Enliven the religious diversity of northern India in this fascinating journey that takes you to India’s capital city, New Delhi; Jaipur, India’s first planned city that was later painted in the rose-pink color; Agra, the capital of many Mughal Emperors and city of the world famous Taj Mahal; Khajuraho, the town of Hindu and Jain temples with exquisite and intricate carvings dating from 10th century and Varanasi, Hinduism’s holiest city on the banks of river Ganga.

“Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” - MARK TWAIN

After the visit to Jaipur you proceed further to the city of lakes and palaces, Udaipur for an exrtensive tour of the City Palace of Maharanas of Mewar, Jagdish Temple and a pleasant boat ride on Pichola Lake with the sight-seeing of Jag Mandir Lake Palace Island. Later you have an option to either fly back to New Delhi or fly instead to Mumbai with sight-seeing of Elephanta Caves on an island in the Arabian Sea followed by wondering the different architectural styles in Mumbai city. You can then fly to Aurangabad for sightseeing of the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Temples at Ellora Caves and the Buddhist Cave Viharas and Chaityas (prayer halls and living caves) of Ajanta.

Day 01 // Delhi:

Arrive in Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. Traditional welcome with fresh flower garland and transfer to hotel. Overnight in hotel.

Day 02 // Delhi:

After breakfast sightseeing of Qutub Minar: its construction was initiated by Qutubudin-Aibak in 1198 CE upon becoming the first Sultan of Delhi. Qubub Uddin Aibak was born in Turkestan of ethnic Mamluk descent. This was a region where youth went out to neighboring countries and joined their armies as mercenaries. Often they were enslaved when the army they were fighting with lost. Qutubuddin was sold to the Qazi (Islamic judge) of Nishapur in Persia. There he became favorite of his master because of his skills of horse-riding and archery among other warrior abilities. Qazi’s sons were jealous and they sold him after the Qazi’s death. Finally he ended up as slave of Sultan Muhammad of Ghur province of Afghanistan. He led Sultan of Ghur’s army in the 1st and 2nd battles of Tarain and was appointed Governor of Lalkot, the capital of the last Hindu Chauhan dynasty kingdom. When Muhammad of Ghur was assassinated, Qutubuddin bin Aibak declared himself sovereign monarch and started the construction of Qutub Jami Mosque (a.k.a. Quwwat ul Islam Mosque) and Qutub Minar. The construction of minaret did not complete in his lifetime and many later Islamic rulers of various successive dynasties left their mark on this monument, which is now 5 stories high and 73 meters or 240 feet tall. The mosque was constructed using architectural elements of 27 Hindu and Jain temples that were demolished to build it. Much of the decorative pillars and facades of walls in the mosque were used without alteration in the new mosque, only the Arabic verses from the Quran were added new, sculpted by Hindu artisans who did not know the Arabic language. They curved the endings of letters as they did with Sanskrit language carvings. Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Later sightseeing of the Second Mughal Emperor Humayun's Tomb - its architecture may have influenced the construction of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Emperor Humayun died just six months after winning the throne of Delhi in 1556 CE. His widow, Hamida Bano Begum (a.k.a. Haji Begum) supervised its construction under Mughal Emperor Akbar’s rule. Having recently returned from Persia and its architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, being a Persian, the monuments has elements of Persian and Hindu architecture blended in it. Many later Mughal rulers are also buried in this mausoleum. Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Proceed further for sightseeing of India Gate (the war memorial), Parliament House and Presidents House (from outside) and for lunch at Gulati’s Restaurant in Khan Market nearby. The British decided in 1911 to move their capital from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi. Edwin Landseer Lutyens and his friend Herbert Baker were chosen for designing various buildings in the new capital. In 1914 the First World War started and continued until 1918. During this period the new capital’s construction was halted. Finally after its construction completed, the British capital was moved to New Delhi in 1931. India Gate was originally a monument to honor the fallen Indian soldiers in World War I, but now honors Indian soldiers all subsequent wars.

