Classical India Itinerary

Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel by our representative.

Delhi, a delightful paradox of the old and the new, quickly overwhelms the visitor with its myriad charms. Being a vibrant cultural melting pot and shaped by the influence of different powerful rulers over hundreds of years, the destination has acquired a character with many different shades for the traveller to explore and experience. If Old Delhi assails the senses with its age-old traditional bazaars and choc-a-block serpentine streets, New Delhi casts a spell with its pristine colonial-era landmarks and well-maintained monuments.

In the afternoon, there will be a quick orientation tour followed by a visit to Bangla Sahib (Sikh Gurudwara). It’s one of the holiest Sikh shrines and has a sacred pool. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Drive past the magnificent Red Fort. This huge fort in red sandstone was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and was home to generations of royals till 1857.

Also, visit Jama Masjid, the last example of Shah Jahan’s architectural genius. It remains one of the grandest mosques in the world and the courtyard alone can accommodate more than 25,000 people. The traditional markets of Old Delhi are a delightful mix of craft, food, and cultural activities. You will also experience a cycle rickshaw ride through the winding alleys and bazaars of Chandni Chowk. The Raj Ghat is a lush green memorial park on the banks of the River Yamuna. There is a simple black-marble platform here marking Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site.

The afternoon tour of New Delhi will take you to Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and Laxminarayan Temple. You will also drive past India Gate, Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House).

Built and restored in phases by different rulers, the Qutub Minar is a soaring 73 metre tall minaret and one of the most stunning structures in the country. There are many other monuments as well in the Qutub Minar complex. Humayun’s Tomb is an outstanding symbol of the love of a lady for her man! This stunning monument was built on the orders of Humayun’s wife in his memory. It is even said that Shah Jahan was inspired to build the Taj Mahal by Humayun’s Tomb.

The Laxminarayan Temple or Birla Mandir is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Laxmi. The temple complex is spread over 7.5 acres and has many shrines, fountains, and a large garden with.

The India Gate is an Arc-de-Triomphe kind of archway built as a war memorial in the honour of 60,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died in the Afghan wars and the First World War. High on Raisina Hill stands the Rashtrapati Bhawan or the erstwhile Viceroy’s House. It is larger than Versailles. The Presidential Palace is flanked by the identical Secretariat buildings ‘North’ and ‘South Blocks, which are colloquially called the corridors of power. The Parliament House, built in a circular coliseum design, is the place where the constitution of independent India was drafted. It’s the seat of the ‘powers that be’.

Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, we will drive to Jaipur and stop for lunch at Samode. The Samode Palace, Samode Haveli and Samode Bagh (Garden) are royal heritage structures with centuries’ old history. These are now part of the Heritage group of hotels under the flagship name of ‘Samode’.

JAIPUR:

Food fit for royalty, lots of stunningly beautiful historical monuments, a merry shopping scene and legendary Rajput hospitality – Jaipur offers all this and a lot more. The thriving bazaars abound with rich traditional textiles, handicrafts and exquisite gemstones. At sunset, the mellow golden rays bathe the largely pink façade of Jaipur’s buildings in an indescribably beautiful way.

In the evening, attend an ‘aarti’ (prayer ritual ceremony) at Birla Mandir (modern Hindu temple).
Overnight at the hotel.

Head to Amer Fort in the morning. You will ride an elephant to the fort.

The weather-beaten façade of the nearly 420-year old Amer Fort belies the elegant beauty of its majestic interiors. Some of the most spectacular structures of the fort are ‘Diwan-i-Aam’ (hall of public audience), ‘Sheesh Mahal’ (glass palace), and ‘Sukh Mahal’ (pleasure palace). On the way to Amer Fort, there will be a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal. This five-storeyed palace strongly fascinates with its pyramidal shape and hundreds of jharokhas (windows). Hawa Mahal means ‘Palace of Winds’ and it truly lives up to its name as the palace stays breezy even during the blistering summers of Rajasthan.

Afternoon city tour begins with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace. Built on the orders of Sawai Jai Sigh II, the City Palace is a blend of Mughal, Rajput and European architectural styles as it was built in parts by different succeeding rulers. The Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) here has been turned into a museum and has lots of interesting exhibits. Later, you will visit Jantar Mantar. It’s the world’s largest observatory carved in stone and marble. Many of the huge ancient instruments here are still in working condition.

Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to Agra.

