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

Along the "Classic India" itinerary, hundreds of historical sites from ancient times and the Middle Ages are scattered. However, it's impossible to cover everything, so the best India specialists have carefully selected the most essential, constructing an optimal tour. These are places that provide insight into the creative people who erected monuments, now recognized as UNESCO world heritage, as well as famous rulers, founders of new religions and saints, architects, and warriors. Tales and legends intertwine into a cohesive narrative.
 
Guaranteed Tour to India + complimentary Indian visa.
 
Visited landmarks:
 

• Delhi - India Gate, Presidential Palace, Lotus Temple (exterior view), Qutub Minar Minaret, Akshardham Temple.
• Samode - Samode Palace, Palace Garden, 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's Tomb, Akbar's Tomb (Sikandra), Abhaneri (Stepwell), Temple of Goddess Happiness (Harshat Mata), and Fatehpur Sikri.
• Orchha - Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, and Ram Raja Temple.
• Khajuraho - Khajuraho Group of Monuments (Kama Sutra Temples).
• Chitrakoot - Sati Anusuya Ashram, Gupta Godavari Caves, Aarti at Ramghat.
• Varanasi - Sarnath, boat cruise on the Ganges, and evening prayer (Aarti).

 

Itinerary:

Day 1*. Saturday. Departure to Delhi (International/domestic flight).

Arrival in Delhi on a regular flight of an international airline. After formalities and baggage collection at New Delhi Airport (Terminal-3), you will be greeted by our company representative with a traditional Indian welcome "Swagat" with a garland of flowers. After the welcome, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Short rest.

*Note: The hotel is confirmed from 12:00 on Saturday, and the sightseeing program begins on Sunday.

 

Day 2. Sunday. Delhi.

At 09:00, after breakfast, a sightseeing tour of Delhi begins. Delhi - the capital of modern India, has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties and rulers over the past three thousand years. Their legacy still lives in many monuments, from the 13th-century Lodhi Kings' mausoleum to the buildings of the British Empire, such as the Parliament Building or the Presidential Palace. The program includes a visit to India Gate, the Presidential Palace, and government buildings (exterior view), the Lotus Temple (exterior view), and the Qutub Minar Minaret. The Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays) is one of the most remarkable temples in India, built in the shape of a lotus flower, it is the largest and most beautiful Baha'i temple, serving as a symbol for followers of this faith worldwide. Another iconic site is the 72-meter Qutub Minar Minaret, built in the 12th–14th centuries, adorned with calligraphic patterns and symbolizing Muslim dominance in Delhi. Next, we visit Akshardham - one of the grandest Hindu temples in the world, which has entered the Guinness Book of Records. The palace's height is 42 m, width and length are 94 and 106 m. It is adorned with 234 columns, 9 magnificent domes, 20 four-sided towers, and more than 20,000 statues. Around the building, there are figures of 148 elephants. The exterior of the temple is covered with pink stone, symbolizing love, while the interior is made of white marble, a sign of purity and the Absolute. In fact, it is not just a temple but an entire complex with a light-musical fountain, sculptures, canals for boat rides.
Night and dinner at the hotel in Delhi.

 

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

In the morning after breakfast, we head to Samode, located 40 km from Jaipur. Samode is known for its palace, which has passed into the inheritance of the aristocratic Raval family. The palace is over 400 years old, but it has undergone several restorations. On the ground floor, there is a hall called Sultan Mahal - a hall with marble columns, tiles, and carved furniture brought from Nepal. We stroll through the halls, visit the Mirror and Durbar Halls, stepping into the past, into a time loop.

Above the palace, on the hill, is the Samode Fort. Time hasn't been too kind to it, but the surrounding panorama from the fortress walls outshines many other historical places. Then, we ride camels through the dunes. The journey will end in the Samode Bagh garden, 3 km from the palace. Much effort and resources have been spent on restoring this garden.

