Classical India Tour

Duration:09 Nights/ 10 Days

Day 01: Arrival in Delhi

Welcome to India! Accommodation available from 1200 Noon. Meeting and assistance on arrival at Airport and transfer to Hotel with HAPPY VACATIONS INDIA representative. DELHI: Delhi, the capital of India has a strong historical background. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history. The history of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. The town was known as Indraprastha, where Pandavas used to live. In due course eight more cities came alive adjacent to Indraprastha: Lal Kot, Siri, Dinpanah, Quila Rai Pithora, Ferozabad, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad and Shahjahanabad. Delhi has been a witness to the political turmoil for over five centuries. It was ruled by the Mughals in succession to Khiljis and Tughlaqs. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 02: Delhi Sightseeing

Breakfast at Hotel. You will proceed for Guided full day city tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi:- INDIA GATE (War memorial Site);- The India Gate, originally called the All India War Memorial, is a war memorial located astride the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of the ‘ceremonial axis’ of New Delhi, formerly called Kingsway. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. Later drive past through President House & the Parliament. JAMA MASJID (India’s large Mosque):- This great mosque of Old Delhi is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. RED FORT (drive past through);- The Red Fort (Lal Quila) in Delhi, India was originally built by the fifth Emperor of India’s Mughal Dynasty, Shahjahan in 1639, when he moved India’s capital from Agra to Delhi. The Red Fort, which derives its name from the red sandstone bricks which make up its protective walls, was built as Shahjahan’s new palace and as a defensive structure. In the afternoon visit QUTAB MINAR :- Qutub Minar, also known as Qutab Minar and Qutab Minar, is the tallest minaret in India, originally an ancient Islamic Monument, inscribed with Arabic inscriptions, though the iron pillar has some Brahmi inscriptions HUMAYUN’S TOMB: - Humayun died in 1556, and his widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam, commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture. It is well known that Humayun picked up the principles of Persian architecture during his exile, and he himself is likely to have planned the tomb, although there is no record to that effect. Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian, was the architect employed by Haji Begam for this tomb. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 03: Delhi – Neemrana Village - Jaipur

Breakfast at Hotel. Morning drive to Jaipur “Pink City” of Rajasthan. On the way visit Neemrana includes Lakes and Stepwells/bawdi or baoli, also called kalyani or pushkarani:- Neemrana is an ancient historical town in Alwar district of Rajasthan, India, situated at 122 km from Delhi on the Delhi-Jaipur highway in Behror tehsil. It is situated in between Behror and shahajahanpur. Neemrana is an industrial hub. BY evening arrive in Jaipur and on arrival transfer to Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. Jaipur: -This is capital of Rajasthan; Jaipur was built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It is from his name that the city extracts its name. Jaipur happens to be the first planned city of India. Maharaja Jai Singh, who was only 11 years old, came into power after the demise of his father Maharaja Bishan Singh. Kachwaha Rajputs, who came into power in 12th century, are said to be Jai Singh"s ancestors. Their rivalry with Sisodia Rajputs, rulers of Mewar, helped them in their alliance with Mughals. Mughals too helped the Kachwaha Rajputs against Sisodia Rajputs, resulting in Kachwahas attaining a reputed place in Rajasthan. They ruled the kingdoms of Mewar (Udaipur) and Marwar (Jodhpur) from the glorious Amber Fort. Jai Singh supported Aurangzeb"s son Azam Shah in the battle of succession, which created unrest among people. But Azam Shah lost this bid to throne to his brother Bahadur Shah.

Day 04: Jaipur – Amber Fort - Jaipur

Breakfast at Hotel. In the morning take an excursion to Amber fort with joy ride on an Elephant. In the afternoon take a city tour covering CITY PALACE – occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens & buildings and a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. City Palace, Jaipur, which includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces and other buildings, is a palace complex in Jaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan state. ROYAL OBSERVATORY:– An observatory is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Sawai Jai Singh who was a Mughal Commander and served Emperor Aurangzeb and later Mughals. The tiltle of and Sawai was bestowed on him by Emperor Mohammad Shah. HAWA MAHAL (stop just for photo): It is a palace in Jaipur, India. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, and designed by Lal Chand Ustad in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05: Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra

