Ghats (steps on river bank) to board a boat for a ride on the Hindu holy river Ganga. During this boat ride we will witness the morning religious rituals on the Ghats and in the temples along the river bank.

Later visit the ancient and modern Hindu temples of the holy city dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening experience the Prayer ceremony at the banks of River Ganges - homage to the holy river with oil lamps and incense etc.
Overnight at hotel in Varanasi

Day 10 : Varanasi - Delhi
Detailed Tour Itinerary: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the birthplace of Buddhist religion, Sarnath. Lord Buddha meditated for many years in the dear park at Sarnath. After enlightenment at Bodhgaya, he returned to Sarnath to preach the "Dharmachakra" or the "wheel of religion sermon". This was his first sermon to his initial five disciples. Mauryan Emperor Ashoka built a Stupa at the site where Lord Buddha's ashes were preserved along with a massive monastery and university complex. We will view the archeological ruins of this historic site and also visit a very interesting site museum of archeology.
Transfer to airport to board flight to Delhi. Transfer to Ashok Country Club/ Sahara where four rooms will be available for refreshing before transfer to airport for the flight back Home