In the afternoon stop by the Red Fort for photography from outside - the massive sandstone fort built by Shah Jahan on the banks of river Yamuna. The fifth Mughal Emperor Shahjahan moved his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1636 and started the construction of the walled “Shahjahanabad” city with 14 gates. The most important gates, Mori, Lahori, Ajmeri, Turkman, Kashmiri and Delhi Gates still exist along with some remnants of the wall. Within the city there were many monuments constructed but the most ambitious project was the Red Fort – according to a horoscope done to determine the auspicious time for starting its construction, the work on building the Red Fort started on May 12, 1639. In the Emperor’s Balcony in Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audience, there are a set of marble panels that were made in Pietra Dure art by the Florentine jeweler, Austin de Bordeaux. The most famous of these is the one depicting Orpheus playing the flute. There are many other palaces in the fort that were decorated with inlay of semi-precious stones in marble. Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jama Masjid - is the largest mosque in India and stands across the road from the Red Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan 1650-56 CE. It was originally called "Masjid-i-Jahannuma" or world reflecting mosque. Its construction was supervised by Vazir Saadula Khan and its chief architect was Ustad Khalil. About 25,000 people can pray here at a time

End the day with thrilling Rickshaw Ride in narrow lanes between Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk Bazaar. Overnight in hotel in New Delhi.

Day 03 // New Delhi – Agra (165 kilometers or 103 miles in about 2 hours) :

After breakfast transfer to Agra on the Yamuna Expressway and on arriving stop at the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. This is the mausoleum built under supervision of Empress Nurjahan for her parents, Mirza Ghiaz Beg and Begum Asmat in 1628 CE almost 7 years after her father's death. Mirza Ghiaz Beg received the title of Itmad-ud-Daulah or ‘Lord of Treasure of the Empire’ from Emperor Jahangir. Upon arrival check in to the hotel.

In the afternoon sightseeing of Agra Fort. Emperor Akbar moved his capital to Agra from Delhi in 1558 but the construction of the Agra Fort started in 1565. It was built on the ruins of an earlier fort named Badalgarh. The first Mughal Emperor Babur had occupied this fort after his victory in the battle of Panipat in 1526 CE. His son, second Mughal Emperor Humayun was crowned in the old fort of Badalgarh in 1530. With about 4000 laborers and craftsmen toiling for 8 years the fort's construction was completed in 1573.

The entire fort was built with narrow flat brick masonry work and laminated with red sandstone from the stone quarry at Sikri village west of Agra. According the Emperor Akbar's official biography written by his trusted friend, Abul Fazl, there were about 5000 buildings in the fort. Some of these buildings were demolished to make way for white marble palaces of Emperor Shahjahan, facing the Yamuna River, on the eastern side of the fort. Most of the buildings in western side were converted in to soldier’s barracks by the British East India Company. The western part of the fort is still occupied by Indian military. Emperor Akbar's style was greatly influenced by the architecture of the states of Gujarat and Bengal. It is also very unique because it reflects Emperor Akbar's tolerant religious philosophy. The best of example of his architecture is visible in the palace popularly called Jahangiri Mahal. In 1666 the great Maratha warrior, Shivaji met with Emperor Aurangzeb but the Mughal Emperor broke his promise and arrested him. He managed to escape in a spectacular manner by hiding in fruit baskets for distribution to poor. The Jat and Maratha ruler occupied Agra Fort in later years. Finally in 1803 the British East India Company captured it and demolished most of its monuments, only about 30 monuments have survived in the south-eastern side of the fort. In 1983 the Agra Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Monument.

Later view the demostration of Pietra-Dure (inlay of semi-precious stones in marble) art work that is used in the decoration of the Taj Mahal in the city's oldest establishment. Some of the art work on display that is not for sale in this place is the finest of its kind in the world. View how descendents of the craftsmen who decorated the Taj mahal do this unique art work using hand operated tools similar to those used by their forefathers. Overnight in hotel in Agra.

Day 4 // Agra :

Before sunrise visit the world famous Taj Mahal in the golden glow of sunrise.

Ample time in the vast complex for photographing and viewing the intricate Pietra Dure (inlay of semi-precious stones in marble art work, used in the exterior and interior of the monument.

Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shahjahan) and his father Prince Salim met their favorite future queens in a mock market called Meena Bazaar to celebrate the Persian new year festival of Nowroz in Agra Fort. Prince Salim wanted to marry Mehr un Nissa Begum, the daughter of Mirza Ghiaz Beg but Emperor Akbar did not want Shiya influence in the royal family so he asked Mirza Ghiaz Beg to marry his daughter to an Afghan commander and had him posted in Bihar. Prince Khurram was third eldest and not initially in direct line of succession. He was betrothed to Arjumand Bano Begum on April 5, 1607 but Prince Salim delayed his marriage. After death of Emperor Akbar, Prince Salim ascended the throne with the title of Emperor Jahangir and it was only in May 1610 that Mehr un Nissa, the widow of the Afghan commander finally agreed to marry him. He honored her with the title of Nurjahan (light of the world) after his marriage. One year later on May 10, 1612, Prince Khurram was finally allowed to marry his beloved Arjumand Bano Begum, who was the niece of Mehr un Nissa (her brother’s daughter and granddaughter of Mirza Ghiaz Beg). She received the title of Begum Mumtaj Mahal after her marriage with the Mughal prince. Begum Mumtaj Mahal was 19 years when they married. She was his constant companion and most trusted advisor. During their 19 years of marriage she gave birth to 14 children of which only 3 daughters and 4 sons survived. The youngest son, Aurangzeb fought a war of succession against his elder brothers. One after the other he won against all of them, had all the brothers killed and then put his father, Emperor Shahjahan, under arrest in his own palaces in Agra Fort. Queen Mumtaj Mahal died on June 17, 1631 while delivering her 14th child, a daughter, Gauhar Ara Begum, who survived and lived in Shahjahanabad to a ripe age of 75 years.

The site of the Taj Mahal mausoleum was a palace of the Maharaja of Amber, Mirza Raja Jai Singh. The Emperor asked him to give the palace back to him and gave him other properties in lieu. The queen was temporarily buried in Burhanpur where she died in an army encampment. The body was transferred to Agra and again temporarily buried in the northwest section of the garden of Taj Mahal where a red sandstone enclosure still marks the site of her temporary burial. The Taj Mahal mausoleum was completed in 1648 according to an inscription on its main gate.

The tomb was built exclusively for Queen Mumtaj Mahal, so her grave stone is in the center of the grave chamber. Emperor Shahjahan died on January 16, 1666 in Mussamam Burj Palace in Agra Fort. He was buried by the queen’s side and his grave stone is the only architectural feature in this mausoleum that is not symmetrical. Taj Mahal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After breakfast sightseeing of Agra Fort. Emperor Akbar moved his capital to Agra from Delhi in 1558 but the construction of the Agra Fort started in 1565. It was built on the ruins of an earlier fort named Badalgarh. The first Mughal Emperor Babur had occupied this fort after his victory in the battle of Panipat in 1526 CE. His son, second Mughal Emperor Humayun was crowned in the old fort of Badalgarh in 1530. With about 4000 laborers and craftsmen toiling for 8 years the fort's construction was completed in 1573. The entire fort was built with narrow flat brick masonry work and laminated with red sandstone from the stone quarry at Sikri village west of Agra. According the Emperor Akbar's official biography written by his trusted friend, Abul Fazl, there were about 5000 buildings in the fort. Some of these buildings were demolished to make way for white marble palaces of Emperor Shahjahan, facing the Yamuna River, on the eastern side of the fort. Most of the buildings in western side were converted in to soldier’s barracks by the British East India Company. The western part of the fort is still occupied by Indian military. Emperor Akbar's style was greatly influenced by the architecture of the states of Gujarat and Bengal. It is also very unique because it reflects Emperor Akbar's tolerant religious philosophy. The best of example of his architecture is visible in the palace popularly called Jahangiri Mahal. In 1666 the great Maratha warrior, Shivaji met with Emperor Aurangzeb but the Mughal Emperor broke his promise and arrested him. He managed to escape in a spectacular manner by hiding in fruit baskets for distribution to poor. The Jat and Maratha ruler occupied Agra Fort in later years. Finally in 1803 the British East India Company captured it and demolished most of its monuments, only about 30 monuments have survived in the south-eastern side of the fort. In 1983 the Agra Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Monument.

