Dive Deeper into India’s Rich Culture and Heritage

• Arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.
• Private transfer to your hotel with assistance for check-in.
• Afternoon at leisure to recover from your flight or explore nearby neighborhoods.
• Overnight in a luxury hotel in central Delhi (e.g., The Lodhi, ITC Maurya, or similar).

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Old Delhi Tour:
• Visit the imposing Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and residence of Mughal emperors.
• Explore Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, admiring its exquisite Mughal architecture.
• Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, experiencing the lively atmosphere of narrow alleys filled with shops and street food.
• Walk through Khari Baoli Spice Market, Asia’s largest wholesale spice market, to see colorful spices, herbs, and dried fruits.
• Visit Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial site surrounded by tranquil gardens.
• New Delhi Tour:
• Visit the stunning Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful garden tomb and precursor to the Taj Mahal.
• Marvel at the soaring Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, adorned with intricate calligraphy.
• Stop by the Lotus Temple, noted for its unique lotus-flower architecture and tranquil ambiance.
• Drive past India Gate, Parliament House, and the Presidential Residence (Rashtrapati Bhavan).
• Return to hotel for overnight.

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Scenic drive to Agra, stopping enroute for refreshments or a short photo stop at a rural village if desired.
• Check-in to hotel in Agra (luxury options: The Oberoi Amarvilas, ITC Mughal).
• Afternoon visit to Taj Mahal, ideally timed for the soft light of late afternoon. Learn about the romantic history and architectural marvel of this ivory-white mausoleum.
• Tour the vast Agra Fort, exploring its palaces, halls, and gardens built by the Mughals.
• Visit the delicate Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb, sometimes called the “Baby Taj,” a beautiful marble monument.
• Overnight in Agra.

• Early breakfast and drive to Orchha.
• Stop at Gwalior Fort, an imposing hilltop fortress with a rich history and stunning views.
• Visit the Jain Siddhachal Caves with their ancient rock-cut statues, and the Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments.
• Explore Teli Ka Mandir and Sas-Bahu Ka Mandir, noted for their intricate Hindu temple architecture.
• View the grandeur of Jai Vilas Palace, famous for its opulent interiors and large chandeliers.
• Continue drive to Orchha, check in at your heritage hotel or luxury resort (e.g., Amar Mahal or Orchha Resort).
• Late afternoon guided tour of Orchha Fort Complex: explore Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, and visit Chaturbhuj Temple with its impressive tall spire.
• Stroll along the banks of the Betwa River to see the Chattris (cenotaphs), royal tombs with exquisite architecture.
• Overnight in Orchha.

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Khajuraho, check-in at hotel (luxury options: Taj Chandela, Lalit Temple View).
• Afternoon guided tour of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its stunning erotic and spiritual sculptures.
• Explore the Western Group of temples including the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshmana Temple, and others featuring intricate carvings symbolizing various aspects of life and spirituality.
• Visit Eastern and Southern temples with unique architectural styles and fewer crowds.
• Evening at leisure or optional cultural dance show featuring traditional Indian dance forms.
• Overnight in Khajuraho.

• After breakfast, transfer to airport.
• Fly to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India.
• Transfer to hotel (luxury options: BrijRama Palace, Taj Ganges).
• Evening visit to the Ghats of the Ganges River to witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony—an atmospheric and deeply moving ritual with lamps, chanting, and prayers.
• Overnight in Varanasi.

• Pre-dawn boat ride on the Ganges to observe pilgrims bathing and priests performing rituals at sunrise.
• Return to hotel for breakfast.
• Visit Banaras Hindu University, one of India’s premier educational institutions with sprawling campus and beautiful architecture.
• Explore the Bharat Mata Temple featuring a marble relief map of India carved from a single stone.
• Visit Tulsi Manas Mandir, dedicated to Lord Rama, with walls inscribed with verses from the Ramcharitmanas.
• Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the Dhamekh Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and local museums showcasing Buddhist artifacts.
• Overnight in Varanasi.

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai.
• Arrival and transfer to hotel (luxury options: The Taj Mahal Palace, The Oberoi Mumbai).
• Evening at leisure to explore nearby areas or relax.
• Overnight in Mumbai.

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Morning ferry to Elephanta Island to explore the ancient rock-cut Elephanta Caves, dating back to 5th-8th centuries, featuring magnificent Shiva sculptures (closed on Monday).
• Return to Mumbai and visit Gateway of India, a grand colonial-era archway.
• Drive along Marine Drive, also known as the Queen’s Necklace for its sparkling night lights.
• Visit the heritage Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay Museum.
• Stroll through the artistic Kala Ghoda precinct, dotted with galleries and street art.
• Quick stop at Dhobi Ghat, the famous open-air laundry.
• Overnight in Mumbai.

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Fly to Aurangabad, transfer to hotel (luxury options: Vivanta Aurangabad, Taj Residency).
• Visit Ellora Caves, remarkable rock-cut monuments representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain faiths.
• Explore the historic Daulatabad Fort, a formidable hilltop fortress.
• Visit Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.
• See Bibi Ka Maqbara, known as the “Taj of the Deccan,” a beautiful marble mausoleum.
• Explore the Panchakki, an ancient water mill system.
• Overnight in Aurangabad.

• Early breakfast.
• Full-day excursion to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site with 30 Buddhist rock-cut caves renowned for exquisite murals and sculptures illustrating the life of Buddha and Jataka tales.
• Return to Aurangabad for overnight.

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to airport, fly to Delhi.
• Arrival and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, optional shopping or cultural visit with private driver.
• Overnight in Delhi.

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to Delhi airport as per flight schedule for your onward journey.