Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Arriving Delhi,  you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport,  you will be met by our representative,  holding a play card with your name on it in the arrival lounge. Arrival transfer to hotel. Assistance for check-in will be provided. After check-in enjoy half day city tour of Delhi which is India's bustling capital city. It was from here that Hindu,  Muslim and Mughal dynasties as well as the British ruled. Old & New Delhi present a stunning juxtaposition of sights and sounds with the ancient city built by Emperor Shah Jahan the builder of the famous Taj Mahal,  and the new garden city built in 1911 by the British.

First of all visit Red Fort - Delhi's most magnificent monument,  the Red Fort,  was built by Emperor Shah Jehan,  in 1638 A.D. Enclosed in this glorious Fort is Diwan-i-am,  the hall meant for public audiences; Diwan-i-Khas,  where private audiences were granted; Rang Mahal,  the water cooled apartment of the royal ladies; the Pearl Mosque,  a lovely,  ornate dream in white marble. Later on visit India Gate which is a famous war memorial at the east end of Rajpath. Edward Lutyens designed this 42 m high gate structure in memory of the thousands of Indians who sacrificed their lives in World War I. Today,  an eternal flame is lit under the gate known as Amar Jawan Jyoti,  to honor the unknown soldiers and the martyrs who lost their lives in the Pakistan war of 1971. Also visit Rajghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi ). In the late afternoon visit Qutab Minar which is 72.5 m in height and has a mosque at the base. It is a magnificent structure whose construction started in 1199 by a Muslim King Qutab-ud-din Aibak (after whom it was named) and was finished by his heir IItutmish. There is an iron pillar standing proudly in front of it since 5th century and has not rusted till yet! It is said that if one hugs this Iron Pillar of Mehrauli and wish for something,  it is granted. Also visit Humayun's tomb which is known as the first example of the monumental scale that would characterize subsequent Mughal imperial architecture. Commissioned,  it is believed,  by Humayun's senior widow,  Haji Begam,  or by her son Akbar,  the tomb is the first to mark the grave of a Mughal emperor; Humayun's father Babur,  who founded the dynasty,  had requested out of piety that he be buried in a garden. Humayun's Tomb is now one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments in Delhi. Later on drive past President's House,  Parliament House & Secretariat Building. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 02 Delhi - Jaipur
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and check-in into hotel. Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. OR you can explore the local markets for souvinir shopping the Jaipur is famous for- Jewellery,  precious stones,  paintings,  hand printed textiles etc. Jaipur enjoys a high reputation for the manufacture of jewellery. It is one of the most active jewel markets of the world and is famous for precious and semi-precious stones and also for the cutting,  polishing and setting of these stone,  particularly that of diamonds,  topaz and emeralds. Jaipur brass work is of immaculate quality. The Jaipur brass worker is successful in infusing life like charm into the dull metal. Two kinds of work is done in Jaipur on brass viz. Lacquered brass carved brass. Jaipur enamel or Minakari,  mostly done on gold and silver has always been a class of its own. The Jaipur artist is renowned not nonly for the purity of the colours,  but also for its evenness. Jaipur is also famous for its textiles. Sanganeri and Bagru block prints are the fashion designer's craze these days. The Bandhej (tie and dye)print is very typical of the region. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 03 Jaipur
After breakfast full day sightseeing of Jaipur which is an exuberance of color,  dance,  and song with the traditional arts and crafts. It's one of India's most well planned cities,  with wide,  straight avenues,  roads,  streets and lanes in a grid system. The great warrior/astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's foundation. Laid out in the 18th century,  its design followed specifications from an epochal Hindu treatise on architecture. This "Pink City, " so called because its buildings are painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset,  intersperses the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs.

Morning we take you to Amer Fort - The royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The palaces and forts of yesteryear,  once witness to royal processions,  now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments,  a juxtaposition accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing people. It is an example of fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture built in red sandstone and white marble. The highlight of the fort is the Seesh Mahal (Mirror Palace),  a palace known for its craftsmanship in mirrors. Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthanfort palace. Amber was the ancient capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs until Sawai Jai Singh II moved down the hill to his newly created capital,  Jaipur. This is one of the most magnificent destinations located on the hills just outside Jaipur. It was built by Raja Man Singh in 1600 AD and completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. Ascend on elephant back,  the hill,  on which the fort is situated.

Afternoon covering Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds, " one of the major landmarks of Jaipur,  although it is actually little more than a facade. The five-storey building overlooks the main street of the old city and is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink,  semi-octagonal,  honeycombed,  sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The City Palace which is blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the palace. The palace is now a fine museum. It houses a remarkable collection of textiles,  paintings,  manuscripts,  and extraordinary weapons. On display there are two huge urns of silver,  said to be the largest silver vessels in the world. Nakkarkhana-ka-Darwaza,  the imposing gateway of the City Palace guarded by stone elephants,  is monumental. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar,  the ancient astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh,  whose passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 04 Jaipur - Bharatpur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Agra. En-route visit Abhaneri which is a village about 95 kms from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Agra Road. A detour is well merited for its amazing step wells or 'baoris' and Harshat Mata Temple. According to a legend,  the village is so called because the Goddess Harshat Mata who is shown portrayed in a joyous mood is believed to spread brightness or "abha" all around. The village's original name was Abha Nagri,  and its name today is Abhaneri. It is believed that the celebrated king Raja Chand established the village. On the other hand it is felt that the mythological Raja Chand could be King Bhoja,  who ruled over the Gurjar kingdom in the ninth century AD. The ruins of the temple also speaks of the 10th century architectural and sculptural styles. There is a huge tank named "Chand Baori",  opposite to the temple fortified on all four sides with bastions for defence.