In the afternoon sightseeing of Sikandara, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s tomb. Its construction started in the third Mughal Emperor’s lifetime in 1604 CE and finally finished in 1613 CE during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, who married Mehr-un-Nissa, the daughter of his courtier of Persian origin. She may have had influence in the design and decoration of the main gate of this Mausoleum that displays Persian motifs. The main gate of the mausoleum is more impressive than the monument itself. Inside the main mausoleum there are still remains of the some beautiful paintings done using golden colors. Later drive further north for sightseeing of the Dayalbagh Temple which is actually a memorial of the first Guru (Teacher) of the Dayalbagh religious organization. Sir Shiv Dayal Sahab established this group in 1861. Its basic tenets are unity of God and its philosophy blends elements of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Islam. The construction of Dayalbagh Temple started in 1905 and was finally completed in 2018. It is now open to public. It has some of the finest sculptural elements in white and colored marble as well as very special Pietra Dure art work. After sightseeing return to hotel. Overnight in hotel in Agra.

Day 05 // Agra – Jhansi – Orchha :

After breakfast transfer to train station to board the air-conditioned chair-car compartment of Bhopal Shatabdi Express departing at 8.02 AM and arrive at Jhansi at 10.45 AM. Transfer to hotel in Orchha and later full day sightseeing of the Bundela Fort, which is famous for its Jahangiri Mahal that was built to honor the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. In a palace close to its entrance are some remains of the ancient mural painting that have survived, some are restored. The two Hindu temples most renowned are the Ram Raja Temple and the Laxmi Temple.

The Laxmi Temple has impressive architecture and unique paintings. Raja Vir Singh Deo ji of Orchha ordered the construction of Laxmi Temple around 1622, but due to inadequate maintenance over the years the temple soon began to fall apart and had to be reconstructed by Raja Prithvi Singh in 1793. Laxmi Temple’s interior undoubtedly contains the most exquisite of Orchha’s, wall paintings covering the walls and ceiling of three halls, these murals are vibrant compositions. The Laxmi Temple also shows another group of interesting paintings from history mainly painted during the British era during the first battle of Independence in 1857. There are paintings showing fights between the British and local forces. Overnight in hotel in Orchha.

Day 06 // Orchha – Khajuraho :

After breakfast transfer to Khajuraho. On arrival check-in to hotel followed by sightseeing of the eastern group of temples.

These temples are all dedicated to various Tirthankars of Jain religion. Enclosed in a modern walled compound are the Jain temples dedicated to the first Tirthankar Bhagwan Adinath and the Tirthankar Paraswanath that are in fairly good state of preservation. These are surrounded by other smaller temples remains including one dedicated to Tirthankar Shantinath. Later visit the Sahu Shantiprasad Jain Kala Sangrahalaya Museum in the premises of Jain Temple in the eastern group. It contains statues from various archaeological sites of the 24 Tirthankars and other Jain saints apart from Yakshis (celestial beings). The Jain Museum is open from 8 AM to 5 PM on all days except Sundays. Return to hotel for overnight in Khajuraho.

Day 07 // Khajuraho :

After breakfast full day sightseeing of the Hindu (western) Group of Temples that were built by the Chandela rulers between 900 and 1030 CE, using mainly fine grained sand-stone with the exception of the Chausath-Yogini, Lalguan-Mahadeva and Brahma Temples that were made of granite. The first mention of the Khajuraho Temples was in 1022 CE in the chronicles of Abu Rihan al Biruni and later in the memoirs of the Arab traveler, Ibn Batuta in 1335 CE.

Start the visit with the Varaha (the boar incarnation of Vishnu) Temple. Across from this small temple is magnificent Lakshman Temple that is the best preserved temple complex as almost all its peripheral structures are still intact. This is a Vaishnav Temple that has some of the finest sculptures and architectural decorations. Just behind this temple is the most famous Kandaria Mahadev Temple dedicated to Shiva. Next to this is another massive temple, the Vishwanath Temple. These temples are perhaps the best preserved ones that exhibit the largest range of sculptures and temple architectural decorations. Overnight in hotel in Khajuraho.

