---

Royal & Rustic Rajasthan --» Taj Mahal Tours --» Taj Mahal with Temples Tour

---

Taj Mahal with Temples Tour

Day 01 : Abroad - Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International airport. On arrival in Delhi, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi
This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi - Former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the 'rickshaw ride' for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk" or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

This afternoon you will be taken to visit New Delhi - drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutab Minar.
Overnight at hotel

Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
Morning drive to Agra (203 km)
Upon arrival in Agra - check into the hotel

Afternoon visit red fort and famous Taj Mahal.

Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.

Taj Mahal -This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage, during the birth of her 14th child.The central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, central dome. Above the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are false tombs, a common practice in Indian mausoleums. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday).

Stay at pristine Taj Mahal for sunset, to see this true Wonder of the world in gentle late afternoon light.
Overnight at hotel

Day 04: Agra - Gwalior - Orchha
Transfer to the Railway Station for train to Gwalior for a full day sightseeing tour.

Upon arrival at Gwalior Railway Station, the guests will directly proceed for sightseeing.

Tour includes the enormous 19th century Jai Vilas Palace. This Palace is famous for its ornate chandeliers & crystal. A few of the rooms have in converted into a museum filled with the Scindia dynasty memorabilia.

After the visit proceed to the Usha Kiran Palace hotel for a lunch. This Palace was originally the Maharaja's guesthouse.

After lunch proceed to the huge Gwalior Fort - where a sun temple is believed to have been constructed within the area of the fort. Also visit Man Mandir which is a six-towered palace & which forms the eastern wall of the fort. The fort has monuments dating back to 8th century AD onwards & is one of the largest forts in India.

Gujri Mahal, a turreted palace of stone now houses the archaeological museum. Gwalior also offers the Tomb of Muhammad Ghaus, a saint worshipped by the Mughals & the Tomb of the famous musician Tansen.
Thereafter continue drive to Orchha

Orchha overlooked by the modern era, this beautiful medieval town, was once the capital of Bundela kings. Built along the banks of the river Betwa, flowing through a rugged century side, it still retains the captivating air of the bygone era.
Upon arrival in Orchha - check-in at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Orchha - Khajuraho
Morning tour of Orchha - walk by the century old temples and forts, each with its own poignant history, and rest amidst the beauty of the ruins. Amongst the various imposing edifices, of particular interest are the Jehangiri Mahal, built by Raja Bir Singh Deo to commemorate the visit of Moghul Emperor Jehangir, The Raj Mahal and the Laxmi Narayan temple, both noted for their fine frescoes and mural paintings.
Lunch at the hotel Afternoon drive to Khajuraho (170 kms)

Khajuraho - ancient centre of the Chandela Dynasty. Khajuraho flourished from 950 to 1050 AD and is spectacular feat of architecture carved with the roughest of tools. Each temple has a large number of spires in ascending order representing man's aspirations towards spiritual goals. They are famous tourist draw because they have the most sublime, sensuous and erotic sculptures and are romantically situated miles from anywhere in the dry and hot plains of Madhya Pradesh.

Upon arrival in Khajuraho - check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel


Day 06: Khajuraho - Varanasi
Morning visit the temples.

Visit the Eastern group of temples which consists of 3 Hindu and 3 Jain temples, their proximity attests to the religious tolerance of the times in general and of the Chandela rulers in particular.

Also visit the most important and fascinating western group of temples. The temples of Khajuraho have been declared a 'world heritage' site by UNESCO in order to preserve the rich legacy of architecture, bequeathed to future generations by the Kings of the Chandela dynasty. These temples are famous for their intricate sculptures and erotic carvings that are one of the outstanding achievements of Indian art.
Late afternoon transfer to airport for Khajuraho/Varanasi flight (1320/1400 hrs.).

Upon arrival proceed for city tour of Varanasi. Walk through the myriad of narrow lanes in the old city, past the many ancient temples, shrines and little shops crammed with customers looking for the famous silver & gold brocades for weddings or even for cremation cloth. The most famous temple is the Kashi Vishvanath or Golden temple which, though off-limits to non-Hindus, can be seen from the top floor of the old house opposite it.
After sightseeing check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 : Varanasi
Early morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions.
Return to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, visit Sarnath - 5 miles out of Varanasi - one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 B.C. Here you will witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

Transfer to the airport for Varanasi/Delhi flight (1430/1540 hrs.).
Upon arrival at Delhi airport, the guests will be transferred to hotel where rooms will be available for wash or change. Dinner at the hotel. Later transfer to airport for flight back home.

Day 08 : Delhi - Abroad
Depart Delhi




Taj Mahal with Temples Tour, Taj Mahal Tours Reservation Form

(* represents compulsory fields) * Name :   * Your Country :   * Phone : (Include Country/Area Code)   * E-Mail Address :   * Tentative Date of Travel:   Duration of Travel in India (Approx.):   No. of People Travelling:   00 01 02 03 04 05 Adult       00 01 02 03 04 05 Children * Any specific requirements: