Emperor & Empires, Fort, Palaces & Temple, North & South India 14 days

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport, assistance & transfer to the hotel (hotel check-in/out time: 12 pm). Rest time is free for personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 Delhi (B)

City tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi, visit the majestic Red Fort (closed on Monday), the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market, a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewellery and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath is the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated after his assassination. In New Delhi, visit Humayun Tomb, the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture, commissioned by Humayun`s first wife, Empress Bega Begum, in 1569-70. Qutab Minar, a 73-metre tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine example of Afghan architecture. The Lotus Temple, a Bahai House of Worship notable for its flower-like shape. Also, drive past the President's House, Parliament & India Gate, etc. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 Delhi - Agra (204kms) (B)

Drive to Agra, check in at the hotel. Later, visit the Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Agra Fort was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. And Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb was commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 Agra - Jaipur (245kms) (B)

Drive to Jaipur via visiting Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city predominantly constructed a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area. See the graceful buildings including Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bai Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & Buland Darwaza. Next visit Abhaneri, a small village popular for India`s deepest, largest and amazing stepwell & a Hindu Temple. Continue driving to Jaipur, check in at the hotel. Evening, explore the local market of Pink City. Overnight at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 Jaipur (B)

City tour of Jaipur, the first planned city of India. Established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the king of Amber, when he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly growing population and increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city. In 1876, the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur, and the entire city was painted pink, the symbolic colours of hospitality, to welcome him. Jaipur rises majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple. In the morning, visit Amber Fort, followed by Jaigarh Fort. Later visit City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal, Sisodia Rani Garden & Birla temple. Explore the famous bazaars of Pink City, its rich history and heritage exude an amazing mix of royalty and art. Overnight at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 Jaipur - Hyderabad (B)

Transfer to the airport to board the flight for Hyderabad. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Day free & easy for visiting the local market and individual activities with your driver. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 Hyderabad (B)

Explore a 400-year-old metropolitan city teeming with bustling bazaars & Muslim monuments. City tour of Hyderabad, explore a 400-year metropolitan city teeming with bustling bazaars & Muslim monuments. Visit Golconda Fort, renowned for its diamond mines that have given the world-famous Kohinoor and Darya-i-noor diamonds. The ancient fort complex of Golconda will charm you with its history, tinged with legends and anecdotes. Qutub Shahi Tombs is a group of small and big mosques and tombs built by the rulers of the Qutub Shah dynasty on a raised platform and have a dome-shaped structure. Charminar, built in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah, is an identifying landmark of Hyderabad. It is also famous for the market that sprawls around it called the Laad Bazaar. Salar Jung Museum (Friday closed) is a treat for tourists, famous for being the third largest museum in the country, having the largest antiques collection dating back to the first century. Chowmahalla Palace (Friday closed) is the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, where the Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors. Birla Mandir, made of pure white Rajasthani marble, is a temple whose beauty leaves you awestruck. Also drive past Hussain Sagar Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes, renowned for its monolith of Lord Buddha placed right at the centre of the lake. Overnight at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 Hyderabad - Gulbarga (260kms) (B)

Drive to Gulbarga via visiting Bidar Fort, one of the magnificent forts rebuilt by Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali of the Bahmani Dynasty, when his capital was moved from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1430 AD, along with several Islamic monuments. The Bidar fort is a specimen of the Persian architecture, surrounded by three miles long walls and comprising 37 bastions, a triple moat & seven gates. The 12 tombs of the Bahmani Sultans are huge structures with beautiful arches, niches and lofty domes. The Rangeen Mahal, built in the mid-16th century, the tile work and granite with mother-of-pearl inlay work are the exclusive features of the citadel walls. Narasimha Jhira, a wonderful cave temple situated on the outskirts of Bidar town dedicated to the lion god Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Temple is known for its natural beauty and is considered to be very sacred. Arrive Gulbarga, check in & overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 Gulbarga - Bijapur (170kms) (B)

Visit the Gulburga Fort, a leftover of the Brahmani era, which was originally built by Raja Gulchand. Later, 15 towers were added by Allah-ud-din Bahmani to the existing structure of the fort. The fort contained 15 towers and 26 guns, of which one was 8 metres long. Jama Masjid is a 14th-century mosque in the Fort complex, which marks the establishment of the Bahmani Kingdom in the Deccan. Jama Masjid's interior is similar to the Great Cathedral-Mosque of Cordoba in Spain. The Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, built in the twelfth century, this temple is a marvel of Hindu stone carvings. The pillars, walls and towers of the site are covered with intricate carvings of Hindu gods, goddesses, demigods, damsels, animals and events from local lore. The tomb of Sufi mystic Khwaja Bande Nawaz is a unique confluence of religious diversity. The Persian, Indo-Saracenic and Arabic influences on the building are evident from the dome and towers that surround the tomb. Later, drive to Bijapur, check in & overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 Bijapur - Badami (120kms) (B)

Visit Bijapur Fort, which has a plethora of historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Prominent attraction includes Asar Mahal built in 1640 used to serve as a Hall of Justice, Bara Kaman the unfinished mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II, Gol Gumbaz the second largest dome in the world, Jama Masjid noted for graceful twin minarets, Malik-e-Maidan the biggest cannon ever made in the history of world & Mehtar Mahal built in 1620 the most elegant structure within the fort & the Ibrahims Rouza built in the 15th century. Later, drive to Badami, check in & overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Badami (B)

Excursion to visit Aihole, a historical site & home to over 125 beautiful Chalukyan temples and monuments from the 6th to 12th century. A few important monuments in Aihole include the Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Ravanaphadi Cave Temples, Huchimalli Temple, Meganagudi Group Temple, Gowda Temple and the Huchappayyagudi Temple, amongst numerous others. And Pattadakal is a treasure trove of Hindu and Jain temple complexes built in the 7th and 8th centuries CE. The various temples that one must visit are Virupaksha Temple, Jain Temple, Papanatha Temple, Galaganath Temple, and Sangameshwara Temple. Also visit Badami Cave consists of four separate temples, each holding intricate carvings & depictions. Badami Fort is perched on the top of a cliff, accompanied by two Shivalaya complexes dating back to the 5th century & watchtower atop a hill. And Agastya Lake is surrounded by red sandstone temples. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 Badami - Hampi (180kms) (B)

Drive to Hampi via visiting Gadag, a place of historical importance, famous for its ancient Hindu & Jain temples and medieval architecture. Constructed between the 10th to 12th centuries CE by the Kings of the Chalukyan Empire, the Trikuteshwar Temple is famous for its style of architecture, and the temple has three Shivalingas carved out of a single rock. And Lakkundi is a heaven of ancient temple ruins and step wells. It is a place of antiquarian interest with more than 50 ancient temples scattered all over the village, 101 stepped wells built during the rule of the Chalukyas, Seuna, Kalachuris and Hoysalas. These temples are most famous for their ornate and elaborate furnishing. Arrive at Hampi, check in & overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 Hampi (B)

City tour of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire on the bank of the River Tungabhadra. Although the city was destroyed by marauding Moghul invaders in the 16th century, much of it remains today. The vast site of monuments and ruins is a mute witness to an era of glories, triumphs and tragedies. The ruins of Hampi are so majestic and imposing that they leave the visitor dumbfounded, awestruck and humbled. Visit Hazara Rama Temple, Kings Balance, Mahanavami Dibba, Royal enclosures, Statue of Ugra Narasimha Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple Complex, Lotus Mahal & ASI Museum. Overnight at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 Hampi - Hubli Airport (140kms) (B)

Transfer to Hubli airport to board the flight for Mumbai/ Hyderabad/ Delhi, or Bangalore.