Also visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. You will enjoy a Rickshaw ride inside the Sanctuary for Bird Watching. Bharatpur is world renowned for its World Heritage listed Bird Sanctuary,  the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. It is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world inundated with over 400 species of water birds. Exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan,  Central Asia,  Tibet as well as Siberian cranes,  come here to spend the winters. Other common bird life to be seen are cormorants,  spoonbills,  storks,  egrets,  herons,  pelicans,  ibis and herons that can be spotted all over the park.

Also visit Fatehpur Sikri - Built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire,  Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. The mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is considered a copy of the mosque at Mecca and is extremely elegant,  containing elements of Hindu and Persian design. The main entrance to the complex Buland Darwaza or "Great Gateway" is reached by an impressive flight of stairs. Inscribed on the inside of the archway is the quote: "The World is a bridge. Pass over it,  but build no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour,  may hope for eternity."  Arrive Agra and check-in into hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 05 Agra - Khajuraho
Early morning visit the Taj Mahal which is India’s most fascinating and beautiful masterpiece. Set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of the Yamuna river,  this edifice was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife,  Mumtaz Mahal. After her untimely death,  Shah Jahan had her mortal remains buried in this mausoleum. And after his own demise he was placed to rest next to his beloved queen in the same mausoleum. The Taj is most enthralling in the quietness of early morning. With the rising Sun the white marble changes its colour and hues and it is excellent for photography.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Khajuraho,  the temples of Khajuraho are India’s unique gift to the world,  built by the Chandela kings some 1000 years ago- which probably forms one of the best examples of Indian Erotic art. The Temples are divided into 3 parts according to location- Western,  Eastern & Southern occupying 13 sq kms out of which the Western Group is the most acclaimed. Kajuraho is a World Heritage Site. On arrival check-in into hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 06 Khajuraho - Varanasi
After breakfast visit of the Western & Eastern group of Temple complex of Khajuraho. The Khajuraho temples were built during the reign of the Chandelas. While some show marks of a Shaivite sensibility,  others clearly manifest the influence of Vaishnaism,  Jainism,  and tantrism. These temples have an architectural character distinct from that of any other group of temples elsewhere in the country. Instead of being contained within the customary enclosure wall,  each temple stands on a high and solid masonry terrace. Though none of the temples are very large,  they are still imposing structures because of their elegant proportions and rich surface sculpture.

Later on transfer to airport to catch flight to Varanasi. Arrive Varanasi and you will be met by our representative,  holding a play card with your name on it at the exit. Arrival transfer to hotel.

Later on half day city tour of Varanasi. One of the holiest cities in India,  Varanasi is one of the most important pilgrimage sites and also a major tourist attraction. It has been the religious capital of Hinduism since time immemorial. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges,  Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization for more than 2, 000 years. Written records of the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata mention its existence as long as 3, 000 years ago. It is probably the oldest living city in India,  and one of the world's most ancient. As a place of devotion and worship,  Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Many Hindus in the latter part of their lives wish to spend their retirement here. The mythological name of the city was Kashi,  meaning light or luminescence,  and the city indeed illuminates with a spiritual light. Two rivers,  the Varuna and the Assi,  meet the holy Ganges River at the northern and southern tips of the city. In medieval times and until as recently as the mid-20th century,  the city was known as Banares. Varanasi seems to have been the result of putting together the names of the rivers Varuna and Assi. This religious city is crowded with temples,  and its labyrinth of streets swells with throngs of people. Varanasi is a city that cannot be described--only experienced. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 07 Varanasi - Delhi
Early in the morning,  enjoy a boat ride on the holy river Ganges,  which presents an incredible scene as multitudes of devotees come to the river to pay homage to the Sun God. The riverfront,  as seen from a boat at sunrise,  is a spiritually uplifting sight. Hinduism,  deep and mystical,  is everywhere: in a decorated doorway; in a glimpse of a glittering temple; in the sound of a sacred bell; in the chant of the priests; and in the fragrance of flower oblations. Pass the bathing ghats where thousands of pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy water of the Ganges and the burning ghats where cremations are conducted. Later on come back to the hotel.

After breakfast an excursion to Sarnath - where Bhuddhism first made its appearance nearly 2500 years ago and where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his 5 disciples. It's an important centre of Buddhism. It's remarkable that nowadays "only" 6.6 million Buddhists (on a population of 670 million with 80% Hindu). At that time Buddha came to that small village to preach the "middle" way to the Nirvana  after he gained the state of enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Due to the support of the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka Sarnath developed to a big en mighty Buddhist centre,  among other things as the erection of magnificent stupas and Buddhist monasteries. In the year 640 AD Sarnath was visited by a Chinese traveller who noticed that 1, 500 priests accommodated here and that there was a 100m high stupa. Due to Moslem invasions (as usual with great vandalism) and afterwards ruled by the Hindus Sarnath  declined and diapered out of the history. Excavations started in 1836 by British archaeologists. In the eveing in time transfer to Varanasi Railway station to catch train to New Delhi. Overnight Train. (Breakfast)

Day 08 Delhi (Departure)
Arrive Delhi in the morning and you will be met by our representative,  holding a play card with your name on it at the exit. Departure transfer to International airport to catch flight for onward journey. (Breakfast)