Incredible nature of India is evident in every way and form. It expresses itself in the form of its culture, traditions, architecture, heritage and impressive way of life. Best of India Tour brings out the best of India through its enriching trip of all sorts. The signature itinerary focuses on the discovery of Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur and brings out the incredible facets of the country in its truest form in an affordable way.
Day 01 - Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi, the gateway of India, meet representative for a warm welcome followed by transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02 - Delhi - Varanasi
Catch up with the nerve of this Indian capital city, Delhi as you discover the gems of heritage. Visit to the Qutab Minar, drive pass through India Gate and Rajpath leading towards the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Red Fort and the famous Chandni Chowk. If time permits, also visit Raj Ghat - the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. In the evening, transfer to the Railway station and board the connecting train to Varanasi. Overnight on board.
Day 03 - Arrival- Varanasi
On arrival in this city of learning; transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, excursion to Sarnath (10 km) - Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment and initiated Buddhism with his first five followers in Sarnath. Visit the Chowkhandi and Dhamekh Stupas in Sarnath and pray at this peaceful place. Also visit ASI Sarnath Museum. The main attraction here is the Lion Capital Pillar based on which the National Emblem of India is conceptualized. Return to Varanasi by evening and if time permits, continue the walk towards the splendid Ganges Ghats for evening Aarti worship. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 04 - Varanasi
Early morning wake up and participate in the boat ride on India's most sacred river, the Ganges. After breakfast, begin a guided city tour of Varanasi. Visit the Benaras Hindu University, the temples dedicated to Bharat Mata, Goddess Durga. The afternoon is free to relax. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 05 - Varanasi - Khajuraho
Morning fly to Khajuraho, the world heritage site known for its erotic sculpture and is an artistic marvel of its own. On arrival, transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Western Group of Temples commissioned by the Chandela Rajputs. Visit the largest temple of the complex, Kandariya Mahadeo temple, the Chausath Yogini temple, the Parsvanath temple, Chitragupta temple, the Chaturbhuj temple and the Duladeo temple. Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 06 - Khajuraho - Orcha - Jhansi - Agra
Morning check out Khajuraho for a drive to Jhansi Railway Station. Enroute visit the famously forgotten Orchha temples and palaces built by Bundela rulers. Connect train from Jhansi Railway Station, train # 2001 New Delhi Shatabdi Express dep. Jhansi at 17:56 hrs. arr. Agra at 20:22 hrs. On arrival in Agra, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 07 - Agra
After breakfast, begin a city tour of Agra, which once served as the capital of Mughal India and the center of many majestic Mughal monuments evocative of power and glory. Visit the world famous "Taj Mahal" the monument of love eternally etched in marble. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his Queen Mumtaz. The second in the series is Agra Fort dominated by red sandstone construction & includes the beautiful Pearl Mosque and other noteworthy structures in its vicinity & Itmad-ud-Daula, the baby Taj known for its unique Pietra Dura inlays. Overnight at hotel. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)
Day 08 - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur
City Palace in JaipurAfter breakfast leave Agra for a drive to Jaipur (approx 232 km / 5 hrs. drive). On the route, visit Fatehpur Sikri built by Emperor Akbar symbolizing the vision of shifting the capital from Agra, which eventually after 15 years got abandoned due to the scarcity of water. Still, the building is seen as an architectural marvel based on the synthesis of Hindu and Islamic architecture in an excellent state of preservation. Visit the magnificent buildings of Jama Masjid, Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti, and other palaces in this elaborate complex. On arrival at Jaipur, transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 09 - Jaipur
Wake up in the picturesque Pink City where surreal castles and rugged forts rule the city’s skyline. Begin the morning with an excursion to Amber fort, the prized jewel etched atop a hill. This is a recently recognized world heritage site known for its impeccable architecture. The way to enter the fort is equally grand. You need to ride an elephant or hire a jeep to ascend the hill on which the fort is located. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour of Jaipur. Visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the famous stone observatory. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 10 - Jaipur – Delhi – Out
Check out Jaipur and drive to Delhi in the morning. Transfer to international airport to connect flight for onward destination.
