Luxury North India Tour

Welcome to India on a fantastic tour that showcases significant highlights of north India, along with cultural colors of the region. You will be welcomed on New Delhi airport by our representative and transferred to pre-booked hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, proceed on a guided sightseeing tour of Delhi. Concrete historical evidences suggest that Delhi has been inhabited since 6th century BCE. Delhi remained capital of many ancient and medieval rulers and after independence from British rule in 1947, Delhi again became capital and seat of Indian republic. Now Delhi is a splendid mélange of old and new and grown as modern metropolitan city.

A full day Delhi exploration will commence with a visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple in the heart of New Delhi. Then, proceed for old Delhi sightseeing which includes Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk. Delhi's 7th fort- the Red Fort was built by Shah Jahan in 1647 AD. Post independence, the massive Red Fort has partially turned into military barrack. From the ramparts of Red Fort, the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation on Independence Day. Jama Masjid of Delhi is one of the finest specimens of Mughal architecture. Jama Masjid of Delhi, the largest mosque in India, was built by Shah Jahan during 1644-58 AD and is venerated by the Muslims because of it being a repository of rare relics of Muhammad like the Koran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprints, implanted in a marble block. Chandni Chowk of Delhi is a cluster of market, monuments and residences. The visit of Chandni Chowk bazaar, designed Jahanara and built by Shah Jahan in 1650 AD, offers several aspects of exotic India like the medieval lifestyle. During the Old Delhi tour, you will enjoy the rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk bazaar. This will be an exhilarating as well as uniquely Indian experience on north India luxury tour.

Optima Travels has gleaned the best of monuments to showcase before you so that you could have real feel of India's charming diversity and old-world-charm. India Gate (a war memorial built in red sandstone), Rashtrapati Bhawan (with 340 rooms built in 1929, inaugurated in 1931 and rechristened in 1959 is spread in 130 hectares), Sansad Bhawan (a circular building, designed by British architect Herbert Baker and supported by 257 granite pillars), Qutub Minar (72.5 metre high-world's tallest brick minaret, built in 13th century at Hindu temple site and by rubbles of Hindu temple), Humayun's tomb ( a true precursor of Taj Mahal, built in 1565 as the first mature specimen of Persian inspired Mughal architecture) and Lotus Temple of Bahai faith.

Later in the evening return to hotel for overnight stay

After breakfast, in-time you will be transferred to New Delhi airport to board flight for Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. Welcome to Varanasi, world's oldest living city. Also known as Kashi or Banaras, Varanasi is the holiest pilgrimage of the Hindus since ages. Situated on the western banks of holy river Ganga, Varanasi is characterized by Hinduism, spiritualism, mysticism and Indian philosophy. On arrival at Varanasi, you will be taken to the designated hotel of your stay. Having relaxed for some time, move on to visit Sarnath, one of the holiest pilgrimages of the Buddhists. The remains of Buddhist monuments, ravaged by the Muslim invaders, and exquisite museum of Sarnath will bring you in a different world.

After visiting Sarnath, you shall be taken to Dashaswamedh Ghat of Varanasi. Here, at Dashaswamedh Ghat, Ganga Aarti (Ganges Worship Ceremony) is performed every day. The evening 'aarti' will unfold several aspects of Hindu religious practices. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi has been a center of pilgrimage and learning for over 2000 years and is considered to be one of the oldest surviving cities in the world.

Later in the evening, return to hotel for overnight stay in Varanasi.

Ghats are special in Varanasi. The ghats, stone-built embankments with wide steps, expose before you daily routine of the people and river Ganges importance in Hindu religion from birth to cremation. To have panoramic view of ghats, you will be having a boat ride in river Ganges alongside the ghats. Varanasi tour will a lifetime experience and one of the finest moments of Luxury North India Tour. After Varanasi ghat tour, return to hotel, refresh, have delicious breakfast and move on for Varanasi temples tour. Varanasi is known for its temples though most of the temples are not as old as the Varanasi city as such. The Muslim invaders, specially the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, caused devastation to the temples, town and Hindu populace. Nevertheless, Hindus demonstrated their secular resilience by resurrecting new temples at some of the older places. Prominent temples are Kashi Vishwanath, Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir and New Vishwanath Temple.

