Essential India

Duration : 14 nights / 15 days
Destination covered : Delhi - Agra - Orchha - Bhopal - Mandu - Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho- Varanasi - Delhi

HIGHLIGHTS

•   Walk in Old Delhi
•   Spice markets and Jama Masjid
•   Entrance to Taj Mahal
•   Entrance to I'timad-ud-Daul
•   Humayun's Tomb (Baby Taj)
•   Guide and entrance to Red Fort
•   Orchha Palace Complex
•   Entrance and guide Western Temple complex
•  Safari in Bandhavgarh, River Ganges boat trip at sunrise and sunset (including candle flower      ceremony)

Day 1 Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. You will be transfer to hotel. Check in and overnight in hotel.

Day 2 Delhi
We dive into the heart of India's capital to explore both Old and New Delhi. Visit Delhi's famous Jama Masjid, and walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets. Travel by metro to New Delhi with its planned streets, a legacy of the British.

Day 3 Agra
Visit the Taj Mahal - an icon of Mughal architecture - either in the early morning or late afternoon. Be sure to bring lots of film! Explore the Red Fort.

Day 4-5 Orchha
Travelling via the fortress town of Gwalior, we retreat to the peaceful riverside town of Orchha. Explore the many temples and palaces spread along the river and surrounding countryside, making sure to see the town's imposing 17th century fort, Chaturbhuj Temple.

Day 6 Bhopal/Sanchi
Sanchi is known for its stupas, monasteries, gateways, temples and pillars dating from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. Bhopal a rarely visited gem, the old city with its marketplaces and fine old mosques, and the new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens.

Day 7-9 Mandu
Mandu is a celebration in stone of life and joy, and of the love of the poet-prince for his beautiful consort. The massive Jami Masjid and Hoshang Shah's tomb, which provided inspiration to the master builders of the Taj Mahal centuries later.

Day 10 Bandhavgarh National Park
Enter the realm of one of India's most enduring symbols, the tiger. Bandhavgarh is one of the few habitats remaining for wild tigers in the world.

Day 11 Khajuraho
One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Khajuraho is home to India's largest group of medieval Hindu temples, famous for their erotic sculptures depicting scenes from the Kama Sutra.

Day 12-14 Varanasi
Journey to legendary Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city. Walk the narrow twisting alleys, explore some of the thousands of temples and shrines, and experience the mystical energy of the dawn bathing and burial rituals.

Day 15 Depart Delhi
Depart Delhi