Day 8 // Khajuraho– Varanasi (flight on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays) :

After breakfast sightseeing of the Archaeological Museum. Near Matangeshwar Temple in the Hindu group of temples is an interesting Archaeological Museum. This museum was established in 1967 and comprises five galleries that have sculptures symbolic of the Jaina, Brahmanical and Buddhist faiths. A good number of well carved sculptures are exhibited in the present museum, in a modern display concept. It consists of five galleries, a Varandah and the gateways. The galleries are named as Main Hall and Veradah display, Jaina Gallery, Vaisnava Gallery, Miscellaneous Gallery, Saiva Gallery. The museum possesses more than three thousand sculptures and architectural member of which about 110 are on display. The antiquities are ranging from 9th to 12th Cent. CE which throw significant light on social-cultural aspect of the region. The displayed period piece are primarily associated with the Chandela dynasty, a powerful medieval dynasty which ruled over the region around Khajuraho, known as Kharjura-vahaka the religious capital. The archaeological Museum houses 3424 registered antiquities including sculptures of different sects, among which the Saiva, Vaisnava, Sakta cult and Jaina images are significant one. The secular objects like celestial nymphs; scenes depicting social life and the erotic and amorous couples form a part of this fascinating museum. In the afternoon transfer to airport to board the Air India flight # AI0405 departing at 3.15 PM from Khajuraho and arrive in Varanasi at 4.10 PM.

Day 09 // Varanasi :

Before sunrise drive to Ganga River for a boat ride to view the Hindu pilgrims performing their sunrise rituals on the banks and in the river itself. The bank of the river is lined with ancient buildings, some of which were palaces of various Hindu maharajas.

After breakfast visit the Durga Temple that was built by a Maharani from Bengal in the 18th century in the north Indian Nagara Hindu Temple architectural style and is painted in red and ochre colors. Be careful of monkeys in this and the nearby Sankat Mochan Temple dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey headed god.

Drive further to Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum of miniature and other paintings as well as other artifacts. It is located in the campus of the Benaras Hindu University. On the upper floor of the museum is a section dedicated to the famous Swiss scholar of Hindu philosophy and art & sculpture: Alice Boner, who lived in Varanasi for an extended period in the city, studied, wrote books, sculpted and painted in the pre-independence and post-independence period.

In the afternoon drive north of the city to the archeological site of Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon more than 2500 years ago to his initial five disciples thus starting the Dharma Chakra (the wheel of religion). After renouncing material life Siddhartha Gautam Sakya came to Varanasi and Sarnath, studied Sanskrit Vedic scriptures and meditated with extreme austere yogic practices until he realized that there must be some other path to enlightenment. He went to Bodhgaya, where he eventually became Buddha. He returned to Sarnath and initiated five of his earlier co-meditators to start the “Dharma-Chakra” or the wheel of religion. Emperor Ashoka had the Dhamek Stupa built with an urn of Buddha’s ashes in it to commemorate the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple and the Sarnath Archeological Museum where artifacts from Mauryan and later Gupta period from the site are exhibited. The four-headed lion capital that was adopted as India’s national emblem by its first Prime Minister, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, is one of the most important sculptures in this museum. Overnight in hotel in Varanasi.

Day 09 // Varanasi - Jaipur (daily flight) :

After breakfast transfer to airport to board the Spicejet flight # SG2986 departing at 12.30 PM from Varanasi and arrive in Jaipur at 2.05 PM. On arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of the afternoon is free to relax and for shopping. Enjoy the live demonstrations of wooden block textile printing and the cutting & polishing of precious and semi-precious stones for jewelry. Overnight in hotel in Jaipur.

Day 10 // Amber and Jaipur – New Delhi (daily flight ) :

After breakfast drive through the walled pink city to Hawa Mahal, which is mere facade with about 3 feet deep balconies behind stone carved, latticed screens where royal family women used to sit to watch the royal processions on the street in front.

After photographing drive further through the pink city to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of Kachwaha Maharajas before Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh designed India’s first planned city in ca. 1727 CE.

Enjoy a royal ride on decorated Elephants to the hilltop palaces of Amber Fort. The two main palace complexes in the fort belong to the reigns of Mirza Raja Jai Singh (1621 – 1667 CE) and Maharaja Man Singh (1589 – 1614 CE). Maharaja Man Singh already as a prince was in the service of Mughal Emperors. He established a life-long friendship with Emperor Akbar already in his younger years and was honored as one of the nine “Navratnas” (the 9 Jewels of Emperor’s court). He was governor of Bengal under Emperor Akbar and brought back the idol of Shila Devi that is now in the Kali Temple in Amber Fort. The descendants of the priests who accompanied the idol to Amber still serve in this temple.

