Essence Of North India
Delhi,Varanasi,Khajuraho,Agra,Jaipur,Nimaj,Jodhpur,Udaipur,Mumbai (brochure)
Day 1: Australia to Delhi (D)
Fly from Australia to New Delhi, the capital city of India. After clearing airport formalities, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Day 2: Day in Delhi (B / L / D)
Today take a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Walk through the bustling bazaars of Chandni Chowk (silver street) to arrive at Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Drive through the old walled city past the famous Red Fort. Then visit Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of New Delhi visiting the famous Qutab Minar, the tallest brick tower in India, built in the 12th century. Drive past President’s House and Parliament House and take a photo stop at the famous India Gate. Also visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a white marble and gold sikh shrine still in active worship.
Day 3: Delhi to Varanasi (B / L / D)
After breakfast, fly to Varanasi, the oldest living city in the world, situated along the banks of holy River Ganges. This afternoon visit the Bharat Mata Temple, the only temple dedicated to Mother India. The most peculiar thing about the Bharat Mata Temple is that instead of the customary gods and goddesses, it houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble. In the evening, take a rikshaw ride to the ghats to enjoy the spectacular sunset ‘Aarti’ ceremony, performed everyday at the banks of holy River Ganges.
Day 4: Day in Varanasi (B / L / D)
Take an early morning boat cruise for a spiritual experience on the Holy River Ganges. See the ‘bathing ghats’ where thousands of pilgrims pay homage to the Sun God by immersing themselves in the holy water of River Ganges, and the ‘burning ghats’ where cremations are conducted. Today, visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century BC to 12th century AD. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the national emblem of India. Visit the ruins, stupa, Buddhist temple and the Sarnath Museum. Varanasi city is also renowned for its silk weavers, who prepare the finest types of woven silk fabrics. Visit silk weavers and cooperatives to see the process of silk weaving.
Day 5: Varanasi to Khajuraho (B / L / D)
After breakfast, transfer to airport to catch your flight to Khajuraho -the temple city of central India, famous for its exquisitely carved temples in stone. This afternoon, visit the western group of temples, the most popular temples at Khajuraho. Khajuraho Temples were built by the Chandela kings between 950 AD and 1050 AD. In the evening, enjoy the famous cultural dance show of Khajuraho.
Day 6: Drive Khajuraho to Jhansi via Orchha; Train Jhansi to Agra (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Orchha, a medieval town popular for its palaces and temples. Orchha’s famous landmarks are Jahangir Mahal and Laxmi Narayan Temple. Enjoy an afternoon tour of Orchha. Later, drive to Jhansi to board your express train to Agra, land of the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival in Agra, transfer to your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Day 7: Day in Agra (B / L / D)
This morning, visit the white marble beauty and symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal displays the saga of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and his queen Mumtaz Mahal. Later, visit Agra fort, built in red sandstone with magnificent palaces and halls of public and private audience.Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work (like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj Mahal), leather
goods and jewelry. This afternoon, visit marble inlay workshops to appreciate the art of bygone era.
Day 8: Agra to Jaipur (B / L / D)
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of India. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D. En route to Jaipur, make a brief stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the complex lies a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chisti, a Muslim Sufi Saint who blessed Emperor Akbar with a son. This afternoon, visit gem and carpet weaving factories, and shop for souvenirs. Jaipur is famous for its precious and semi-precious stoned jewels, enamelled ornaments, beautiful carpets and other artifacts and crafts.
Day 9: Day in Jaipur (B / L / D)
After breakfast, visit Amber fort, a fine amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture and ornamentation, built in the 16th century. To ascend up the fort, you may choose to walk, drive or take an elephant ride.This afternoon, visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the largest astronomical observatory built in stone. Also drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows.
Day 10: Jaipur to Nimaj (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Nimaj Palace, an erstwhile palace that has now been converted to a beautiful heritage hotel. This afternoon, take a jeep safari to nearby tribal village settlements. Rajasthani villagers are famous for their cultural and colourful lifestyle. You get the opportunity to interact with local villagers, shepherds, farmers and weavers of the region and see their way of life. Tonight enjoy a palatial stay at Nimaj Palace.
Day 11: Nimaj to Jodhpur (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Jodhpur, a city ringed by high stone walls with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. Today, visit the rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort, and the grand palaces within the fort - Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana, which are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex stands the Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles such as embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.
Day 12: Jodhpur to Udaipur (B / L / D)
This morning, drive to Udaipur en route visiting the famous Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are one of the largest Jain temples in India. The temples are known for their architecture, grand structures and exquisite sculptures. Continue drive to Udaipur, a serene city set in the scenic valley of Aravalli hills, surrounded by three lakes – Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar. Upon arrival at Udaipur, check in at your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Day 13: Day in Udaipur (B / L / D)
Spend the day exploring Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, one of the largest palace complex in Rajasthan; Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, a garden of the maids of honour; Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, a folklore museum and Jagdish Temple.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure followed by an evening boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Day 14: Udaipur to Mumbai (B / L / D)
Early this morning, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Mumbai, the most cosmopolitan city of India. Known as the country’s commercial and celluloid capital, Mumbai is also famous as the ‘city that never sleeps’. Today, take a city tour of Mumbai visiting the Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway of India, Gandhi museum and the bustling Dhobi Ghats. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Mumbai.
Day 15: Mumbai to Australia (B / L / D)
After breakfast, take a short ferry ride from Mumbai harbour to Elephanta Island, home to 7th century rock-cut temples. Spend the morning visiting the ancient Elephanta caves, which also feature delicately carved panels depicting the life of Lord Shiva. The highlight is the main central cave that houses the ‘Maheshamurti’ - a three-headed sculpture of Lord Shiva resplendent in all his 3 forms i.e. creator, preserver and destroyer of life. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Mumbai. This evening you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home.
| Departure dates below are guaranteed on minimum of 4 passengers or above | Twin Share Price |
| 24Feb.2010; 24Mar.2010; | AU$ 4,830 |
| 21Apr.2010; 26May.2010; 18Aug.2010; 08Sep.2010; | AU$ 4,980 |
| 25Nov.2009; 02Dec.2009; 27Jan.2010; | AU$ 5,480 |
| 24Nov 2010; 08Dec 2010; 26Jan 2011 | AU$ 5,820 |
| 23Feb 2011; 30Mar 2011; 27Apr 2011 | AU$ 5,120 |
Single Room Supplement: AU$ 1,380,
Land Only: AU$ 3,920
Price includes:
International and India domestic economy airfares.
Australia / India airport and departure tax;
Accommodation on twin sharing basis at 4*/ heritage hotels or best available hotel in the region
All meals included (i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner)
All monument entrance fees included.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and departures.
Local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing tours. English speaking escort to accompany the group for minimum group size of 8 passengers.
Chauffeured air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours.
All currently applicable taxes.
Train fare for sector Jhansi -Agra.
Ferry ride to Elephanta caves in Mumbai.
Jeep safari to tribal village settlements near Nimaj
Elephant ride at Amber fort, Jaipur, subject to availability; else, jeep ride will be provided.
Cultural Dance show at Khajuraho.
Boat ride in Varanasi.
Rikshaw ride to the ghats in Varanasi.
India visa fee for Australian passport holder;
Price excludes:
Air fuel surcharge $380 at brochure printing (subject to airline fluctuation).
Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone, fax, internet, beverages, camera / video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses.
Local payments in domestic currency, such as tips and gratuities.
Any other services not mentioned in Price Inclusions above.
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