On the way, we will stop at Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Emperor Akbar in the honour of Sufi saint Salim Chishti, Fatehpur Sikri (city of victory) was the Mughal capital for 13 years. It was the first planned city of the Mughals and also the first one to be designed with an amalgamation of Indian, Persian and Islamic architectural styles. Continue your drive to Agra. On arrival, check in at the hotel.

Visit Taj Mahal in the afternoon (closed on Fridays). The beautiful outcome of the grief-stricken Emperor Shah Jahan’s tribute to his deceased wife, stands tall in its pristine beauty and shelters Shah Jahan and Mumtaz who lie united in death here. Also visit the Agra Fort. The now UNESCO World Heritage site of Agra Fort was built in 1571 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The walls of this mammoth red sandstone structure run for a length of almost three kilometres!

Overnight at the hotel.

We leave Agra early today to catch the train to Jhansi and depart to Agra at 0800 hrs by Shatabdi Express and arrive at Jhansi at 1040 hrs.

JHANSI-KHAJURAHO BY ROAD (198 KMS/06 HRS)

On arrival, drive to Khajuraho. On the way, we will stop at Orchha. The town of Orchha is full of spectacular palaces and temples built by the Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries. A prominent highlight is the Jehangir Mahal. This exceptionally beautiful specimen of Mughal architecture is built on a rectangular base and has a circular tower at each corner surmounted by a dome.

Continue with your drive to Khajuraho. On arrival, check in to the hotel.

In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho Group of Monuments remains unique. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises a group of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples. The temples are well known for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and some erotic sculptures, supposedly based on the ancient Indian treatise called Kama Sutra. The erotic art sculptures form only a minority as most of the other sculptures are based on meditative postures, spiritual teachings, royalty and other aspects of life. Most of the temples were constructed during 950 AD to 1050 AD and today just about 20 temples survive out of the original 85 built during the 12th century. The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern.

Overnight at the hotel.

You will go on a temple tour in the morning.

The Western group of temples is the largest and paramount group roughly split into two rows. The LakshmanaTemple, the Matangesvara Temple and the Varaha Temple form one complex, while the Visvanatha and Nandi temples are situated nearby. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the largest of Khajuraho’s temples and is also considered to be one of the best examples of India’s medieval-era temples.

The Eastern group, situated in close proximity to the Khajuraho village, includes three Brahmanical temples known as Brahma, Vamana and Javari and three Jain temples; the Ghantai, Shantinath and Parshvanatha. The temple of Parshvanatha is the largest of the Jain temples in Khajuraho and the finest. It was originally dedicated to Adinath and later to Parshvanatha and is an excellent example of sensitive art without any sexual motifs. The Shantinath Temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Overnight at the hotel.

Assisted transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi.

Upon arrival, our assistant will meet you and help with transfer to hotel.

Varanasi, the religious capital of Hinduism, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The celebrated author, Mark Twain, rather philosophically described it as ‘older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together’. Full of deeply revered old temples, the city attracts countless pilgrims. Many Hindus believe that the one who dies in Varanasi attains Nirvana. The Ghats (steps leading to the water) of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges are amongst the holiest places in India. In short, Varanasi offers a deeply moving spiritual experience. In the evening, experience this ancient town intimately by going on a leisurely rickshaw ride through its narrow streets and alleys.

The Ghats and temples are lit up with oil-lamp lights or candles. Participate in an `aarti’ ceremony (collective prayer) and watch the floating `diyas’ (lamps) on the river Ganges.

Overnight at the hotel.

Go on an early morning boat cruise on the River Ganges and watch the ‘acts of faith’ performed on the Ghats lining the western banks of the Ganges. Right at the crack of dawn, devotees start offering prayers to the rising sun and perform other rituals. During the boat ride, you will get the chance to see the mesmerising sunrise on the Ganges.

Also enjoy Yoga session with a local yoga teacher.

In the late morning, go on an excursion to Sarnath, around 10 km away. It’s one of the most important Buddhist pilgrim sites and is full of ancient relics, including stupas, monasteries and pillar edicts. Visit the Archaeological Museum, famed for its Ashokan symbol of four lions sitting back to back in a circle. Another prominent highlight is the Dhamek Stupa; it’s believed to be the spot where the Buddha gave the first sermon to his first five Brahmin disciples after attaining enlightenment.

Finally, you will be assisted with airport transfer for your flight to Delhi. On arrival, assistance at airport and transfer to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Assisted transfer to the international airport for your flight.