10-Day North India Heritage Tour with Taj Mahal and Varanasi

• Arrive in Delhi, where you will be met and assisted at the airport before your transfer to the hotel.

Night stay in Delhi.

• After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi.

• Visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.

• Then continue to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.

• Next, visit the Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. You may also enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.

• An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi includes Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, and a drive along the ceremonial avenue of Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President's Residence, and the Lotus Temple.

• End the tour with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.

Night stay in Delhi.

• Have breakfast at the hotel.

• Then drive to Jaipur.

• The evening is free to explore the textile and jewellery art of Jaipur.

Overnight at the hotel.

• In the morning, proceed to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Amber was one of the important defiles against invading enemies. Wander inside the fort to see its extravagant palaces and witness the opulence of Rajput royal lifestyle, among which the summer palace, winter palace, and mirror palace are the most popular. Climb atop the fort's ramparts on elephant back.

• Then stop at the Hawa Mahal.

• In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Jaipur. Visit the City Palace, the official residence of the present royal family. A part of this palace has now been turned into a museum housing armoury, textiles, and artifacts.

• Then visit Jantar Mantar, the 17th-century astronomical observatory. It is an excellent example of marvellous precision, where each construction has a specific purpose for measuring the position of stars, altitudes, and azimuths.

Overnight at the hotel.

• After breakfast, check out from the hotel.

• Then drive to Agra by road.

• Visit Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri. Fatehpur Sikri is just 44 km away from Agra, and the palaces, meeting halls, and courtyards inside the complex are in a remarkable state of preservation. Abhaneri is about 95 km short of Jaipur and is one of the oldest settlements in Rajasthan. Here, one can find the temple of the local deity, the Goddess of Mirth and Happiness.

• The highlight of the visit to this place is the 10th-century baori (step-well), one of the most impressive sights in Rajasthan. It is believed to be an indigenous invention of the locals for rainwater harvesting.

• Arrive in Agra and check in at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

• After breakfast, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal (sunrise visit depends on the weather condition). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of the most extravagant expressions of love ever created.

• Then visit Agra Fort, the majestic red sandstone fort of Agra that stands on the bank of the River Yamuna.

• Later in the evening, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah and Mehtab Bagh.

Overnight train to Varanasi.

• Reach Varanasi in the afternoon. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

• Later in the evening, see the Ganges Aarti Ceremony.

Night stay in Varanasi.

• Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Ganges to view the sunrise from the boat. From dawn to dusk, the ghats (riverside steps) are thronged by thousands of devotees who perform their holy rituals in the hope of attaining eternal salvation, or 'nirvana'.

• Later, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city with its incredible array of temples and ancient buildings. There are 2,000 temples and shrines in Varanasi, but the holiest, Vishvanatha, is closed to non-Hindus. The Durga Temple, which can be visited, is teeming with monkeys.

• Further downstream, on the eastern bank of the Ganges, is Ram Nagar Fort. It is not one of the country's best, but it does have a fascinating collection of weapons.

• In the evening, go to Sarnath, 10 km east of Varanasi, one of the major Buddhist centres of India.

• After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha came to Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon.

Overnight in Varanasi.

• You will be transferred to Varanasi airport for the flight to Delhi.

• In the evening, visit 'Kingdom of Dreams' in Gurgaon.

Overnight in Delhi hotel.

• Early morning or evening departure, as per your flight schedule, to the airport to catch your scheduled flight.