Magnificent Wonders Of India 15 days

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport, assistance & transfer to the hotel (check in/out time 12 pm). Rest time is free for personal activities. O/n 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 flowerlike shape. Also, drive past the President's House, Parliament & India Gate, etc. O/n at the hotel.

Day 3 Delhi - Amritsar (B)

Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the railway station to board the Satabdi train (Train No.12 29 SWARNA SHTBDI, 720/ 1345hr) to Amritsar.

On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later excursion to visit the Wagah border to attend the beating retreat ceremony. Every evening, just before sunset, the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a 30-minute display of military camaraderie and showmanship. During the build-up to the ceremony, the crowd engages in chanting the Indian national anthem, rounds of applause and Bollywood-style dancing to Hindi songs. O/n at the hotel.

Day 4 Amritsar - Dharamsala (210km) (B)

City tour of Amritsar. Visit the Golden Temple, one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs, famous for its full golden dome. The central Sikh Museum is atop the Clock Tower. The Guru Ka Langar offer free food to around 20,000 people every day. The number shoots up to 1,00,000 on special occasions. The Durgiana Temple, though a Hindu temple, its architecture similar to the Golden Temple. The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is famous for its rare and priceless collections, particularly Paintings, Weapons, Armours, Manuscripts, & Coins. Gobindgarh Fort was originally built in the 18th century. It was conquered and enhanced in the early 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who renamed it after the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The fort had five cannons, which included the famous two Zamzama cannons. Rickshaw ride and walking tour of the old market in Amritsar.

Drive to Dharamsala, check in & O/n at the hotel.

Day 5 Dharamsala (B)

Visit McLeodganj, home to most of the Tibetan exiles. At McLeodganj, the Tibetans have established many monasteries, schools and temples. The main Buddhist temple is a five-minute walk from the main bazaar. The temple is surrounded by red and gold prayer wheels that are set in motion by devotees to scatter prayers in the air. Bhagsunag Temple is one of the oldest temples, surrounded by lovely pools and lush greenery. The two pools around the temple are believed to be sacred and are considered to contain miraculous powers of healing powers. Bhagsu Waterfalls is a peaceful, serene place recommended by Lonely Planet for a nice feel of nature throughout. Dal Lake, surrounded by Deodar trees, with the temple of Durgeshwara Mahadev by the lakeside. Church of St. John in the Wilderness, a neo-Gothic church built in 1852. O/n at the hotel.

Day 6 Dharamsala - Delhi - Jaipur (265km) (B)

Transfer to the Dharamsala airport to board the flight for Delhi. On arrival, meet your driver and proceed to Jaipur, check in at the hotel. Evening explore the pink city's colourful bazaars. O/n at the hotel.

Day 7 Jaipur (B)

Visit Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Sisodia Rani Garden, City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal & Birla Temple. Further explore the local market of Pink City. O/n at the hotel.

Day 8 Jaipur - Agra (245km) (B)

Drive to Agra via visiting Abhaneri, a small village popular for India`s deepest, largest and amazing stepwell & a Hindu Temple. Next visit Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city, predominantly 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.

Continue driving to Agra, check in & O/n at the hotel.

Day 9 Agra - Orchha (220km) (B)

Sunrise visit the Taj Mahal, Agra & Baby Taj.

Drive to Orchha en route visit Gwalior Fort, situated on top of a hill, is one of the best fortresses of India, known for its great architecture and rich past. The fort complex includes several temples, palaces and water tanks. Siddhachal Caves and Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments are the two areas, complete with thousands of Jain Tirthankar idols defaced during the Mughal invasion. Teli Ka Mandir and Sas-Bahu Ka Mandir are the two architecturally rich Hindu temples here. Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhor is another holy place built inside the fort complex. Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, Assi Khamba Ki Baoli, and Suraj Kund are other important monuments found in the complex. Jai Vilas Palace has the largest carpet in the world and the two largest chandeliers in the world that weigh close to 3.5 tonnes.

Arrive Orchha, check in & O/n at the hotel.

