Medieval India, 9 days

After breakfast proceed for full day tour of Old and New Delhi, visiting Jama Masjid, The Great Mosque of Old Delhi was both the largest and the final architectural extravagance of emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the mosque can hold 25 thousands people. Take a rickshaw ride to Chandni Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi. The colorful shopping bazaar just opposite another sights, the Red Fort (Lal Quila). The red sandstone walls extends for 2 km and vary in height from 18 to 33 meters. Continue to visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi after his assassination in 1948.

Transfer to New Delhi and  visit Qutab Minar, the 73 meters high tower. The Qutab Minar itself is a soaring tower of victory that was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. Also visit the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun. Built in the 16th century by wife of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, this is a wonderful early example of Mughal architecture. Drive past India Gate (War Memorial), President’s House, which was once the Viceroy’s Palace, Parliament House and Secretariat buildings.

Evening transfer to railway station to board overnight train for Varanasi. Overnight on board.

Morning arrival to Varanasi Railway Station. Proceed with excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha  delivered his first sermon, or in religious language, set in motion the Wheel of Law. The virtuous emperor Ashoka visited Sarnath around 234 BC, and erected a Stupa here. After this, several Buddhist structures were raised from the period 3rd century BC to 11th century AD.

Evening visit of Holy River Ganges. Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh ghat is one of the prime attractions of Varanasi. It starts just after sunset, with a bunch of young Hindu priests choreographing to the chants while holding the oil lamps offering the fire to the river goddess.

Varanasi or Kashi, as it was called in medieval times, has been the religious capital of the Hindu faith since recorded time and is one of the oldest cities in the world. The old city of Varanasi is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, hiding in disorderly array no less than 2000 temples and shrines.

Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges, where you can see hundreds of devotees offering prayers to the Sun God, and bathing in holy river in order wash their sins. Then visit few most important temples and Benaras Hindu University Then transfer to the airport to board flight to Khajuraho.

Khajuraho is famous for the temples here which have some of the most exotic and breathtaking carving ever to be done by a uman hand. The temples are in the three groups. The western Group is the largest and most important. Whole remaining day is spent visiting these temples leisurely.

After breakfast, proceed by road to medieval town of Orchha, famous for its palaces and temples built in the 17th and 18th century. The four main and important temples are Chaturbhuj, Janaki, Laxmi and Raja Ram.

Continue your drive to Jhansi Railway Station to board train to Agra.  Upon reaching destination,  transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast visit the world-famous Taj Mahal built (closed on Friday) by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the Emperor so heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned gray overnight. Also visit Agra Fort, constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1695 on the banks of the Yamuna River. Initially the fort was a military structure, but during Shah Jahan’s reign it had partially become a palace. Also visit to Itmad-ud-Daula dubbed as “Baby Taj”. Smaller tomb of Mughal's nobleman built from the white marble was early precursor of much more monumental Taj Mahal.
Later drive to Jaipur in around 5 hours. En route visit ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri some 40 km after Agra. This one time imperial capital of Mughal emperor Akbar built in 1569 was later abandoned due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings within the city including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti and Panch Mahal. Continue on to Jaipur and check in at the hotel on arrival.  Rest of the evening free to relax.

Morning visit to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the state until 1728. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake, which reflects its terraces and ramparts.

Afternoon sightseeing tour Jaipur city, including Maharajah’s City Palace — which occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The palace now houses a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings and weapons. Also visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory, next to the entrance of the City Palace, begun by Jai Singh in 1728. Jai Singh’s passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as warrior and before commencing construction, he sent scholars abroad to study foreign observatories.

Morning after relaxed breakfast at the hotel proceed to reach Delhi in 5 hours time and check into the hotel.  Rest of the afternoon free for independent activities or last minute shopping etc.