The Glimpses of India

Today arrival at Delhi airport. Excel's representative will meet you as you exit the arrival terminal building after which you would be transferred to your hotel.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power.
In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers. Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India.

Today city tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of royal Shah Jahanabad, visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar. Drive past Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.
Afternoon attention focuses on New Delhi, visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. President's House, the official residence of the President of India.

Morning breakfast at Hotel. In time transfer to Airport to connect flight for Varanasi, the holy city of India, is also known by the name of Kashi and Benaras. Kashi, the city of Moksha for Hindus since centuries. Varanasi is the most popular pilgrimage point for the Hindus. One of the seven holiest cities, Varanasi city is also one the Shakti Peethas and one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India. In Hinduism it is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births. Arrive Varanasi airport & transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Enjoy an early morning boat ride on River Ganges. Take a tour of Varanasi city visiting the Hanuman Temple, Benaras Hindu University and the Bharat Mata Temple.
Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. Evening back to Varanasi.

Today in time transfer to Airport to connect flight for Khajuraho, much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. Arrive Khajuraho airport & transfer to hotel.
Afternoon visit Temples of Khajuraho city : Founded in the 9th and 10th century by the rulers of Chandela Dynasty famous foe erotic sculptures influenced by “Kama Sutra”.

Today drive to Jhansi (172 kms/4 hrs). En-route visit Orcha Fort- the erstwhile capital city of the Bundela rulers. The town is steeped in history and is famous for its palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The architectural splendor of the monuments in Orchha reflects the glory of its rulers.
Continue you journey overland and drive to Jhansi Railway Station. Upon arrival connect Shatabdi Exp at 1756 hrs for Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from the year 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments. Arrive Agra at 2025 hrs & transfer to hotel.

Today full day city tour of Agra visiting 16th-century Agra Fort & experiencing the magnificent monument to Eternal Poetry of love, the Taj Mahal (Friday Close), symbol of eternal love, It was built by Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal & Sikandara - Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.

Morning drive to Jaipur, stop en-route for visiting of Fatehpur Sikri (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. Visit Emperor Akbars Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti.
Continue you journey overland and drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of valor & 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. Upon arrival check into Hotel.

Morning excursion will take us to the AMBER FORT, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. Enjoy a unique experience of riding a caparisoned elephant from the foothills of the ramparts of the ancient fort (subject to availability).
Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture, Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory)- an astronomical treasure house with solar devices that give accurate predictions, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)- a five-storied structure of pink sandstone and Maharajah's observatory- originally built in the city's early years.

Today drive to Pushkar- an important pilgrimage spot. The Pushkar lake has a mythological significance associated with it. According to myth, Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a 'Yagna' (a fire sacrifice). While contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places. One of them was Pushkar, where Lord Brahma performed his Yagna.
Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon visit Pushkar Lake, Lord Brhama Temple etc.

Today drive to Udaipur, One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, is also known as the city of lakes.
En-route visit Nagda, the ancient capital of Mewar & Eklingji (The Guardian Deity of Mewar) A religious place also well known as the abode of Lord Shiva. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Today proceed for half day city tour of Udaipur visiting City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, Sahelion- ki-Bari, Fatehsagar Lake, Sajjan Niwas Garden.

Today in time transfer to Udaipur airport to connect flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi & connect onward destination flight.