Highlights of the North

International arrival

Delhi

Mysterious eternity – Imperial past and pulsating present! India’s capital Delhi, a product of over 5000 yrs history, houses 2 World Heritage sites and the finest museums. Shops offer traditional and contemporary handicrafts. Its plethora of fine dining restaurants and a throbbing nightlife add zest to this historical city.

Activities

Visit the lofty Red Fort, Humayuns Tomb, Jama Masjid, Chandini Chowk, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Laxminarayan Temple; ISKCON Temple, the Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat; Parliament Street, Parliament Museum, India Gate, Bangla Sahib; explore Delhi in a metro journey. Explore the Lodhi Gardens; the National Museum; experience cultural and ethnic diversity at the ‘Dilli Haat.’

Hotel Option 1

Colonel's Retreat
Standard Room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

The Claridges
Deluxe Room

Included
Breakfast

Flight from Delhi to Varanasi

Varanasi

The Holy city – older than history, older than legend! Situated on the banks of the river Ganges, this is the oldest living city with some of the most ancient and evered temples in the world; where scholars come to learn the ancient knowledge and debate on the nature of God. It is a melting pot…where both death and life come together.

Activities

Enjoy morning and evening boat rides on the Ganges; participate in an enthralling Ganga Aarti; go on a tour of the various temples and ghats; visit the ancient seat of wisdom Sarnath and the Bharath Kala Bhawan. Visit a nearby hamlet for glimpses into life in a village.

Hotel Option 1

The Gateway Hotel
Standard Room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

Nadesar Palace
Palace Room

Included
Breakfast

Flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho

Khajuraho

Colors of earthy human emotion! A UNESCO World Heritage site, legend has it that the Moon God fell in love with a mortal woman.To atone for this sin, their offspring constructed the Khajuraho temples. Sensual and erotic carvings give credibility to the theory…Khajuraho’s erotica were meant to test devotees!

Activities

Visit to the stunning stone temple complexes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; enjoy the educational sound and light shows and the impressive Raneh Falls.

Hotel Option 1

Taj Chandela
Superior Garden Facing Room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

The Lalit Temple View
Deluxe Room

Included
Breakfast

Drive from Khajuraho to Orchha (170 km, 4 hrs)

Orchha

The kingdom of ‘nowhere’! Situated on the banks of the river Betwa, this former capital of the Bundelas now a small village, is set among a wonderful complex of well-preserved palaces and temples. Its picture-book setting with spires and domes breaking the skyline give it an air of peaceful beauty.

Activities

Visit the Raj Mandir, Jahangir Palace and Ram Raja Temple. EI Special Activities:Take a day trip to the legendary land of brave warriors – Jhansi.

Hotel Option 1

Amar Mahal
Deluxe Room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

Amar Mahal
Deluxe Room

Included
Breakfast

Drive from Orchha to Jhansi (20 km, 0.5 hr). Train to Agra.

Agra

Unravel the sheer charm of white marble! Layers of history are peeled away to reveal an amazing tapestry of life, for hiding behind the heat and chaos is a stunning monument etched in cool white marble…the wonder that is called the Taj Mahal; a World Heritage site, an architectural marvel and a testimony of undying love.

Activities

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset, the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, the Agra Fort, the Akbar Mausoleum in Sikandra and Fatehpur Sikri. Enjoy a decorated tonga ride through the fabled city.

Hotel Option 1

The Gateway Hotel
Standard Room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

The Trident
Deluxe Garden View Room

Included
Breakfast

Drive from Agra to Jaipur (250 km, 5 hrs)

Jaipur

The ‘eternal Pink city’ Enclosed within hills, this ‘rose pink’ city founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, is Rajasthan’s capital. The whole city was painted pink by Man Singh when the Prince of Wales and later Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876. Today, every home is obliged by law to maintain this façade.

Activities

Explore the Amber Fort; Govind Devji Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lakshmi Narayan and Ganesh Temples; Albert Hall; City Palace, Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) and the world’s largest stone observatory – Jantar Mantar. Visit the amazing Jaigarh and Nahargarh Forts; Raj Mandir Cinema.

Hotel Option 1

Jas Vilas
Standard Room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

Samode Haveli
Deluxe Room

Included
Breakfast

Drive from Jaipur to Udaipur (450 km, 6 hrs)

Udaipur

The inimitable Lake city! Unlike its desert counterparts, Udaipur is situated in the forested hilly region of the Aravalli Ranges; in complete contrast to the arid deserts of Marwar in the northwest. Tucked away in the midst of hills, the city is an impregnable citadel, with an impressive royal lineage stretching back 26 generations. A do-or-die attitude and a fierce sense of independence characterize Udaipur.

Activities

Visit the City Palace complex; be mesmerized by the stunning architecture of the Jagdish temple; go boating on Lake Picchola, Haldighati. Enjoy day excursions to Ranakpur’s famous Jain Temple and the visually stunning Kumbalgarh Fort; visit the Eklingji Temple; explore the impressive temple ruins at Nagda.

Hotel Option 1

Jagat Niwas Palace
Heritage Lake View

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2

Fateh Garh
Renaissance Room

Included
Breakfast