Best of North India Tour

Best North India Tour Packages does not make a false claim. It indeed offers the best and hottest tourist attractions of North India, Golden Triangle tour highlights, most majestic and romantic destinations offered by Rajasthan Tourism, the best tiger trails and wildlife adventure at Ranthambore, and two of the most interesting seats of Hindu culture and philosophy painting very different pictures - Khajuraho and Varanasi. The Sam Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer offer you a beauty quite different from the one on display at the island Lake Palace of Udaipur. Royal and oriental Rajasthan travel in contrast with the sojourns into the barren stretches of sands - where wind is the eternal sculptor - paint a picture that is so distinct that you will find impossible to forget it for a long time to come.

Daywise Itinerary for Best North India Tour:

Day 01: Arrival at Delhi
A company representative from TNS will meet you on arrival at the International airport and transfer to your hotel, where you will stay overnight. You can relax and refresh yourself to overcome jetlag and be refreshed for the next day.

DELHI, the capital of several kingdoms and empires that took hold of the political nerve of India since the 12th century, is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, you will proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city starting with Old Delhi.

The tour begins with a visit to Raj Ghat - a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and takes you to the magnificent Red Fort that overlooks River Jamuna and was built during the years 1638-48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and the biggest one in India. Emperor Shah Jahan built it in his favorite white marble. The courtyard of Jama Masjid can hold up to 25,000 devotees at once and the relics it houses include a Quran written on deerskin. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of one of the most crowded and largest bazaars in Asia nearby means that the area is rarely quiet.

Enjoy the rickshaw ride and have famous delicacies for lunch at the Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. Overnight will be at hotel.

Day 03: Delhi
In the second day, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the lifestyles of people. The walled city is all-out traditional where one will be able to glean lifestyle of the past in all its facets, colours and smells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India; a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan or the President's residence.

You will spend the night at your hotel in Delhi.

Day 04: Delhi - Jaipur
After breakfast, you will proceed to Jaipur, where you will stay for the night.

Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the 'Pink City' because of the pink-coloured buildings in its old city that were so painted in the honor of the royal spouse of Queen Victoria. Ever since, the colour was declared to be the official colour of the buildings there. Jaipur sits on a dry lake-bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes.

All through, Jaipur has retained its strong Rajputana flavour tempered by several influences - the Mughal being the most prominent. The region's strong cultural heritage is distinctly evident even today. The city is a visitor's delight from the intricate, delicate looking Hawa Mahal to the graphic forms of the Jantar Mantar - an open air observatory of outsized astronomical instruments; the Badi Chaupar lined with shops and business establishments on both sides to the majestic fort-palace at Amber; from the colorful fountains of life to the sublime Birla Temple and architectural delights of the City Palace to the serene Jal Mahal. Jaipur is known for its warm hospitality.

Day 05: Jaipur
Breakfast will be served at the hotel and then, you will proceed for morning excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride up the ascent of the fort are one of the main attractions of the fort. You will continue city sightseeing during daytime. Evenings are free for you to relax at leisure or explore the colorful markets of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani lehengas, gold jewellery, carpets, precious stones, tie-and-dye fabrics and handicrafts. You will spend the night at your hotel in Jaipur.

Day 06: Jaipur -Samod - Jaisalmer ( by overnight train)
Enjoy breakfast and proceed for sightseeing of a royal village of SAMODE.

Samode according to the Rajputana Gazetteer of 1879 was a large and flourishing town. The Zamidars (landlords) of Samode - the principal thakurs of the state of Amber were the Nathawat clan from Chomu, a branch of the house of Amber, tracing their relation to the Jaipur Maharaja the fabled Prithviraj Singhji the 17th prince of the house of Kacchwaha Rajputs. Gopal Singhji one of his 12 sons was awarded Samode, a noble feudatory of the Amber & Jaipur principality. It was among the wealthiest territories in the Amber kingdom. The Zamidari eventually passed within the clan to the hands of Behari Das, a Rajput warrior in Mughal Service. After 6 generations in the hands of his descendants Samode was relinquished to the Raj.