Day 10 Orchha - Khajuraho (178km) (B)

City tour of Orchha, a historical town known for its grand palaces, intricately carved temples adorned with classic mural paintings, frescos and cenotaphs that were constructed to commemorate the Bundela rulers. Visit the Orchha Fort complex, which houses a large number of ancient monuments. These are Raja Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, a temple, gardens and pavilions. Chaturbhuj Temple is a multi-storied structure noted for having one of the tallest Vimanas among Hindu temples. Chattris (Cenotaphs) situated on the banks of the Betwa River are magnificent royal tombs of the Maharajas, placed on a platform and supported by pillars.

Drive to Khajuraho, check in at the hotel. Evening light & sound show. O/n at the hotel.

Day 11 Khajuraho - Varanasi (B)

Visit a well-maintained UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring the eastern, western & southern groups of temples adorned by erotic and sensuous carvings. The architecture of these temples depicts the erotic forms of love, and the carvings on the walls display passion in the most sensuous yet aesthetic ways. Built between 950 to 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty, the temples of Khajuraho are India`s unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world`s great artistic wonders.

Transfer to the airport to board the flight for Varanasi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening attend Holy Ganga Aarti, a magical ritual held every evening at sunset on the banks of the Holy Ganges. The entire Ghat gets illuminated with a divine light that can be felt strongly. The magnificent ritual involves huge brass lamps lit with oil, and the priests chant the holy mantras that reverberate in the entire location. The entire Ghat gets illuminated with a divine light that can be felt strongly. The magnificent ritual involves huge brass lamps lit with oil, and the priests chant the holy mantras that reverberate in the entire location. O/n at the hotel.

Day 12 Varanasi (B)

Early morning boat ride & Ghat visit along the Ganges, and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water.

Later city tour will visit Banaras Hindu University. With a 5.3 sq km campus and 30,000 resident students, it is the largest residential university on the continent. Bharat Mata Temple, built in 1936, houses a relief map of undivided India, carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Mandir is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi. The temple has beautiful images of Lord Rama, Mother Sita, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman. The walls of the temple are adorned with verses from Ramcharitmanas, the Hindi version of the epic Ramayana. Continue to Sarnath, it was here that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining the Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The great Dhamekh Stupa and glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C. stand testimony to the importance the place enjoyed at that time.

If time permits, visit Ram Nagar Fort located on the eastern bank of the River Ganga. The Fort includes an eccentric museum boasting a royal collection of vintage cars, swords, palanquins, ivory works, an old weaponry section and an extremely unusual astrological clock. O/n at the hotel.

Day 13 Varanasi - Bodhgaya (250km) (B)

Drive to Bodhgaya, check in at the hotel.

Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 54mts tall temple has been renovated over the years. It enshrines a large golden Buddha and is encompassed by an ancient railing, dating back to 100 BC. Bodhi Tree, where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, and the Vajrasana, where Buddha sat. Also visit the Great Buddha Statue, Tibetan Monastery housing the Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha), Burmese Temple, Chinese Temple and Monastery, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, Thai Temple and Monastery, and many more. O/n at the hotel.

Day 14 Bodhgaya - Patna (170km) - Delhi (B)

Drive to Patna via visiting Rajgir, a spiritual town with natural serenity amongst the dense forests, mysterious caves and springs. Rajgir houses many religious shrines dedicated to Buddhism & Jainism. Both lord Buddha and Lord Mahavir have said to spend time here, giving it huge spiritual and religious importance. One can visit various ruins, temples and sites here and also spend some time indulging in its refreshing calmness. Among notable places in the area are the tranquil Vulture`s Peak (Gijjhakuta), where the Buddha meditated, and the Sattapanni Cave, where the First Council was organised after the Buddha`s passing.

Next, drive to visit Nalanda, established in the 5th century CE, was an ancient Mahavihara, a revered Buddhist monastery which also served as a renowned centre of learning, in the ancient kingdom of Magadha. The ancient university of Nalanda obtained significant fame, prestige and relevance during ancient times, and rose to legendary status due to its contribution to the emergence of India as a great power around the fourth century. At its peak, the school attracted scholars and students from near and far, with some travelling from Tibet, China, Korea, and Central Asia.

Continue driving to Patna airport to board the flight for Delhi. Arrival, transfer to the hotel, check in & O/n at the hotel.

Day 15 Delhi - Departure (B)

As per the flight schedule, transfer to the airport to board the flight for the onward destination.