India - Classic India with overland transfer through Chitrakoot and flight from Varanasi to Delhi

“Oh, you who charm people,

Oh, land that shines in the brilliance of the sun’s rays,

Great Mother of mothers…

You are the Jamuna and the Ganges, more beautiful and more spacious than any other,

You are the nectar of life, the milk of mothers!”

“India-Lakshmi” by Rabindranath Tagore

The "Classic India" itinerary is scattered with hundreds of historical sites from ancient times and the medieval era. However, it is impossible to "embrace the immeasurable," so the best India specialists have selected the very best, "constructing" an optimal tour. Places that provide insight into the people who created monuments that have become UNESCO World Heritage sites, famous rulers, founders of new religions and saints, architects, and warriors. Here, tales and reality intertwine into a whole.

Guaranteed Tour to India + Free Visa to India

The price includes:

• 10 nights of accommodation according to the chosen category.
• 10 breakfasts, 9 dinners, and 1 lunch (on the last day).
• Air-conditioned transportation throughout the itinerary.
• Russian-speaking escort guide.
• Elephant rides in Jaipur.
• Boat ride on the Ganges.
• Aarti ceremony.
• Train travel from Agra to Jhansi in an air-conditioned compartment.
• Entrance tickets to architectural monuments.
• All taxes and fees.
• Group transfer upon arrival from Saturday 12:00 PM to 07:00 AM on Sunday. If the client arrives at another time, an individual transfer must be booked.
• Group transfer on the day of the tour’s end to the airport or to a hotel near the airport (if the client has booked an additional night in Delhi).

The price does not include:

• Airfares (including Varanasi to Delhi, starting from 190 EUR per person).
• Personal expenses.
• Transportation on days without scheduled activities.
• Tips for the guide and driver.

Visa to India is provided as a gift.

Places visited:

• Delhi: India Gate, Presidential Palace, Lotus Temple (viewed from the outside), Qutub Minar, Akshardham Temple.
• Samod: Samod Palace, Palace Gardens, Camel Cart Ride.
• Jaipur: Amber Fort, Elephant ride to the Fort, City Palace, Birla Temple, Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).
• Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula Mausoleum, Akbar's Tomb (Sikandra), Galta Ji, Abhaneri (Stepwell), Harshita Mata Temple, and Fatehpur Sikri.
• Orchha: Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, and Ram Raja Temple.
• Khajuraho: Chandela-era Temple Complex (Kamasutra Temples).
• Chitrakoot: Sati Ansuya Ashram, Gupta Godavari Caves, Aarti at Ramghat.
• Varanasi: Sarnath, boat cruise on the Ganges River, evening prayer (Aarti), city tour.

Program:

Day 1. Saturday. Flight to Delhi (International/Domestic flight).

Arrival in Delhi on a regular international flight. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage at New Delhi Airport (Terminal 3), you will be met by a representative of our company. You will receive a traditional Indian welcome with a flower garland. After the greeting, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Short rest.

Note: The hotel is confirmed from 12:00 PM on Saturday; the excursion program begins on Sunday.

Day 2. Sunday. Delhi.

At 09:00, after breakfast, we start with a sightseeing tour of Delhi. Delhi is the capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers have thrived on its royal land over the past three thousand years. Their legacy still lives on in numerous monuments, from the 13th-century tomb of the Lodhi Kings to the buildings of the British Empire, such as the Parliament House or the Presidential Palace. The program includes visits to India Gate, the Presidential Palace, and the government buildings (viewed from the outside), the Lotus Temple (viewed from the outside), and Akshardham Temple, as well as the Qutub Minar. The Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays) is one of the most stunning temples in India. Built in the shape of a lotus flower, it is the largest and most beautiful Baha'i temple and serves as a symbol for adherents of this faith around the world. Another iconic site is the 72-meter tall Qutub Minar, built in the 12th–14th centuries, adorned with calligraphic inscriptions and a symbol of Muslim rule in Delhi. Next, we visit Akshardham – one of the most grand Hindu temples in the world, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The temple stands 42 meters tall, with a width and length of 94 and 106 meters, respectively. It is decorated with 234 columns, 9 majestic domes, 20 four-sided towers, and over 20,000 statues. Around the building are 148 elephant statues. The exterior of the temple is covered with pink stone, symbolizing love, while the interior is adorned with white marble, representing purity and the Absolute. In fact, it is not just a temple but a whole complex with a light and music fountain, sculptures, and channels where you can take boat rides.

Overnight and dinner at the hotel in Delhi.