After the tour, departure to Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan. Jaipur, the legendary "Pink City," the capital of Rajasthan. Maharaja Jai Singh II originally painted it yellow, but in the mid-19th century, in honor of the arrival of English Prince Albert, all buildings were repainted in pink - the traditional color of hospitality. Jaipur will provide you with many pleasant moments as you stroll along the pink stone streets, touch the unfolding sheen of silk saris, pass through courtyards past narrow doors adorned with swastikas, bringing goodwill and luck to the Indian home.
Night and dinner at Jaipur hotel.

 

Day 4. Tuesday. Jaipur.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, an excursion to Amber Fort. Amber Fort is located 11 km north of Jaipur. It was once the ancient capital of the state of Jaipur, situated on the Aravalli hills. The construction of the magnificent fort-palace began in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh. The fort comprises a grand complex of palaces, pavilions, gardens, and temples. Rising above all of this is the whimsical honey-colored palace-fortress. You can experience the magic of bygone times by ascending to the fort's peaks on the backs of elephants. Along the way, musicians will delight your ears. From the maharaja's apartments at the top, you'll have a breathtaking view of the narrow gorge. In the afternoon, explore the city with a visit to the unique Jantar Mantar observatory, a majestic structure built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728, housing the world's largest sundials. In the museums of the City Palace, you can see beautiful collections of Mughal costumes, weapons, and miniature paintings. Take a look at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) from the outside. This five-story building of pink stone, adorned with columns and balconies, was built in 1799. The intricate relief of the palace with a thousand latticed windows on the carved facade is considered a symbol of Jaipur.

Jaipur is renowned for its textiles and is also the main jewelry center of India. Notably, the annual international exhibition of precious stones and jewelry takes place here. You can appreciate the elegance of local jewelry by visiting a jewelry workshop. You'll also visit a textile factory where you'll be delighted by the magical art of Indian fabric printing. Ladies can try on authentic Indian saris, and gentlemen can try traditional Indian attire - the kurta.

In the evening in Jaipur, we will visit the Birla Temple. The Lakshmi-Narayana Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is a modern architectural marvel. The majestic temple is located at the foothills of Moti Dungri in Jaipur. Constructed entirely of high-quality white marble, the temple is adorned with carved sculptures and statues of gods. It is dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi and God Narayana. The three main domes of the temple represent a clear depiction of secular India, depicting various approaches to different religions in the nation. The temple houses beautifully crafted statues of Ganesha and other Hindu gods. Alongside the statues of gods, you can also find statues of great thinkers and philosophers, such as Buddha and Socrates. Night and dinner at the Jaipur hotel.

 

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

After an early breakfast, we depart from the hotel. The ultimate destination of today's journey is the city of Agra. However, the first stop is the Galta Ji temple complex, also known as the Monkey Temple, 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 pilgrims from all over India come to bathe. Galta Ji is a true kingdom of monkeys who feel like the real owners here.

In Abhaneri, you will encounter the stepwell Chand Baori, built in the 7th century. The sight of Chand Baori is astonishing – such stepwells were only constructed in India, so similar architecture can only be seen here. Chand Baori is also the deepest stepwell of its kind. This remarkable structure, consisting of thousands of steps descending to the water, is a massive and ingenious construction designed for one sole purpose – to provide water to the people. You will see the Harshat Mata Temple (Goddess of Happiness) with medieval Indian architecture and explore the "ghost town" of Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is a city built in a deserted place from red sandstone by Emperor Akbar, a mere reflection of its magnificent past. It was briefly the capital of the Great Mughals before the residents abandoned it due to water shortages. Perhaps, thanks to this circumstance, we can see it today in its pristine beauty. Arrival in Agra and check-in at the hotel, dinner at the Agra hotel.

 

Day 6. Thursday. Agra.

