Day 1:- Australia - DelhiOn arrival at Delhi airport you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is yours at leisure to get to know this colourful cityHotel: Crowne Plaza

Day 2:- Delhi After breakfast our day of sightseeing starts! First stop the Red Fort, Delhi’s most famous monument, the Red Fort, stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India. Afterwards we head to Jamia Masjid. Masjid is another marvellous treasure of the Old City, and is the largest mosque in India. Its courtyard can hold an incredible 25,000 devotees. The mosque took 13 years to build, and was completed in 1650. After Masjid, we stop via Chandni Chowk Street, the main street of old Delhi, is a shocking contrast to the wide, orderly streets of New Delhi. Cars, cycle rickshaws, hand-pulled carts, pedestrians, and animals all compete for space. It’s chaotic, crumbling and congested, but completely captivating as well. Onwards then to Humayun’s Tomb. Humayun’s Tomb looks a bit like the Taj Mahal in Agra and houses the body of the second Mughal emperor. After we pay our respects to Humayun, it is off to the Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world. It was built in 1206, but the reason remains a mystery. Some believe that it was made to signify victory and the beginning of Muslim rule in India. Next is the Lotus Temple and India Gate. The towering archway of India Gate at the centre of New Delhi is a war memorial, built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I. Finally we finish the day with the Laxmi Narayan Temple, one of the major temples in Delhi. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the stipulation that people of all castes shall be allowed to enter the temple. Afterwards we head back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.Hotel: Crowne PlazaMeals: Breakfast

Day 3:- Delhi - JaipurAfter breakfast we head to Jaipur. On route we visit Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Akbar, the Mu-ghal emperor in 1570, the city was a tribute to Sufi Saint. FatehpurSikri is a perfect blend of Indian, Islamic and Persian architecture and it was built using red sandstone. For around 10 years, the city remained the capital of Mughal Empire. The city has a 6-kilometer long wall on three sides and there are towers and gates. On arrival to Jaipur we will check in to the hotel

North India Highlights Tour

13 Days

before starting a sightseeing tour of the city. Our first stop is the City Palace, situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about one seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in the centre. Once we have had time to explore the City Palace, we head to the Jantar Mantar. Built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonry instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial still provides accurate time. Next is the most photographed building in Jaipur, Hawa Mahal. Built in 1799, by Maha-raja SawaiPratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street below. Now it houses a well laid out museum. The display “Jaipur past and present” is the special feature of this newly setup museum. Fi-nally, before heading back to our hotel we visit the Albert Hall Museum. This graceful building was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert (also known as Albert Hall). It has a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces. Afterwards we head back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.Hotel: Hotel RamandaMeals: Breakfast

Day 4:- JaipurToday we have another day exploring this vibrant city! We kick things offer with the Amer Fort. The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of craggy hills. The solemn dignity of its red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold. Next it is on to the Jaigarh Fort. Standing on a hilltop, overlooking the palaces and city of Amer. The world’s biggest cannon on wheels- the Jai Ban is positioned here, built during reign of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh. It has a twenty feet long barrel for a single shot. We then continue on to the Nahargarh Fort which sits about 600 ft above the city below, the fort was built in 1734. After visiting Nahargarh Fort we stop for a photo opportunity of the Jal Ma-hal, a picturesque palace set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. We finish our day at the Galta (Monkey Temple). This holy pilgrimage centre has a temple dedicated to the Sun God (Which is the only one of its kind in this part of the country) and natural spring. It crests the ridge over a picturesque gorge and provides an impressive view of the city. As the legend goes, sage Galav performed a difficult penance here. Afterwards we head back to the hotel to relax or explore Jaipur’s nightlife.

Hotel: Hotel RamandaMeals: Breakfast

Day 5:- Jaipur - AgraAfter breakfast we head for Agra. On route we stop by the Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Akbar, the Mughal emperor in 1570, the city was a tribute to Sufi Saint. Fatehpur Sikri is a perfect blend of Indian, Islamic and Persian. We then continue on to Agra. On arrival we will check in to the hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to get to know this incredible city.Hotel: Hotel Clarks ShirazMeals: Breakfast

Day 6:- Agra - VaranasiAfter breakfast we delve in to this fascinating city. First stop, the big one – the Taj Mahal! The monument stands proof for the brilliance of Mughal architecture. Named as one of the won-ders of the world, the Taj Mahal has stood the test of time. Afterwards we head for Agra’s other treasure, the Agra Fort. The 16th century monument is yet another proof of the archi-tectural brilliance of Mughals. This is situated near the gardens of the world famous Taj Mahal. Called the Red Fort of Agra, you will be awe inspired by the powerful fortress. The entire for-tress is a symbol of Mughal’s grandeur. Finally we finish with India’s first tomb to be made out of marble, Itmad-ud-Daulah. Itmad-Ud-Daulah signals the beginning of new era in Mughal ar-chitecture. Until then, it was buildings of red sandstone. It was constructed during Jahangir’s period. The 21-meter high tomb was constructed in memory of Mirza Ghiyas. Influenced by Islamic architectural style, the monument’s towers display Persian touch and the wall paint-ings inside are sheer beauty to view. Afterwards we head to the train station for the overnight trip to Varanasi.Hotel: Overnight air-conditioned Sleeper Train. Meals: Breakfast

