Day 01 : Arrive Delhi 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.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 02: Delhi - City Tour 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.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 03: Delhi > Samode > Jaipur(258 Kms/5 hrs)
Today drive to Jaipur, en-route visit Samode Palace, it was transformed into one the country's premium palace hotels in 1987, and is a perfect example of Rajput-Mughal architecture. The palace is built on a small hillock and planned in a progression of courtyards of increasing height. Lunch at Samode Palace.
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
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Jaipur > Amber Fort > City Tour
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.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 05: Jaipur > Fatehpur Sikri > Agra (238 Kms / 5 hrs)
Morning drive to Agra, 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 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. Upon arrival check into Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06: In Agra
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 Fort- Akbar's tomb. His son Jahangir completed the construction of the tomb in the year 1613.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 07: Agra > Jhansi (By Train) > Orcha > Khajuraho (172 Kms/4 hrs)
Today in time transfer to Agra railway station to connect Shatabadi Express for Jhansi at 0817 hrs. Arrive Jhansi at 1043 hrs. & drive to Khajuraho (172 Klm /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 temple town 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. Upon arrival check in at hotel
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Khajuraho > Varanasi
Morning 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".
In time transfer to Khajuraho Airport to connect Jetairways flight at 1330 hrs 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 at 1410 & transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09: In Varanasi 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.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10: Varanasi > Kathmandu
Today in time transfer to airport to connect Indian Airlines flight at 1210 hrs for Kathmandu, situated above 4400 ft above sea level with three historic, artistic and cultural towns namely Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur together form what is known as the `Kathmandu Valley'. Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal's traditional culture and arts.
Arrive Kathmandu at 1320 hrs. Excel’s representative will meet you as you exit the arrival terminal building after which you would be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 11: In Kathmandu After breakfast enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. The tour includes the Durbar Square, the Temple of the Living Goddess and the Royal Palace. Also included is a visit to Pashupatinath, Nepal's holiest Hindu temple, and Bodhnath, one of the World's largest stupa
Overnight at Hotel
Day 12: In Kathmandu Today drive to Kathmandu Valley's most medieval town, Bhadgaon, Here, you'll visit the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery the Golden Gate and the Palace of 55 Windows. Also visit Patan, known as the town with a thousand golden roofs. Later back to Kathmandu
Overnight at Hotel
Day 13: Kathmandu > Delhi
Today in time transfer to Airport to connect Jetairways flight at 1545 hrs for Delhi. Arrive Delhi at 1715 hrs & connect onward flight.
