North India and the Ganges Tour

Today, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi, a city with a rich history dating back to the 6th century BC. Begin your tour at Rajghat, the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Next, visit Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. Experience the vibrant atmosphere with a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi's busiest market. Drive past the Presidential House and India Gate in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi. Explore Humayun's Tomb, built in 1562 by his wife, Hamida Banu Begum. Conclude your day with a visit to the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for New Delhi Airport to board a flight to Amritsar. Upon arrival at Amritsar airport, our local person will be there to greet you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. Take some time to unwind and relax at the hotel. Later in the afternoon, proceed to the Indo-Pak Wagah Border to witness the Flag Retreat Ceremony, a poignant display of patriotism and military pageantry. Afterward, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, energizing yourself for an exploration of Dharamshala's vibrant cultural tapestry. Begin your journey with the Tsuglagkhang Complex, home to the Dalai Lama's temple, the Tibet Museum, and Namgyal Monastery. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local Tibetan eatery before delving into the treasures of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, housing a wealth of ancient manuscripts and Buddhist scriptures. Cap off your day with a serene walk to Bhagsu Waterfall, surrounded by tranquil natural beauty, and pay a visit to the nearby Bhagsunath Temple to soak in its spiritual atmosphere. In the evening, return to McLeod Ganj for a taste of authentic Tibetan cuisine at dinner, immersing yourself in the flavors and traditions of the region. Finally, retreat to your hotel for a well-deserved rest, cherishing the day's cultural discoveries in Dharamshala.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Chandigarh. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to rest and relax. If time permits, explore Sector 17 Market and visit the tranquil Sukhna Lake, renowned for its scenic views and recreational activities. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Chandigarh.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before heading to Chandigarh airport for your flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival, a local representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel, where you'll settle in for a comfortable overnight stay.

Early in the morning, we'll transfer you to New Delhi railway station and help you board Vande Bharat express train to Khajuraho. On arrival at Khajuraho railway station, our local person will meet you, and transfer you to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early in the morning, head to Panna National Park for an exciting jeep safari. The park's dynamic dry deciduous forest transforms dramatically from lush green during the monsoon to a stark, dry grey in the summer. During your game drive, you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including the majestic Bengal tigers, leopards, cheetahs, wolves, wild dogs, hyenas, caracals, sloth bears, chinkaras, and sambar. Panna is also renowned for its eight species of vultures and the crocodiles that inhabit the Ken River. While exploring the park's rich flora and fauna, be sure to visit the famous Pandav Falls.

In the afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour of Khajuraho, beginning with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Western Group of Temples. The highlight here is the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, a stunning example of artistic sculptural work. While the Khajuraho temples are renowned for their erotic sculptures, these comprise only about 15% of the carvings; the rest depict Hindu gods, goddesses, and celestial nymphs. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Orchha. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and then set out to explore this historic town, once the capital of the powerful Bundela Rajput kings. Begin your tour with a visit to the impressive Jehangir Mahal, followed by the Raj Mahal, Phool Bagh, Dinman Hardaul's Palace, and Sunder Mahal. Don't miss the well-preserved temples of Orchha, especially the Ram Raja Temple and the Chaturbhuj Temple. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

In the morning, board an Express train from Jhansi railway station to Agra (JHS 07:35 AM - AGC 10:10 AM, a 2 hour 35 minute journey). Upon arrival at Agra railway station, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and relaxing, explore Itmad-ud-Daulah and Agra Fort. In the evening, enjoy some free time to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs in Agra’s vibrant markets. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Early morning before sunrise our tour guide will pick you from your hotel and take you for a guided tour of the Taj Mahal and Mehtab Bagh. Later return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Jaipur. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Akbar in the late 16th century. After sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to Jaipur for an overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a comprehensive guided tour of Jaipur. Begin your exploration with Rajasthan's iconic attraction, the "Amber Fort and Palace," a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1592 using red sandstone and marble. This majestic fort complex is perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Maota Lake and the surrounding landscapes. Explore its extensive palace sections and intricate architecture, which blend seamlessly with the natural terrain. Following your visit to Amber Fort, continue your Jaipur sightseeing with a visit to Jal Mahal, the serene Water Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.

Proceed to City Palace, a magnificent blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture that houses museums showcasing royal artifacts. Next, visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, featuring impressive instruments designed for accurate celestial observations. Continue to Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, renowned for its intricate facade adorned with hundreds of windows that allowed royal ladies to observe street festivities. Explore the Albert Hall Museum, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture housing a diverse collection of artifacts. Conclude your day with a visit to Birla Mandir, a modern Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. After an enriching day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Jaipur.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Jaipur airport to board a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, our local person will meet you and transfer you to the hotel in Varanasi. Rest and relax at the hotel, later explore the city of Varanasi, visit various ghats, sacred temples and the local market of Varanasi. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the sacred River Ganges at dawn, taking in the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi. Afterward, visit an Akhara to witness the traditional martial arts practiced by skilled wrestlers. Continue your exploration with a morning city tour, strolling through the revered Ghats and visiting the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, a significant pilgrimage site. You'll also visit Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to 'Mother India.' Later, journey to Sarnath, a pivotal site in Buddhism, where you'll explore the Dhamekha Stupa, the Archaeological Museum, and the Chaukhandi Stupa. In the evening, experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti on the riverbank, a spiritual ceremony that captivates all who attend. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at the hotel.

Early in the morning, around 5:30 AM, our person will transfer you to the Varanasi railway station, and help you board the Vande Bharat Express train to New Delhi. Enjoy breakfast on board as you travel. Upon arrival in New Delhi at approximately 2:00 PM, our local person will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore or relax at your own pace. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in New Delhi.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll transfer you to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi for your onward journey.