Day 7:- VaranasiWe arrive in to Varanasi early in the morning where a local representative will be waiting. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in before we set out for a day of sightsee-ing. First up, Annapoorna Devi Temple. Annapurna or Annapoorna is the Hindu Goddess of nourishment. Anna means food and grains. Purna means full, complete and perfect. Anna-

purna is regarded as the queen of Varanasi alongside her husband Vishweshwar (Shiva), the King of Varanasi. Next we visit the Assi Ghat a Ghat located on the holy Ganges. The Ghat is renowned for a favourite spot for Hindu devotees to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva after taking holy dip in the river. It is a very busy place with performance of Hindu religious rituals all through the year. After Assi Ghat, we head for Banaras Hindu University for a quick look in to modern Hindu education before heading to Bharat Mata Temple. Bharat Mata Temple, a fairly new temple built in 1936 and located at Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus, is a shrine dedicat-ed to Mother India. The temple is in the shape of pentagonal cone with five pillars supporting the structure. It is then on to another of Varanasi’s holiest sites, the Dashaswamedh Ghat. Dashaswamedh Ghat is a very favourite among the Hindu devotees and is considered as the main Ghat. This is considered one of the safest ghats with well laid steps and perfect plat-forms for the devotees to perform the rituals in the Ganges. Finally we finish our day at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Benaras, the Holiest Place of Hindus (and centre of earth in Hin-du Cosmology) where at least once in life a Hindu is expected to do pilgrimage and if possible pour the remains (ashes) of cremated ancestors here on the River Ganges. Before we leave, we’ll wait to view the Ganga Aarti. Every evening, as dusk descends, it’s time for the Ganga Aarti to be performed at the three holy cities of Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi in India. It’s a very powerful and uplifting spiritual ritual to behold. Afterwards we head back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.Hotel: Hotel Hindusthan International

Day 8:- VaranasiAfter breakfast we proceed to Sarnath. Sarnath is the main place to visit while on tour around Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the four most significant Buddhist pilgrimage places in India and the place where Lord Buddha first conveyed his lecture after attaining “nirvana”. While at Sarnath, we visit the Sarnath Buddhist Temple where Buddha used to stay during his visits to Sarnath. The recent ‘Mulagandhakuti Vihara’ or the modern Buddhist temple is 110 feet high with an image of Buddha inside it. Afterwards we head to the Sarnath Museum which holds a rich collection of sculptures, artefacts comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva imag-es and other ancient remains. After spending time at the museum we’ll head to the Pillars of Ashoka. The pillars of Ashoka are a series of columns dispersed throughout the northern Indi-an subcontinent, erected or at least inscribed by the Mauryan king Ashoka during his reign in the 3rd century. Averaging between forty and fifty feet in height, and weighing up to fifty tons

each, all the pillars were quarried at Chunar, just south of Varanasi and dragged, sometimes hundreds of miles, to where they were erected. Afterwards we head back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.Hotel: Hotel Hindusthan InternationalMeals: Breakfast

Day 9:- Varanasi - Delhi Today is yours to soak in this holiest of cities. Why not take a boat ride down the Ganges or visit the local markets. Alternatively revisit the Ghats and watch the hundreds of people going about their daily prayers. In the evening we’ll head to the train station for overnight train to Delhi. Hotel: Overnight air-conditioned Sleeper Train.Meals: Breakfast

Day 10:- DelhiWe arrive in to Delhi early in the morning. Upon arrive a local representative will be waiting to take you to your hotel. After the overnight journey, today is yours to sleep in or explore Del-hi one last time! Why not head to the Hauz Khas Village. The tight alleyways of this arty little enclave are crammed with boutiques selling designer Indian-clothing, handicrafts, handmade furniture and old Bollywood movie posters.Hotel: Crowne PlazaMeals: Breakfast

Day 11:- Delhi After breakfast, today is yours to do what you like. We recommend a walking tour of Delhi organised by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a charity caring for the poor and homeless. Former street children give guided tours showing the life of the city’s kids and orphans. They lead you around the old walled city of Delhi, take you on a rickshaw ride, then down hidden alleys and up on to the city’s rooftops. An inspiring experience.Hotel: Crowne PlazaMeals: Breakfast

Day 12:- Delhi – AustraliaAfter breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Australia.Meals: Breakfast

Day 13:- AustraliaArrive home today.