After breakfast, a tour of Agra, the magnificent city and the capital of the Great Mughal Empire. Agra continues to attract beauty seekers from around the world to enjoy the unforgettable Taj Mah

al. The Taj Mahal was built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The palace was constructed by 20,000 craftsmen over 22 years. White marble was transported to the construction site by a thousand elephants. Merchants from Tibet, Persia, and Russia sent gemstones for its embellishment. The floral ornamentation of jade, agate, malachite, opal, obsidian, and mother-of-pearl skillfully incorporated into the perfect symmetry of the white palace leaves a feeling of lightness and weightlessness. Next, a trip to Agra Fort, built as a military fortress in 1565 by Emperor Akbar. Here, Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life in captivity, treacherously betrayed by his son, enjoying the view of the pristine Taj Mahal from the window of his room. The huge walls of the fort conceal magnificent architectural structures—masterpieces of Indian and Muslim masters. In the second half of the day, a visit to another grand monument of Mughal architecture, the tomb of Emperor Akbar in Sikandra. Then a visit to Itimad-ud-Daula, a small and elegant park mausoleum. It was built by his daughter Nur Jahan, the beloved wife of Emperor Jahangir. Construction began in 1622 and lasted six years. The tomb combines white marble, colored mosaic, stone inlay, and lattices. In terms of style, it is the most innovative Mughal construction of the 15th century, reflecting the transition from the massive structures of Akbar's red sandstone era to the sensually refined buildings of Shah Jahan's time (Taj Mahal). After a rich sightseeing program, you can visit a marble workshop where they create furniture and souvenirs from marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. This is a unique opportunity to observe the work of masters whose skills have been passed down through generations. Return to the hotel. Night and dinner at the Agra hotel.

ADDITIONALLY: Theatrical show in Agra

"Mohabbat De Taj" is a beautiful saga of love. The performance tells the story of the legendary love between the royal couple, with vibrant costumes, songs, and dances that captivate the audience. The world's largest replica of the Taj Mahal appears on stage during the show. The show narrates the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, as well as the history of the creation of the Taj Mahal. The cost includes an audio translator in Russian.
Duration of the show: 80 minutes.

Cost: 65 EUR per person (Gold 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, departure by train to Jhansi. Upon arrival, meet and greet at the station. Later, departure to Khajuraho via Orchha, located 16 km from Jhansi. Orchha exudes the medieval atmosphere of the ancient capital of one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms in central India. The city was founded in the 16th century by the ruler of the Bundela dynasty, Rudra Pratap. Numerous shrines, monuments, and palaces scattered throughout the city and its surroundings bear witness to the legendary past of this city and seem frozen in time. Here you will visit the Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, and the Rama Raja Temple. Transfer to Khajuraho and check-in at the hotel. Night and dinner at the hotel.

 

Day 8. Saturday. Khajuraho.

After an early breakfast, a tour of the temples of Khajuraho, built between 950 and 1050 AD by the powerful rulers of the Chandela dynasty. The temples are famous for their magnificent carvings depicting scenes from the famous love treatise "Kamasutra." Only 22 temples out of 85 built have survived. Following the age-old tradition, worship is still performed at the Matangeshwara Temple. The second half of the day is free, and optional excursions are possible. Night and dinner at the hotel in Khajuraho.

ADDITIONALLY: Museum of Tribes and Folk Art - Adi Vartak Khajuraho

In the stylized village of Adi Vartak, covering an area of 3.5 acres, there are 12 traditional houses of seven tribal communities - Bhil, Koraku, Baiga, Gond, Saharia, Bharia, and Kol, representing the culture, art, and daily life of people living in five regions of the state, namely Bundelkhand, Nimar, Malwa, Bagelkhand, and Chamba. The museum's exhibition includes tribal antiques, folk paintings, jewelry, masks, terracotta items, metal, and bamboo products. Here is a small but interesting collection of paintings, sculptures, and artworks of many tribal groups of Madhya Pradesh. The museum also offers a range of original paintings and engravings for sale.

Cost: 35 EUR per person (including entrance tickets)

 

Day 9. Sunday. Khajuraho – Chitrakoot (170 km – 4 hours on the road)

Morning free time. You can visit the hotel's Ayurvedic center or go on one of the optional excursions.

ADDITIONALLY: Tiger Safari in Panna National Park

Duration from 05:00 to 10:00 in the morning.

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

In 2007, the Indian Tourism Department recognized the park as the most well-maintained. Although due to poaching, the tiger population disappeared by 2009, thanks to the efforts of zoologists, it has been restored and now reaches 80 individuals. Today, you can see deer and wild boars in the park, as well as monkeys, bears, and even leopards, and if you are lucky, the king of beasts himself. The park is crossed by the Ken River, and rocky islands in the middle of it are exposed during the hot season. Both main species of Indian crocodiles, mugger and long-snouted gharial, inhabit the river.

Cost: 140 EUR per person (including entrance tickets)

Later, transfer to the town of Chitrakoot, located on the banks of the Mandakini River and known for its association with Rama

. Literally translated as "beautiful mountain," the city, according to legend, is where Rama took refuge with his wife Sita during his exile. The program includes a visit to the Sati Anusuya Ashram, the caves of the Gupta Godavari temple complex. In the evening, a visit to the banks of the Mandakini River awaits us, where, among numerous temples and ghats, the ritual "Aarti" will take place. Night and dinner at the hotel in Chitrakoot.

 

Day 10. Monday. Chitrakoot – Varanasi (225 km – 5.5 hours on the road).

After an early breakfast, transfer to Varanasi, the "eternal city of India" with a history spanning over three millennia. Varanasi is situated 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 centers for millions of Hindus.

Upon arrival in Varanasi, visit the Ganges River bank, where the captivating Indian ritual "Aarti" takes place. Night and dinner at the hotel in Varanasi.

 

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

Early in the morning, before dawn, around 05:00, enjoy a boat cruise on the Ganges River. Witness the solemn sunrise over the horizon. The gentle pink stripe of dawn is accompanied by the sound of bells and conch shells from the nearby temples. The initially quiet chanting of Sanskrit shlokas gains strength, merging into one voice, providing a sense of unparalleled piety and enjoyment. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Then, depart for Sarnath (12 km from Varanasi), where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment and set in motion the Wheel of Law. It was here that he proclaimed the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The remains of monasteries dating from the third century BCE to the first century CE speak of a once thriving monastic order. Visit the enormous Dhamek Stupa and the Mahabodhi Temple, then transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Delhi, departure on the international flight. (No hotel accommodation is provided).

 

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

• The price is for one person in a DBL room.
• Price for SGL - 1744 EUR.
• Extra bed - 1189 EUR.

 

Additional night in Delhi (Option):

• Single Room - 90 EUR.
• DBL/Twin Room - 95 EUR.
• Extra bed - 25 EUR.
• Additional dinner at the hotel - 18 EUR.
• Additional transfer - 35 EUR per car for up to 2 people / 45 EUR per car for up to 4 people.
• Mandatory supplement for Christmas Dinner on 24.12.2023: 90 euros per person.
• Mandatory supplement for New Year's Dinner on 31.12.2023: 115 euros per person.

 

Included in the price:

• 10 nights accommodation.
• 10 breakfasts and dinners.
• Air-conditioned transport along the route.
• Russian-speaking tour guide.
• Elephant ride 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 on arrival from Saturday 12:00 to 07:00 Sunday morning. If the client arrives at a different time, then it is necessary to book an individual transfer.
  • Group transfer on the day of the end of the excursion to the airport or to a hotel near the airport (if the client has purchased one more night of accommodation in Delhi).

 

Not included in the price:

Flights (including Varanasi – Delhi, starting from 190 EUR per person).
Personal expenses.
Transport on days without a program.
Tips for the guide and driver.

Medical  insurance.

*** Visa to India is provided as a gift.

 

Proposed hotels on the program:

• Delhi - Golden Tulip Suites or similar.
• Jaipur - Rudra Vilas / Park Ocean / Zone by Park or similar.
• Agra - Royal Regent / Howard Fern or similar.
• Khajuraho - Clarks / Golden Tulip or similar.
• Chitrakoot* - Bindiram or similar.
• Varanasi - Costa River or similar.

*In Chitrakoot, there are no hotels above 2*.

The company reserves the right to change hotels, taking into account their compliance with standards if the specified hotels run out of rooms. Standard check-in time at hotels is 1:00 PM, and check-out time is 12:00 PM. The travel times are indicative and may change depending on traffic.