The 400-year-old SAMODE PALACE has a wealth of frescoes, many of them depicting religious subjects. The highlight is a vast DURBAR HALL.

Take a walk of the Rajasthani village or take a camel cart ride. Have lunch at SAMODE PALACE.

In the evening Train to Jaisalmer
Train Name - DELHI JAISALMER EXPRESS
Dep. 2357hrs / Arrival 1100hrs.
Overnight will be in the Train. ( only 2nd a/c & 3rd A/c sleeper class available)

Day 07: Jaisalmer
Arrival In the Morning approx 1100am. Upon arrival TNS Representative will be there to Receive you and transfer to well appointed hotel.

Situated atop the Trikuta Hill, Jaisalmer is a typical desert city situated in the heart of Thar Desert or Great Indian Desert. The monochromatic view of Sonar Qila made up of golden-yellow sandstone rising from the golden sands seems to be a mirage in itself. The haunting Rajasthani music and acrobatic folk dances add character and life to the barren landscape. The smiles and colorful attire of brown skinned people, beautiful frescoes adorning its Havelis or mansions, intricate mirror work of veiled Rajasthani women, and unique turbans and moustaches and men - all provide exotic charms to a Westerner. However, the camels seem to have a most profound and long lasting effect on the minds of the tourists.

Where you can relax at the day. In the evening proceed to the SAND DUNES for visiting the typical Rajasthani Desert Village. View the sunset from the dunes, as the sky is set on fire. Return to the village for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes.

Retire for the night at the hotel and overnight will be in Jaisalmer.

Day 08: Jaisalmer
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of The Golden City.

It is in the heart of the Great Indian Desert. Its temples, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stone. The city is a mass of intricately carved buildings, facades and elaborate balconies. Visit the JAISALMER FORT - The oldest living Fort in the world. (This is the highlight of the tour). See the Patwon-Ki-Havelies, Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank. Also visit Barabagh Hill.

Also visit the ROYAL CENOTAPHS and relax in the evening.

Shopping
Handicrafts, tie-and-dye fabrics, fabrics with traditional embroidery and mirror work, wooden decoration items, and camel leather goods such as handbags and footwear are popular buys at Jaisalmer. Carved stone pieces, turbans and typical Rajasthani musical instruments known as ravanhattas lure tourists and art collectors. You will several curios and fabric shops lining the lanes inside the fort, near Jain Temple and the Havelis. However, until you are an expert you should not buy crystals, precious minerals or dinosaur fossils.

Overnight will be at Jaisalmer.

Day 09: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur ( by Road 300 km in 5 hr)
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Proceed to Jodhpur.

Set on the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459. Seeing the rise and might of Mughals, Rao Udai Singh decided to marry his sister Jodha Bai in marriage to Akbar and his daughter to his son Jehangir. Thus, he and his kingdom prospered in peace. The extreme hostile living conditions of the region did not stop the Rathore clan of Rajputs from expanding their state of Marwar over time and becoming one of the biggest and strongest kingdoms of Rajasthan.

Enjoy the evening program at the UMAID BHAWAN PALACE and overnight will be that palace.

Day 10: Jodhpur
The colossal Mehrangarh Fort built by the founder of the city dominates it to this day. The defense features of the fort are noteworthy. The steep slopes and sudden twists and turns of the fort were designed to make it inaccessible for enemy elephants. The majestic views of indigo house of Brahmins from the fort have earned Jodhpur the title of the Blue city.

After this you would visit Jaswant Thada Memorial on your way down from the fort.

Enjoy the old city walk and have lunch in the roof top restaurant of a HAVELI (OLD HOUSE) with a spectacular view of the fort and the people around.