Mirza Raja Jai Singh served as a courtier and commander under Mughal Emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shahjahan. The first palace entering from the Ganesh Pol gate was constructed during his reign and has influence of Mughal architectural style. It is most famous for the flat and convex mirror decorations on its walls and ceilings. After sightseeing descend by Jeeps and return to Jaipur city with stop on the way at Jal Mahal Island Palace for photographing.

In the afternoon visit the City Palace of Jaipur. Sightseeing includes the Royal portraits gallery in the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) where the famous “Gangajalis” – the silver urns are on display; these urns were used to carry Ganga river water to London when Maharaja Madho Singh II went there for celebrations of the coronation of King Edward VII in 1901; the Mor Chowk (peacock) courtyard of Chandra Mahal, the palace where the present head of the Jaipur royal still resides. One of the gates leading into the courtyard has beautiful sculptures of Peacocks giving it the name of Mayur (Peacock) Chowk.

Stepping out the City Palace through its southern courtyard visit the world famous “Yantra Shala” astronomical observatory popularly called Jantar Mantar constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.

It is the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by the Maharaja. All but one of its 17 instruments are still functional. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The “Brihad Samrat Yantra” or the large sundial here is largest in the world and has an accuracy of 2 seconds.

Later drive to the airport to board the flight to New Delhi (various flights by Indigo Airlines; Jet Airways or Spicejet). After farewell dinner transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport to board the return flight.

OR

Day 10, After sightseeing of Amber and Jaipur:

Fly by SpiceJet flight # SG-2982 departing from Jaipur at 6.40 pm to arrive in Udaipur at 7.50 pm. Transfer from airport to your hotel in Udaipur for overnight.

Day 11, Udaipur :

After breakfast drive to the City Palace of the Maharanas of Mewar. This is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.

The Maharanas of Mewar had their original capital in the present day pilgrimage town of Nagda, 30 kilometers or 19 miles north of Udaipur. It was established by the 1st. Maharana, Guhil, in 568 CE.

In the 8th. century CE the capital was moved to Chittor, where the successive Maharanas built the largest Fort and city in contemporary India.

Already before the sacking of Chittorgarh Fort and town by Mughal Emperor Akbar, in February 1568 after a long siege that began in October 1567, the plans for a new capital were under way. The construction of the Mewar Dynasty’s City Palace in Udaipur was started in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh and continued by his successors over a period of about 300 years. Today the visitors see the Mardana (male section) and Zanana (female section) of the museum part of the palace.

Apart from this two other sections of the palace are converted in to hotels:

“The Shiv Niwas Palace” and “The Fateh Prakash Palace”. Both of these palaces are now managed by the famous “Taj Group of Hotels”. The descendants of the Maharanas of Mewar still reside in one section of the palace, sightseeing of Jagdish Temple that was constructed by Maharana Jagat Singhji in 1651.

Later walk through Tripolia Gates of the palace to Jagdish Temple for sightseeing. In the afternoon enjoy a boat ride on Pichola Lake and sightseeing of Jag Mandir Island Palace.

In the afternoon relax on a boat to visit the Jag Mandir Island Palace on Pichola Lake. The Maharana of Udaipur had offered this palace to Mughal Prince Khurram, who later ascended the Mughal throne, for an extended stay while he was revolting against his father, Emperor Jahangir. It is believed that he got the inspiration to use white marble in his later architectural pursuits from his stay at this marble palace in Udaipur.

After sightseeing in Udaipur, stay overnight in hotel in Udaipur (for the optional extension tour of Aurangabad). For others transfer to New Delhi for farewell dinner and board the return flight.

Day 12, UDAIPUR – MUMBAI :

In the morning transfer to airport to board the Indigo flight # 6E-748 departing from Udaipur at 10 am and arrive in Mumbai at 11.35 am. Transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon a half day drive by sightseeing of the colonial and art-deco architecture of Mumbai. Overnight in hotel in Mumbai.

