Classical North India with Lake City Udaipur 10 Nights / 11 Days

Upon arrival, you will be meeting with our representative at outside the airport and transferred to the
Hotel our representative will be holding placard of “Concord Exotic Voyages” with the guests name at exit gate inside the airport Lounge

[DELHI, the capital of India, is home to 16 million people, making it the third largest city in India. The strategic location of the city made it an attractive location for invading armies, and it served as the capital for many great empires that ruled India. Many of these Empires built significant monuments, and whilst the Mughal and the British are the most visible, while driving through the city you will see ruins from previous capitals, the earliest dating back to the 12th century.]
Upon arrival, Check into the hotel

Overnight at Hotel in Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel after breakfast, Check out from the hotel later proceed to full day city tour of Old Delhi visiting Jama Mosque, Raj ghat and drive past Red fort with Russian speaking escort cum guide.
The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also famously known as the “father of the nation”.
Continue your tour to Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi peddling through the narrow by lanes of Chandani Chowk
New Delhi Including Qutub Minar, and drive past India Gate, the parliament buildings and drive past Presidential house Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-Minar in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5m. Qutbu’d-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu’azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first floor, to which were added three more floors by his successor and Son-in-law, Shamsu’d-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36) All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first floor We will also visit Humayun’s Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India.
Later transfer to Delhi Airport for Flight DEL-VNS –As per Flight details/Schedule
[Varanasi -One of the seven holy Cities of India, Varanasi is the holiest of them all with a spiritual and religious legacy that goes back 5000 years and it is the oldest living city in the world. Situated on the banks of the holy river, Varanasi is also known as “Kashi”, the city of light. The focal point of the city is the “Ghats” or steps that lead down to the river. This is where pilgrims and local people gather for a cleansing dip in the holy river, worship the rising and setting sun and cremate the dead. It is believed that to be cremated in Varanasi is to escape the cycle of rebirth]

Overnight at Hotel in Varanasi

Early morning boat excursion on the holy river Ganges to see the bathing ghats and cremation site For the Hindus, bathing in Ganges signify purifying oneself, also it is a belief that to die in Kashi and to be cremated on the banks of River Ganges leads to Nirvana – the release from the cycle of birth and death. During the boat ride one can see people taking bath at the ghats and offering prayers, also see the cremation ghats important ones being the Harishchandra and Manikarna ghats where the funeral pyres burn 24 hours.

Later half day city tour of Varanasi is considered to be one of the oldest cities of India, also one of seven holy cities for the Hindus, stands as a chief centre of learning. The places of interest include visit to the Bharat Mata Temple dedicated to the motherland has a big relief map of India in marble; drive through the famous Banaras Hindu University. Walk in the narrow lanes of the city passing the Vishwanath Temple (non-Hindus not permitted entry) and visit the Alamgir Mosque, built on the original Vishnu temple by Aurangzeb in 17th century

Afternoon excursion of Sarnath Buddha gave his first sermon in 4th century BC in Sarnath (about 10 kms from Varanasi) and it became a centre of learning during 4th century BC to 9th century AD. Visit the ruins, the Dhamekh stupa, and Buddhist temple containing frescoes by a Japanese artist depicting scenes from Buddha’s life. The museum (closed on Fridays) has a well displayed collection of sculptures and pieces found from the site, including the famous Ashoka Chakra.
Evening Aarti Ceremony – At Ganges River
Overnight at Hotel in Varanasi

Breakfast at Hotel
Morning at leisure, later transfer to airport for Varanasi – Khajuraho, upon arrival in Khajuraho Transfer to hotel –
Evening on Leisure

Overnight at Hotel in Khajuraho

Breakfast at Hotel
After breakfast Later proceed for the sightseeing of the famous western temples of Khajuraho.
The Western group of temples: Primarily built in one style the temples have the ardhamandapa or the entrance, the mandapa or the assembly hall, the antarala or the vestibule and finally a pradakshina or a circumambulation running around the grabha griha or the inner sanctum. The temples are divided in three major zones, the western, the eastern and the southern temples of which the western temples are the most popular ones.
The arch of Kandariya Mahadev shrine has meticulously carved various themes of life. Celestial beings, lovers serenading musicians all the movements captured in stone, frozen in time, yet retaining a quality of warm, pulsating life.
The very stone seems to have taken on the living, breathing quality of the carved figures. Outer walls have three horizontal panels showing deities of the Hindu pantheon, and groups of lovers, a pageant of sensuousness, vibrantly alive. The Chousat Yogini temple dedicated to kali is also present but without the deity in the sanctum. The Matangeshwara temple is the only shrine used for worshipping. The temple is almost devoid of ornamentation. The Varaha Temple stands opposite the Matangeshwara temple and is dedicated to the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu in form of a Boar. The monolithic figure is exquisitely carved with 764 divine figures around it The Lakshmana Temple, dedicated to the four armed and three headed man-lion-boar statue of Vaikuntha is the best preserved and the most evolved Vishnu temples. There are sculptures depicting many mythological stories such as the churning of the ocean and Kalia mardan. On the exterior the entire range of the Khajuraho temples is on display. Ecstatic street singers and the architect of the temples, surrounded by his apprentices are among the noteworthy images on this temple. The Vishwanath temple was supposed to be embedded with jewels, but only a stone lingam is what remains now. The exteriors of this temple however are the most stunningly beautiful. Here one can see nymphs can be seen playing on their flutes, removing thorns from their feet, fondling children and looking into a mirror. Some of the most erotic depictions are seen as well. Another interesting temple is dedicated to the Sun God, the Chitragupta temple. It shows the Sun God driving the chariot drawn by seven horses. The exteriors show, royal processions, elephant-fights, hunting scenes, group dances and the lavish lifestyle of the Chandela kings and their court in its all pomp and glory
The Eastern Group of temples: The Brahma and the Hanuman temples are the most famous and well preserved temples of this group. The Vamana temple shows all the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. This place also has a few temples belonging to the Jain religion, probably because one of the descendants of the Chandela dynasty may have adopted Jainism. The prominent among these are the Ghantai temple, the Parsvanath and the Shnatinath temple
In afternoon Drive Khajuraho to Jhansi to Board the train Jhansi – Agra 12001 @1640/2110 Hrs
Upon arrival at Agra railway station transfer to Hotel