Shopping
Antiques, genuine and fake, are most coveted buy-outs at Jodhpur. Doorways, windows, pillar, carved balconies and furniture are some of the items that you can find in the treasure troves of Chhattar Hill shops. Besides these, tourists often buy tie and dye fabrics, footwear, handicrafts, silver jewellery and other curios as gifts and souvenirs from Jodhpur. Overnight will be at Hotel.

Day 11: Jodhpur - Udaipur ( By Road 260 km in 6 hr)
Breakfast will be at the palace.

Stop at RANAKPUR for sightseeing of the world famous temples.

Set amongst rolling hills and lush greenery, Ranakpur is small village but an important pilgrimage place for Jains. The white marble Ranakpur Jain Temple is one of the most beautiful architectural delights in India. The main Jain Temple complex has three main temples dedicated to Rishabhdeva, Neminath and Parsvanath. Overall, the complex has 29 halls and 1444 pillars, each alive and different from the other with unique carvings and sculptures that are believed to have been made by Jain devotees.

Ranakpur rings with legends starting from Rana Kumbha, who donated the village his name and land to build the Jain Temple complex, on the request of his minister Dharanashah. Dharanashah dreamt of a celestial vehicle taking him to a magnificent divine temple and narrated it to the Rana. The Rankpur Jain Temple is believed to have been built on the site where Lord Rishabhadeva meditated under a rayan tree and left his footprint.

After that proceed to UDAIPUR.

Angelic city of Udaipur has all the elements of a fairy tale composition. Surrounded by Aravalli hills, three picturesque lakes and entrancing palaces and grand monuments, it undoubtedly deserves the title of being one of the most romantic cities in India. It has as many as two lake palaces and several gardens and mansions to boast about. Founded by Udai Singh, the city reverberates with the legends of indomitable Maharana Pratap, who was the only Rajput hero who could stall the raging Mughar Army for years together.

Overnight will be at Hotel.

Day 12: Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock Courtyard.

Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the Royal Cenotaphs.

Take a walk of the old city around the lake and in the evening proceed for motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.

Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace - the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the palace and return to the hotel.

Shopping
Embroidered fabric and textiles and handicrafts with beautiful mirror work can be bought from the shops inside the fort. Government-run Rajasthali Emproium near Amar Sagar Gate is not as dazzling as regular bazaars but is a safer bet for buying authentic crafts of the region. Only experts should try their luck in buying crystals, precious minerals or dinosaur fossils.

Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 13: Udaipur - Bundi
After Breakfast Drive to Bundi. Bundi, situated in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. Its ornate forts, places and stepwell reservoirs known as baoris.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 14: Bundi
Morning after breakfast visit Taragarh Fort, Bundi palace, Raniji ki Baori, Nawal Sagar. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 15: Bundi - Ranthambore
After breakfast proceed to RANTHAMBORE.

The erstwhile hunting ground of the Jaipur royals, Ranthambore is now a protected area and a safe haven for rapidly thinning population of Royal Bengal Tigers. Ranthambore National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary flagged off Project Tiger and was the first one to get the title of Tiger Reserve. The preferred spot for game shooting has now become a favored destination for game viewing and shooting with cameras for the tourists. The dignitaries who have visited the area include Queen Elizabeth II, Rajiv Gandhi, former US President Bill Clinton, and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Ranthambore National Park is considered best for tiger sightings, as the ferocious beasts have become used to the company of humans. The unique ruins of the Ranthambore Fort, which are more than 1000 years old seem mysterious in their antiquity and wildlife cover. The Ganesh Temple here is still in use by the local villagers.

Overnight at Resort. Lunch & Dinner will be at Hotel.

Day 16: Ranthambore
Morning & Evening jeep safari.

Overnight will be at Reosrt. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be at Hotel.

Day 17: Ranthambore - Agra
After Breakfast Drive to AGRA.

