Classical India
*IMPORTANT: Please note that these packages are completely customizable for your convenience. Feel free to Email info@sohivacations.com for any changes, questions, comments or concerns.
India- The land of ancient traditions and astonishing cultures amalgamated with modern grandeur. Sohi Vacations brings to you a fascinating Classical India Tour Package. As the name implies, the Classical India Tour Package presents India in all its ancient and modern grandeur. You journey begins with the hustle and bustle of Delhi, moving on to explore the spectacular forts, colorful bazaars and the rich culture of Jaipur; Agra-the city of Taj Mahal; Orcha- known for its spectacular fort; Khajuraho- the land known for temples, exemplary for bold artistic statement and Varanasi- the cultural capital of India, a melting pot where the circle of life comes together.
DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI
Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel where you will be assisted for the check in.
Day 02: IN DELHI
After breakfast, proceed for a visit of Old Delhi covering The Jama Masjid. Located in the centre of the old city, this congregational mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423. Later visit The Red Fort on the western bank of the river Yamuna. Built in red stone, The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, started the construction of this massive fort in 1638, after which he shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi. Later visit The Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948.
Afternoon, proceed for a visit of New Delhi covering The Qutub Minar, one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India, Humayun’s Tomb the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and the inspiration for several monuments including the Taj Mahal. After this a drive around India Gate and Lutyen’s buildings will be arranged.
Day 03: Delhi-Jaipur
After breakfast, proceed for private road transfer to Jaipur (about 06 hours drive).
On arrival you will be met by a representative and be assisted for check in at the hotel.
Day 04 : In Jaipur
After breakfast, visit the Amber Fort, we recommend getting there early before the hoards descend. This is one of the most fascinating of the Indian forts comprising the Palace of Mirrors, Hall of Public Audience and the beautiful gardens, all of which give a glimpse into the majesty of days gone by. The fort can either be reached by Jeep, on foot or, subject to availability, on elephant back.
Afternoon, visit the City Palace whose several courtyards and gardens provide wonderful contrast to its many palatial structures including Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Badal Mahal and the Sri Govind Dev temple. The huge silver water vessels displayed at the Diwan-e-Khas recorded in the Guinness Book as the largest in the world are a must see. The visit of The Observatory will also be arranged.
Day 05: Jaipur-Agra
After breakfast, proceed for private road transfer to Agra (about 07 hours drive) en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri which was the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign from 1571 till 1585 and regarded as the crowning glory of his architectural legacy.
On arrival you will be met by a representative and be assisted for check in the hotel.
Day 06: IN AGRA
A spectacular start to the day, would be visiting Taj Mahal at sunrise, to view the glowing light of sun over its opaque white dome. Drive to the west gate of monument in a horse driven carriage. Visit the beautiful monument, Taj Mahal built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1560, in loving memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. (TAJ MAHAL REMAINS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS)
Upon return back to the hotel, have breakfast at the hotel.
Late morning we continue with our sightseeing, visiting Agra Fort and several of its palaces, that is built by the four generations of the Mughal dynasty.
Day 07: AGRA-JHANSI-KHAJURAHO
After breakfast, proceed to railway station to board Shatabdi Express (0810-1040 hrs) for Jhansi. On arrival you will be met by Go India Experiences representative and be assisted for private road transfer to Orcha (about 01 hour drive).
On arrival visit Orchha's fort which has three impressive palaces placed in an open quadrangle: the Jehangir Mahal (built to mark Emperor Jehangir's visit to the city); the Raj Mahal; and the Rai Praveen Mahal, built for the famous musician-poetess paramour of King Indramani. The Ram Raja, Chaturbhuj, and Laxminarayan temples are worth a visit.
Afternoon proceed for private road transfer to Khajuraho (about 04 hours).
On arrival you will be met by a representative and be assisted for check in at the hotel.
Day 08: IN KHAJURAHO
Morning proceed with a combined tour of Eastern & Western group of temples. Of the 86 temples, built during the reign of the Chandela Kings between 950 and 1050 BC, only about 20 temples remain and fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture.
Rest of the day at leisure with car at disposal for local running.
Day 09: KHAJURAHO-VARANASI
Late morning proceed to airport to board flight for Varanasi.
On arrival you will be met by a representative and be assisted for check in at the hotel.
Evening proceed for the visit of Mother India Temple- a unique temple dedicated to Mother India carved with a single piece of marble. Later proceed to the parking area from where we take you on Rickshaws to the ghats to witness the Aarti Ceremony (Hindu ritual /prayer of river Ganges at Sunset). You will be passing through the crowded bazaars and galis (old part) of this ancient city, small shops illuminated with lights followed by a short boat ride on Ganges witnessing the Aarti ceremony amidst jingling of bells, floating of diyas (traditional lamps) and chanting of mantras give you a never forgettable life time experience.
Day 10: Varanasi-DELHI……LEAVE DELHI
Early morning proceed for boat ride at river Ganges. At dawn-the Ghats are abuzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals. A boat ride from the Dasaswamedh Ghat along the Ghats gives you vantage views of these activities. After the boat cruise on the Ganges walk through the narrow lanes of city visiting various temples.
After breakfast, proceed for a visit of Sarnath, which bears testimony to its great past where lord Buddha delivered his first seramon expounding the principals of Buddhism. Visit the art collection at the Archeological museum (closed on fridays).
Afternoon proceed to airport to board flight for Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi, you will be met by a representative and transferred to international airport to board flight for onwards sector.