Day 3. Monday. Delhi – Samod – Jaipur (260 km – 6 hours)

In the morning, after breakfast, we depart for Samod, located 40 km from Jaipur. Samod is known for its palace, which has been inherited by the aristocratic Rawal family. The palace is over 400 years old but has undergone several restorations. On the first floor is the Sultan Mahal Hall – a hall with marble columns, tiles, and carved furniture once brought from Nepal. We will explore the halls and visit the Mirror Hall and Durbar Hall, stepping back in time.

Above the palace, on a hill, stands Samod Fort. Time has not been very kind to it, but the panoramic view from the fort's walls rivals many other historical sites. We will then take a camel cart ride through the dunes. The journey ends at the Samod Bagh Garden, 3 km from the palace. The restoration of this garden involved significant effort and resources.

After the tour, we will head to Jaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan state. Jaipur, the legendary "Pink City," was built in yellow, but in the mid-19th century, in honor of the visit of English Prince Albert, all buildings were repainted pink – the traditional color of hospitality. Jaipur will offer many pleasant moments as you stroll along its pink stone streets, touch the shimmering silk saris, and pass through courtyards with narrow doors adorned with swastikas, symbols of good luck and fortune in Indian homes. Overnight and dinner at a hotel in Jaipur.

OPTIONAL: Dinner with a traditional dance show and a tour of night-time Jaipur.

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Jaipur by heading to one of the city's renowned hotels for an evening program. Enjoy the captivating views of the famous architectural landmarks, which are particularly impressive when illuminated in the evening.

You will marvel at the breathtaking views of Jaipur's famous architectural monuments, including the facades of Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and Albert Hall (all viewed from the outside).

After the tour, enjoy dinner at one of Jaipur's finest restaurants, where you can watch a traditional Rajasthani dance performance.

Cost: US$ 70 per person.

Day 4. Tuesday. Jaipur.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we visit Amber Fort (also known as the Amber Palace). Amber Fort is located 11 km north of Jaipur. It was once the ancient capital of the Jaipur state, situated in the Aravalli hills. The magnificent fort-palace was begun in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh. The fort is a grand complex of palaces, pavilions, gardens, and temples, with a whimsical honey-colored palace towering above it all. You will experience the magic of the past as you ascend to the fort's summit on the backs of elephants, accompanied by musicians. From the top, the Maharaja's quarters offer an amazing view of the narrow valley. In the afternoon, we will explore the city with a visit to the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory, a majestic structure built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728, which houses the largest sundial in the world, and the City Palace, where you can see fine collections of Mughal costumes, weapons, and miniature paintings. We will also view Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) from the outside. This five-story building of pink stone, adorned with columns and balconies, was built in 1799. The palace’s intricate facade of a thousand lattice windows is considered a symbol of Jaipur.

Jaipur is famous for its textiles and is a major gem and jewelry center in India. It is no coincidence that Jaipur hosts an annual international gem and jewelry exhibition. You will be able to appreciate the elegance of local jewelry by visiting a jewelry workshop. You will also visit a textile factory where you can marvel at the enchanting art of Indian fabric printing. Ladies can try on a genuine Indian sari, while gentlemen can try traditional Indian attire – a kurta.

In the evening, in Jaipur, we will visit the Birla Temple. The Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is a modern architectural marvel. The majestic temple is located at the base of Moti Dungri Hill in Jaipur. Built entirely of high-quality white marble, the temple is adorned with intricate sculptures and statues of deities. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayan. The three main domes of the temple provide a clear representation of secular India, depicting various approaches to different national religions. The temple features beautifully crafted statues of Ganesh and other Hindu Gods, as well as statues of great thinkers and philosophers like Buddha and Socrates.

Overnight and dinner at a hotel in Jaipur.

Day 5. Wednesday. Jaipur – Galta Ji – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (250 km – 6 hours)

After an early breakfast, we check out of the hotel. The final destination of today's journey is Agra. But the first stop is the Galta Ji temple complex, also known as the Monkey Temple, located 10 km from Jaipur. It is notable for its unusual architecture, sacred springs, and a population of monkeys. The temple complex consists of the Main Temple and the Sun Temple, as well as several sacred pools where many pilgrims from all over India come to bathe. Galta Ji is a true monkey kingdom where the monkeys feel like the real masters.

