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Day 1-2: Meet in Delhi
Some architectural highlights we'll visit include 12th century Qutab Minar, the oldest Indian mosque; Safdarjang Maqbarah, the last period of the Mughul architecture from the 11th century; the Red Fort; and Shah Jahan Jami Masjid, the biggest mosque in the world, built in 1650. We also visit the Crafts Museum.
Day 3-4: Varanasi
Dawn boat ride on the River Ganges to witness the religious ceremonies of the Hindus. Afterwards, a walking tour of temples and ghats. Evening witness aarti ceremony on the banks of River Ganges.
Day 5-6: Khajuraho - Gwailor
Visit the 9th-11th century Chandella Temples and quaint village of Khajuraho. Stop in Orchha, the capital of the kingdom of the Bundella Rajputs from 1531 to 1783, before continuing to Gwailor. Savor your stay at the 120-year-old Usha Kiran Palace Hotel.
Day 7: Agra
Introduction to the Indo-Persian architecture of the Timurid Dynasty and the famous marble inlay work of Agra. Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj Mahal, but this royal Mughal city has many other wonderful monuments that epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture.
Day 8-9: Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur
Enroute to Jaipur, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital of the Great Mughul Empire from 1570 to 1586, a unique architectural concept. A full exploration of Jaipur, built in the 1720s and popularly known as the Pink City, includes the City Palace complex, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and Jal Mahal (Water Palace). We also visit 11th century Amber, the ancient kingdom of Jaipur.
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Day 10-12: Pushkar-Jodhpur - Udaipur
Delve deeper into the colorful Rajasthani culture visiting Pushkar on the banks of the lovely holy Pushkar Lake enroute to the desert town of Jodhpur with its imposing fort and abundant traditional crafts. We'll also tour the magnificent 1439 Ranakpur Jain Temples and serene Udaipur, the lovely lakeside capital of Mewar with its palace, art galleries and gardens.
Day 13: Udaipur-Delhi
Late afternoon flight to Delhi for departure home.
EXTENSION: Ellora and Ajanta Caves
Day 14-15: Mumbai (Bombay)
Vibrant Mumbai, or as it is still frequently referred to, Bombay, is the most modern city in India. We'll visit the Prince of Wales Museum, the Gandhi House and join the Bombay Heritage Walking Club through the old part of Bombay. We enjoy an insightful walking tour of Girgaon, an old area divided into wadis organized on the basis of religion or caste. This area reflects unique architectural and cultural nuances.
Day 16-17: Ellora-Ajanta Caves - Home
An extraordinary excursion for all history and archaeology buffs. The caves at Ajanta date from 200 BC to 650 AD and retain the remarkable quality of their murals, which relate the life story of Buddha. The Buddhist, Jain and Hindu caves at Ellora, noted for their sculptures, are considered to be the finest in India and date between 600 and 1100 AD.
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