Grand Tour Of North India
Grand Tour Of North India
Duration: 20 Nigths / 21 Days
Destinations Covered
Delhi – Varanasi – Khajuraho – Orchha – Agra – Ranthambhore – Bundi – Fort Barli – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Mandawa – Jaipur
Highlights of the tour:
Day 01
Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Delhi. Stay at the ITC Maurya, a first-class period hotel for two nights.
Day 02
Delhi
Enjoy a full day’s sightseeing tour of the historical city of Delhi, beginning in the wide avenues of New Delhi, to see Lutyen’s buildings and the India gate memorial, along with the impressive tomb of Humayan and Qutab Minar. Afternoon you will visit the bustling and vibrant streets of Old Delhi to see the Jama Masjid and Rajghat, the resting place (Samadhi) of Mahatma Gandhi.
Day 03
Delhi - Varanasi
This morning take a short flight to the famous town of Varanasi. Explore Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first public discourse and now home to many magnificent stupas and monasteries. Proceed to your hotel and stay for the night at Suryuday Haveli, a restored heritage haveli overlooking the River Ganges. This afternoon, go on a guided walk alongside the river and passing through the winding alleys visiting historical temples, classical mosques, surrounding bazaars and finally finishing your tour at the great cremation ground. Evening visit the ghats of Ganges to witness the ceremonial worship with oil lamps. The evening aarti or ceremonial worship is a quintessential Varanasi experience.
Day 04
Varanasi - Khajuraho
Rise early morning for a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges. You will see devotees offering prayers at the waters' edge. Later you will be transferred to Varanasi Airport to board your flight to Khajuraho. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Stay at Hotel Jaas Radisson for the night.
Day 05
Khajuraho - Orchha
This morning, enjoy a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site known to have been built by the Chandela Dynasty between 950 and 1050. The temples are famous for their nagara style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures. Later to Orchha. Stay for the night at Hotel Orchha Palace.
Day 06
Orchha – Jhansi – Agra
After breakfast enjoy a tour of Orchha. Visit the Orchha fort complex. Later, visit the Raja Ram Temple, formerly a palace. Also visit the Laxminarayan temple, a unique blend of temple and fort architecture. Thereafter continue drive towards Jhansi Railway Station to board train to Agra. Arrive Agra and transferred to your hotel. Stay for the night at ITC Mughal, a first class modern hotel.
Day 07
Agra
The morning, visit the forbidding red sandstone battlements of the Agra Fort and its impressive Diwan-e-Am & Diwan-e-Khas hall in the afternoon. Visit the Taj Mahal to see the sun cast a fantastic orange glow on the white dome of one of the world's great monuments.
Day 08
Agra - Ranthambhore
Today you will journey in to the countryside towards Ranthambhore National Park, home to an abundance of flora and fauna - including the majestic tiger! En-route, you will stop to explore a real-life ghost town: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri. Stay for two nights at Ranthambhore Kothi, a jungle lodge.
Day 09
Ranthambhore
Enjoy morning and afternoon safari in the national park. Once considered as the hunting grounds of the royal family of Jaipur, the park is now home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Day 10
Ranthambhore - Bundi
After a morning safari in the national park, you will begin your journey towards to Bundi. A town with a charming nature, Bundi is filled with narrow laneways, blue-washed houses, picturesque lakes, untouched rural villages, bustling bazaars, India’s best chai and outrageously friendly people. Evening free to explore this captivating town. Stay for the night at Bundi Vilas. In the evening, explore this captivating town; stroll through the atmospheric narrow lanes, ornate forts, blue houses, temples, bazaars and palaces.
Day 11
Bundi - Fort Barli
After breakfast, drive to Barli, a wonderful rural village in Ajmer, in Rajasthan. The village itself is very authentic, with tiny winding streets full of life. Here it’s possible to meet the local people, visit the school, see pottery artists at work as well as seeing their local temples. Stay for the night at Fort Barli.
Day 12
Fort Barli - Udaipur
Drive to the beautiful city of Udaipur. Built on the banks of serene Lake Pichola, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. Stay for two nights at The Trident Udaipur, a first class modern hotel.
Day 13
Udaipur
Explore the interesting and beautiful sights in Udaipur visiting the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Saheliyon Ki Bari or ‘Garden of Maids’. Visit the colourful bazaars and lively market places.
Day 14
Udaipur - Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur, stopping at the stunning Jain temple at Rankapur enroute. Stay for two nights at Ajit Bhavan, a first-class resort in haveli style.
Day 15
Jodhpur
Rise early morning for a jeep safari to the tribal villages of Bishnoi. Visit the majestic hill top Mehrangarh fort that contains one of Rajasthan's best museums and Jaswant Thada in the afternoon. Drive through the old city's maze of streets and lanes through gates, bastions and towers before returning to your hotel.
Day 16
Jodhpur - Bikaner
This morning drive to Bikaner, a vibrant, dust-swirling desert town with a fabulous fort and an energising outpost feel. Stay for two nights at Narendra Bhawan, a heritage boutique hotel. Bikaner comprises imposing palaces and beautiful, richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sandstone.
Day 17
Bikaner
Head out to experience the village life of Rajasthan and explore the epic, golden sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Enjoy a tonga (horse-carriage) ride through the narrow lanes of the city. Later visit the Junagarh Fort….an unassailable fortress, its Museums and Camel Breeding Farm.
Day 18
Bikaner - Mandawa
After an early breakfast, drive to Mandawa, known as an open-air art gallery because of the colourful religious and erotic frescoes that adorn its palatial mansions. Every home here is beautified with vividly-painted murals that illuminate the arid landscape. This evening, take a walk in the ancient lanes, visiting a local family over a tea or meal. Stay for the night at Vivaana Culture Hotel.
Day 19
Mandawa - Jaipur
After breakfast, drive towards the Pink City of Jaipur, and the capital of Rajasthan. Stay for two nights at Samode Haveli, a first class heritage haveli.
Day 20
Jaipur
Visit the stunning 17th century hilltop Amer Fort in the morning. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, City Palace and drive through the colourful bazaars to see the Hawa Mahal. Evening is free to explore the lively markets.
Day 21
Transfer to Jaipur Airport
Like all good things, your tour in India comes to an end but you will always carry with you, memories of this unique and unforgettable holiday experience. In goodtime you will be transferred to Udaipur Airport to board your return flight via Delhi / Mumbai.