Classic Indian Heritage Tour

Classic Indian Heritage Tour

Destinations:- Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan, Gawalior, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Sarnath

Day 1: Arrive Delhi - Jaipur (250 km- 5 hrs)

You arrive in Delhi by International flight. After traditional Swagat' (Welcome), our representative would assist you at the airport & to our hotel for check-in. After some rest & breakfast in the hotel we will check-out of the hotel & proceed for Delhi sightseeing. At 1000 hrs, we will take you for a half Day sightseeing tour of Humayun's Tomb, Lotus temple (Closed on Monday) & Qutub Minar. Later we will leave for Jaipur, the flamboyant capital of Rajasthan. On arrival at Jaipur, our representative will meet & assist you to check-in at our hotel. Overnight Hotel- Jaipur (B)

Day 2: Jaipur

Early morning after breakfast 11 km drive to Amber, the capital of the gallant Rajputs from 1037 to 1728 AD. We ride the elephant back and reach the Fort situated on the hill and then visit the Fort Palace. Later we visit the City Palace, Birla Temple, Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Palace of Winds. Overnight stay. (B) Optional Excursion to Chokhi Dhani: Today we will take you for an evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, an ethnic village resort located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Evenings at Chokhi Dhani are very special. A Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground and includes the entertainment by folk dancers and musicians. The guests can move around freely and enjoy the evening. Later drive back to the Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (260 km / 6 hrs)

After breakfast in the coffee shop, we drive at 0900 hrs to Agra. En route we visit Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece in sandstone with the stunning elegance of its palaces and courts. Further proceed to Agra, upon arrival we help you check-in at our hotel at Agra. In the evening enjoy the magic show performed by the local magician. Overnight stay at Agra. (B)

Day 4: Mathura and Vrindavan – Agra –(60 km / 1.5 hrs / One way)

Agra, erstwhile capital of great Mughals & known for Taj Mahal. It has always fascinated Indians & foreigners alike. Most of Agra is on West bank of river Yamuna, with the Agra Fort & Taj Mahal at its nucleus. Taj Mahal is quite simply one of mankind's most remarkable creations. After early breakfast, we drive at 0800 hrsvisit the incredible architectural excellence of Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday), built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife MumtazMahal. Next we visit Agra Fort, built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565. The red sandstone Agra Fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. This massive Fort is 2.5 km long & is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red Fort. Later in the afternoon we visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb and to Mathura (Shri Krishna Janmabhumi Temple) & Vrindavan (Bankey Bihari Temple & ISKCON Temple) (Temples are close between 1200–1600 hrs), related with birth & childhood of Lord Krishna. In the evening return to Agra. Overnight Hotel- Agra (B)

Day 5: Day 05 Agra – Gwalior

Morning post breakfast on time transfer to railway station to board the train for Gwalior. Upon arrival assistance and check-in hotel. Gwalior, a city whose history dates back to 8th century is a mosaic of the Rajput clans of the Pratihasas, Kachwahas and Tomars, each leaving their marks on the city's magnificent monuments. Later in the afternoon our guide will take you for a sightseeing of Gwalior city which comprises of visits to the Gwalior Fort, Jaivilas Palace and tombs of Ghaus Mohamed and Tansen. Evening at leisure and overnight stay at hotel. (B)

Day 6: Gwalior – Orchha (120 km/ 03 hrs)

Morning post breakfast we will drive to Orchha. Orchha has a medieval town atmosphere attached to it. The Betwa River quietly flows by the town. The 16th century palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers appear to be suspended in time. Upon arrival assistance and check-in hotel. In the afternoon we will visit Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Ram Raja temple. Evening at leisure and overnight stay at hotel. (B)

Day 7: Orchha - Khajuraho(160 km/ 04 hrs)

Morning post breakfast drive to Khajuraho, well known for its magnificent temples which are among the most creative examples of the Indian architecture. Built between 950 and 1050 A.D, only 22 temples out of 85 now survive. Khajuraho sculpture is sublime and sensuous, the centre of new imagery in art. The popular theme is woman: reflective, playful amorous. The carving also depict Griffins, Nymphs, Beasts, Demons in revolt, Gods in cosmic evolution, fear, doubt, jealousy, ardent love and consummate passion. Upon arrival assistance and check-in hotel. Later in the afternoon our guide will take you for a sightseeing trip to Khajuraho temples, built by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, in a truly inspired burst of creativity. The temples are famous for the magnificent carvings depicting numerous sexual postures of the famous "Kamasutra", ancient Indian work on sex. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 originally built. In fact, worship is still done today in the Matangeshwara temple, continuing an unbroken 1000 year tradition. Evening at leisure and overnight stay at hotel. (B)

Day 8: Khajuraho Varanasi – Excursion to Sarnath

Morning at leisure. Later we drive to reach on time at 1200 hrs to the airport to board the flight to Varanasi, the oldest and the holiest Hindu city, known for its Hindu traditional customs and rituals. We meet and assist you on arrival at Varanasi airport and help you check-in at our hotel. Next at 1530 hrs we leave for Sarnath at a distance of 12 Kms from Varanasi, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after Enlightenment. At Sarnath in the Ganges Valley of India, the Buddha proclaimed the law of faith. It was here that he taught the keys aspects of Buddhism the four noble truths, the eightfold path and the middle way philosophy. The Buddha encouraged followers to avoid extremes of austerity or pleasure. The remains of monasteries dating from the third century B.C. to the first century C.E. indicate a thriving monastic community. Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi. (B)

Day 9: Varanasi – Delhi

Early morning before breakfast at 0500 hrs boat ride on the river Ganges. We rise before dawn and step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. We wait for the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches and temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit 'Shlokas' now rises, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety and joy. We return to our hotel for breakfast. Rest of the day at leisure and free to explore the city on your own. Later in the afternoon we drive to railway station to board the overnight train for Delhi. Overnight on board. (B)

Day 10: Arrive Delhi at 0700 hrs.

In the morning we reach New Delhi railway station. Upon arrival our representative will meet and assist you at the railway station to transfer you to your hotel. Later in the afternoon we will take you for a sightseeing trip to Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat, & then drive around India Gate & President's House. Overnight Hotel- Delhi (B)

Day 11: Depart Delhi

In time transfer to International airport to board flight for onward journey. Our tour concludes: Caper thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to the Airport for onward travel.