Best of North India

Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later we will be transferred to hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax and explore the nearby area.

After breakfast start full day sightseeing tour of Delhi. We proceed to Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Old Delhi built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Later go for an exciting cycle rickshaw ride through lively thoroughfares and bustling alleyways of Old Delhi market rarely visited by typical tourists. Arrive at Khari Baoli and see Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. Afterwards, we visit Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. Our exploration continues as we drive past historic colonial landmarks, such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, and India Gate—a poignant memorial dedicated to soldiers of the First World War. We then continue to Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India.

This day we drive to Jaipur (5 – 6hrs drive). Jaipur, popularly known as the “Pink City”, is one of the important heritage cities with a rich cultural heritage and colourful past. Upon arrival we will check in to the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast explore the city of Jaipur. We visit the fascinating Amer Fort – the hilltop fort built by Kachwaha dynasty ruler Man Singh. Later, we proceed to the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory) – an astronomical treasure house with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We will drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five-storied structure of pink sandstone, specially built as a high screen wall for the women of royal household to observe the street festivities without being noticed from outside. (Meals: Breakfast)

Today we will drive to Agra (4.5 – 5.5hrs drive) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. It was formally the capital of the Mughal Empire; this wonderfully preserved ‘ghost town’ was constructed by Emperor Akbar and it reflects his ideals in art, religion and architecture. The mosque is designed to hold ten thousand worshippers. We continue with our drive to Agra and upon arrival we will check in to hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

Early morning we proceed for a sunrise visit to the beautiful Taj Mahal, built by the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan on the banks of River Yamuna in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. A symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first time visitor. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, we visit the imposing Agra Fort, whose mighty red sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains built by the Mughal emperors. After sightseeing, we drive towards Gwalior (2.5 – 3.5hrs drive). Gwalior is a historic city in Madhya Pradesh known for its royal heritage and cultural legacy. Upon arrival we check in to the hotel and relax. (Meals: Breakfast)

This morning we visit the majestic Gwalior Fort, an 8th-century hilltop fortress built by the Tomar dynasty and known for its intricate architecture and royal legacy, offering panoramic views of the city. Inside the fort complex, explore the historic palaces & temples including Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, Sas Bahu temple, Teli ka Mandir and others. Later, visit the grand Jai Vilas Palace and its museum, showcasing royal artefacts, antique collections, and magnificent European-style interiors, including one of the world’s largest chandeliers. In the evening, enjoy the spectacular Sound & Light Show at Gwalior Fort, which brings the history of the fort and its rulers to life. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board train Vande Bharat Exp. (09:10 / 14:20hrs – train does not operate on Mondays) to Khajuraho. You will be met on arrival at the railway station and transferred to the hotel. Khajuraho is a small town located in the Madhya Pradesh and is famous for groups of Hindu and Jain temples. These temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their beautiful and erotic rock carvings. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we will explore the temples town of Khajuraho and visit Group of Monuments – UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 950 – 1050AD by the Chandela dynasty, these monuments are popular for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. Explore the Western group of temples consist of Kandariya Mahadeo, Lakshmana, Chausat Yogini, Jagadambi, Chitragupta, Matangeshwara, Vishwanath and Varaha. In the afternoon, we will be transferred to Khajuraho railway station to board train Vande Bharat Exp. (15:20 / 23:10hrs – train does not run on Thursday) to Varanasi. Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India and stands at the centre of the Hindu universe. There are thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors flocking the city. We will be assisted at the railway station and will be transferred to the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we will start sightseeing tour of the city exploring some of the famous religious and historic places of Varanasi. You will proceed to Benaras Hindu University (BHU). Upon arrival at Benaras Hindu University, go for a ride through one of the largest residential University campus and learn about its history. See the beautiful Vishwanath temple situated inside the university complex. Continue with the tour with a visit to Bharat Mata temple which has a huge bas-relief map of undivided Bharat (India) carved in marble. Afternoon proceed for sightseeing of Sarnath – the place where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and other monastery ruins present here. Also visit few modern temples built by some Japanese and Tibetan followers. Lastly visit the Archaeological Museum (Museum will be closed on Fridays). Evening proceed to one of the ghats on the River Ganga to enjoy evening boat ride on River Ganga during the sunset. See the city’s golden hour glow as the sun sets in the city horizon. Later witness the beautiful Ganga aarti (evening prayer) that happens every evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat along the river. (Meals: Breakfast)

Early morning we will participate in the Dawn boat ride on the River Ganga – a unique experience as one sail past the bathing ghats along the river Ganga and explore the daily life of people surrounding the ghats and the river. See the priests offering their morning prayers, while common people gather around the ghats to have a dip in the river Ganga and offer their prayers. After an exhilarating experience, set off on a guided heritage walk and become one of the locals that are embraced with old temples, puzzling alleys, vibrant bazaars, pilgrims and cows alike. Stroll along the stretch of river ghats, which define the life and identity of Varanasi. Starting from tea sellers, boatmen and street barbers to fortune tellers, priests, wrestlers, and sketch artists – the riverfront is home to all. You will walk through the narrow lanes of the old city experiencing the daily life of the people residing in those areas. Arrive and see the Kashi Vishwanath Temple – the main and renowned temple of Varanasi dedicated to Lord Shiva. After the morning activities, return to hotel for breakfast and relax at the hotel. In the afternoon, we will be transferred to the railway station to board train Vande Bharat Exp. (15:00 / 23:00hrs – train does not run on Thursday) to Delhi. Upon arrival we will be assisted at the railways station and will be transferred to the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast you will be transferred to the international airport for flight to onward destination. (Meals: Breakfast)