In Abhaneri, you will visit the stepwell – Chand Baori, built in the 7th century. The view of Chand Baori is astonishing – such stepwells were only built in India, so this architecture is unique to the region, and Chand Baori is also the deepest stepwell of its kind. This remarkable structure, consisting of thousands of steps descending to the water, is hard to believe is just a well designed to serve a single purpose – to provide water. You will see the Harshita Mata Temple (Goddess of Happiness) with medieval Indian architecture, and visit the "dead city" of Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is a city built in a desert location from red sandstone by Emperor Akbar, a mere reflection of its majestic past. It was briefly the capital of the Great Mughals before being abandoned due to a lack of water. Perhaps it is precisely this circumstance that allows us to see it today in its pristine beauty. Arrival in Agra and check-in at the hotel, dinner at the hotel in Agra.

Day 6. Thursday. Agra.

After breakfast, embark on a tour of Agra, the majestic city that was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. Agra continues to captivate beauty seekers from around the world with its unforgettable Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was constructed by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The palace was built by 20,000 artisans over 22 years. A thousand elephants transported the white marble used in its construction. Merchants from Tibet, Persia, and Russia sent gemstones for its decoration. The floral ornamentation of jasper, agate, malachite, opal, and obsidian, intricately embedded in the perfect symmetry of the white palace, creates a sense of lightness and weightlessness. Next, visit the Agra Fort, built as a military fortress in 1565 by Emperor Akbar. Here Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life in confinement, treacherously betrayed by his son, while admiring the pristine Taj Mahal from his room's window. The massive walls of the fort conceal magnificent architectural masterpieces – the work of Indian and Muslim artisans. In the afternoon, visit another grand Mughal architectural monument, the tomb of Emperor Akbar in Sikandra. Then, visit Itmad-ud-Daula, a small, elegant park tomb built by the treasurer of the emperors, Nur Jahan, the beloved wife of Emperor Jahangir. Construction began in 1622 and lasted six years. The tomb features a combination of white marble, colorful mosaics, stone inlay, and latticework. This is the most innovative Mughal structure of the 15th century, showcasing a transition from the massive red sandstone buildings of Akbar's era to the sensually refined structures of Shah Jahan's time (Taj Mahal). After a full day of touring, visit a marble workshop where furniture and souvenirs inlaid with semi-precious stones are crafted. This is a unique opportunity to observe artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations. Return to the hotel. Overnight and dinner at the Agra hotel.

Optional: Theatrical Show in Agra

"Mohabbat the Taj" is a beautiful saga of love. The performance tells the legendary love story of the royal couple, with vibrant costumes, songs, and dances, and features the largest replica of the Taj Mahal in the world on stage. The show depicts the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal and the creation of the Taj Mahal. An audio translator in Russian is included in the price. Duration: 80 minutes.

Cost: US$ 60 per person (Platinum Class tickets)

Day 7. Friday. Agra - (Shatabdi Express train, 08:02/10:43) - Jhansi - Khajuraho (166 km / 5 hours), via Orchha.

After breakfast, at 07:00, transfer to the railway station for departure by train to Jhansi. Upon arrival, meet at the station. Later, proceed to Khajuraho via Orchha, located 16 km from Jhansi. Orchha exudes a medieval atmosphere from its past as the capital of one of central India's largest and most powerful kingdoms. The city was founded in the 16th century by Rudra Pratap of the Bundela dynasty. Numerous temples, monuments, and palaces scattered around the city and its surroundings witness the city's legendary past, seeming frozen in time. Here you will visit the Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, and the Ram Raja Temple. Transfer to Khajuraho and check in at the hotel. Overnight and dinner at the hotel.

Day 8. Saturday. Khajuraho

After an early breakfast, explore the temples of Khajuraho, built between 950 and 1050 AD by the powerful Chandela dynasty rulers. The temples are renowned for their exquisite carvings depicting scenes from the famous love treatise, the "Kamasutra." Only 22 of the original 85 temples have survived. Following an unbroken thousand-year tradition, worship continues at the Matangeshwar Temple. The afternoon is free for optional excursions. Overnight and dinner at the Khajuraho hotel.

Optional: Adivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum in Khajuraho

In a stylized village called Adivart, covering 3.5 acres, there are 12 traditional houses representing seven tribal communities - Bhil, Korku, Baiga, Gond, Sahariya, Bharia, and Kol - showcasing the culture, art, and daily life of people from five regions of the state, namely Bundelkhand, Nimar, Malwa, Baghelkhand, and Chambe. The museum's collection includes tribal antiques, folk paintings, jewelry, masks, terracotta, metalwork, and bamboo artifacts. A small but interesting collection of paintings, sculptures, and artworks from various tribal groups of Madhya Pradesh is displayed. The museum also offers a range of original paintings and prints for sale.

