Explore the vibrant and diverse culture of  India in just 13 days with our "A Taste of India" tour. You'll visit  iconic cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi, each with its own  unique history and charm. Immerse yourself in this rich and captivating  country, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the peaceful banks of the  Ganges in Varanasi. Experience the best of India with our expertly  crafted itinerary.

Welcome to Delhi, India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.

Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel.

Your morning exploration of Old Delhi begins with a visit to the Red Fort, a symbol of Shah Jehan's Mughal power and elegance, also known as the greatest wonder of all the cities of Delhi.

India's history has been closely linked with this fort. It was from here that the British deposed the last Mughal ruler - Bhadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of a three - century long Mughal rule. It was also from its ramparts that the first prime. Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free from colonial rule.

Your tour continues with a visit to India’s largest mosque Jama Masjid, originally known as ‘Masjid-I-Jahan-Numa’, meaning ‘The mosque with a commanding view of the world’. This mosque was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan and was completed in 1656.

Continue onto Raj Ghat, a simple square platform of black marble found on the banks of the Yamuna, at the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination on 31st February 1948. The memorial has the epitaph Hē Ram, (literally translated as 'O' Ram’, but also translated to 'O God'), believed to be the last words uttered by Mahatma Gandhi.

This afternoon you will explore ‘Lutyens’ Delhi or New Delhi. Drive through the city viewing the government buildings, President's House and Parliament House. Also Visit India Gate and drive past the government buildings. Built as an imperial capital by the British, all the main buildings, designed in the 1920’s by the British architects Lutyens and Baker, remain today.

At one end of the avenue known as the Rajpath (literally the “King’s Way”) is the War Memorial Arch, better known as India Gate, a memorial to the 90,000 Indians who gave their lives in World War I. As you drive along the majestic Rajpath - the broadest avenue of Delhi - our first views encompass the enormous Secretariat buildings with their 1,000 rooms and miles of corridors, and the Parliament House, a huge circular building in red and grey sandstone with an open colonnade extending around its circumference.

At the other end stands the Rashtrapati Bhawan, one of the largest and most grandiose of the Raj constructions, built originally for the British Viceroy and now the official residence of the President of India.

Continue to Humayun's Tomb. Emperor Humayun, the father of Emperor Akbar, lies buried in this magnificent monument built in red sandstone. Haji Begum, Humayun's first wife and mother of Emperor Akbar designed and supervised the entire construction. Her design was way ahead of the times and is the basis for the design of the famous Taj Mahal, built almost a hundred years later! Your tour ends with a visit to Qutab Minar, India's tallest stone tower. At a height of 234 feet, the "Tower of Victory" is considered by some to be the world's most perfect specimen of tower architecture. A mathematical marvel, this building has remained standing for eight centuries. Another important monument within the complex is the Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque, literally translated as ‘The Might of Islam’. Though today the mosque is in ruins, it is believed that twenty-seven Jain temples were destroyed and their materials reused to construct the monuments of the complex.

Overnight at the hotel.

This morning you will drive to Jaipur, a city, whose past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city".

Jaipur, whose past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city". There is a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs.

Arrive and proceed to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.

The morning you will drive along the streets of Jaipur, to Amber Fort, stopping en-route to view and photograph the Palace of Winds. Completed in 1799, the Palace was originally built to allow the sequestered ladies of the court to view the bustling life of the city. It is popularly known as Hawa Mahal, because of the perforated screen façade which catches the welcome breeze or Hawa.

Continue on to the Amber Fort. On the crest of a rugged hilltop and overlooking Lake Moata, the fort evokes thoughts of legends and fairy tales. The fort has been constructed in white and red sandstone. The Fort is unique in that it’s outside, an imposing and rugged defensive structure, is markedly different from its inside, an ornate, lavish interior influenced by both Hindu and Muslim styles of ornamentation. The walls of the interior of the fort are covered with murals, frescoes, and paintings depicting various scenes from daily life. Other walls are covered with intricate carvings, mosaic, and minute mirror work.

