Get a complete experience of the Indian culture, practices and traditions with the Classic North India Tour. The tour covers some of the historically, culturally and architecturally important cities of India and gets us closer to Indian diversity thus, enlightening us regarding the rituals and practices of the country.
We first cover the famous Golden Triangle, comprising of the three cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. We feel the vibes of Old World mixing with the modern, new World in Delhi. From Delhi, we move on to the historic Pink City of Jaipur that will make us experience the royal aura that still hangs in the air of Rajasthan. In Agra, we visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal and get awed by its magnificence and beauty. This journey includes an experience in the Indian train, taking us to a city that is frozen in the time of medieval age. We visit the famous and important temples of Khajuraho and fly to the Hindu Pilgrimage centre of Varanasi. We also do an excursion to the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon - Sarnath.
Loaded with culture and Heritage, the Classic North India tour can be paired up with the neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bhutan or Nepal and Bhutan combined together to see the cultural contrast between these Asian neighbours.
Classic North India
11 Days
Best Season: Oct - March
HIGHLIGHTS:
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Rickshaw ride in the crowded lanes of Chandni Chowk.
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Visit the largest mosque of India - Jama Masjid
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Visit the symbol of love - Taj Mahal
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Majestic Amber Fort.
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Train ride from Jhansi to Orchha.
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Erotic temples of Khajuraho.
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Mysticism of Varanasi.
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Witness Ganga Arti in Varanasi.
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Excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon.
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Possibility of extension to Nepal, Bhutan or both!
Route Map
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 - Departure
Depart from your home country.
Day 2 - Delhi
Arrival at the International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to hotel. Later, we do an amusing rickshaw ride in the narrow lanes of the medieval styled shopping haven of Chandni Chowk. The ride is a very interesting one, with unique shops and sights all around. We also visit the largest mosque of India - Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque). The mosque can accommodate about 25,000 people at once. On our way back to New Delhi, we drive by India Gate, Parliament House and President's Estate. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3 - Delhi / Jaipur
After a delicious breakfast, we drive 295 km / 5 hrs to Jaipur. Jaipur is known as the Pink City because of the pink paint applied to the walls of the Old City. Afternoon is free for relaxation. Overnight in hotel.
Day 4 - Jaipur
Pink City is covered with fascinating architecture and history. In the morning, we do an excursion to the breathtaking Amber Fort on Jeep. Former capital of the Jaipur state, the Fort is an ethereal example of Rajput architecture. The magnificent fort was built in the 16th century and shows a mesmerizing blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Later, we visit other wonders of Jaipur such as the honeycombed Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), the Royal Observatory - Jantar Mantar and the beautiful City Palace. Overnight in hotel.
Day 5 - Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Today, we leave behind the colourful city of Jaipur and reach the land of Taj Mahal - Agra after a drive of 240 km / 4 hrs. En route, we stop to marvel at the majestic Fatehpur Sikri - the once capital of Mughal Empire. Later, we drive 40 km / 1 hr to Agra. Overnight in hotel.
Day 6 - Agra
We visit the mesmerizing white beauty the Taj Mahal today. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is an eternal symbol of love. This majestic white structure still continues to awestruck many. Later, we also do the sightseeing of Agra Fort - a majestic sandstone structure. The Fort was earlier the residence of the Mughal dynasty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the sightseeing of these historical monuments, we return to hotel for overnight.
NOTE: The Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.
Day 7 - Agra / Jhansi / Orchha
Transfer to railway station for Shatabdi train to Jhansi. Arrive in Jhansi and then drive 20 km to Orchha which has been captured in stones and frozen in time, a rich legacy of the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. We do sightseeing of some important temples and monuments of Orchha. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 8 - Orchha / Khajuraho
In the morning, we drive 190 km / 5 hrs to Khajuraho. Khajuraho is now listed in the World Heritage Sites. Famous temples account for their remarkable erotic sculptures set in the backdrop of Vindhyanchal Hills. Sightseeing of Eastern and Western blocks of temples built between 950 AD and 1050 AD by Chandela Rajputs. Overnight in hotel.
Day 9 - Khajuraho / Varanasi
Flight from Khajuraho to Varanasi. Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world and is believed to be the holiest of all pilgrimages. Arrive in Varanasi and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, we witness the soul soothing Ganga Arti. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 10 - Varanasi
After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing, visiting Banaras Hindu University and Kashi Vishwanath Temple which is among one of 12 Jyoti lingas of Lord Shiva. We also make an excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 11 - Varanasi / Delhi / Departure
Early morning boat ride on river Ganges. We come back to the hotel for breakfast. Later transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel. Later, we transfer you to the International Airport for your flight back home.