Agra – This was the seat of the mighty Mughal Empire before it shifted its capital to Delhi, and it is home to some of their most inspired architectural creations including the Taj Mahal. In the 16th and 17th century, the Mughal Courts were at their most powerful, and were great patron of the arts, and Agra attracted artisans, poets and musicians from across India as well as Persia and Central Asia, transforming Agra into a cultural and architectural paradise

Overnight at hotel

Early mornign visit Taj Mahal – a symbol of love
Taj Mahal- Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist’s visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately vehicleved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen (Taj Mahal Closed on Friday)
After return back to hotel have Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast full day Agra city tour
After noon visit Agra Fort – The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a four-square formal garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it 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

After drive to Jaipur en-route visit en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India’s Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. Visit Emperor Akbar’s Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti, Further continue our drive To Jaipur, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments

Later drive to Jaipur –Upon arrival t Jaipur transfer to hotel –

Evening leisure – At own activities

[Jaipur- A labyrinth of fascinating bazaars, opulent palaces and a futuristic observatory, Jaipur was the inspiration of the ruler Sawai Jai Singh, who moved the capital from Amber in 1727. Jaipur was designed by a young architect from Bengal and together they planned a city along the ancient Hindu treatise of “Shilpa Shastra”, a science similar to the better known Feng Shui. Jaipur is laid out in a geometric grid of streets and squares making it one of the earliest planned cities in India. In honor of the visit of the Prince Edward, then the Prince of Wales, the City was painted in rich terracotta, a tradition which has continued through the years. This is the reason why Jaipur is often called the “pink city”. Today it serves as the State capital for Rajasthan]

Overnight at Hotel in Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast at the hotel start a sightseeing tour of Jaipur.
Full day sightseeing of Jaipur visiting Amber fort, City palace, Observatory and Windsor palace

You will also be experiencing Elephant ride while ascending the Amer fort.
(Elephant ride is subject to availability failing Jeep ride will be provided)
Amer Fort Palace – Amer is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

City Palace – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

Jantar Mantar or Observatory – This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

Hawa Mahal or Windsor Palace – The ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storied structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine
Trelliswork and elaborate balconies the palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Overnight at Hotel in Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel after breakfast drive to Jodhpur
Upon arrival transfer to hotel later proceed for Jodhpur city tour

Jodhpur -Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama – the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions.
Afternoon you will be doing the city tour of Jodhpur including Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant thada Memorial followed by walking tour local market and clock tower
Mehrangarh Fort: Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. Mehrangarh Fort, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon. It was built on advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable head-quarter. This Fort is one of the best in India with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture and the cannons on the fort’s ramparts are well preserved

Jaswant Thada: Close to the fort complex, lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings.

Overnight at hotel Jodhpur

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Udaipur and Enroute visit Ranakpur Temples.

The Ranakpur Temple, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures

Later drive to Udaipur –Upon Arrival at Udaipur and check in to the hotel

Udaipur -The city of Dawn is a lovely land around the azure lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the ARAVALLIS. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the LAKE PICHOLA is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of MEWAR -a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

Overnight at the Hotel Udaipur

Buffet breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace
City Palace: Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola, is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559 A.D. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of “Jag Niwas” (the world wide famous Lake palace hotel), Jag Mandir on one side and on the other the city of Udaipur. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate – the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens – a harmonic profusion hard to describe. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the vivid mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of KRISHNA are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other places such as Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Krishna villas – in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princess. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Proceed for Morning 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 Jag Mandir Palace. Saheliyon Ki Bari: Maharana Sangram singh builds this in the mid-18th century. The ‘garden of the maidens’ brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The delightful gardens appear discreet and in impeccable taste. There are four pools with dainty kiosks, and all around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains protected by a series of walls and shady trees. The Foundation of the Saheliyon Ki Bari functions solely by water pressure and no pumps are used. The garden has a lotus pool, a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaics. The whole ambiences are flavored by the nostalgia of those beautiful bells enjoying themselves in a lavish aura. Jagdish Temple: The temple is situated in the middle of the city. The temple of Jagannath Rai, now called Jagdish-ji, is a major monument and should be seen carefully. Raised on a tall terrace and completed in 1651, it is a tribute alike to the tenacity of its builders and the resilience of the art tradition it represents.
It attaches a double storeyed Mandapa (hall) to a double – storied, saandhara (that having a covered ambulatory) sanctum. The mandapa has another storey tucked within its pyramidal samavarna (bell – roof) while the hollow clustered spire over the sanctum contains two more, non – functional stories. Lanes taking off from many of the sheharpanah (city wall) converge on the Jagdish Temple and walking leisurely through them brings you face with the many layers of the cultural palimpsest that Udaipur is. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh 1st in 1651 A.D.
Overnight at the Hotel Udaipur

Buffet breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast, Checkout from hotel And drive to Udaipur Airport to Board flight onward destination