TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit UNESCO –World Heritage sites – Humayun Tomb, Qutab Minar, Fatehpur Sikri,Taj Mahal,
• Agra Fort, Royal Observatory and Khajuraho Temples.
• Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur
• Rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk Bazaar in Old Delhi, Jaipur and Varanasi.
• Tonga ride in Agra
• Aarti Ceremony and Boat ride in Varanasi

TRAVEL ITINERARY

Day 01 Arrive Delhi
On Arrival at Delhi International Airport you will meet Glorious India Tours representative and assisted transfer to hotel. 
Delhi - The capital of Republic of India, Delhi is a bustling metropolis and city of almost 17 million inhabitants. Delhi is a near perfect blend of the ancient and the modern and is seamlessly divided into two parts - Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi is part of the city that was designed by the Mughals and New Delhi was designed majorly during English rule and also known as “Lyutens” Delhi. 

Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi 

Day 02: Delhi
Morning proceed for the visit of Old Delhi – visit the resplendent “mosque of Friday” - Jama Masjid. Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India and is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan - whose best work is the Taj Mahal. The spacious courtyard of the Jama Masjid holds thousands of faithful devotees.After visit of Jama Masjid Walk through the colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Street"), enjoy Rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk. Drive past the Red Fort - a majestic Fort and an erstwhile seat of power - which encapsulates a long period of Indian history and its arts. Also visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. 

Afternoon you will visit Qutub Minar, the pride of Delhi. The Construction of this tall minaret was commenced by Muslim ruler, Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1192 and completed by Iltutmish. The soaring conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. Humayun Tomb, is the Delhi's first Mughal mausoleum, constructed in 1564 after the death of the second Mughal Emperor. Constructed of red sandstone, inlaid with black and white marble, on a commanding podium, looking towards the Yamuna, it stands in the center of the formal charbagh or quartered garden. It was built in accordance to the Indo Islamic architecture. After visit proceed for the Orientation tour of “Lyutens” Delhi - named after the leading British architect Sir Edwin Landseer Lyutens. Drive past some of magnificent monuments designed by him such as India Gate and Viceroy's House - now known as the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President Palace). 

Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi 

Day 03: Delhi –Jaipur
Morning you will be driven to Jaipur by surface. 
Jaipur or The City of Victory was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. It is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the Universe through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. The architect who formalized the city’s plans on the Shilpa Shastra, the epic Hindu treatise on architecture, mixed it with the sublimity of the Mughal and Jain influences of those times. The city was painted pink in 1853 in honour of the visit by Prince Albert. 

On arrival in Jaipur, check in at hotel. 

Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur 

Day 04: Jaipur
Morning proceed for excursion to Amber Fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Enroute you will stop at the Palace of Winds for a photo opportunity. Continue your drive to Amber fort. 
Amber Fort, set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. Holding a history as old as seven centuries, this place vibrates with its legendary past. Enjoy elephant ride to climb up Fort. 

Afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of city visiting City Palace, a beautiful palace complex full of treasures now housed in the museum area. City Palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. Also visit Jantar Mantar or Royal Astronomical Observatory. This observatory is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734. Each instrument has a specific purpose and gives an accurate reading. Get on the Bicycle Rickshaws waiting outside the palace as we take you for a ride to the colorful bazaar passing through the rose pink residential and market areas of Jaipur. 

Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur 

Day 05: Jaipur –Fatehpur Sikri-Agra
Morning you will be driven to Agra (260 Kms / 06 hrs approximately). Enroute visit Fatepur Sikri. 
Fatehpur Sikri- built during the second half of the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. Fatehpur Sikri bears exceptional testimony to the Mughal civilization at the end of the 16th century. It offers a unique example of Architectural ensembles of very high quality constructed between 1571 and 1585. Its form and layout strongly influenced the evolution of Indian town planning, notably at Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi). 

Later drive to Agra. Agra is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World the Taj Mahal. 

Tourists from all over the world visit Agra not only to see the ruins of the red sandstone fortress built by the Mughal emperors other tourist attractions in Agra worth visiting are the Agra Fort and Akbar's Mausoleum. The golden age of the city began with the Mughals between 16th and 17th Century. Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpet, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. 

On arrival in Agra, check in at hotel. 

Overnight stay at hotel in Agra 

Day 06: Agra
Morning sunrise visit to The Taj Mahal (remains closed on Friday’s), perfect in its symmetry, is a monument to the love of Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The construction of the Taj Mahal started in 1631. It took 20,000 artisans 22 years to complete this poignant mausoleum that blends subtlety with grandeur, and a massive overall design with immaculately intricate execution. On the inner walls, jewel-like stones create beautiful designs in white marble. The Mughals perfected the art of embedding semi-precious stones into marble and the Taj is the finest example of this; it is a special process called pietra dura. Enjoy Tonga ride (Horse Carriage) during the visit. 

After visit of Taj Mahal proceed for the visit of Agra Fort. Agra Fort, was where the ageing Emperor Shah Jahan, imprisoned by his son, watched from a distance the fulfilment of his life’s dream - the building of the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife. The fort is really a city within a city, which embraces the Moti Masjid, the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences, the Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audiences, the Octagonal Tower, Jehangir’s Palace and many more monuments. 

