Overnight international flight to New Delhi.

Upon arrival and airport reception, transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Here, see the Red Fort, recognized as the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk; the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars.


Also visit Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Chandni Chowk, and the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial center of Delhi in the old time; see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts; another attraction, Raj Ghat, lies close by. Raj Ghat has a simple memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948. A commemorative ceremony is held here every Friday. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, was also cremated to the north of the memorial at Shanti Van (Forest of Peace). The area is now a beautiful park laden with trees. The Zinat-ul Masjid (Most Beautiful of Mosques) towers over the Raj Ghat.


After the metro ride continue to visit New Delhi to visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb. In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. Humayun's tomb, which was built by emperor Humayun's wife, took eight years to complete and is regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture. The emperor's wife, Begai Begum, was buried in the tomb and the structure is the first of its kind built in the centre of a well-planned garden. The combination of white marble and red sandstone was a great influence on later Mughal architecture. It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra.


The drive meanders along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate. At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an Arc-de-Triomphe like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the North-western Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. The foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The Presidential House is a palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, originally as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, is now the official residence of the First Citizen and the Parliament House.


Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (price not included) to enjoy a fine dinner at the Veda Restaurant, a lavishly designed nouvelle cuisine curry house that offers a fusion of traditional Indian food with a modern spin. A second option is a visit to Akshardham, a unique, yet stunning monument that boasts 234 elaborately carved pillars, 9 decorative domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars (towers of Hindu architecture), stone elephants sculptures, and 20,000 murtis (Hindu images portraying Divine spirits). Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.
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Drive approximately 3-4 hours to Jaipur. Upon arrival check in to the hotel and be free to explore at leisure.


In the evening, transfer to the Amber Fort for a music and light show. The Amber Fort was originally built by the Meenas in the town they consecrated to Amba, the Mother Goddess, whom they knew as Gatta Rani or Queen of the Pass. Built over the remnants of an earlier structure, the palace complex which stands today was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Akbar's army and a member of the Emperor's inner circle of nine courtiers, in 1592. The initial structure of the fort was entirely completed by his descendant, Jai Singh I. Amber was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II.


The sound and light show at the Fort was scripted by the noted lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar for which superstar Amitabh Bachchan will lend his baritone. The one-hour show, which will be in English, will blend the visual splendor of a light show with the gripping historical narrative surrounding the Amber Fort's history.
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This morning, return to the Amber Fort for a half day excursion. Strolling through the magnificent rooms and chambers, observe the various intricate ivory, mirror and glass work. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour that will begin at the City Palace Museum, followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726) and great photographic opportunity at the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds – a spectacular five storied, honeycomb styled building exemplifying superb Rajput artistry.


As the sun sets, transfer to the Elephant Safari. The elephant Safari is conducted in the natural and serene area surrounding the camp of Dera Amer. At dusk upon arrival the guests are welcomed by the elephants. After feeding the elephants, enjoy a welcome drink and face towel. The guests are seated on the cushioned seat (2 adults on each elephant) and sent on a picturesque track following a local tribal guide passing through a private jungle area surrounding the camp, as the sun sets over the hills passing by villages, fields, a medieval fortress lit up by flame torches – mashaals (at night) until arrival at the camp situated in the middle of the forest to a grand welcome
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Drive approximately 4-5 hours to Agra. En route, stop to enjoy an excursion to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, the once imperial city of the Mughal dynasty that was mysteriously deserted years after its inception. This ornate city was built with such grandeur that words do not do justice to the glorious atmosphere created by its buildings. Upon arrival, check into the hotel for the evening.

The area around the Taj Mahal is a protected area and the parking is approximately one kilometer away from the monument. Here, disembark and board battery buses to the Taj.


That magnificent monument of love – The Taj Mahal, was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori.

In the impressive Agra Fort, tour the chambers of this royal residence. On the drive through the city, witness the local life and bazaars and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Agra Fort is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort is often described as a walled palatial city and as the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers and the highest dignitaries who made history in India.