Day 13, MUMBAI – AURANGABAD :

After breakfast drive to Gateway of India to board the ferry to Elephanta Caves on an island in the Arabian Sea. These cave temples are dedicated to Shiva and were sculpted in local granite rock between 5th and 6th centuries CE. These caves are UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later transfer to domestic airport to board the Air India flight departing at 3.35 pm and arrive in Aurangabad at 4.30 pm. Transfer to your hotel in Aurangabad for overnight.

Day 14, AURANGABAD – ELLORA CAVES :

After breakfast sightseeing of Aurangabad including the Panchakki water wheel and the simple grave of the sixth Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, his queen’s mausoleum, that is a miniature and simpler copy of the world famous Taj Mahal. Later sightseeing of Ellora Caves that are dedicated to Hindu, Mahayana Buddhism and Jain religions and were constructed from local rock between 5th and 8th centuries. In the Hindu group of temples is the famous, 8th century Kailash Temple – it is the world’s largest sculpture carved out of a single rock. Return to hotel and overnight in hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 15, AURANGABAD – AJANTA CAVES :

In the morning drive about 2 hours 20 minutes to Ajanta Caves dedicated to Buddhist religion. The earliest caves were carved out in 2nd and 1st centuries. During the Gupta Dynasty period in 5th and 6th centuries more caves are added. In total there are 30 caves that include prayers halls as well as residential areas. Some of the caves are painted depicting the earlier lives of the Buddha. After sightseeing drive back and overnight in hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 16, AURANGABAD – MUMBAI – USA :

After breakfast the day is free to relax or explore Aurangabad on your own. In the evening transfer to airport to board the Air India flight at 8.25 pm and arrive in Mumbai at 9.35 PM. Later board the return flight to USA.

Please call or email us for customizing this tour to suit your schedule and for the price.

City	3 or 4-Star Hotel	5-Star Hotel	NO. OVERNIGHTS
NEW DELHI	Justa, Greater Kailash	The Surya Hotel	2
AGRA	Taj Resorts	Marriott Hotel	2
ORCHHA	Orchha Resort	Amar Mahal	1
KHAJURANO	Isabel Palace Hotel	Jass Radisson Hotel	1
VARANASI	Hotel Temple on Ganges, Assi Ghat	Taj Ganges Hotel	2
JAIPUR	Khandela Haveli	Trident Hotel	1
UDAIPUR	Boheda Palace	Fateh Niwas	1
NEW DELHI	Justa, Gurgaon for farewell dinner	Atrio Boutique Hotel for farewell dinner

OPTIONAL EXTENSION TOUR

MUMBAI	Juhu Residency Hotel	President Hotel, Mumbai	1
AURANGABAD	Lemon Tree Hotel	Vivanta Aurangabad Hotel	3
MUMBAI	A hotel near airport	FAREWELL DINNER

PRICE INCLUDES FOLLOWING :

• • 10 overnight- accommodations in the mentioned or similar hotels inclusive of T6axes on double or twin room occupancy basis
• • Daily buffet breakfast at your hotels.
• • Chauffeur driven air-conditioned Tata Indigo on full time basis.
• • Daily bottled water in car
• • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
• • Face masks required for guides and staff in public areas
• • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and all staff
• • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
• • Gear and equipment sanitized regularly between use
• • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized between use
• • Guides and staff required to regularly wash hands
• • Regular temperature check for guides and staff
• • English speaking local guides at each city for city tour only as per program
• • Assistance at each city by our company representative.
• • Train Tickets in air-conditioned chair car from Jhansi – Agra
• • Rickshaw ride at Jama Mosque in Delhi.
• • Boat rides at River Ganges Varanasi & Lake Pichola Udaipur
• • Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur.
• • Monument entrance fees
• • All taxes, parking fees, interstate taxes, state taxes, driver’s allowance etc.
• • Farewell dinner

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE :

• • International Airfare (will be informed at the time of booking)
• • Domestic flights between Khajuraho & Varanasi; Varanasi & Jaipur and Jaipur & New Delhi (fare and schedule will be informed at the time of the booking)
• • Lunch /Dinner during the tour
• • All drinks in hotels & restaurants etc.
• • Travel Insurance
• • Still and Video Camera Fees at monuments
• • Tips to drivers and guides as well as any item not included in the above (included) list
• • All expenses of personal nature like telephone calls / laundry / room service charges in hotels etc.

PAYMENT :

Payments can be made by personal check in favor of INDIA TRAVELLER or by PAYPAL.

