Incredible -North India Tour

Tour Destination: Delhi - Varanasi (by flight) - Khajuraho - Orchha - Agra – Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur – Jodhpur – Udaipur - Pushkar - Delhi – Amritsar - Dharamshala – Manali – Shimla - Haridwar – Rishikesh - Delhi

Travel Duration:  25 Nights/26 Days

DAY 1: DELHI:- Welcome at New Delhi International Airport. Transfer to hotel. Later in the afternoon half day sightseeing of Old Delhi.

RAJ GHAT- A simple open platform inscribed with the Mahatma's last words, 'Hey Ram' (Oh God) is set in a garden with fountains and a variety of exotic trees.

JAMA MASJID- A magnificent historical creation by Shah Jahan. Composed of marble and sandstone it is one of the largest mosques in India. It also contains a few relics of Prophet Muhammad.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 2: DELHI:- After breakfast visit New Delhi viewing

PRESIDENT’S HOUSE- New Delhi, centers around the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is architecturally a very impressive building standing at a height, flowing down as it were to India Gate. HUMAYUN’S TOMB- The emperor’s grieving widow, Haji Begum, built Humayun’s Tomb the first mature example of Mughal architecture in India, in 1565 AD.

LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE- Also called the Birla Mandir it was built in 1938; the temple is an ideal introduction to some of the gods of the India pantheon. 

LOTUS TEMPLE- TheBahai’s Temple, is shaped like a lotus. It is an eye-catching edifice worth exploring. Built by the Bahai’s community, it offers the visitor a serenity that pervades the temple and its artistic design. 

QUTAB MINAR- It is among the tallest and famous towers in the world. Qutab Minar is famed as the highest brick minaret of the world, located amidst the lush greens of South Delhi. 

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 3: DELHI – VARANASI (By Flight):- Today catch your flight for Varanasi. On reaching transfer to hotel. Evening view “Aarti” ceremony on the Ghats. 

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 4: VARANASI:- After breakfast visit, 

Early morning boat cruise at the river Ganges to observe the way of life of pilgrims by the Ghats. The Ganga Ghats are the main centre of religious activities and rituals and also form one of the main attractions of Varanasi. The Alamgir Mosque, blend of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture, is another important attraction of Varanasi. 

Some of the important temples are Durga Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Tlsi Manas Temple and The Bharat Mata Temple. Other attractions of Varanasi are the Benaras Hindu Universality, the Archeological Museuwm and Buddhist Stupas. Evening view “Aarti” ceremony on the Ghats. 

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 5: VARANASI - KHAJURAHO:- Early morning excursion to Sarnath, 10kms. east of Varanasi, is one of the Buddhism’s pilgrimage centers of India. Post attaining enlightenment, Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first sermon. Later drive to Khajuraho, a unique thousand-year-old heritage temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 6: KHAJURAHO:- After breakfast, visit Khajuraho viewing

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 7: KHAJURAHO – ORCHHA:- After breakfast drive to old and beautiful town- Orchha. Transfer to hotel and after lunch visit Orchha.

CHHATRIS- The cluster of the Chhatris along the KanchanaGhat of the Betwa River is one of the imposing and attractive features in Orchha. These Chhatris are the memorials of the rulers of Orchha.

ORCHHA FORT- The Fort Complex is the main attraction of Orchha, it is located on an island on the Betwa River. Later continue your drive to Agra. On reaching transfer to the hotel. 

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 8: AGRA – FATHEPUR SIKRI - JAIPUR:- In the morning, take on a city tour of Agra.

AGRA FORT- Built in red sandstone, this huge fortress on the bank of the Yamuna. The fort house has many beautiful palaces and mansions, which include Jahangiri Mahal, Khass Mahal, Diwan-i-Khass and Diwan-i-Aam

ITMAD-UD-DUALA TOMB- Also known as Baby Taj, this tomb is a daughter's tribute to her father. Built in 1628 by Nurjahan in memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.

SIKANDRA FORT- it is 4 kms from Agra where Akbar built his mausoleum. Post lunch, continue your drive to Fathepur Sikri, 

FATHEPUR SIKRI- Once the capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar, a deserted, red sandstone city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Further drive to the Pink city of Rajasthan- Jaipur. Transfer to the hotel.  

Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 9: JAIPUR:- After breakfast visit the Pink City.

CITY PALACE- In the heart of the old city is former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.

JANTAR MANTAR- A stone observatory, largest of Jai Singh’s five remarkable observatories. The observatory was built to study the movement of stars. The observatory is built in stone and marble. 

AMER PALACE- A beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh. Tourists often ride on the elephant back to the Singh pool and the Jaleb Chowk. 

Other tourist attractions are Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Govind Deoji Mandir, Rambagh Palace, Kanak Valley and Laxmi Narayan Temple. 

In the evening you can visit CHOWKI DHANI- well-recreated Rajasthani village. You get an evening’s entertainment and rich traditional dinner. You can view Rajasthani dances, potters, cooks, go on animal rides, and visit palm readers etc.

Return back to Jaipur and overnight at hotel.

DAY 10: JAIPUR – JODHPUR:- Next morning drive to the Blue City of Rajasthan- Jodhpur. On reaching, transfer to the hotel. Later visit the city 

JASWANT THADA- It lies quite close to the Mehrangarh Fort complex. It was built in 1899 AD in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and houses the cenotaphs of a number of Rajput royals. The main cenotaph has rare portraits of many Rajput rulers on display. 

ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOR OF JODHPUR- Given the rough terrain it is not surprising that the architecture of the city was influenced by it. Desert architecture is noted for two distinct traits, the need to guard against the heat and to fortify itself against invasions. Fortifications tend to merge with the color of the land, providing it with a natural camouflage.

THE MEHRANGARH FORT- Fort at Jodhpur is such that the fort walls and the sheer basalt escarpment are not distinguishable, one from the other. Huge gates at the entrance are fitted with iron nails to prevent elephants from bringing them down. The palaces and the mansions within the complex are more delicately designed. The chief palaces you can see in the fort are the Phool Mahal, the Moti Mahal, the Jhanki Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal and the Sadar Vilas.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 11: JODHPUR - UDAIPUR:- Next morning on the drive towards Udaipur enroute visit Ranakpur.

Overnight at hotel. 

DAY 12: UDAIPUR:- Full day sightseeing of The City of Lakes-Udaipur. 

Maharaja Jagat Singh II built Lake Palace- the palace. It is situated on Lake Pichola, and it appears to be floating on the lake.

CITY PALACE- The largest palace of Rajasthan, it represents the architectural and artistic evolution of Mewar over the centuries. The palace is divided into various sections, each with its own distinctive 

style.

SAHELIYON KI BARI- This garden was the picnic spot for the 48 royal ladies who were offered to the prince as dowry. The gardens here have lush green lawns & beautiful fountains in the shape of birds - presenting a wonderful sight!

JAGDISH TEMPLE- One of the largest and popular Vishnu Temples of Northern India, this temple has exquisite carvings and four other smaller shrines dedicated to other deities.

AHAR- An ancient capital of Mewar, Ahar is the favorite haunt of archaeologists and research scholars. It houses various famous monuments and temples like the Royal Cenotaphs, Adinath Temple, and Mahavira Temple.

Overnight in hotel.

DAY 13: UDAIPUR - PUSHKAR:- Drive to the holy city of Pushkar. 

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 14: PUSHKAR – DELHI:- Today drive back to New Delhi.  On reaching transfer to the hotel.  Evening free for leisure

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 15: DELHI – AMRITSAR:- By car/train drive to Golden City-Amritsar. Later transfer to hotel.  In the evening visit 

THE GOLDEN TEMPLE- located in the heart of the city, where Sikhs from all over the world come to pay their devotions to Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit Saras Kund (Pool of Immortality) for spiritual purification is the major landmark here.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 16: AMRITSAR:- After breakfast, visit

WAGAH BORDER- Located 28 kilometers from the Amritsar main town on the Indo-Pakistan border. The most fascinating thing here is to see the change of guard’s ceremony and the Flag Hoisting and lowering activities, which are done with great skills by the Border Security Forces (BSF) of both the Countries. 

