Classic India, Khajuraho & Varanasi (4 Star)

On arrival at the airport in Delhi, you’ll be greeted by a representative and escorted to your hotel in a private, chauffeur-driven car. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and recover from your journey.

After breakfast, set out for a guided city tour of both Old and New Delhi, discovering the vibrant contrasts between the two.

In Old Delhi, see the magnificent Red Fort - a masterpiece in red sandstone built by Emperor Shah Jahan - and the grand Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, also commissioned by the same Mughal ruler famed for the Taj Mahal. You then stop at Raj Ghat, the serene memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, before enjoying a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, one of the city’s oldest and busiest markets.

Later, explore New Delhi, with its broad avenues and colonial architecture. Your sightseeing includes Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India and once the home of British viceroys; India Gate, a war memorial honouring Indian soldiers who fell during the Afghan campaign; and the Laxmi Narayan Temple, a striking Hindu shrine built by the Birla family, among India’s foremost industrialists.

Delhi - Jaipur. Leave Delhi for the 6-hour drive to Jaipur, where you check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, serves as a vibrant gateway to the state’s royal heritage. Dotted with majestic forts, grand palaces, tranquil lakes and lively markets, the city offers a fascinating introduction to Rajasthan’s rich culture and history. Among its many highlights are the Amber Fort and Chokhi Dhani.

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur was painted pink in 1883 to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the city is beautifully planned and surrounded by hills crowned with formidable forts and elegant palaces. Remarkably, Jaipur is divided into nine rectangular sectors, symbolising the nine divisions of the ancient Hindu concept of the universe. It remains one of the earliest cities designed according to Shilpa Shastra - the ancient Indian treatise on architecture.

Your morning begins with an excursion to the impressive Amber Fort, located just outside the city. Here, enjoy the memorable experience of riding a jeep up to the fort, which stands proudly on a hill overlooking the Maota Lake.

In the afternoon, visit the City Palace, an elegant complex that beautifully blends Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Nearby, visit the Central Museum and the remarkable Jantar Mantar, the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. You also stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, built for the royal ladies to observe street processions unseen from behind its ornate façade.

Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra. Check out from the hotel and drive to Agra. En route, you visit Fatehpur Sikri - one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. Though largely in ruins today, the city remains beautifully preserved and offers a fascinating glimpse into Emperor Akbar’s reign. Once the Mughal capital, it was later abandoned, yet its red sandstone palaces and courtyards survive.

Upon arriving in Agra, you will be escorted to your hotel. Once refreshed, begin your tour with a visit to Agra Fort, an impressive citadel that reflects the artistry and power of the Mughal dynasty. As the day draws to a close, make your way to the Taj Mahal to admire its serene beauty at sunset, when the monument is bathed in a glowing light. A battery-operated shuttle will take you from the parking area to the entrance.

Agra - Jhansi - Orchha - Khajuraho. After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board the train for Jhansi. On arrival, you are collected and continue the journey by road to Orchha.

Meaning ‘hidden’, Orchha is a picturesque town set on the banks of the Betwa River. Visit its architectural gems, including Jehangir Mahal - an impressive palace built to honour Emperor Jahangir - the Chaturbhuj Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Laxminarayan Temple, known for its striking murals, and the beautiful Chhatris (cenotaphs) that line the riverbank in tribute to Orchha’s Bundela rulers.

You then continue your drive to Khajuraho, located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. This town is world-famous for its exquisite group of temples adorned with intricate stone carvings. These temples, built between the 9th and 12th centuries by the Chandela dynasty, reflect a unique fusion of spirituality, art and architecture.

Khajuraho - Varanasi. In the morning, set out for a guided city tour of Khajuraho, beginning with the Western Group of Temples - the most renowned among the three temple groups and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 950 and 1050 AD during the Chandela dynasty, these temples are celebrated for their superb craftsmanship and intricate stone carvings. Their detailed sculptures depict various aspects of life, spirituality and art, including the famous erotic motifs that have long intrigued historians. While their exact purpose remains uncertain, some theories suggest they symbolise fertility, prosperity and protection from negative forces. The Western Group comprises 14 temples, including the Chaunsath Yogini, Lalguan Mahadev, Parvati, Varaha, Matangesvara, Lakshmana, Vishvanath and Nandi, Chitragupta, Devi Jagdamba and Kandariya Mahadeva temples.

You also visit the Eastern Group of Temples, located about 2.5 kilometres from the main complex. This group includes both Jain and Hindu temples - the Parsvanath, Adinath, Shantinath and Ghantai temples belonging to the Jains, and the Vamana, Javari and Brahma temples dedicated to Hindu deities.

In the evening, transfer to Khajuraho railway station to board the overnight train to Varanasi.

In the morning, arrive at Varanasi railway station and disembark, where you will be welcomed and escorted by private car to your hotel, with assistance provided during check-in. After some time to relax, proceed for a city tour of this sacred and ancient city.

Your sightseeing includes the Alamgir Mosque, also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera. You then visit the Bharat Mata Temple, located within the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus, notable for its unique marble relief map of India rather than traditional deities. Finally, stop at the famous Dasaswamedh Ghat, one of the most vibrant and revered ghats on the banks of the River Ganges.

In the evening, experience the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony - a truly unforgettable spectacle of devotion, with priests performing synchronised rituals using oil lamps, incense and chants that fill the air with spiritual energy.

Varanasi - Sarnath - Varanasi. Rise early on your final morning for a serene sunrise boat ride along the ghats of Varanasi. Witness thousands of devotees gathered along the banks of the River Ganges, performing rituals and offering prayers to the Sun God.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and some time to relax. Later, after checking out, take a short excursion to Sarnath (closed on Fridays) - one of Buddhism’s four most sacred sites. It was here, in the tranquil Deer Park, that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma. You visit the Dhamek Stupa, marking the spot of this historic event, as well as the Archaeological Museum, which houses an exceptional collection of Buddhist artefacts and sculptures.

After visiting Sarnath, our tour comes to an end. You will be transferred to the airport in Varanasi for your onward flight.