After Varanasi ghat tour and Varanasi temples tour, proceed to Varanasi airport to get the flight for Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. Upon arrival at Khajuraho, our representative will assist you to transfer to the designated hotel. Freshen up and relax for some time at the hotel. In the evening, attend Sound & Light show in Khajuraho in the same temple complex. The 50 minutes show gets you to know about each and every detail about these fascinating temples of Khajuraho. Later on, return to hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, proceed to visit Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho. Khajuraho temples are evidence of architectural genius flourished during 9th to 12th centuries under the tutelage of Chandela kings. Out of 85 temples, only 20 temples are surviving. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Khajuraho temples, especially Western Group of Temples, ooze with passion, dance, music and finesse of creative arts depicted in sculptured images.

After visiting Western Group of Khajuraho temples, drive to Orchha, a village town in Uttar Pradesh which is located on the periphery of Madhya Pradesh. Orchha offers you an exotic view of rural India along with some of finest monuments of medieval India. The massive Orchha Fort-Palace-Temple complex houses several architectural marvels of medieval India. Thus, the Luxury North India Tour takes you to hitherto non-descript town with rich cultural and monumental heritage. After Orchha tour, you shall be taken to the best restaurant of Orchha, on the banks of river Betwa. Have delicious lunch and proceed for Jhansi to board train for Agra. On arrival at Agra, you will be received and taken to the designated hotel for overnight stay in Agra.

Agra boasts of being home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites- Taj Mahal & Agra Fort. Today on Luxury North India Tour, you will be taken to the world famous Taj Mahal at the time of sunrise when the Taj Mahal looks most beautiful. Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Arjumand Bano Begaum aka Mumtaz Mahal, is the zenith of Mughal architectural finesse. Built of Makrana white marble, Taj Mahal is said to be 'epitome of love' and 'love story in white marble’.

After visiting Taj Mahal at dawn hours, return to your hotel. Relax, refresh, have breakfast and move for Agra city tour which includes Agra Fort, Baby Taj, Mohabbat-e-Taj Show by Kalakriti and local market known for its marble and handicraft items. Tomb of It Mad-ud-Daula, built in white marble, is known as Baby Taj and in some ways precursor to Taj Mahal in drawing inspiration. Mohabbat-e-Taj Show by Kalakriti is famous for its excellent presentation.

Later on, return to hotel for overnight stay.

On 7th day of the Luxury North India Tour, the itinerary enters into a new phase. It takes you to royal Rajasthan- the land of kings, forts, palaces and desert. After having delicious breakfast in Agra hotel, you will proceed for Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan. En route visit deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri which was built as Mughal capita by Akbar but had to abandon it due to paucity of water. But the monuments are still evidence of grand vision and its implementation. Watch out Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Jodhabai Palace, Birbal Palace etc. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, proceed on for Jaipur

On arrival at Jaipur, check in at the designated hotel for lunch and relaxation. Late afternoon, you will attend evening worship ceremony (Aarti) in Govind Dev Ji Temple, established by the royal family of Jaipur. It will be an altogether experience with ample exposure to Hindu religious practices and ethos. Return to hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

After breakfast, your tour of majestic and magnificent Rajasthan starts from today. Every monument of Rajasthan, Jaipur being no exception, is testimony to the valour of Rajputs but along with that these monuments reflect greatness of the Rajput rulers as great patrons of art. Major tourist attractions of Jaipur are Amber Fort (built of red sandstone and white marble during 16th-18th centuries), City Palace (home to many exquisite buildings like Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, the Diwan-e-Aam and a museum), Jantar Mantar (an observatory, built in 1718 in stone and marble with numerous scientifically designed instruments to study the movement of stars), Hawa Mahal (a sandstone screen with 593 finely screened windows, used as a veil by the royal women folk to watch the proceedings on the road below without being seen), Jal Mahal (a palace amidst Man Sagar Lake that was meant for regal duck shooting parties).

Along with sightseeing of various famous monuments of jaipur, you will have an exotic experience of Maharaja like elephant ride at Amber Fort. After visiting famous monument of Jaipur, you can explore vibrant and bustling local market known for handicraft products namely carpets, printed clothes and jewelry.

Late afternoon, move for visiting Birla Temple. Birla Temple of Jaipur is made of white marble in classical 'Nagar Style' of temple architecture.

Return to hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart for Pushkar, a very prominent Hindu pilgrimage. The town is across the globe renowned for its Pushkar Fair. It is home to only temple of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. Pushkar Lake is another holy place. Pushkar Lake, a semi-circular lake with 52 ghats, Brahma Temple, Pushkar Fair and rustic way of life are prime attractions of Pushkar. Religion being integral part of Indian way of life, exploration of Pushkar will unfurl many aspects of cultural life of India, particularly Rajasthan. Have lunch in lake side restaurant. Spend evening at leisure to explore Pushkar on your own. Watch out various rituals on the ghats of Pushkar Lake.

