10 Day Gems of India Private Tour

Delhi- The capital of India, serves as a kaleidoscope, depicting the beautiful country of India. It also houses a treasure of monuments expressing the saga of a bygone era. These icons are testimony to the grandeur of past. The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors, and the poor equally. It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of Dilwalas or “people with heart”. From a string of historical monuments to modern commercial centers, Delhi has evolved into an exceptional and dynamic city, offering a wealth of shopping and sightseeing activities.

The magnificent Red Fort (Lal Qila) was built in the 17th century, and constructed by the Mugal Emperor Shahjahan. It served as the Capital city of the Mugal Empire until 1857. Also visit Jama Masjid, considered to be the largest Mosque in India. Walk down the narrow lanes of a typical Indian Bazaar, Chandni Chowk where traditional wholesale traders still thrive selling their goods to major retailers. Later visit Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.

Afternoon, enjoy a tour of New Delhi. Visit the Qutub Minar, India Gate, Parliament House, Laxmi Narayan Temple [Birla Mandir], Connaught Place, and Government buildings. ( B )

Situated atop a hill overlooking the city, Amber Fort was the old capital before the city of Jaipur was built. Ride on a decorated elephant to ascend the hill to the Palace. The construction of the Amber Fort began in the year 1592 and was started by Man Singh I, but it was later completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. The Palace is laid out at different levels on the hillside and surrounded by a fortress. The exterior of the fort is very imposing and rugged looking whereas the inside is a comforting and warm interior which is influenced by both Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation. On the walls, are paintings depicting various hunting scenes, intricate carvings, mosaics, and minute mirror work that make the halls look majestic and imperial.

Afternoon, visit The City Palace, Mubarak Hall, Chandra Mahal and Pothikhana, which house collection of paintings and manuscripts as well as the museum of Arms and Armory. Later, explore the colorful markets of Jaipur and take part in demonstrations on tying a saree (for women) and pagdi (for men). Overnight at your hotel. ( B )

Abhaneri, which means “The City of brightness”, is a small town village famous for its amazing Baoris (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. The village of Abhaneri was established by Maharaja Chand. These deep and delicately carved step wells are a unique invention of the natives who used its structure for harvesting rainwater.

Stop at Kala Khoa for a Camel Ride experience, and lunch. Visit Fatehpur Sikri. Phantoms of ancient pomp and splendor fill the deserted city, which was once a grandeur Capital city of the great Emperor Akbar, and now a silent witness to a vanished dream. Shortly after it was completed, this magnificent fortress was abandoned by Akbar, due to lack of adequate water supply. The marble tomb of the Saint “Salim Chisti” and the “Bulland Durwaza” are some of the highlights of the fortress.

Arrive in Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal, best described as “poetry in marble’, because of its beauty, grace, and exquisite workmanship. Enjoy VIP check-in at the hotel, with a refreshing welcome drink. ( B, L )

The Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) stands serene and awesome on a raised marble platform by the banks of the Yamuna, testifying to the timelessness of art and love. Shahjahan built the monument in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It has been called the most extravagant monument ever built for the sake of love. The construction of the Taj commenced in 1631, and was completed in 1653. Workers were gathered from all over the country and from Central Asia, and about 20,000 people were recruited to translate this wild dream into a reality. Its pure white marble shimmers silver in the soft moonlight, exudes a shell - pink glow at dawn, and at the close of the day, takes on the tawny, fiery hue of the majestic sun. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565, under Akbar, and continued till the time of his grandson, Shahjahan. Armed with massive double walls, punctuated by four gateways, the fort houses palaces, courts, mosques, baths, gardens and gracious pavilions within its premises. Among the fascinating structures that are to be found within the fort is the red sandstone, Jehangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his Hindu queen Jodhabai, was one of the earliest constructions illustrating the forts change from a military structure into a Royal palace. ( B, L )

Upon arrival in Khajuraho, Enjoy sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. Visit The Western, Eastern, and Southern Group on Temples.

KHAJURAHO, once the capital of a powerful dynasty of Hindu kings called the chandelles (959 A.D.), it is famous today for its magnificent temples considered to be among the most vibrant of Hindu architecture and Sculpture. The exquisite carvings on the exterior of these temples depict worldly activities in the common man’s life in those days.

All 85 temples of Khajuraho, famous for their erotic sculptures, were built by the kings of the Chandela dynasty. Mysteriously, their construction was given only a passing reference in Chandela literature. The Chandela kings were great believers of tantric tradition of working towards satisfaction of all carnal desires to attain salvation. The temples were taken over by the jungle, and were rediscovered in the 1830s by a British army engineer. Transfer to the hotel, and enjoy VIP check-in at the hotel with a refreshing welcome drink. Evening, enjoy a Sound and Light show at the Temples. ( B )

After breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing city tour of Varanasi. Visit Banaras Hindu University and Kashi Vishwanath Mandir. Evening, enjoy a Rikhshaw Ride to the Ghats (banks), and witness Evening Aarti at banks of river Ganges. ( B )

Upon arrival in Delhi, meet and greet assistance at airport. Rest and freshen up at your hotel room. Evening, transfer to International Airport in time to board your flight back to the USA. ( B )