Breakfast at Hotel. Later drive to Agra. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri – the former capital of Mughal emperor Akbar. But it was vanished and changed back to Agra again after few years due to shortage of water. Here you will see the Sikri Fort (fort & palace built by the Mughal empror, Akbar the great to set up his capital), Buland Darwaza (is the symbol of victory of mughal’s), Kali Mata Temple ( made by Muslim emperor Akbar for his beloved Hindu Rajput wife Jodha Bai ) and Salim Chisti Shrine ( who blessed Akbar with a son ). Upon arrival transfer to Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. Agra: has found its mention in the famous Hindu epic Mahabharat as the forest of Agraban close to Mathura. Badal Singh founded the city in 1475. Sikandar Lodhi made Agra his capital city. Later, Babur defeated the Lodhis to capture the city situated on the banks of River Yamuna and thus, the long association of Mughals with Agra started. The Mughal love of architecture translated into beautiful monuments such as Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra. The glory of Agra was at its peak during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Akbar made it the center of art, culture, commerce and learning and Shah Jahan saw it in full bloom. In fact, it is said that it was Akbar who laid the foundation of the modern city that we see now in 1558 and was known as Akbarabad. Most of the buildings belong to the period between mid-16th century and 17th century and were of high quality. These monuments were built in the contemporary Mughal style.

Day 06: Agra

Morning proceed for full day sightseeing of Agra visiting the world famous "Taj Mahal" - 7th Wonder of the world built by Emperor Shah. Later visit the 16th century Agra Fort (Red Fort) containing the halls of private audience with fine marble work and also visit The tomb of Itimad ud Daulah is sometimes called the "Baby Taj" because of its resemblance to Agra"s most famous monument. (TAJ MAHAL REMAINS CLOSED ON FRIDAY). Later enjoy for shopping. Overnight at The hotel.

Day 07: Agra – Jhansi (By Shatabdi Train) - Orchha – Khajuraho (By Road)

Morning transfer to railway station to board train Shatabdi Express (dep; 08:12/arr;10:43hrs) to Jhansi, on arrival at railway station meet and assist with our representative and drive to Khajuraho en-route visit Orchha Palace, Cenotaphs or Chatris and Temples. Orchha Palace- Fort complex is located on an island on River Betwa, having a number of palaces to tour within it. The most noteworthy of the palaces within Orchha fort complex is Rajmandir and Jahangir Mahal. The way to Orchha fort complex is through a four-arched bridge. Evening arrive in Khajuraho. On arrival check in into hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 08: Khajuraho – Varanasi

Morning visit the World famous Erotic temples of Khajuraho built by Chandela’s during 950 – 1050 AD. The temples in Khajuraho are divided into three complexes. The most popular temple complex in Khajuraho of the three is the western complex on the western side as the name suggests which houses the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple - the largest temple at Khajuraho. The eastern group of temples of Khajuraho is about half an hour away from the western temple comples. Brahma Temple, Vamana & Javari Temples and the Parshvanatha Temple the largest Jain temple in Khajuraho is in the eastern complex. The Southern group of temples in Khajuraho comprises of Duladeo temple and the Chaturbhuja temple. Later transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi. Assistant on arrival at airport and transfer to Hotel. In the Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. The aarti takes place facing the river. The lamps are lit and circled around by the pandits (Hindu priests) in a clockwise manner, accompanied by changing or songs in praise of Mother Ganga. The idea is that the lamps acquire the power of the deity. After the ritual is complete, devotees will cup their hands over the flame and raise their palms to their forehead in order to get the Goddess"s purification and blessing. Overnight at the Hotel.

NOTE: Between 01 May to 30 September, 2014 Flight: Khajuraho / Varanasi not operate Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Day 09: Varanasi – Sarnath - Varanasi

Early morning boat rides on the holy river Ganges to view the sunrise where the Hindus perform their morning prayers. Later proceed for half day city tour of Varanasi, visiting Bharat Mata temple, and Banaras Hindu University, Vishwanath Temple, Hanuman Temple, and Old City market. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath where Gautam Buddha preached his first sermon after the enlightenment. Overnight at the Hotel. Varanasi, one of world"s oldest living cities, is rightly called the religious capital of India. The former name of the city, "Kashi" signifies that it is a "site of spiritual luminance." Indeed it is! Not only is Varanasi a place for pilgrimage, it is also a great center of learning, and a place known for its heritage in music, literature, art and craft. Varanasi is also famous for its antique temples. The renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has a "lingam" - the phallic icon of Shiva - that goes back to the time of the epics.

Day 10: Varanasi – Delhi (By Flight)/departure

Morning free, afternoon take flight for Delhi and on arrival catch your onward International flight for Back to home.

End of the Tour