Cost: US$ 35 per person (including entrance fees)

Day 9. Sunday. Khajuraho – Chitrakoot (170 km – 4 hours drive)

Free time in the morning. You can visit the hotel’s Ayurvedic center or take one of the optional excursions.

Optional: Tiger Safari in Panna National Park

Duration: 05:00 to 10:00 AM.

Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh covers an area of 542 square kilometers and was the 22nd tiger reserve in India. The main gate, called Madla, is 25 km (40 minutes) from your hotel in Khajuraho.

In 2007, the Indian Department of Tourism recognized the park as the best-maintained park. Although poaching had wiped out the tiger population by 2009, efforts by zoologists have restored it to about 80 individuals. Today, you may see deer and boars, monkeys, bears, and even leopards, and if lucky, the king of beasts. The Khin river flows through the park, and rocky outcrops appear during the hot season, while the river is home to both major Indian crocodile species, the mugger and the gharial.

Cost: US$ 140 per person (including entrance fees)

Later, transfer to Chitrakoot, located on the banks of the Mandakini River, known for its association with Rama. The city's name literally means "beautiful mountain," where, according to legend, Rama and his wife Sita took refuge during his exile. The itinerary includes a visit to the Sati Anusuya Ashram and the Gupta Godavari cave temple complex. In the evening, visit the Mandakini Riverbank, where among many temples and ghats, we will witness the "Arti" ritual. Overnight and dinner at the Chitrakoot hotel.

Day 10. Monday. Chitrakoot – Varanasi (225 km – 5.5 hours drive)

After an early breakfast, drive to Varanasi, the "eternal city of India," with a history of over three thousand years. Varanasi is located on the banks of the Ganges River and is one of the most important Hindu centers in the world, the "holiest of the holy" pilgrimage site for millions of Hindus.

Upon arrival in Varanasi, visit the Ganges Riverbank, where you can witness the captivating Indian ritual of "Arti." Overnight and dinner at the Varanasi hotel.

Day 11. Tuesday. Varanasi, excursion to Sarnath. Varanasi – Delhi (Flight)

Early in the morning, before dawn, around 05:00, take a boat cruise on the Ganges River. Watch the majestic sunrise over the horizon. The soft pink dawn is accompanied by the sound of bells and conch shells from nearby temples. Initially quiet Sanskrit chants gradually merge into a unified voice, imparting a sense of unparalleled devotion and joy. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After the boat ride, take a city tour including a visit to the Vishwanath Temple (external view), Hanuman Temple, and Bharat Mata Temple. Then, return to the hotel for breakfast and a short rest. Later, proceed to Sarnath (12 km from Varanasi), where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment and set the Wheel of Dharma in motion. It is here that he proclaimed the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The remains of monasteries dating from the third century BC to the first century AD indicate the once-thriving monastic order. Visit the massive Dhamek Stupa and Mahabodhi Temple. After lunch, transfer to Varanasi Airport for a flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, take an international flight. (Accommodation is not included.)

Day 12. Wednesday. Departure from Delhi (International flight)

Prices are indicated per person in a DBL room.
Price for SGL - €1865.
Extra bed - €1223.

Additional night accommodation in Delhi (Optional):
Single Room - €95.
DBL/Twin Room - €100.
Extra bed - €24.
Additional dinner at the hotel - €17.
Additional transfer - €35 per car for up to 2 people / €45 per car for up to 4 people.

Mandatory surcharge for Christmas Dinner on 24.12.2024: €95 per person.

Mandatory surcharge for New Year’s Dinner on 31.12.2024: €120 per person.

Suggested hotels for the program:

• Delhi - Golden Suites / Regenta Suite / Park Plaza (East Delhi) or similar
• Jaipur - Park Ocean / Fern Habitat / Inde Signature / Zone by Park / Park Prime or similar
• Agra - Regal Vista / Royale Regent / PL Palace / Howard Fern or similar
• Khajuraho - A.S Hotel / Clarks or similar
• Chitrakoot - Bindiram or similar
• Varanasi - Pinnacle Inn / Pristine Hotel / The Fern / Costa Riveria / Amaya or similar

In Chitrakoot, there are no hotels rated higher than 2 stars.

The company reserves the right to change hotels based on their compliance with standards if rooms in the specified hotels are fully booked. Standard check-in time at hotels is 13:00, and check-out time is 12:00. Travel times are indicative and may vary depending on traffic conditions.