This evening, depart to a showing of Mohabbat the Taj, a live show with a touch of Bollywood. Without the love and the romantic saga associated with it, the Taj Mahal would be just a well-arranged heap of white stones. What really makes Taj Mahal stand out in the list of wonders is the passionate and romantic relationship that inspired its creation, the emotional halo that actually gets transformed into an architectural marvel. Indeed the Taj Mahal is synonymous with pure Love. This 80 minute presentation is a charming way to top off the day at the Kalakriti Auditorium.
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Transfer to the railway station for the train departing for Jhansi. Once in Jhansi, depart for a four hour drive to Khajuraho with a visit to the medieval town of Orcha en route. Once the capital of Bundela Kings, this city is nestled in the rugged countryside, yet retains a captivating atmosphere with its beautiful palaces and temples. Of note are the Jehangiri Mahal, the Raj Mahal and the Laxmi Narayan temple. In the late afternoon, arrive at Khajuraho and check in at the hotel.

Khajuraho was founded in the 9th and 10th centuries by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty, and influenced by Tantrism. Eroticism becomes a theme of philosophical interest and the aim is sublimation of sexual relationship in the sexual act or "Maithun", women being regarded as the incarnation of the divine energy or "Shakti". It is also possible that the carvings of Khajuraho were influenced by "Kama Sutra", the famous treatise on erotic arts, written by Vatsyayana in the time of the Guptas. The erotic love making images of celestial nymphs, gods and goddesses sculpted in delicate detail have caught the imagination of people from all over the world.


The temples are divided into three groups, of which, the western is largest and best known. All but three temples, which are built of local granite, are constructed with hard river sandstone dug from the east bank of the Ken River, 13 miles to the east. None of the temples are enclosed, rather they are erected on high masonry platforms, each on an east-west axis. It is their detailed sculpture which gives Khajuraho its appeal and importance. Less than a tenth of it can be called 'erotic'. Numerous interpretations have been given for the erotic sculpture but there is nothing sordid about these inspired carvings showing beauty and voluptuousness of the female form. Most of the temples are 'banded' by horizontal panels of statues. The purvasins, or divine ladies, are shown engaging in commonplace human activities such as having a bath, getting dressed and applying makeup. Figures of Lord Shiva often protruded from the band. The long frieze with scenes of battles, processions and hunting that rind the base of the Lakshmana temples are some of the best examples of narrative sculpture.


Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Khajuraho.
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Enjoy a morning at leisure in Khajuraho before transferring to the airport for a flight to Varanasi.


Upon arrival in Varanasi, transfer to the hotel.


Embark on an excursion to Sarnath, 10 km from the center of the city. Sarnath symbolizes the birth of Buddhism, as it was here that Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The museum at Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles - archaic, the Mathura School, Gupta, past Gupta and Medieval - covering work of sculptors from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D.


This evening, take a city tour of Varanasi and observe how local culture ceremonially manifests itself. Situated on the west bank of the Ganges, Varanasi extends from the riverbank ghats back to a winding maze of picturesque alleys overlooking tall houses and temples. The city is a center of education, arts and crafts, and has a vast repertoire, from silver, brass, and copper artifacts to perfumeries and trinkets. Varanasi is also the holy city of India, and is also known by the name of Kashi and Benaras. Kashi, the city of Moksha for Hindus for centuries, is known for its fine quality silks, "paan", Benares Hindu University and Avimukta of the ancient days. The city is the most popular pilgrimage point for Hindus, as it is one of the seven holiest cities.


After this fascinating city tour, visit Ghats of Ganges to experience evening aarti. Aarti is the Sanskrit word for homage or devotion. The aarti, or offering of the lamps, is observed at certain hours of the day and night to invoke the gods. It is believed that the gods physically present themselves before devotees at this ceremony. The lamps are revolved before the idols in a clockwise manner along with the chanting of hymns. This recitation is accompanied by drums, blowing of the conch shell, and tolling of the temple bells. At the end of the aarti ceremony, the priest takes a handful of water which he revolves around the god's idol. This is to pacify Agni (the Fire God), who is pressed into service in the form of the wick lamp. The lamps themselves are charged with this "Presence" and after the ceremony, devotees collect the fumes and smear their faces with its aroma.


After the tour and ceremony conclude, transfer back to the hotel.
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Awake early for a boat ride along the Ganges River. While watching the sun rise over the calm waters, slowly begin to see more and more people walk down to dip in the holy waters of the Ganges and perform their morning prayers. As the cruise travels along the river, the city will slowly come alive in time for docking, debark, and the beginning of the city tour.
Following a morning tour of the sites, transfer to the airport for a connection to New Delhi and flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.


Note: Check out of the hotel is at 12 pm. Late check out may be available directly at the hotel subject to availability. Regardless, store luggage at the hotel until departure.
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