Agra rose to fame when Mughals chose it as the seat of their mighty empire. Among the historical and cultural legacies of the empire is the iconic love monument Taj Mahal that epitomizes perfection and beauty, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The red sandstone Agra Fort stands majestically on the other side of River Yamuna and has splendid palaces and monuments that mark the major shifts in architectural styles of the three Mughal Emperors that occupied it. The Fatehpur Sikri near the city presents an evidence of ultimate genius of Emperor Akbar while Sikandra is the place where the greatest Mughal Emperor was entombed forever.

Taj Mahal
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum took 22 years to complete with a work force of 20,000 craftsmen and master builders, who came from all over Asia to join in this great work from Baghdad, Shiraz, Delhi, Samarkand and Turkey. The marble (India's finest) was quarried at Makrana near Jodhpur. Precious and semi precious stones were imported from distant lands: Jasper from Punjab, Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan and Ceylon, Chrysolite from Egypt, Amethyst from Persia, Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia, Diamonds from Golconda and Mother of Pearl from the Indian Ocean.

Overnight, you will stay at Agra. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 18: Agra
You will be served breakfast at the hotel and then, you will proceed to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route.

The royal city at Fatehpur Sikri was conceived and developed by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the honor of Sufi saint Shekh Salim Chisti. Situated 26 miles west of Agra, the magnificent city sprung up in 1571-72 on Skiri ridge including well-planned administrative, residential and religious buildings. One of the first structures to be completed was the Jami Mosque. Other noteworthy structures here include the Buland Darwaza or the Royal Entrance that was added some five years later, the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti, Palace of Rani Jodha Bai called Panch Mahal, House of Christian Queen Maryam also known as Sunahra Makan or the Golden House, Naubat-or Naqqar Khana (Drum House), Khazana (Treasury), Taksal (Mint), Karkhanas (Royal Workshops), Hakim's quarters, Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), and Birbal's House.

In the evening, you will check in at the hotel in Agra, where you can relax and spend the night.

Day 19: Agra - Jhansi - Khajuraho
By Train
Train Name : Bhopal Shatabdi Express
Train Number : 2002
Departure : 08:17hrs
Arrival : 10:43hrs

Breakfast will be at hotel. You will be transferred to station for train to Jhansi.

Reach Jhansi and proceed to Orchha, 12 km away.

It is a medieval city founded by the BUNDELA rulers with palaces and temples of the 16th & 17th century - which has remarkably withstood the onslaught of time. The town is known for its CHATTRIS which were built in the memory of the kings and the place is flanked by the river BETWA.

Proceed for sightseeing of ORCHHA sites within the Fort Complex. Enjoy your lunch at Orchha.

Continue drive to Khajuraho.

Situated in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which is grown abundantly in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are dedicated to a celebration of womanhood, her myriad moods and facets. Famous for its erotic architecture, the carvings include, women writing a letter, applying eye makeup, combing her tresses, dancing & playing with her child. Her innocent, blushed, charming, seductive, ardent beauty, all depicted in exquisitely sculptured details. These temples have been designed and carved to lead the eyes from ground level upward till you seem to be looking at heaven.

Reach Khajuraho. Transferred to hotel and relax. Enjoy the SOUND & LIGHT SHOW at the Western Temples.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 20: Khajuraho - Varanasi
By Air
Airlines : Jet Airways
Flight Number : 9W724
Arrival : 1330 hrs
Departure : 1410 hrs

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for a tour of the FAMOUS WESTERN & EASTERN TEMPLES of Khajuraho.

Transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be met and transferred to hotel.

A surreal tableau of the sacred and the religious, Varanasi is also known as Kashi - the legendary City of Light and the Chosen City of Lord Shiva. Thousands of visitors come to the city only to take a dip in the holy waters of River Ganges, visits its several Ghats with their unique historical and mythological significance, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple that enshrines one of the 12 jyotirlingas, and search for spirituality and inner peace. An ancient seat of Hinduism, it rings in faith and devotion as you see thousands of devotees taking a dip in the sacred river with the first rays of the sun. The divine sight of exotic rituals being performed by the riverside, chanting of mantras and temple spires, rising in tiers, in the backdrop help you to shirk off skepticism and incredulousness.

