North India with Khajuraho & Varanasi

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Day 1 : Arrival in Delhi
Depart UK – Overnight Flight

Day 02 – DAY 03 New Delhi
After relaxing on arrival, your fascinating introduction to bustling Delhi begins from Connaught Place, the vibrant heart of the city that leads to the chaotic bazaars of Old Delhi. Walk inside the mighty Red Fort of Emperor Shah Jahan and take a rickshaw ride through the colourful markets of Chandni Chowk to reach the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque).

New Delhi contains many Imperial architectural masterpieces of Sir Edwin Lutyen. Visit Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at ‘Rajghat’ before driving along the Rajpath to the monumental India Gate where you can also view the President’s Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan), Indian Parliament and other government buildings.

New Delhi also has the finest restaurants in India where you may sample fine authentic cuisine at superb local and international restaurants.

Day 04 – Day 05 Varanasi
Internal Flight Delhi - Varanasi: 1 Hour 10 Mins

Located on the banks of the great River Ganges, the holy city of Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world and embodies much of the myth and culture of Hinduism. You can take an afternoon Walking Tour of the ‘Bathing Ghats’ or a Rickshaw Ride to observe the ceremonies on the riverbanks.

The best view of Varanasi can be enjoyed on an Early Morning Boat-Ride on the Ganges to see thousands of devotees at prayer along the Ghats or riverbanks.

The River Ganges at sunrise set against the backdrop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the Most Impressive Sights In The World- definitely a must see on any trip to Northern India.
Very near to Varanasi lies Sarnath, the site of the Deer Park, where the Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. It is one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage sights of the world.

Day 06 – Day 07 Khajuraho
Internal Flight Varanasi - Khajuraho: 40 Mins

Few people are aware that Khajuraho is now India’s Second Most Visited Tourist Attraction. A short flight from Varanasi brings you to this site, full of remarkable medieval temples, graced with some of the most exquisite sculptures in the country.

Built in the hundred years between 950 and 1050 AD the Khajuraho temples were constructed by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela Rajput dynasty, in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 that were originally built.



A very atmospheric Son Et Lumière Show (Sound And Light) in the evening is a perfect introduction to the impressive creations at Khajuraho. This can be followed by a more detailed visit to see the Eastern Group Of Temples the next morning.

Day 08 – Day 09 Orchha
A road journey from Khajuraho takes you to Orchha, once the capital of the Bundela kings, dotted with majestic monuments.

The 16th century palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers appear to be suspended in time. The exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful ‘chhatris’ gives spectacular views of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs.
By Train From Jhansi To Agra
Jhansi - Agra (Shatabdi Express - 1730- 2000 hrs)
Board the afternoon train from the nearby railway junction at Jhansi to Agra. This will be a fine chance to experience a classic Indian Train Journey through the Northern Plains - one of the ‘must-do’s’ for anyone planning a holiday in India.

Taj Mahal
A visit to the splendid Taj Mahal at Agra is of course going to be the highlight of anyone’s visit to India. Built as a mausoleum for his wife by the Emperor Shah Jahan, its breathtaking beauty is best observed in the early morning as it basks in the glow of the rising sun. The way the polished marble structure changes colour with the sun’s rays indeed a sight to behold.

The Red Fort Of Agra
Agra also contains The Red Fort, a massive and imposing red sandstone fort which contains a series of fairy tale palaces. All of the great Mughal Emperors lived and governed the Empire from here.

The Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) once housed the famous Peacock Throne. The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) was used to receive kings and dignitaries, and features the black throne of Jehangir. The Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) is a royal dressing room featuring tiny mirror-like glass-mosaic decorations on the walls.

Day 10 – Day 11 Jaipur
The 'Pink City' of Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and is a glorious introduction to the history of the Rajputs.

The City Palace
The magnificent Maharajah’s Palace is now a fascinating museum housing some of the treasures of Jaipur’s princely past. These include collections of royal costumes, a weapons museum with an amazing collection of guns and art galleries with lovely miniature portraits.



The Hawa Mahal (1799) or Palace Of Winds, is a five story building with an extraordinary façade that was originally built to enable the women of the royal household to watch the everyday life and the processions of the city. The Jantar Mantar was an astronomical observatory, created by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.

The Old City
You can wander around the narrow alleyways and colourful bazaars of the ‘Old City’, including Johari Bazaar - the famous jewellers' market that has the best selection of precious stones in India.

Amber Fort
Amber was the capital of the gallant Rajputs from 1037 to 1728 AD. You can ride on Elephant Back to reach the fort and palace. The imposing Amber Fort was constructed by Raj Man Singh in 1592. The austere exterior of the fort gives way to a beautiful fusion of Hindu and Mughal influences.

Day 12
On your return to Delhi, visit its southern landmarks including the Qutub Minar, built in the 12th century, and Humayun’s Tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal.

Day 13
Depart Delhi – Daytime Flight