Temples, Tigers & The Taj

Best time to visit: October to March
Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Routing: Delhi - Jaipur - Agra – Ranthambhore -  Fatehpur Sikri – Jhansi – Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi Departure

Best available hotels:

Places	Best Available Hotels
Delhi	The Oberoi
Jaipur	Rambagh Palace
Ranthambhore	Aman I Khas
Agra	Oberoi Amarvilas
Orchha	Hotel Raj Mahal The Palace
Khanjuraho	The Lalit Temple View
Varanasi	Taj Nadesar Palace

Trip Highlights
City	Major Attraction
Delhi	Old Delhi: Rajghat, Jama Masjid, Red Fort New Delhi : India Gate , President’s House, Humayun's Tomb,
Jaipur	Amer Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal
Ranthambhore	Wildlife Jeep Safari
Agra	Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandra
Orchha	Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Ram Raja Temple
Khanjuraho	Chandela Eroctic Temples
Varanasi	Evening Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat, Morning Boat ride, Sarnath Excursion

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive by Internal flight, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi takes pride in being the capital of the country for many dynasties. It is in fact a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. A vibrant melting pot, it encapsulates two very different worlds, the 'old' and the 'new', each representing delectably different experiences. It is sprinkled with glittering gems like: captivating ancient monuments, magnificent museums, a vivacious performing-arts scene and some of the subcontinent's yummiest places to eat. Delhi blends within its folds the great cultural variety of India. Delhi is not just a name; it is a feeling. Come experience it...
Overnight Hotel – Delhi

Day 02: Delhi Sightseeing
Post breakfast late morning start your day with a private guided city of Old Delhi

Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation 20 on 31 January 1948.
Continue the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best-known mosque in India.

Experience the rickshaw ride ‘a friendly local guide takes you through the bustling streets for an authentic glimpse of the ‘walled city’ in the heart of Delhi. As you travel by foot and rickshaw, explore KhariBaoli, Spice Market, visit a Sikh temple & admire historical landmarks and more…

Post lunch Continue private guided tour of New Delhi:  Drive past India Gate, and a memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls.

President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India.

Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India.
Qutub Minar built in 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar and its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bahai Temple; Bahá’í House of Worship, popularly known as the Lotus Temple located in New Delhi, India. Like eight Houses of Worship around the world, this magnificent structure stands for the principle of the oneness of humankind. This edifice is dedicated to the one God, the Creator of all humanity and of the entire universe. 

Enjoy the rest of the free time. Enjoy light sightseeing of Delhi & shopping at some High-end Fashion stores of Delhi and also visit Craft Emporiums etc with our shopping expert.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

Day 03: Delhi – Jaipur (Drive 262 Kms / 5-6 Hrs)
Post breakfast driven to Jaipur: popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of velour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore the local market of PINK City.

Optional: Explore and discover the culinary wealth of Rajasthan on a private cooking session (approx. 2 Hrs) at a fine Rajsthani home specially organized for you. Learn the culinary art of Rajasthani cuisine is also gaining more popularity due to the rich taste, exotic flavour and healthy preparation.
Overnight Hotel – Jaipur (B)

Day 04: Jaipur Sightseeing
Post breakfast private guided sightseeing of PINK City, Jaipur  
Start your day with an exciting adventure overwhelming experience of elephant ride at Amber
Fort, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh.

City Palace a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city.

Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory) an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date.

Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen by the world through its 593 stoneJharokas (mini windows).

Later we will take you for a demonstration of hand block printing work, the traditional process of hand block printing on textiles, with rich natural colors, has been practiced in Rajasthan for around 500 years. Block printing was introduced to the Jaipur region of Rajasthan by the Chhipa community.

Rest of the day at leisure to explore the local market of PINK City.
Overnight Hotel – Jaipur (B)

Day 05: Jaipur – Ranthambhore (165 Kms / 3.5 Hrs)
Post breakfast drive to Ranthambore National Park, bounded to the north by Banas River & to the Chambal River in the south. It is named after the historic Ranthambore fortress, which lies within the park. The Park was established as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in the year 1955 by the Indian Government & was declared as Project Tiger reserves in the year 1973. It became National Park in the year 1980 & later in the year 1991 the tiger reserve was enlarged to include Sawai Man Singh & Keladevi sanctuaries, total area 1334 km.

It is famous for its tiger population & is one of India's Project Tiger reserves. Other Major wild animals found in the national park include the tiger, leopard, nilgai, dhole, wild pig, sambar, chital & the gaur. It is also home to a wide variety of trees, plants, birds & reptiles.

Rest of the time relax at a wildlife resort.

Overnight Hotel – Ranthambhore (B, D)

Day 06: Ranthambore National Park
Morning & Afternoon private Jeep safari with an English naturalist in the Jungle to view the enchanting wildlife. While safari you will drive past Ranthambore Fort; was constructed in the year 944 AD. From this fort, you could have a breath-taking view of Ranthambore National Park. The massive construction of 7 kms circumference is one among the oldest forts in India.

Rest of the time relax at a wildlife resort.
Overnight Hotel – Ranthambhore (B, L, D)

Day 07: Ranthambhore – Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (Drive 260 km - 6 hours)
Post breakfast drive to Agra en-route Abhaneri; a great historical site of the 7th Century Step well or “Bawri”, which is a unique invention of the natives. It is one of India's largest step wells and is located in front of the Harshat Mata Temple, an ancient 7th Century Sun Temple.  

