Wonderful Grand Tour of North India 15 Day

Wonderful Grand Tour of North India

15 Day – Private tour with air-conditioned car and driver

This has to be one of the best tours of North India which features famous landmarks, fascinating cities and towns, and stunning scenery.

 

Explore the hustle and bustle of Old and New Delhi, witness ceremonies along the Ganges at Varanasi and the fascinating temple towns of Khajuraho and Orchha.

 

Then it’s on to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, the pink city of Jaipur and a trip to rural Rohat. After some time in the gorgeous blue city of Jodhpur, the final destination is the magical ‘city of lakes’ Udaipur, before you return to Delhi for your flight home.

 

 

Highlights of the Wonderful Grand Tour of North India

Humayuns Tomb, Delhi

See the sights of Delhi including the Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb

Visit Varanasi and witness the Ganga Aarti ceremonial worship

Hindu and Jain temples in the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho

Tour temples and palaces in the sleepy town of Orchha

Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Fatehpur Sikri

Jaipur including the Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar

Learn about village life in Rohat

Jodhpur tour

Mountain scenery in Udaipur and boat ride

Wonderful Grand Tour of North India Itinerary

Wonderful Grand Tour of North India

Day 1 Arrive in Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Authentic India Tours representatives who will transfer you to your hotel for a 2 night stay.

 

The afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel or explore the local area.

 

Accommodation: Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi

Day 2 Delhi

Today is an opportunity to discover the historical city of Delhi with a full day sightseeing tour. Your tour begins in the wide avenues of New Delhi where you will see the Lutyen’s buildings and the India gate memorial, along with the impressive tomb of Humayan and Qutab Minar.

 

In the afternoon your visit continues with a traditional rickshaw ride through the bustling and vibrant streets of Old Delhi. You’ll also see the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and Rajghat, the resting place (Samadhi) of Mahatma Gandhi.

 

Accommodation: Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 Delhi – Varanasi

This morning you will be transferred to Delhi airport for the flight to Varanasi.

 

You will be met on arrival at Varanasi Airport and taken on a sightseeing tour of Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first public discourse and now home to many magnificent stupas and monasteries.

 

In the evening, you will witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti, a ceremonial worship of River Ganges which encompasses a magical mix of sounds, sights and smells to engage all the senses.

 

Approximate travel time: 1 hr 20 mins

Accommodation: Suryauday Haveli Hotel, Varanasi

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 Varanasi – Khajuraho

This morning it’s an early start for a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges where you will see devotees offering prayers at the waters’ edge. There will also be time to visit some of the ancient temples by the river bank.

 

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Varanasi Airport to board your flight to Khajuraho where you’ll be met on arrival at Khajuraho Airport and taken to your hotel.

 

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the small town of Khajuraho houses the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. In the evening a visit to the Kandariya Mahadev, the Chaturbhuj and the Paraswanath temple has been arranged.

 

Approximate travel time: 1 hour

Accommodation: Radisson Jass, Khajuraho

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 Khajuraho – Orchha

The late morning drive to Orchha takes about 4 hrs.  The town is nestled on the banks of river Betwa, and offers fascinating temples and palaces just waiting to be explored.

 

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours, 180 kms

Accommodation: Hotel Orchha Palace, Orchha

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 Orchha – Jhansi – Agra

This mornings sightseeing tour gives you a chance to discover this charming sleepy town. Orchha is a medieval settlement dotted with palaces and cenotaphs of the Bundela rulers of the 16th and 17th century. Included within the tour is a visit the Jehangir and Raj Mahal, the palaces of the royal family and the sacred Hindu Ram Raja temple.

 

Later this afternoon, a short 30 minute transfer takes you to Jhansi railway station to board the Gatimaan Express to Agra. This comfortable air-conditioned train leaves Jhansi mid afternoon and arrives in Agra early evening.

 

You will be met on arrival at Agra railway station and transferred to your hotel.

 

Approximate travel time and distance: 5 – 6 hours, 250 kms

Accommodation: ITC Mughal Hotel, Agra

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 Agra

For many people this is the highlight of their trip, a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, this magnificent building is made entirely of marble and decorated with elaborate geometric forms and inlay work that showcases plants, flower and fruit motifs.

 

After breakfast it’s time to visit another UNESCO world heritage site, the forbidding red sandstone battlements of the Agra Fort and its impressive Diwan-e-Am & Diwan-e-Khas hall.

 

Later in the evening, a visit to Mehtab Bhag, the Mughal park on the other side of river Yamuna is the perfect place to enjoy beautiful views of Taj Mahal during sunset.

