Day-01
ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi by International flight.
A history which encompasses all the various kings and emperors
who fixed their royal citadels here-- Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila
Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah,
Delhi Sher Shahi or then Shahjahanabad. but, combined and integrated
into one, these 'new cities' have always been called Delhi and
howsoever many names it may have acquired, Delhi has always been
intrinsically identified with power and imperial sway.
You will be met on your arrival by the representative of Exotique
Expeditions with fresh flower garlands. You will then be transferred
to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY-02 IN DELHI
This morning you will be given the city tour of Old and New Delhi.
Old Delhi - Visit the former centre of Moghul Power, Old
Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars.
Drive past the vast Red Fort, built in 1648, the Jama Masjid,
the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan
who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial
to Mahatma Gandhi. A unique experience of taking 'rickshaw ride'
from the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk" or Silver
Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue
heading west from the Fort. Chandni Chowk - literally means "moonlit
crossroads" and an area which best represents the "super-Oriental"
- the glory and the guile; the grandeur and the grime, with its
crowded bazaars, twisting lanes, maze of small streets strange
aromas, the pungent odour of Oriental spices, the cries of shopkeepers,
coolies and "rickshaw-walas" and the clatter and whirr
of furious industry.
New Delhi - drive past the stately government buildings
of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate
& the Presidential Palace, Akshardham Temple. Continue onto
the beautiful Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor
of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret
of Qutab Minar Overnight at the hotel.
DAY-03 DELHI-JAIPUR (265 Kms/165 Miles)
Leave Delhi for Jaipur by air conditioned vehicle.
The historic city of Jaipur or "The City of Vicotory"
was founded in 1727 A.D. by the great Kachhawah ruler Sawai Jai
Singh II (1700 - 1747 A.D.), and named after him. The monarch
was not only a great builder, but also a poet and an astronomer.
Under his aegis, the city was designed by his talented architect
Vidyadhar, who gave shape to the creative aspirations of Sawai
Jai Singh in the form of the dream city of Jaipur
Arrive Jaipur and check in at the hotel. This afternoon you will
be given the city tour of Jaipur.
Tour of the Pink City - Your tour will include the imposing City
Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms
are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging
to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of
weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal, "Palace of
the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to
see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through
the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel. Overnight
at the hotel.
DAY-04 IN JAIPUR
This morning you will be given excursion to Amber Fort.
Tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge
just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount
your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to
the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion.
The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years
to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight
into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families
The afternoon is free. You will have the opportunity to walk around
the colorful bazzars, take a by-cycle rickshaw ride or relax on
the pool side of the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY-05 JAIPUR-AGRA ( 235 Kms/147Miles)
Leave Jaipur for Agra by air conditioned vehicle.
Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident
from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city.
Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty,
numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this
city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty;
Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal
dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept
of square Persian-styled gardens here.
Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of
Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when
he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri - Impressive sandstone fortress of Fatehpur
Sikri. The fort was built in the 16th century and only occupied
for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings
in virtually perfect conditions. Continue drive to Agra. Upon
arrival in Agra - check-in at the hotel. Thereafter, visit the
Red Fort, which was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years
1563-73 in the finest architectural style
Arrive Agra and check at the hotel.
In the afternoon you will be given a short city tour of Agra.
Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost
in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the
years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing
gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY-06 AGRA-JHANSI-KHAJURAHO
Early this morning you will visit the world famous - TAJ MAHAL
(Closed on Fridays) - located on the bank of Yamuna River, the
most extravagant monument ever built for love. Little needs to
be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul
raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah
Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife
Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and
was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart
from it's stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj
is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately
carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. Return
to the hotel for breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station in time to connect
train for Jhansi.
Depart Agra by Taj Express at 1015hours
Arrive Jhansi at 1315hours.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to Khajuraho (172
Kms).
Arrive Khajuraho and check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY-07 KHAJURAHO-BANDHAVGARH (250 Kms/156 miles)
This morning you will be given the city tour of Khajuraho.
Visit the world famous Chandela Temples. Out of the total
85 temples only 22 remain, but offer a beautiful and extravagant
ode to human life. Built in 10th and 11th centuries, these
temples are dedicated to a particular deity and the on the outer
walls are carved various themes, but actually it is an ode to
woman hood, an ode to fertility, the form of birth and an ode
to greatest form of life.
Of the two groups of temples - Western and Eastern - important
temples to visit are - Kandariya Mahadev, Chaunsath Yogini, Chitragupta,
Lakshmana, Devi Jagdamba, Parvati, Vishvanath Temple and Nandi,
Paraswanath and Adinath
Later leave Khajuraho for Bandhavgarh by road
Arrive and check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY-08 IN BANDHAVGARH
Morning and evening Safari inside the jungle.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY-09 IN BANDHAVGARH
Morning and evening Safari inside the jungle.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY-10 BANDHAVGARH -KHAJURAHO(250 Kms/156 miles)
In the morning you will have some free time to relax.
Later leave Bandhavgarh for Khajuraho by road.
Arrive and check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY-11 KHAJURAHO - DELHI
Transfer to the airport in time to connect flight for Delhi.
In Delhi - Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the
hotel.
Rest of the day free for last minute shopping.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY-12 DEPART DELHI - ONWARD DESTINATIONS
Transfer to the international airport in time to connect your
flight back home / Onward planned destinations.
