Ancient India

Day 1: Arrival Delhi, India

Welcome to India.  On arrival in Delhi you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Delhi, the capital of India offers a blend of culture, art and modern architecture as well as ancient monuments. The remainder of your day is at your leisure..

Day 2: Delhi

Spend the day sightseeing and exploring Old and New Delhi including three World Heritage monuments Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb.  These architectural wonders created by emperors in the past have survived centuries. This fascinating city has existed since the 6th century BC so has a rich history to explore.  Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India with a courtyard that can hold approximately 25,000 worshippers. Take a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi, a noisy, chaotic, colourful and uniquely Indian experience. Drive past to the Red Fort, former residence of the Mughal royal family, President House and several other government buildings before heading towards Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated in 1948. You will also visit Humayun’s Tomb, commissioned by his wife in 1562. The day ends with a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world that was commissioned by the first Muslim ruler of Delhi.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Delhi to Jaipur

Today you travel by road from Delhi to Jaipur. Historical Jaipur is the capital in northwest Rajasthan, is India’s land of kings. On arrival, the remainder of your day is at leisure. Distance travelled: 320km / Approximately 6 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4: Jaipur

Today is spent exploring the pink city of Jaipur on a sightseeing tour.  In the morning, visit Amber Fort, a classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise with elaborate detail including precious stones and mirrors embedded in the plaster.  Inside the Fort, visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory and the famous Sheesh Mahal – a room completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were imported from Belgium.

Stop at the elegantly carved Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds for a photo opportunity. Then visit the Maharaja’s City Palace which covers almost 1/7 of the city. This is the former Royal residence that has now been partially converted into a museum. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world with 17 large instruments, many still in working condition. 

 Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Jaipur to Agra & The Taj Mahal

Travel by road from Jaipur to the town of Agra located on a river in the state of Uttar Pradesh that is most famous for its giant landmark, The Taj Mahal.

Today you will enjoy a half day city tour of Agra visiting the Red Fort, a beautiful structure from 1565 that is a great example of Mughal architecture.  The grand finale of the day is the chance to see the Taj Mahal, one of the original seven wonders of the world. This ivory white marble mausoleum took over 21 years to complete and was built as a symbol of Emperor Shah Jehan’s devotion to his beloved queen.  Distance travelled: 250km / Approximately 5 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: Agra to Khajuraho

Transfer to the railway station in Agra to take the train to Jhansi where you will be met on arrival and then start your drive to Khajuraho via Orchha.  Orchha (also called Urcha) was the capital of one of the largest most powerful kingdoms in Central India.  This World Heritage listed medieval city is home to temples, palaces, monuments, forts built by rulers in the 16th and 17th century.  Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace commands a spectacular view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs.  

After exploring Orchha continue your journey to Khajuraho, an ancient city known for its elaborate stone carvings and the country’s largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples. Distance travelled: 175km / Approximately 4 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7: Khajuraho

This morning explore UNESCO World Heritage listed Khajuraho, and the medieval temples in the western group which are the largest and best-preserved temples in the area.  The most important temple is the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple-dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the largest and most typical of the Khajuraho temples. Visit the Chaunsat Yogini Jain Temple which is dedicated to the 64 “Yoginis” or attendants of Goddess Kali. You will also see the Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his 11-headed form. The sculptures that adorn the temples are carved in stone and depict gods, goddesses and amorous couples.  

You will also visit the eastern group of temples in Khajuraho including the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple dedicated to the dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Javari Temple. There are also three Jain temples that feature beautiful carvings.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8: Khajuraho to Varanasi

Transfer to Khajuraho Airport for a flight to Varanasi (additional cost), on arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Varanasi. Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest cities and one of the holiest places in Hinduism. Pilgrims come to the Ganges to wash away sins in the sacred waters.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9: Varanasi

Rise early to experience a boat cruise on river Ganges. The western bank of Ganges has a string of Ghats – the chain of elaborate stone steps/embankments (also called ghats) that are built with pavilions, palaces and terraces, most of which are mainly used as Dharamsalas where the pilgrims stay during their visit to the holy city.  In the afternoon travel to Sarnath, the fabled place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples.  The remains in Sarnath date back to the 3rd century BC when Emperor Ashoka founded various institutions, stupas, monasteries and pillar Edicts.  Visit the art collection at the Archaeological Museum.   

This evening, ride through the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi on a leisurely rickshaw ride.  In the evening the Ghats and temples are lit with oil-lamps or candles which is a beautiful time to explore.  Take part in an `aarti’ ceremony (collective prayer) and watch the floating `diyas’ (lamps) on the river Ganges. 

 Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10: Depart Varanasi, India

Today your adventure concludes, you will be transferred to Varanasi Airport for your onward flight.

Meals included: Breakfast

We have a number of other suggested India vacations, or we can also tailor a trip for you.  Here are some ideas:

India’s Golden Triangle – 6 Days including Delhi, Agra & Jaipur

Forts and Palaces of India – 10 Days including Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur and Udaipur

India Cities, Palaces and Beaches – 11 Days including Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Goa & Mumbai

India North to South – 12 Days including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Cochin & Kerala