Classic North India Tour

Day 1 - Welcome to India! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrival hall at the Delhi International Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. Rest of the day is free to explore the national capital with its many attractions - monuments, museums, galleries and bazaars. You may also choose to visit Lodhi Gardens, a tranquil green space where you can take a stroll and discover historic tombs and monuments. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Early in the morning we leave for Agra, a bustling city on the banks of the river Yamuna. Agra became the capital of the Mughal empire between 1526 and 1628 and boasts of many magnificent Mughal-era monuments, making it a major tourist destination. Upon arrival, we check-in at the hotel and freshen up. We head to the Agra Fort, a fortress, palace, and prison made of red sandstone by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. It was partly transformed into a palace during the reign of Shah Jahan. Our day concludes with a visit to Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj, a 17th-century tomb built for Emperor Jahangir’s chief minister on the East bank of the river. We spend the evening visiting the bazaar, where artisans (some of them claim to be descendants of those who worked on the Taj Mahal) create fine marble-inlay work. Overnight stay in Agra.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - At sun rise we visit the Taj Mahal, a sign of everlasting love, standing on the southern bank of the river Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved bride, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in the 16th century CE. The charisma of the glorious Taj Mahal never fails to mesmerize a first-time visitor. Following the tour of the exquisite ivory-white marble mausoleum, we return to the hotel and after breakfast we drive to Gwalior. Gwalior, famous for its hilltop fort, is lined with palaces, including a 15th Century palace and magnificent temples that lend the town a majestic beauty and speak volumes of its glory. Overnight stay in Gwalior.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - We begin the day with a visit to the ancient Gwalior Fort - ‘the pearl amongst fortresses in India’. An 8th Century hill fort, it has a defensive structure and two main palaces - the Man Mandir and the 15th-century Gujari Mahal Palace. Now an archaeological museum has also come up inside the fort's high walls. Built by Man Singh Tomar, the fort was controlled by a number of different rulers. It was passed down from the Tomars of the 13th Century to the Mughals, then to the Marathas (1754), and eventually to the Scindias of the 18th Century. After the visit, we leave for Orchha - a hidden treasure, in Madhya Pradesh's Tikamgarh district. Built on the banks of the Betwa river, the town is famous for its cenotaphs and temples, besides a palace. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - We embark on a city tour after breakfast. First we visit the Ram Raja Temple, an iconic place since it is the only place where Lord Ram is worshiped as a king. It is a very popular Hindu pilgrimage spot and devotees come here in huge numbers. Next, we visit the Chaturbhuj Temple, an amazing piece of architecture that was constructed to house the idols that are now inside the Ram Raja Temple. It now houses the image of Radha and Krishna. We conclude the sightseeing tour with the Jahangir Palace, followed by a visit to some cenotaphs built by the royals and affluent families for their dead. Later, we drive to Khajuraho, a city known for Hindu and Jain temples with amazing sculptures and carvings. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Khajuraho.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - The Khajuraho temple complex is divided into three parts: the Eastern, Southern and Western group of temples. We visit the Western and Eastern groups of temples. Some of the temples that we will be visiting include: the Chausath Yogini Temple dedicated to Goddess 'Kali,' the Mahadev Temple, Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely portrait of 11 headed Vishnu, Vishwanath and Nandi Temples, Lakshmana Temple and Visha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Originally there were nearly 100 separate temples built by the Chandela kings between 950 and 1050 CE, each dedicated to a different deity. Now only 20 of these exist and are considered to be the finest in India for their workmanship that remains unmatched to the minutest details. Overnight stay in Khajuraho.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - Morning is free to relax at the hotel or explore the surroundings. In the afternoon we head to the airport for our flight to Varanasi, one of the seven holy cities of India, on the banks of the river Ganges. The city is always vibrant with thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors. Every year over a million pilgrims visit the city, which lives and breathes Hinduism. It's a city to get lost in, wandering through the maze of narrow streets, visiting temples and watching devotees conduct rituals and ceremonies on the Ghats almost round the clock. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - Today we start early with a sunrise boat ride over the Ganges to witness the amazing stream of events on the Ghats, the steps leading down to the river. The boat ride takes us past several Ghats of Varanasi, offering a glimpse of the city at its religious best. Every day thousands of Hindu pilgrims and devotees visit this city to offer prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves by taking a dip in the holy river. After the boat ride we drive back to the hotel to have breakfast. Next we drive 12 km to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment, to visit the ruins and the museum. In the evening, we take a rickshaw ride to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti. It is a regular evening Aarti (prayer) ceremony, performed by several priests with the sound of bells, drums, cymbals, and Sanskrit mantras on the banks of the Ganges. Overnight stay in Varanasi. (Sarnath Museum- closed on Fridays).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - After breakfast we are transferred to the Varanasi Airport and fly to Delhi. Today we embark on a half day tour of British Delhi (New Delhi area). We visit India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India, the Parliament House and some other colonial buildings designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in the first half of the 20th century. We end the tour with a visit to Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The same complex also houses monuments and buildings from the Delhi Sultanate and an iron pillar that dates back to over 2,000 years. The pillar continues to mystify scientists who marvel at how it was cast to such perfection. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - The Classic North India Tour comes to an end and it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. Check out of the hotel and get a transfer to the airport or railway station for onward travel. Optional half day sightseeing (Depending upon the time you depart)

Tour Ends