This afternoon you will explore the city. Your program begins with a visit to the City Palace complex that continues to evoke the splendour of a bygone era. In an unending series of delights, from its grand aged entrance to the play of ornamental fountains, the City Palace is a dazzling showplace of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Amongst the pleasures of the Palace is a museum with ample evidence of opulence.

Next to the city palace is Jantar Mantar, literally translated as Calculation Instrument. This Observatory was built between 1728 and 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh, Jantar Mantar was built on a grand scale and was way beyond its time. This was modeled after the one that was built in Delhi, the then Mughal capital. He had constructed a total of five of which the one in Jaipur is the largest.

Return to your hotel.

This morning drive to Agra stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri or “The City of Victory - the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago.  It is complete with palaces and mosques and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed.

After your visit you will continue to Agra, the capital to the Mughals in the 16th and 17th Centuries. Agra was also the repository of many of the Mughals most famous monuments. The city has long astonished visitors and many places of interest date back to the Afghans, who predated the Mughals.

Arrive and proceed to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

This morning you will visit the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Visitors are asked to remove their shoes prior to entering the interiors of the Taj Mahal.

Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants! Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (literally translated as Jewel of the Palace). She died at the age of 39 giving birth to her fourteenth child and he went into mourning for two years, turning away from the business of running an empire and becoming more involved with his other great love – architecture! Feast your eyes on the exquisite intricate marble inlay work! Legend has it that the cenotaphs were inlaid with diamonds. A blanket woven of pearls covered Mumtaz’s shroud. A railing of gold circled the cenotaphs, which was later on replaced by a marble one. Gold leaf was said to have covered all or part of the dome.

Later you will visit the Agra Fort. Set on the bend of the River Yamuna. Emperor Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1565-1573. This magnificent fort, with its imposing gates, walls of red sandstone and moat, dominates the center of the city. The fort was built by three different Mughal Emperors: Akbar the Great erected the walls, gates and first buildings; Emperor Shah Jehan built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque; while Emperor Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. A visit to the Hall of Public Audience and the Royal Pavilions is a must! At the end of his life, Aurangzeb imprisoned his father, Shah Jehan, at Agra Fort — a mild punishment considering the luxury of the fort. Legend states that Shah Jehan died in Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony with an excellent view of the Taj Mahal.

Transfer to the railway station to board the train to Jhansi. Arrive Jhansi and drive to Orchha.

Visit jahangir mahalthe graceful jahangir mahal is a garrison and fortress located in the town of orchha, india. this beautiful multi-storied citadel was built in honour of jahangir, who was a mughal emperor. the castle features 136 rooms adorned with beautiful wall paintings, stylish hanging terraces, eight elegant domes, and porches. the views of the valley and the temples emerging from the lush green forest along the glittering betwa river allow moments of admiration and meditation. visitors can take advantage of stunning photo opportunities.

Ram raja temple is located in the town of orchha in india. this beautiful ram temple has an intriguing history behind it. the idols which were supposed to be installed in the magnificent chaturbhuj temple were kept on the ground where this temple now stands. but once kept on the ground, the idols could not be budged. this marked the place holy, and a temple was constructed where the idols were kept. ram raja temple has a serene architecture, adorned with a marble courtyard and colourful walls.

This morning drive to Khajuraho. Arrive and checkin to hotel.

Located southwest of Kanpur, Khajuraho is considered one of India’s seven wonders and listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The city encompasses the nation’s largest array of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, decorated with intricately detailed erotic sculptures and reliefs. The site incorporates close to 100 sacred structures, some of them exquisitely preserved, and each evening, a light and sound show is staged here, covering the history, philosophy and craftsmanship encapsulated in this archaeological goldmine. Other highlights include: vibrant Annual Dance Festival of Khajuraho; the Panna National Park, home to leopards; the Arhanta Yoga Ashram, where visitors can take classical Hatha yoga classes. The city also boasts a wide variety of wonderful shops, markets and restaurants.

