12-Day Classical India

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After breakfast this morning, you will begin your city tour of the fascinating city of Delhi. Start by visiting the imposing Red Fort, that features palaces and beautiful gardens. Proceed to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, before embarking on a rickshaw ride around Old Delhi. Then, head to the Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Finish your tour in the landmark of Delhi, Qutub Minar.

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Leave Delhi behind this morning as you make your way to the Pink City of Jaipur. The drive takes between 5 to 6 hours. This is Rajasthan's capital city and is an excellent place to enjoy unparalleled shopping and people watching. Aromatic spices fill the air, while oxcarts, rickshaws, cows, bejewelled women and men with shocking pink turbans jostle through the labyrinthine streets. In the evening enjoy the Aarti ceremony held at Birla Mandir, a Hindu ritual where prayers are made to God.

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You can start your day with one of two optional tours: a cycling tour around Jaipur or a heritage walk around Amber Fort. In the afternoon you will visit some of the most emblematic sights in the city. Make a photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal, a pink-painted honeycombed hive that features 5 stories. Continue to the ancient city of Amber Fort, the City Palace Museum and finish in the Jantar Mantar Observatory.

After breakfast this morning, you will make the drive to Ranthambore, which takes around four hours. Ranthambore, one of the finest tiger reserves in India nestled in the Aravallis, is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park along with the contiguous regions of Kela Devi and Sawai Man Singh parks forms a good biosphere along the Chambal River, which separates it from Madhya Pradesh. Once you arrive you'll check in to your hotel and have the afternoon free.

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Have an early start this morning as you get ready to hit the jungle and enjoy some game viewing in shared jeeps in the company of a naturalist. Ranthambore is a fantastic reserve where you will see all sorts of wildlife such as tigers, leopards, Nilgai antelope and crocodiles. There are also many species of birds that flock to the lakes and waterholes in the park. After lunch, you will revisit the park for some more game viewing.

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In the early morning, you will be transferred to Ranthambore railway station to board the train for Bharatpur. Once you arrive at Bharatpur station you'll proceed to visit Fatehpur Sikri, a World Heritage Site with one of the best-preserved collections of Mughal architecture in India. Then, continue to drive to Agra, where you will visit the famous red Agra Fort, a walled imperial city founded in 1565.

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You will have an early start today as you set off to experience the impressive Taj Mahal at sunrise. A poem in white marble, the Taj was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. Taking 22 years and 20,000 workers to construct, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. After, take a train to Jhansi and drive to Khajuraho, with a stop on the way to visit the spectacular Jahangir Mahal, built in the 17th century.

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This morning you will go on a tour of the Khajuraho temples, built by the mighty warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty in 950 AD. The temples are famous for their carvings depicting numerous Kamasutra positions. At midday, you will take a short flight to Varanasi where upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy the Aarti ceremony on the River Ganges and a magical boat ride to witness the Hindu prayers.

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Wake up early today to enjoy a sunrise boat ride on the river Ganges. This is one of the most magical times of the day to experience Varanasi, as you will see the famous string of bathing ghats that line the river. After, visit an Akhada to learn more about the ancient tradition of Indian wrestling. Visit a number of temples before embarking on a walking tour of Varanasi, with many opportunities to sample the delicious street food found here. End the day with a visit to Sarnath.

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After breakfast at your hotel, a private driver will transfer you to the airport in Varanasi to catch a short flight to New Delhi. The journey will take around 1.5 hours and upon arrival, your driver will greet you and transfer you to the hotel in the city centre. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore Delhi at your leisure.