 

Accommodation: ITC Mughal Hotel, Agra

Meals included: Breakfast

Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur

Today you travel to the Pink City of Jaipur, one of India’s best loved destinations and home to the film ‘The Exotic Marigold Hotel’.  The journey in total takes about 6 hours and includes a stop en-route to the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri

 

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 – 5 hours, 240 kms

Accommodation: Samode Haveli, Jaipur

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 Jaipur

This morning a visit to the stunning 17th century hilltop Amer Fort has been arranged. Set in the rugged hills just outside the city you will ascend the fort by jeep taking in striking views of the surrounding gorges and lake. Inside the fort, your tour includes the extensive Maharaja’s apartments that are decorated with murals and mosaic as well as the glistening Hall of Mirrors.

 

In the afternoon, there’s a lot more to explore with a drive through the colourful bazaars to see the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, built for the royal ladies to catch a glimpse of the outside world through delicate screened windows and balconies. There is also a stop at the Royal Observatory or Jantar Mantar as it is known locally which was built by Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur and a passionate astronomer and builder and a visit the City Palace complex with its collection of rare manuscripts, armoury and costumes.

 

Accommodation: Samode Haveli, Jaipur

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10 Jaipur – Rohet

This morning we take a drive through the countryside to arrive at the village of Rohet. The main attractions of the area is the lake, which attracts numerous winter migrants, and the small 16th century castle, Rohet Garh.

 

This area is a haven for traditional farming techniques, customs and ceremonies.

 

The evening is free to explore the village and the facilities of your heritage hotel.

 

Approximate travel time and distance: 5 – 6 hours, 335 kms

Accommodation: Rohet Garh Heritage Hotel, Rohet

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 Rohet and Jodhpur

Its an early start this morning for a drive into the villages near Rohet. A village elder will accompany you on this excursion to visit a home of a Bishnoi family. The Bishnois are ecologists and are largely responsible for the preservation of black buck, a type of endangered antelope that can be spotted quite easily in this area. You will also visit a home of the Raikas (shepherds) for a close look at local customs and to experience their warm hospitality.

 

This afternoon the sightseeing continues with a tour of the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur. Your driver will take you through the old city’s maze of streets and lanes through gates, bastions and towers towards the majestic hill top Mehrangarh fort that contains one of Rajasthan’s best museums. Browse through a fine collection of Rajput miniature paintings, armoury and costume and stop for a commanding view of this blue hued city from one of the ramparts of the forts that hold cannons. A quick stop at the Jaswant Thada, a white marble cenotaph of the royal family and a walk through the Sardar Bazar with its Clock Tower of 1912 completes your tour of this imperial city that echoes with tales of its glorious past.

 

Accommodation: Rohet Garh Heritage Hotel, Rohet

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 Rohet – Ranakpur – Udaipur

Today we drive through the beautiful Aravalli Hills and after about 3 hours we arrive at Ranakpur which is famous for its intricately carved Jain temple complex. There’s plenty of time to explore the temple complex and an optional lunch stop at Maharani Bagh Orchards is available.

 

In the afternoon your adventure continues with a drive through the Rajasthan countryside to the lake city of Udaipur.

 

Approximate travel time and distance: 5 hours, 210 kms

Accommodation: Hotel Fateh Garh, Udaipur

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13 Udaipur

Udaipur is the former capital of the Mewar region, which was once ruled by the Sisodia clan. The city is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences. Its medley of fairy-tale palaces, temples, gardens and lakes, which are hemmed in by the lush Aravalli hills.

 

On your half day tour of this royal city, you will visit the Sahelion-ki-bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour) and the Jagdish temple. This is followed by the City Palace complex, an architectural marvel which towers over the lake and is surrounded by crenelated walls which house a conglomeration of courtyards, pavillions, arched gateways and hanging gardens. The Mor Chowk with its exquisite peacock mosaics in glass is especially noteworthy.

 

Late afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the 14th century Lake Pichola. Sailing on its placid waters, you will pass the facade of the impressive City Palace complex, heritage haveli’s and bathing ghats as well as the many islands in the lake, notably the Lake Palace Hotel and Jagmandir.

 

Accommodation: Hotel Fateh Garh, Udaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 Udaipur – Delhi

Morning is at leisure to enjoy the charm of Udaipur.

 

You will be transferred to Udaipur Airport this afternoon to board your onward flight to Delhi.

 

You will be met on arrival at Delhi Airport and transferred to your airport hotel.

 

Approximate travel time: 1 hr 25 mins

Accommodation: Holiday Inn, New Delhi, Aerocity

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 Transfer to Delhi Airport

In good time you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to board your return flight back home.

 

Meals Included: Breakfast