Visit Sarnath - 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Here he revealed the eight fold path that leads to the attainment of inner peace, Enlightenment and Ultimate Nirvana. 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.

Spend the evening shopping in the lanes of Varanasi. Overnight will be at Varanasi.

Day 21: Varanasi
The early morning boat ride along the banks of River Ganges has become a modern-age ritual introduced to the city by Varanasi tourism industry. You will find a number of boatmen at the Ghats of Varanasi quite early in the morning. However, they are notorious for charging exorbitant prices from people who are not from Varanasi, especially those who are not from India. It is here that you will find a local expert guide and a seasoned tour operator quite useful to help you experience the best without having to spoil the good mood. TNS Travels features one-hour hassle-free and pleasurable luxury sun rise boat cruise on River Ganges that will transport you to a different world altogether.

The continuum slideshow like visuals of men, women, children, and sadhus bathing in the river; people doing exercise and Yoga in the fresh cool air of the Ghats; and priests worshipping River Ganges and various deities in the temples that rise above Ghats in several tiers seem to have an unearthly quality. The magical spell of pilgrims standing waist deep in the molten gold of River Ganges with folded hands to seek blessings from Sun God seem astounding. A shutter bug's delight, our innovative luxury boat ride allows you to capture some of the most memorable and magical moments during the cruise that speak volumes about city's culture, traditions, and lifestyle.

As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going.

Return for breakfast to the hotel.

The oldest living city in the world, Varanasi presents rare specimens of architecture, antiquity, temples, and richness of cultural and spiritual treasures.

In the evening enjoy the AARTI at the GHATS which will be really beautiful.

Overnight will be in Varanasi.

Day 22: Varanasi
Full day relax and explore by own Car & driver at your disposal.

Benarasi Saree is a must have for any Indian brode. Authentic and original pure silk Benarasi Sarees usually start at Rs 2,500 and one with handmade zari work that uses copper coated silver thread costs Rs 10,000 upwards. Hindu objects of worship can be bought in the streets around the Vishwanath Temple and include jade necklaces and copper puja utensils. Flavored supari and tobacco are popular among locals here.

Day 23: Varanasi - Delhi ( by flight)
Airlines : Jet Airways
Flight Number : 9W724
Arrival : 1440 hrs
Departure : 1600 hrs

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Relax in the morning and finish last minute shopping. Explore the city or visit the GHATS once more.

Proceed to the airport as per the flight timings to Delhi.

Reach Delhi and proceed to the international airport as per the flight timings back home with sweet memories of INDIA.

Tour Ends




THE TOUR INCLUDES:

a) ACCOMMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
b) AIR-CONDITIONED VEHICLE WITH DRIVER FOR THE TOUR,
c) SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS MENTIONED IN THE ITINERARY,
d) ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES FOR ALL MENTIONED TOURS,
e) ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORTS ON ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE,
f) BOAT RIDE AT LAKE PICHOLA IN UDAIPUR,
g) RICKSHAW RIDE IN DELHI,
h) ELEPHANT RIDE AT AMER FORT - JAIPUR,
i) TONGA RIDE TO TAJ MAHAL IN AGRA,
j) SOUND & LIGHT SHOW IN KHAJURAHO,
k) BOAT RIDE AT RIVER GANGES IN VARANASI,
l) ARTI CEREMONY IN VARANASI,
m) DINNER AT SAND DUNES WITH CAMEL RIDE IN JAISALMER,
n) AIRFARE IN ECONOMY CLASS FROM KHAJURAHO - VARANASI, VARANASI - DELHI,
o) ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES,
p) ENTRANCE TO NATIONAL PARK,
q) ALL MEALS IN RANTHAMBHORE,
r) TWO JEEP SAFARI IN RANTHAMBHORE AND
s) ALL ROAD TAXES, GOVERNMENT TAXES AND DRIVER ALLOWANCES