Delhi – Varanasi – Khajuraho – Agra – Jaipur – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Delhi
Combine the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra with the cultural sights of Varanasi and Khajuraho, and unlock the hidden gems of Jodhpur and the romantic city of Udaipur. This two week tour offers a colourful and vibrant insight into the best of North India and explores towns and cities that are full of atmosphere and character.
Highlights: Mystical Varanasi, erotic architecture in Khajuraho, Taj Mahal, Forts and palaces in Rajasthan
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Arrival in Delhi and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi (B)
Cross the city into the walled gates of Old Delhi, visiting Jama Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk. Then we drive past the Red Fort (1639-1648) built by Shahjehan, the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Later visit Raj Ghat to pay homage to Father of the Indian Nation – Mahatma Gandhi.
In the afternoon, proceed on a tour of New Delhi visiting the Qutub Minar. Drive through the Embassy area, Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the capital. Continue to Humayun’s tomb, also known as the forerunner to the Taj Mahal.
Day 3: Delhi – Varanasi (B)
Flight to Varanasi and drive to the nearby ancient Buddhist learning center of Sarnath. Here, Gautama Buddha preached his first sermon to his disciples, as portrayed in Bernardo Bertolucci’s film Little Buddha. We then visit the Sarnath Museum, which houses some of the greatest treasures of Indian Buddhist art, including Ashoka’s Lion Capital—the National Emblem of India—and the beautiful Teaching Buddha, among the most beautiful sculptures in the world.
In the evening, witness the Aarti, the sacred light ceremony, on the riverbanks of Mother Ganges.
Day 4: Varanasi (B)
At sunrise, when the temples are bathed in soft light, we board our small boat for a cruise on the Ganges. From our boat we witness the everyday life in the holiest of cities, as people arrive at the Ghats at dawn to take a ritual dip, perform yoga asanas, wash clothes and offer flowers and incense to the holy river. We see devotees performing their daily religious rites. At stone steps on the river’s edge, we join the locals in a feeling of pilgrimage: for them, the heart of their faith, for us, a superlative cultural experience. We then continue our guided walking tour of the innermost part of Varanasi, including one ashram, before returning to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 5: Varanasi – Khajuraho (B)
Flight to Khajuraho. Afternoon tour of Khajuraho which has three magnificent group of temples (was built between the 09th and 10th centuries. Visit the east and west temple complexes that the Chandelas constructed. The erotic stone carvings here have come to symbolize the important role of love and prana energy in Hindu thought. British archeologists excavated these intricate stone carvings during colonial times, when they scandalized post-Victorian English sensibilities.
Day 6: Khajuraho – Jhansi – Agra (B)
Drive to Jhansi enroute visiting Orchha, a medieval village famous for 16th century temples and palaces. Take an evening train from Jhansi for Agra
Day 7: Agra (B)
This morning, proceed for a city tour visiting the wonder, Taj Mahal, the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Stroll down the ornamental gardens laid out along the classical Mughal charbagh lines. A short drive away is the Agra Fort where Shah Jehan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. Afternoon is at leisure.
Day 8: Agra – Jaipur (B)
Transfer to Jaipur (232kms, 6 hrs drive) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, 40 kms west of Agra. An epic poem in red sandstone, it was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and deserted 14 years later due to lack of water. After the tour continue drive to Jaipur. Afternoon at leisure to explore this colourful city on your own
Day 9: Jaipur (B)
Morning excursion of Amber fort, a honey-coloured fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills. Enjoy a jeep ride along the fortress ramparts. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments which open on to striking views of the gorge. Walk into the Sheesh Mahal and admire the amazing interior décor thought of over 200 years ago. The Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art panels of alabaster with fine inlay work.
Afternoon city tour of Jaipur, driving past Hawa Mahal, an elaborate building encrusted with delicate honeycomb screens and carved balconies. Jai Singh’s Observatory built in the 17th century by the founder of Jaipur who, besides being a prince was also soldier, astronomer and builder. This is an architectural feat. Visit the City Palace now a museum exhibiting fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts and an armoury.
Day 10: Jaipur – Jodhpur (B)
Drive from Jaipur to Jodhpur and explore this royal city in the afternoon on your own
Day 11: Jodhpur (B)
Morning tour of Jodhpur visiting Meharangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. The awe inspiring Mehrangarh Fort takes pride of place as the first destination on any visitor’s list. From the outside its wide, high walls and sheer cliffs appear unassailable, imposing and austere, but once inside you discover several lavishly decorated palaces with intricate carved ‘jalis’ and panels that take your breath away.
Also visit Jaswant Thada, a few meters below the fort is the site of the white marble royal cenotaph of Jaswant Singh II and four of his successors. The Mahamandir, dedicated to Lord Shiva is an architectural wonder built in 1812 with 84 intricately carved pillars. As it was outside the city walls it was given its own protective fortifications, a sign of those turbulent times. Afternoon is at leisure.
Day 12: Jodhpur – Udaipur (B)
Drive to Udaipur enroute visiting the famous Ranakpur Temples, an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars, all distinctly carved. Evening boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Day 13: Udaipur (B)
Proceed on a city tour of Udaipur visiting city Palace, Jagdish Mandir and Sahelion ki Bari. A fusion of Medieval European and Chinese architecture City Palace. This marble monument is situated on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. Numerous balconies, towers and cupolas of the palace provide a marvelous view of the lake and the city below. Jagdish temple built in 1651, houses an image of Lord Vishnu in black stone, along with a brass image of Garuda, his carrier. Covering the exterior and the plinth are base relief of alligators, elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians rising in rows. It is the largest temple in Udaipur. Also visit Sahelion ki Bari, the garden of maidens was built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the mid-18th century. Afternoon at leisure
Day 14: Udaipur – Delhi (B)
Flight to Delhi and proceed to International terminal for your onward flight or extend your stay in India.
Private program - can start any day of the week and can be customised
Note: Contact us if you require more options on Hotel categories.
Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes
Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2024. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exotic.net.nz for more information.