Your morning explorations include a visit to the western group of temples. These magnificent temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing every human expression, from life, to love, to joy – all so perfect in their execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been captured in stone testifying to the artistry of the craftsmen. Of the 85 granite and sandstone temples, only 22 have survived the ravages of time. These temples seem to rise up to the sky and display an extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs, under whose rule they were conceived and constructed. Your tour includes a visit to the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, the largest and most magnificent temple in Khajuraho. You will also visit the Lakshman Temple, a striking temple that is one of the three largest temples of Khajuraho. The temple faces the East and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built by the Chandela rules it is considered to be one of the earliest built temples here AD 954).

Continue to explore the Eastern group of temples, where you will visit the Parsvanath Temple which is this group's largest Jain temple and is exquisite in detail. The sculptures on the northern outer wall are artistic in design with themes depicting in charming detail, everyday activity.

This afternoon visit the South Eastern group of temples including the Duladeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of a linga. This was the last of the temples built during the Chandela period. The figurines carved in the temple have soft expressive features unlike the other temples and the walls have a display of carved celestial dancers or asparas. The Chaturbhuj Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the only temple which does not have erotic sculptures. 

Today morning drive to Allahabad. Arrive and check in to hotel.

Triveni Sangam – Triveni Sangam is the confluence of two physical rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and the invisible or mythical Saraswati (supposed to have dried up more than 4,000 years ago). All three rivers are highly revered in Indian mythology, and hence the confluence point of these rivers holds tremendous religious importance. As per Hindu mythology, taking a dip in the holy Triveni Sangam will wash away sins and free from the cycle of rebirth, thereby achieving Moksha.

Anand Bhavan - Anand Bhavan was constructed by Indian political leader Motilal Nehru in the 1930s to serve as the new residence of the Nehru family when the original mansion Swaraj Bhavan was transformed into the local headquarters of the Indian National Congress. This double-storeyed mansion was personally designed by Motilal Nehru.

Visit to Allahabad Fort - Allahabad Fort was built in 1583 CE by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, and is well-known for being the largest fort ever built by Akbar. Standing at the banks of the confluence of River Yamuna and River Ganga, the fort is a fine example of the curation and craftsmanship of the Mughal era. In the olden days, this massive fort was considered among the best garrisons in the entire Mughal Empire. Now, it has been recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance.

This morning drive to Varanasi. Arrive & check in to hotel.

Later you will visit Sarnath, one of the main thereafter Buddhist centers in India. Here Lord Buddha delivered his first speech after gaining Nirvana, or enlightenment. Explore the Sarnath Museum, whose most famous exhibit is the “lion capital of Asoka”: this statue of four lions guarding the four cardinal directions has become the emblem of modern India.

This afternoon you will explore the city and its temples including a visit to the Bharat Mata temple is an interesting experience. Unlike other temples in India which all house deities of gods and goddesses, this is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. The most peculiar thing about the Bharat Mata Temple is that it houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble. Built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. The statue of Bharat Mata is built in marble and is a model of undivided India, depicting the mountains, plains and oceans.

This evening you will board a rickshaw down to the river ghats to experience the rays of the setting sun casting their mystical shadows upon the darkening water. All along the banks shimmering lights of the tiny oil lamps ‘diyas’ flicker in the darkness lighting up the darkness with tiny specks of light. 

Early morning proceed to ghats for a boat ride on the River Ganges. As your boat slowly drifts along the misty river you will witness so many fascinating sights - devotees having their ritual bath, the performing of religious ceremonies, or puja, to the rising sun, an ancient tradition that is still followed today. The shimmering red and gold hues on the waters of the river seem to cast a magical spell on the devout worshippers. The haunting sound of the chanting of mantras and hymns coupled with the sweet fragrance of incense fills the air with mystery and engulfs the senses of its spectators and offers an experience of ultimate bliss.

Disembark and walk up the narrow cobbled lanes stopping en route to view the Golden Temple of Varanasi – Vishwanath Temple.

Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi and transfer to hotel.

Today transfer to airport for onward flight