Quintessential North India: A 16-Day Cultural Odyssey

Apr 9
16:01

2024

Chaman Thakur

Chaman Thakur

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Embark on a 16-day cultural journey through North India, where ancient traditions, architectural marvels, and vibrant bazaars come to life. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of Delhi to the sacred ghats of Varanasi, with stops at the majestic forts of Rajasthan and the iconic Taj Mahal. Experience the rich tapestry of North Indian culture, cuisine, and history as you traverse through cities and landscapes that have shaped the subcontinent's heritage.

A Grand Tour of North India's Heritage

The Gateway to India: Delhi

Day 01: Arrival in Delhi Upon arrival at Delhi's airport or railway station,Quintessential North India: A 16-Day Cultural Odyssey Articles a warm welcome by our representative awaits you. Transfer to your hotel for a restful overnight stay, preparing for the adventure ahead.

The Pink City: Jaipur

Day 02: Delhi to Jaipur (265 km / 5 hrs) After breakfast, set off for Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the evening, consider an optional visit to Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic resort offering a taste of Rajasthani culture through food, dance, and music. Stay overnight in Jaipur.

Day 03: Exploring Jaipur Post breakfast, embark on a city tour of Jaipur. Visit landmarks such as the Birla Temple, Albert Hall Museum, Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, and Jal Mahal (Water Palace). Cap off the day with an elephant ride at Amber Fort before returning to your hotel for the night.

The Cultural Mosaic: Mandawa and Bikaner

Day 04: Jaipur to Mandawa After breakfast, drive to Mandawa, known for its fascinating havelis with intricate frescoes. Overnight in Mandawa.

Day 05: Mandawa to Bikaner Post breakfast, proceed to Bikaner. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and later explore the Junagarh Fort, Gajner Palace, and Lalgarh Palace. Stay overnight in Bikaner.

The Golden City: Jaisalmer

Day 06: Bikaner to Jaisalmer After breakfast, head to Jaisalmer. In the evening, venture to Sunset Point for a stunning view of the city and enjoy a camel safari. Overnight in Jaisalmer.

Day 07: Discovering Jaisalmer Following breakfast, take a city tour of Jaisalmer, visiting Manek Chowk, Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singhji Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Kila), Gadisar Lake, and Bada Bagh. Stay overnight in Jaisalmer.

The Blue City: Jodhpur

Day 08: Jaisalmer to Jodhpur After breakfast, proceed to Jodhpur. Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Overnight in Jodhpur.

The City of Lakes: Udaipur

Day 09: Jodhpur to Udaipur Post breakfast, drive to Udaipur, visiting the Ranakpur Jain Temples en route. Check into your hotel in Udaipur for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Udaipur Sightseeing After breakfast, tour Udaipur's City Palace Museum, Maharana Pratap Memorial, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Shilpgram, and Jagdish Temple. Enjoy a boat ride on Fatehsagar Lake. Overnight in Udaipur.

Return to Jaipur and Onward to Agra

Day 11: Udaipur to Jaipur Following breakfast, head back to Jaipur, stopping at Pushkar to visit the world's only Brahma Temple and explore the local market. Continue to Jaipur for an overnight stay.

Day 12: Jaipur to Bharatpur to Agra After breakfast, drive to Agra, visiting the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary along the way. Overnight in Agra.

The Eternal Love Monument: Agra

Day 13: Agra to Varanasi Post breakfast, tour Agra with visits to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. In the evening, transfer to Agra Railway Station to board the Marudhar Express to Varanasi. Overnight on the train.

The Spiritual Heart: Varanasi

Day 14: Arrival in Varanasi Arrive at Varanasi Railway Station and transfer to your hotel. An early morning boat ride on the Ganges offers a glimpse into the spiritual rituals on the ghats. After breakfast, visit the Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Benaras Hindu University, and Aurangzeb's Mosque. In the afternoon, take an excursion to Ramnagar, returning by boat in the evening. Overnight in Varanasi.

The Journey Back to Delhi

Day 15: Varanasi to Delhi Transfer to Varanasi Airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 16: Departure from Delhi After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi, covering the Birla Temple, India Gate, the Prime Minister's Residence, Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Gandhi Memorial, and Jama Masjid. Finally, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your tour.

For inquiries and bookings, please contact us at mktg@discoveryfullcircle.com.

Fascinating Facts and Figures

  • Jaipur's Hawa Mahal: This iconic structure has 953 small windows, known as 'jharokhas,' designed to allow royal ladies to observe street festivals while remaining unseen from the outside.
  • Jaisalmer's Living Fort: Jaisalmer Fort is one of the few living forts in the world, with nearly one-fourth of the old city's population residing within its walls.
  • Udaipur's Lake System: Udaipur is often called the 'Venice of the East' due to its sophisticated lake system, which is considered one of the most ingenious water management systems of its time.

For more detailed insights and to plan your trip, visit the official Incredible India website. Discover the architectural grandeur of Rajasthan's forts and palaces with UNESCO's World Heritage Centre. Explore the spiritual essence of Varanasi and the significance of the Ganges through National Geographic.

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