Evening you will visit Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah also known as “Baby Taj” for Taj Mahal view from across the Yamuna River. 

Overnight stay at hotel in Agra 

Day 07: Agra –Jhansi By Train –Orchha-Khajuraho
Morning transfer to railway station to board morning Shatabadi express train to JhansiUpon arrival at Jhansi, proceed for the visit of Orchha. Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela chieftain, Rudra Pratap Singh, who built this new capital on large wooded islands on the River Betwa. You will Visit Jehangir Mahal Palace and Ram Raja Temple. 
Later you will be driven to Khajuraho . On arrival in Khajuraho, check in at hotel. 
Khajuraho- has become world renowned for its Temples. They are the most graphic, erotic and sensuous sculptures in India. Khajuraho has finally received the attention it deserves for its significant contribution to the religious art of India. 

Overnight, stay at hotel in Khajuraho. 

Day 08:Khajuraho-Varanasi By Flight
Morning visit the famous 10th century Western group of temples designated as a World Heritage Site enclosed within a beautifully laid out park. The Kandriya Mahadev, Jagadami and Chitragupta Temples display the best craftsmanship of Khajuraho. Later visit Eastern and Southern group of Temples. 
Later transfer to airport to board your flight for Varanasi. 
Varanasi- the 'eternal city', and Hinduism's most important city, located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, has been the center of learning & civilization for over two thousand years. 

Arrive Varanasi and transfer to hotel. 

Evening you will witness Aarti ceremony on The Ganges. Aarti is a Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Enjoy rickshaw ride during visit of Aarti. 

Overnight, stay at hotel in Varanasi. 

Day 09: Varanasi
Early morning boat ride, on the holiest of Holy River - The Ganges. Experience the flow of time as you see the enactment of life in front of your eyes – from life to death, on the banks of this mighty river. Hindu pilgrims come to bath in the sacred “Ganga” – to wash away their sins - facing the rising sun, or at dusk, when leaf-boat lamps are floated down the river. The experience will change your perspective towards life. On your way back visit turn back visit Viswanath Temple (Golden temple) from outside (Non Hindus not allowed inside). 
Return for breakfast at hotel. 

After breakfast visit Varanasi city Benaras Hindu University, Viswanath Temple within the campus of University. 

Afternoon proceed for an excursion to Sarnath - a major Buddhist centre. After achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Buddha - the 'Awakened One', delivered his first sermon here. Also visit Archeological Museum at Sarnath. 

Overnight, stay at hotel in Varanasi. 

Day 10 Varanasi- Kathmandu By Flight
Morning you will be transferred to Varanasi airport to board flight for Kathmandu. (Flight operate on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) 
Kathmandu is capital of the ancient mountain kingdom of Nepal. Kathmandu has the air of a medieval city with a maze of narrow streets, wooden temples and beautifully decorated palaces. In the background there is often the gentle sound of jangling cymbals and the markets are a rich blend of colors and aromas. 

Upon arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. 

Overnight, stay at hotel in Kathmandu 

Day 11: Kathmandu
Early morning drive to Domestic airport for an hour Mountain flight to enjoy the breathtaking views of scenic beauty of the mighty mountains. The Everest flight is a sparkling clear journey across the world’s highest peaks, Mt. Everest - world’s highest peak (8848 m). Return to the hotel for breakfast and morning at leisure Optional: A spectacular dawn flight over the Himalayas to Mount Everest. 
Morning visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple" which is said to be over 2,000 years old and one of the world's most fabulous Buddhist Temples. Swayambhunath commands a superb view of the valley below. The four side of this ancient structure are painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha. Between the eyes is a mystical third eye symbolizing true wisdom. The nose, appearing as an incomplete question mark, is the Nepalese number of one, a symbol of unity. After that visit Kathmandu city, visit Durbar Square, one of three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. It is the site of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and where important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch, still take place today. Continue to the Temple of Kumari, where the Living Goddess, the Kumari, acknowledges greetings from the intricately carved wooden balconies. 

Afternoon you will visit the City of Patan. On arrival at Patan, visit The Patan Durbar Square, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. 

Overnight, stay at hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 12:Kathmandu
Morning proceed for the excursion of Bhaggaon (Bhaktapur). Bhaktapur, is the former capital of the Kings of the Malla and renowned for its elegant art, rich culture, colorful festivals, traditional dances, architectural beauty, filled with ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious sites and the typical Newari lifestyle. Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal, the Golden Gate, and the entrance to the Palace of 55 Windows before visiting Nyatapola Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi, lies in this square, is Nepal's tallest pagoda temple. 
Afternoon proceed for the visit of two magnificent and important temples, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. 
Boudhanath –It’s possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa (temple) and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. Around the stupa a number of monasteries have sprung up number of the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism including one (on the west side of the stupa) that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned. 

Pashupatinath, the most sacred of all Hindu temples in Nepal, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple precincts but may look into premises from the opposite bank. It draws tens of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from and India during the festival of Mahashivaratri (the night of Lord Shiva). 

Overnight, stay at hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 13:Kathmandu-Delhi-Onward
Morning you will be at leisure. 

Afternoon you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport board your flight for Delhi. 

On arrival in Delhi board onward journey flight 

Note : Tour Cost on request.

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