Best of North India tour

Today you'll arrive in New Delhi, capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers have flourished on its regal soil over the last 3000 years. The legacy still survives in many monuments varying from the 13th century mausoleum of the Lodi Kings to the buildings of British India's imperial past like the Parliament House and the Presidential Estate. On arrival you will be met and transfered to hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Today proceed on a guided tour of Old Delhi. Visit Red fort, Rajghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi and one of the most visited sites in Delhi, Jama Masjid and stroll through the colourful bazaars of Chandni Chowk. Later tour of New Delhi, driving past Safdarjang's Tomb (1753 AD) while you are on the way to the Qutab Minar, a striking medieval tower of victory, built by the slave dynasty, 73 m high. Later drive through the Embassy area and stop for a quick photo shoot at India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Estate formerly Viceroy's House).

Early evening drive to Jaipur (4 hrs), the capital of Rajasthan. This picturesque city is a symphony in pink, a color which signifies hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed locals reflect Jaipur's desert heritage while the teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts. It is known as the city of love, legends and lore. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Embark early on an excursion to Amber Fort, riding royally atop elegantly draped and painted elephants to the mountain fortress, situated about 11 kms from Jaipur. This fort was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachwahas of Amber, before the capital was shifted to the plains, to the present day Jaipur. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror setting.

Enroute visit Palace of Winds, easily the most well known landmark of Jaipur and also its icon. Continue touring, visit Jantar Mantar, one of the five observatories in India, then move on to the City Palace & Observatory, located in the heart of walled city. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture and the ex-royal family still lives in a part of the palace. Evening is at leisure. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Early today drive to Agra (4 hrs), the ancient city that once was the capital  of the Mughal empire in the 16th & 17th century. Agra houses one of seven wonders of the world, the marble symphony of Emperor Shah Jahan - "The Taj Mahal".

Visit Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) - the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630. It is considered the finest example of Mughul architecture - a style that combines elements of Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic elements. Continue your tour to Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565.

Visit Akbar's Mausoleum at Sikandra, which is a fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Overnight stay in Agra.

Transfer to Agra railway station and train to Khajuraho to visit the temples which are known for their Nagara architectural style and are listed as Unesco World Heritage Sites. Dating back to 950 AD, the temples are inscribed with ornamental carvings, mostly erotic. On arrival check in. Overnight stay at Khajuraho.

After breakfast tour of Khajuraho - visit to the famous Chandela Dynasty Temples divided into three groups, western, eastern and southern. The western group is the most famous, and it is designated by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. The erotic carvings on these temple walls have made this one of the most talked about tourist site in the country and, perhaps, unmatched in the world. Overnight at Khajuraho.

Transfer to airport for the flight to Varanasi - the eternal city on the banks of the holy river Ganges, considered to be among the ancient cities of the world, centre of learning and civilisation for over 2000 years. On arrival transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Start the day with a boat ride on the river Ganges at sunrise, as multitudes of devotees pay homage to the Sun God. Cruise past the bathing ghats and crematoriums. Return for breakfast. Later proceed on a guided city tour of Varanasi visiting Vishwanath temple, the Bharat Mata temple and Banaras Hindu University. Evening is at leisure. Overnight in Varanasi.

Transfer to Varanasi airport for your onward flight.