Enjoy a camel ride (OWN) through Abhaneri Village, visit to the onsite farm & experience the traditional village life from close quarter, followed by a traditional lunch (OWN).  Continue driven to Agra, en route a private guide visit to FatehpurSikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. Also visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex, Mosque &Tomb of Salim Chisti.

On arrival proceed guided visit of Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations.

Post Taj Mahal visit we will take you for a demonstration of the 350-year-old tradition of Marble Inlay, a craftwork also known as Pietra Dura was introduced in India in the 17th century by the Mughals and primarily made famous by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal, the cenotaph of the emperor and his wife, is a classic example of beautiful marble inlay. Visit a workshop where this beautiful art form is being practiced even today.
Overnight Hotel – Agra (B)

Day 08: Agra – Jhansi {Bhopal Shatabdi 12002 @ 0811 / 0923 Hrs} 
Jhansi – Khajuraho via Orchha (75 Kms / 2 hrs)
Morning visit of Taj Mahal “Symbol of eternal LOVE Taj Mahal” at dawn (Closed on Friday), which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, MumtazMahal. It was completed in 22 years.

Later transfer to railway station to board the train to Jhansi. On arrival drive to Khajuraho en-route visiting Orchha Fort complex Within the Fort complex we visit Jahangir Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orchha.
Raj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo.
Ram Raja temple, palace-turned-temple with soaring spires & palatial architecture. Built by the King Madhukar Shah it is one of the most unusual temples in India & the only place where Lord Rama is worshipped as a King not as a deity.
Continue…drive to Khajuraho, built between 950-1050 AD by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, a truly inspired burst of creativity. Contain stunningly explicit erotic sculptures. They were rediscovered in the 20th century, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight Hotel – Khajuraho (B)

Day 09: Khajuraho – Varanasi {Spice SG 2931@ 1440 / 1535 Hrs}
Post breakfast visit Khajuraho temples, famous for the magnificent carvings depicting numerous exotic postures of the famous Kamasutra, ancient Indian work on sex. Only 22 temples survive of the 85 originally built. In fact, worship is still done today in the Matangeshwara temple, continuing an unbroken 1000-year tradition.

Post Lunch board the flight to Varanasi on arrival transfer to hotel.

Varanasi; picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism.

Evening Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat. (Not to Miss activities, highly recommended)
Evening on Varanasi’s riverbank, which lights up as thousands congregate to witness the aarti ceremony – one of the most popular and important rituals of the Hindu faith. Hear temple bells ring out as pilgrims chant and pray before a row of young Brahman priests who wave flaming oil lamps in worship of the Ganges. Watching this scene from the river is unforgettable!
Followed by shopping of Banarasi Silk Sarees have been an integral part of every North Indian bride’s trousseau since time immemorial. Varanasi, being one of the oldest places in the world.

Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)

Day 10: Varanasi
Start your DAY with a private boat ride on the river Ganges.  Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rise, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy.
Also visit Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest among the sacred riverfronts, alongside the river Ganga. It believed that a dead human's soul finds salvation, when cremated here. 
Later visit the Kaal Bhairav Mandir is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Varanasi, India. Situated in Bharonath, Vishweshwarganj, this temple has great historical and cultural importance in Hinduism; especially amongst the locals. Followed by Kashi Vishwanath (Darshan), the patron deity of Varanasi. The gold-covered temple where the deity resides is closed to non-Hindus, but the streets surrounding it are a fascinating mix of commerce and faith. 
Post breakfast a private guided excursion to Sarnath; the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.

Rest of the time is free for shopping of Banarasi Silk Sarees have been an integral part of every North Indian bride’s trousseau since time immemorial. Varanasi, being one of the oldest places in the world.
Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)

Day 11: Varanasi – Delhi {Air India AI 405 @ 1215 / 1425 Hrs}
Post breakfast, transfer to airport to board the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to hotel.

Rest of the time is free for relax at hotel.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

Day 12: Delhi Departure
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight to Delhi, taking back a wonderful holiday experience.

Tour Concludes: Exceptional Escapes Manager will assist you with your transfer to the airport for boarding onward flight.

Highlights & Inclusions:         

• Tried and Tested stylish hotel accommodation for 11 Nights.
• Complimentary Breakfast at all the hotels.
• Welcome soft drink on arrival at the hotel.
• 02 Bottle mineral water per person daily.
• All airport transfers by Private Vehicle or Similar Car with friendly chauffeur throughout the tour.
• 02 Sharing Jeep (AM/PM) Safari in Ranthambhore to view the enchanting wildlife.
• Local English speaking Guide as per the itinerary.
• Rickshaw ride in Delhi.
• Elephant ride in Jaipur.
• Ac Chair car train fare for the sector Agra - Jhansi.
• Evening Aarti & Morning Boat ride in Varanasi.
• 5% IGST (Integrated Goods & Service Tax) would be additional on total Invoice. A 24x7 personal phone- in concierge at your disposal throughout your stay in India.

Package does not include:: Any Monument entry fee & camera fee, Any International or Domestic airfare, Any optional service, Any expense of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry, one/fax calls, tips etc, Any other expense not mentioned in the “Package includes”.