Classical India with Ranthambhore
Duration: 12 Nights and 13 Days
Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambhore, Agra, Khajuraho & Varanasi
Day 1 Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our representative and transfer
to your hotel. India's capital & a major gateway to the country, Delhi is contemporary
and a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient &
the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties
chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British
left behind. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
This morning after breakfast, proceed for a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi.
This fascinating city has been in existence since the 6th century BC and has seen
ups and downs from the rule of the Pandavas right up to the British Raj. Visit Jama
Masjid, which is the largest mosque in India, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan.
The courtyard of the mosque can hold about 25,000 worshippers. Enjoy a rickshaw
ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delh noisy, chaotic and uniquely
Indian. You will then visit the Red Fort, which was constructed during the rule
of Emperor Shah Jahan and served as the residence for the Mughal royal family. It
continues to be significant even today, as every Independence Day, the Prime Minister
makes a speech from its ramparts as the Indian flag is hoisted. Later, drive past
President House and several other government buildings in Edwin Lutyen’s Delhi
before you head to Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple memorial
marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Thereafter, visit Humayun’s
Tomb, commissioned by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562. It was the
first garden tomb built in the Indian sub-continent where the Persian architect
used red sandstone on a large scale. Later in the evening visit the Qutab Minar,
which is the tallest brick minaret in the world; it was commissioned by Qutbuddin
Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3 Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur (240 kms / 6 Hrs drive approximately). Arrive Jaipur
and check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 4 Jaipur
Today after breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing trip of Jaipur, also known
as the ‘Pink City’. The city of Jaipur is capital to the state of Rajasthan,
famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. Jaipur owes its name
to the founder of the city, warrior king Sawai Jai Singh II. Visit the Amber Fort.
The best way to explore the fort is to ride up to it on Elephant back. Prominent
structures inside the fort are the Diwan-i-Aam, adorned with latticed galleries,
the Ganesh Pol, with a beautiful painted image of Lord Ganesh, and the stunning
Sheesh Mahal, a hall decorated with thousands of tiny mirrors. Later, stop to photograph
the beautiful Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Winds.” This
beautiful façade with its ornately carved latticework windows was designed
so the ladies of the palace could look out onto the streets unobserved. Later you
will visit the City Palac again, a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The
museums here showcase rare and ancient manuscripts, arms dating back to the 15th
century, and costumes of erstwhile royalty. Later, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory,
comprising geometric devices for measuring time, and tracking stars in their orbits.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 5 Ranthambhore
This morning after breakfast drive to Ranthambhore. Ranthambhore National Park,
once a princely game conserve is the scene where the celebrated Indian tigers are
best seen. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas.
It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape. The scenery changes dramatically
from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas to the sharp and conical hills of the
Aravali. The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhore. A variety of birds
including owlets, the ubiquitous langur (monkey), leopard, caracal, hyena, jackal,
jungle cat, marsh crocodiles, wild boar, bears and various species of deer are the
other attractions. Arrive Ranthambhore and check in to your hotel. Later,
proceed for evening game drive in the Ranthambhore National Park. Overnight in Ranthambhore.
Day 6 Ranthambhore
Today experience early morning and evening game drive in the Ranthambhore National
Park. Overnight in Ranthambhore.
Day 7 Agra
This morning after breakfast drive to Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambhore) to board train
to Bharatpur. Arrive Bharatpur & proceed for the visit of Bharatpur Bird century.
Later, Drive to agra. Enroute visit of Fatehpur Sikri, which was built by Emperor
Akbar and is home to many historical buildings. Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri
his headquarters; however, he had to abandon it due to shortage of water. The Tomb
of Sheikh Salim Chishti enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint who lived a
religious life here. Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World heritage site.Resume your
drive to Agra. Overnight in Agra.
Day 8 Agra
Today after breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing trip of Agra. Visit the
Red Fort, which was commissioned in 1565 by Akbar, and subsequently embellished
by other Mughal Emperors. The beautiful yet forbidding structure is a handsome example
of Mughal architecture. Later, visit the Taj Mahal a mausoleum built as a symbol
Emperor Shah Jehans devotion to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Considered an architectural
marvel, its construction took thousands of workers over 21 years to complete. This
edifice is replete with decorative inlays, carvings and calligraphy. Thereafter,
visit Itmad- Ud - Daula, known as the "Baby Taj"; this mausoleum rests in a walled
garden close to the Yamuna River. You will then visit Sikandra, which is also a
mausoleum of the great Emperor Akbar. Akbar designed his own mausoleum as a perfect
blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain designs and motifs, in keeping
with his religious tolerance and secular views.Overnight in Agra.
Day 9 Khajuraho
Early morning board train to Jhansi. Arrive Jhansi and drive to Khajuraho by road
(220 kms / 5 hrs drive approximately), enroute visiting Orchha. Visit the Orchha
fort complex. The Jahangir Mahal in the fort is known for its delicate work balanced
with strong masonry. Raj Mahal, the second palace in this fort complex is well known
for its murals, depicting religious themes. Later, visit the Raja Ram Temple. Lord
Ram is worshipped here as a king. Also visit the Laxmi Narayan temple, a unique
blend of temple and fort architecture. Arrive Khajuraho and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 10 Varanasi
After Breakfast proceed for a half-day tour of Khajuraho. Visit the Western Group
of Temples -the Kandariya Mahadeo is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the largest of
Khajuraho's temples. The temple of Devi Jagdamba is considered to be one of the
most erotic temples of Khajuraho. Later, visit the Eastern Group of Temples- The
temple of Parsvanath is the largest of the Jain temples in Khajuraho India and the
finest…without any sexual motifs. Proceed to Airport to connect flight to
Varanasi. Arrive in Varanasi, you will be met and assisted by our representative
and transfer to your hotel .Later in the evening witness the Aarti at the Ghats
of river Ganges. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 11 Varanasi
Early morning, enjoy a sublime boat ride on the Ganges River. View the numerous
ghats along the bank of the Ganges, presenting a varied scene from dawn to dusk.
Visit the Benares Hindu University, the largest residential university in Asia,
a center of Sanskrit, Indian art, culture, and music. Later, proceed to Sarnath,
located eight km from Varanasi. It is famous as the place where the Buddha first
preached his message after attaining nirvana. Visit the Dhamek Stupa it marks the
spot where the Buddha proclaimed his faith in front of his first five followers.
The earliest and most important relic is found here is the Ashoka pillar, erected
in 250 BC. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 12 Delhi
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 13 Delhi
After Breakfast transfer to the Airport to board your flight for onward destination.