Later in the evening return to hotel for overnight stay.

After enjoying delicious breakfast, depart for Jodhpur. Jodhpur was Marwar-Mandore capital in past. On arrival at Jodhpur, you will be received and taken to the designated hotel. Relax, refresh and move on for visiting famous monuments of Jodhpur.

Jodhpur, known as Blue City, is the second largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. First visit Mehrangarh Fort, India's one of the best kept forts. Mehrangarh Fort's rugged structure, quintessential Rajputana architectural niceties, highly ornate palaces, latticed balconies, Asia's second largest cannon on its rampart etc make it a prime attraction of Rajasthan. In addition to Mehrangarh Fort, visit Ummed Bhawan Palace and Jaswant Thada. Umaid Bhawan Palace is a classic example of Rajput & European architectural blend. Ummed Bhawan Palace is divided into three parts these days. One part is converted into a luxury heritage hotel, being managed by Taj Group of Hotels. Second part has been converted into a museum showcasing arms, regal articles and finer specimens of Rajput art. The third part of the palace is still inhabited by the Jodhpur king. The Jaswant Thada, a cenotaph built in white marble, is also worth visiting.

After sightseeing tour of Jodhpur, explore local market for exceptional handicraft items. Later in the evening, return to designated hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on your journey to Udaipur. En route, visit Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh. Ranakpur is a small town nestled in verdant green backdrop of Aravali hills. Though it's a non-descript town by any standard but Jain Temples of Ranakpur have turned it into hot tourist destination of Rajasthan. Ranakpur Jain Temple, built in white marble and supported by over 1444 ornately carved pillars, is designed as 'chaumukha'.

After Ranakpur sightseeing, begin your march to Kumbhalgarh. Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort. Kumbhalgarh Fort has tremendous importance due to three reasons- (1) Kumbhalgarh Fort has been unconquered till date and has been inaccessible due to its hostile topography. (2) National hero Maharana Pratap was born in Kumbhalgarh Fort. (3) There is another fort, Kartargarh Fort, is located within Kumbhalgarh Fort.

Hereinafter, late afternoon, continue your drive towards Udaipur. The journey to Udaipur offers picture-perfect panoramic view. On arrival at Udaipur, check in at the designated hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, guided tour of Udaipur will start. Destination Udaipur is the last leg of fascinating Luxury North India Tour. Udaipur was erstwhile capital of Mewar- the bastion of glorious Sisodia Rajputs. Udaipur, the city of lakes, is known as Romantic City of Rajasthan. The second most sought after tourist destination of Rajasthan, Udaipur is also said to be the 'Venice of East'. Mewar and hence Udaipur have special significance in the history of Rajasthan as well as India. Valour of Sisodiya Rajputs, indominatable spirit for independence and cultural patronage to Rajput art and architecture are all evident in the monuments of Udaipur.

Amazingly beautiful city of Udaipur and its fabulous monuments beckon you with open arms. Visit City Palace, an architectural marvel of Rajasthan. City Palace of Udaipur, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and stunning buildings with highly decorated pavilions, palatial rooms, mesmerizing courtyards, latticed terraces, is located on the banks of Lake Pichola. Within the City Palace complex is situated Udaipur's biggest and most beautiful Jagdish Temple. The 'Zenana Mahal' within the palace complex has been converted into a fabulous museum.

Another worth visiting tourist destination of Udaipur is Jag Mandir Palace, built in yellow sandstone and marble. Its stunning beauty and architectural finesse can be gauged from the fact that Shah Jahan took several ideas, especially pieta dura work, from Jag Mandir Palace and implemented it in Taj Mahal. Also, watch out the eight statues of elephants which are carved out of white marble. Saheliyon ki Bari is another medieval place to visit while touring Udaipur.

Spend the day at leisure visiting local bustling market. Late afternoon, you will be taken to the Lake Pichola for boating and viewing Lake Palace or Jug Niwas. Lake Palace, the best example of Rajasthani architecture, is built of white marble amidst Lake Pichola on a natural rock foundation. The Lake Palace or Jag Niwas was built in 17th century. In the evening, visit Bagore ki Haveli to enjoy a puppet show and have delicious dinner.

Later, return to hotel for overnight stay.

Today, Luxury North India Tour comes to an end when you board flight at Udaipur to move for Delhi to eventually lead to your home. After relishing delicious breakfast in Udaipur hotel, you will be driven to Udaipur airport. Board flight for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi, catch flight for your onward destination.