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 17: AMRITSAR – DHARAMSHALA:- Early morning drive to Dharamshala. Later transfer to the hotel at Dharamshala. Evening go out for shopping.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 18: DHARAMSHALA:- Today visit the city viewing

MCLEODGANJ-Often called the' Little Lhasa' at 1770 m; this is the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet have enhanced the area. 

BHAGSUNATH-Close to fresh water springs; this ancient temple is 11 km from Dharamshala. It is a popular picnic spot and the famous slate quarries are close by. Also visit Dharmkot, Triund, Andretta and many more.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 19: DHARAMSHALA - MANALI:- After breakfast, drive to Manali, enroute visiting Baijnath for the famous Lord Shiva’s Temple and Palampur for the famous tea garden. Later transfer to the hotel. 

In the evening you can visit the MALL ROAD, which is the main shopping center of Manali. A vast variety of goods, handicrafts, wools and shawls, pullovers, and Tibetan carpet.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 20: MANALI:- After breakfast, visit the Switzerland of India-Manali.

ROHTANG PASS-The highest point, 4,112m, on the Manali-Keylong road, 51-km from Manali town.Surrounded by soaring snow-capped mountains, it provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is a sight truly breath-taking. Owing to its picturesque surroundings, this pass serves as an ideal picnic spot for tourists and people from nearby areas. 

SOLANG VALLEY- It offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 21: MANALI:- Explore more places today, like

HADIMBA TEMPLE- Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. It is an ancient shrine that lies a few kilometres away from the main market of Old Manali. This temple is dedicated to Lord Manu, who is considered to the creator of human race on the earth as per the Hindu mythology.

VASHIST HOT & SULPHUR SPRINGS- Renowned for its hot springs and temples. Vashisht is a tiny village that lies towards the Rohtang Pass on the left bank of the Beas River. This place is famous for its ancient temples and hot springs. The popular hot sulphur natural springs at this place receive a lot of visitors year round as it is believed these waters can cure skin diseases.   

KOTHI- a picturesque spot and an ideal resting resorts of poets, writers and the lovers of peaceful environs

Spend your time together; enjoy the snow and other adventurous games. 

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 22: MANALI – SHIMLA:- After early breakfast, drive to the Queen of Hill Stations-Shimla. Later you can visit the MALL ROAD, which is the main shopping center of Shimla. It is considered as the heart of the town. A vast variety of goods, handicrafts, wools and shawls, pullovers, Tibetan carpets, pickles, and squashes are here to offer. Shimla is considered the best market for handicrafts.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 23: SHIMLA:- After breakfast at the hotel, visit the beautiful locations of Shimla.

JAKHU HILL- the highest peak and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas.

KUFRI- 16 kms. from Shimla and the winter sports capital. During winter, visitors have the facility for skiing. Kufri is a lovely picnic spot with a beautiful view of the hills around and the snowy peaks. There is also a zoo that delights children.

FAGU HILL- Situated on Hindustan-Tibet Road and is gifted with some enchanting views.

Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 24: SHIMLA – HARIDWAR:- Drive to the City of Ganges-Haridwar. In the evening go to Har ki Pauri to attend the evening aarti at River Ganges.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 25: HARIDWAR – RISHIKESH:- After breakfast visit Haridwar viewing

MANSA DEVI TEMPLE- One of the most revered temple of Goddess Mansa Devi. The temple is a famous Siddhpeeth and offers panoramic views of the city.

SAPTRISHI ASHRAM- This is an old beautiful ashram built on banks of river Ganga. Later in afternoon drive to Rishikesh. Day free for leisure.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 26: RISHIKESH - DELHI:- After breakfast, visit Rishikesh viewing

LAXMAN JHULA- Lakshman Jhula, the famous hanging bridge across Ganga, is about 3 km from the main township of Rishikesh. As per mythological tales, once Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, crossed river Ganga at the same site where the bridge now stands.

PARMARTH ASHRAM- Founded in 1942 by Pujya Swami Shukdevanand Ji Maharaj, Parmarth Niketan is an ashram located in Rishikesh. It’s the largest ashram in Rishikesh with over a thousand rooms. Parmarth Niketan provides its thousands of pilgrims a clean, pure and sacred atmosphere as well as abundant, beautiful gardens.

Drive back to New Delhi to catch your flights towards onward destination.