Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.  Rest of the day at leisure, go through jet lag.

Overnight  in Delhi.

Morning tour of New Delhi, India’s capital and an important gateway into the country. New Delhi is a bustling metropolis- an interesting mix of fast paced modernization and carefully preserved antiquity.

Drive past President’s palac,  also known as Rashtrapati Bhawan, India gate, a World War I memorial. Lutyen’s city is characterized by wide, tree-lined avenues, parks and palaces built for important Indian Princes for photography. Visit Humayuns Tomb, built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, the Persian born senior wife of Humayaun, the second Mughal empero. This is wonderful early example of Mughal architecture.

Later drive to Jaipur. 

Overnight in Jaipur.

Morning visit Amber fort built in the 17th Century, the palace is a distinguished specimen of Rajput architecture. Take a joy ride on an elephant back at Amber Fort. Set in a picturesque location, Amer is fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh, it sprawls on the hillside. Built in red sandstone and white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting apartments, the likes of which are not to be found anywhere else in the country.

Next is the Pink City Palace which now houses a museum containing rare manuscript, painting and an armory. Also visit the Palace of Winds-a Landmark of Jaipur made of pink sandstone and of unique design. Continue to Jantar Mantar-Observatory (Astronomical instrument).

Overnight in Jaipur. 

Early morning drive to Agra. Arrive and check in to hotel .

Later visit Taj Mahal, (CLOSED ON FRIDAY) , the most extravagant monument ever built for love. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife Mumtaz Mahal, described by the Indian classical poet Tagore as a “tear on the face of eternity”.

Continue to Agra Fort, the construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of River Yamuna, was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565. The auricular fort’s colossal double walls rise over 20 m in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference.

Overnight in Agra.

Transfer to the railway station for train to Jhansi. Arrive Jhansi and drive to Khajuraho.

En-route visit Orchha’s grandeur, which  has been captured in stone, frozen in time & a rich legacy to the ages. On this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly. The places and the temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th century retain much of their pristine glory. Jahangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful Chhatris has a spectacular view of soaring temple spring & cenotaphs.

Copntinue to  Khajuraho. 

Overnight at Khajuraho.

Mornign visit the world famous Khajuraho temples, which were built by the Chandela Kings between 950 AD and 1050 AD. The most important are the Chaunset Yogni Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, The Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely image of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishvanath and Nandi Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Visha Temple of Shiva, which is largest & most typical of temples.

The next is  Eastern group of temples that consist of the Parasvanath Temple – the only Jain Temple Surviving at Khajuraho and has excellent sculptures on the outer walls of the Sanctum and the Javeri Temple dedicated to Vishnu. The other temples in this group are those dedicated to Brahma, Yamuna and Adinath.

Later transfer to the airport for flight to Varanasi. You will be met at the airport upon arrival and tranferred to hotel.

Evening visit the Ghats (steps) to witness evening prayer on the banks of the river Ganges.

Overnight  in Varanasi. 

Early morning transfer to the riverfront for a dawn boat ride along the Ghats River Ganges when devotees offer their Morning Prayer venerating holy water. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Later walk through the narrow alleyways of Old Varanasi exploring some important temples. Excursion to Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon middle way to final Nirvana in the Deer park. The Dhamek Stupa marks the spot. The four headed iron pillar (20 meter high) also known as the Ashoka Pillars in the archeological museum.

The Vihara built by the Mahabodhi society enshrines the sacred Buddhist relics found at the other sites and houses frescoes depicting scenes from Buddha’s life.

Overnight  in Varanashi.

At an appointed time, transfer to the airport and fly to Delih, and connect your flight  to U.S. or extend your trip to other parts of India, Nepal or Bhutan.