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Detailed Itinerary
 A perfect blend of the more popular and the lesser known but equally magical places in North and Central India. The tour unfolds a land steeped in history, religion, culture and architecture. From the grand palaces of the Rajput Maharajas and the huge forts and fortress-palaces of Gwalior and Orchha, to the exquisitely carved erotic temples of 10th century Chandela kings and the memorable bathing ghats of Varanasi, on the banks of the holy Ganga. A must for everyone wishing to experience the real heart of India.
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Met upon arrival and transfer to hotel. After break fast proceed for the combined sight seeing of New and Old Delhi covering Birla Temple, India gate, Parliament area, Government buildings, Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar, Gandhi memorial, Jama Masjid. Overnight Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi – Jaipur 5 hrs
Morning leave by car, visiting enroute Amber, to take and elephant ride to the hilltop fort. Arrive Jaipur early in the afternoon and proceed to your hotel. Remainder of day at leisure.
Day 03 : Jaipur
This morning tour Jaipur visiting the City Palace complex which includes the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) built in 1799, the Jantar Mantar observatory which is still equipped with ancient instruments including a very accurate 90 foot sundial, and the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. Afternoon at leisure to visit perhaps the kite shops at Sanganer Gate or the colourful bazaars of Bapu and Johari. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 04 : Jaipur – Agra 5 hrs
After breakfast leave by car to Agra visiting enroute Fatehpur Sikri, which is probably the best preserved and most complete Mughal palace city of all. Built by Akbar around 1570 he used the highest quality craftsmen to construct the city, only to abandon it some years later, presumably because the water supply failed. Arrive Agra early in the afternoon and proceed to your hotel. Agra, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, was, at the time of the Moghuls, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the capital of India. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 05 : Agra
In the morning visit the immortal Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jehan, in memory of this wife Mumtaz Mahal. Also visit the fort and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Afternoon free to re visit the Taj or to explore the bazaars near the fort.
Day 06 : Agra – Gwalior 6 hrs
Leave by car for Gwalior, established in the 8th century. It is noted for its large hilltop fort, which is one of the oldest in India. In the afternoon visit the fort, which contains the 15th century palace of Raja Man Singh and the Teli-ka-Mandira, and ancient temple. Gwalior is also and important center of Indian classical music and each December a great music festival is held here.
Day 07 : Gwalior – Orchha 4 hrs
After and early breakfast leave for mediaeval Orchha, stopping enroute at Datia to view the beautiful sedentary hilltop Gobinda Palace. Then onto Orchha, on the banks of the Betwa River. This former capital of the Bundela Rajputs has been left relatively undisturbed by time. Orchha is rich in mural art and architecture-visit the Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Overnight at the Sheesh Mahal.
Day 08 : Orchha – Khajuraho 5 hrs
This morning drive onto Khajuraho, important for its magnificent Chandela temples. Arrive Khajuraho in the afternoon and preceed to your hotel for overnight.
Day 9 : Khajuraho
Morning visit to the temples-which form probably one of the best examples of Indian art. Afternoon free to revisit the temples at your leisure.
Day 10 : Khajuraho – Varanasi by flight 40 min
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. On arrival proceed to your hotel. Varanasi, the eternal city, is the holiest Hindu city in India and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Afternoon city tour, visiting the temples in the old city and the Emperor Aurangzeb Mosque.
Day 11 : Varanasi
Early morning boats ride on the Ganges to view the sunrise and to see the rituals that take place along the ghats (waterside steps). Afternoon visit Sarnath to see the Chinese and Buddhist temples and the interesting Sarnath Museum.
Day 12 : Varanasi – Delhi by flight 1 hr
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Delhi. Assistance on arrival. And connect to your international flight to London.
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