9 Days Golden Triangle Tour with Khajuraho

After breakfast we drive to Pink city of Jaipur. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, this ‘pink city’ is meticulously constructed on the lines of the Shilpa – Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. On arrival at Jaipur transfer to the hotel & free for leisure, personal activities. Evening we witness Arti ceremony at Birla Temple.Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast we drive to Pink city of Jaipur. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, this ‘pink city’ is meticulously constructed on the lines of the Shilpa – Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. On arrival at Jaipur transfer to the hotel & free for leisure, personal activities. Evening we witness Arti ceremony at Birla Temple.Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast we followed by a sight-seeing tour of the city visiting the dramatic hilltop fortress at Amber – ascend the imposing fort on a decorated painted elephant. We wander among glittering inlays and the Hall of Mirrors. On the way back we stop at Jal Mahal, the rajput style “Water Palace” sits in the center of the Man Sarobar lake. The lake is often dry in the summer but winter monsoons frequently turn it into a beautiful lake filled with water hyacinths. Next to view the elegant Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds this elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world. Post lunch we tour the Maharajah’s City Palace, now partly a museum display a unique fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and house a rare collection of paintings, Rajput armoury and costumesiH. Lastly we visit Jaipur’s Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site this is the most significant, most comprehensive, and the best preserved of India’s historic observatories. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period. Later we explore the city on our own and indulge in shopping for gemstones, silver jewellery, Paintings, blue pottery and hand printed textiles that Jaipur is renowned for. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast we drive to home town Agra the City of Taj Mahal. Enrout we visit Fatehpur Sikri – which has been described as “the world’s most perfectly preserved ghost town”. Built by Akbar in the late 16th century, it was abandoned after only 14 years, and the elegant buildings of this superb walled city remain intact to this day. Later than we proceed to Agra. On arrival at Agra, transfer to the hotel. & relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast we leave to explore the monumental heritage of the Great Mughals, including the magnificent Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays), a UNESCO World Heritage Site one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan’s beloved wife. It’s a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone – « undoubtedly the highlight of the tour ». Later we tour of the imposing Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site this powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. Later we have some free time to explore the local handicrafts and shopping centers of the city where one can look for marble inlay work, fine quality carpets, Zari and embroidery, leather goods etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast we drive to Khajuraho, to the legendary temples of Khajuraho built in the 9th and the 10th century are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one of the world’s artistic wonders. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of its erotic sculptures. On arrival we transfer to the hotel. Evening we witness the fascinating Sound & Light Show spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast we drive to Khajuraho, to the legendary temples of Khajuraho built in the 9th and the 10th century are an incomparable experience. Acknowledged as one of the world’s artistic wonders. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of its erotic sculptures. On arrival we transfer to the hotel. Evening we witness the fascinating Sound & Light Show spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast we visit Western group of Temples (Unesco World Heritage Site). Kandariya Mahadeo, 31m high temple is the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple with exquisite carvings and intricate and detailed craftsmanship in stone depicting divine deities, celestial maidens, eternal lovers, gods and goddesses. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and enshrines the ‘linga’. Chaunsath Yogini, temple is the earliest temple of the group that has survived. It belongs to 900 AD and is dedicated Goddess Kali. It has the distinction of being the only granite temple here. Later then we visit Chitragupta Temple, temple is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev). It faces towards east or the rising sun and the imposing image of the image of the deity in the inner sanctum is as high as five feet and is shown driving a horse-drawn chariot. Vishwanatha Temple, has impressive entrances with magnificent stone guarding its northern steps and royal masonry elephants taking care of the southern steps. The three-headed image of Lord Brahma in the temple is not less captivating. Later we visit Lakshmana Temple,a pretty Vaishnava temple flaunts a lintel over its entrance depicting the divine trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva along with Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu. Post lunch we drive to Orchha, – once the capital of Bundelas, Orchha is a village, set amongst a complex of well-preserved palaces and temples. Though Orchha was founded in 1531, it’s golden age was during the first half of 17th century. When Jehangir visiting the city in 1606, a special palace, the Jehangir Mahal was built for him. On arrival at Orchha transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast we visit Orchha Chahatris, 14 chhatris or memorials for its rulers, situated near the Kanchan Ghat on River Betwa. Phool Bagh, is a well-laid garden and was the resting place of the erstwhile Bundela rulers. This garden has fountains, pavilions and ingenious water ventilation system, connecting the underground palace with Chandan Katora, a bowl-like structure from whose fountains droplets of water filtered through to the roof, simulating rainfall. Raj Mahal, the second palace in Orchha fort complex is well known for its murals, depicting religious themes.Later we visit Jahangir Mahal, which was built by Bir Singh Deo in the early part pf the 17th century to mark the visit of the Mughal Emperor, is an important monument of Orchha fort. It is known for its delicate work on one hand and balanced with strong masonry on the other. Lastly we visit Orchha Fort, complex is located on an island on River Betwa, having a number of palaces to visit within it; the most noteworthy of them are Rajmandir and Jahangir Mahal. The way to the fort complex is through a four-arched bridge. Evening transfer to the Jhansi Railway station board on Train back to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi Railway station transfer to the Airport board on homebound flight.