PLEASE NOTE :

Red Fort in Delhi is closed on Mondays Taj Mahal in Agra is closed on Fridays All monuments in Jaipur close at 4.30 PM.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION TOURS (Please call for details and price) :

FROM NEW DELHI :

Nepal Culture Tour- 4 Nights beginning from New Delhi by flight to Kathmandu, sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley including Bhaktapur and Patan, an overnight excursion to Nagarkot Himalayan Mountain Resort and ending with an awesom Mount Everest Flight. Read More

An extra overnight in Delhi to visit one or more of the three important museums of Delhi:

• 1. National Museum of artifacts from Indian and foreign antiquity and archaeological excavations, ancient coins, miniature paintings, manuscripts, Buddhist artifacts including the holy relics of Buddha from Kapilvastu where he spent his childhood and youth and/or
• 2. National Gallery of Modern Art in the former palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur near India Gate and / or
• 3. Craft Museum where you can witness fine traditional crafts in folk painting, textiles, terracotta figurines and pottery, wood carvings etc. and / or
• 4. visit the Akshardham Swami Narayan Temple - capital's largest Hindu temple (about 3 hours required for temple sightseeing).
• 5. Rishikesh: Is famous for its Yoga Ashrams where we can arrange admission to a Yoga Course. The city is also a haven for white water river rafting, bungy jumping and giant swing bungy jumping.

FROM AGRA :

• 1. Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary with Bear Rescue Center that has 256 black Himalayan bears and the Elephant Sanctuary (both these are inside the bird sanctuary) and / or
• 2. visit the Archaeological Museum at Mathura that has India's largest collections of Kushan, Gandhar and Gupta period sculptures and /or
• 3. Krishna Janmabhumi - the birthplace of Bhagwan Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu and / or the ISCKON. Hare Krishna Temple in Vrindavan.
• 4. Gwalior - with one overnight in the luxurious Taj Usha Kiran Palace or Neemrana Deo Bagh Heritage Hotel or in one of its many good 3-star hotels, one can have a full day of sightseeing of Gwalior Fort and Scindia Maharaja's Jai Vilas Palace.
• 5. Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur where about 150 Indian species of birds reside throughout the year and another 150 species of migratory birds arrive from Tibet, China, Mongolia, Siberia and even Scandinavia. This requires one overnight in Bharatpur. The best hotel in Bharatpur is the Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel.

FROM JAIPUR :

• 1. Chand Baori : About an hour before arriving in Jaipur is the town of Dausa that is quite close to Chand Baori - the world's deepest stepwell and the Hindu temple of goddess Harshat Mata, there is a large collection of sculptures found in the vicinity here.
• 2. Sisodia Rani Garden Palace : Just before entering Jaipur in the valley of Aravali Mountains is the Garden Palace of Sisodia Rani (Queen of Sawai Jai Singh belonging to the royal house of Mewar in Udaipur)
• 3. Galta Natural Spring and Hindu Pilgrimage Center : further in the same valley is the Hindu pilgrimage center of Galta with a natural water spring and many beautiful Temples.
• 4. Samode Palace : A luxurious palace famous for its glass mosaic audience hall is located in a quiet valley and is surrounded by a small village. A walk in the village is interesting to observe rural life in this region. In winter months children are playing Cricket and it may be possible to join in their game.
• 5. Nawalgarh : About an hour and a half drive from Samode (94 kilometers) on the way to Mandawa enjoy the sightseeing of the murals and frescos of Anandilal Poddar Haveli and Murarka Haveli. If one wishes to stay overnight there are three heritage hotels: Roop Vilas Palace Hotel or Roop Niwas Kothi or Vivaana Heritage Hotel.
• 6. Mandawa : There is a lot to view in the Mandawa Castle itself that is also the best place to stay in Shekhavati region. Following Haveli (aristocratic mansions) are interesting for their murals and frescos: Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Mohanlal Saraf Havei, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Bansidhar Newatia Haveli, Laxminarayan Ladia Haveli and Chowkhani Double Haveli. Just across the road from Goenka Double Haveli is the Thakurji Temple that also has beautiful mural paintings depicting scenes from British East India Company Period and 1857 during the First War of Indian Independence.