Itinerary: Delhi - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Agra - Jaipur - Ranthambhore - Kota - Udaipur - Mumbai

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
A Yatra representative will meet you at a location convenient to you in Delhi and transfer you in an air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel of stay. Check-in at your pre-booked hotel.

In the afternoon, you will be taken on a half-day combined city tour of Old and New Delhi, accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Browse the historical sites of the city such as Qutab Minar, India Gate (War Memorial), a drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s Estate), Parliament House and Secretariat building. Further on, proceed to Jama Masjid, and drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk – a traditional shopping hub. After sightseeing in the city, return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 2: Delhi – Varanasi
After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to the religious city of Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi, check-in at a hotel and spend the night. In the afternoon, head out for a half-day excursion to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage centre. Marvel at the huge Buddha statue of Sarnath. After sightseeing in the city, return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 3: Varanasi - Khajuraho
Take an early morning boat ride on river Ganges. The long string of ghats - the chain of stone steps - along the western bank of the Ganges forms the major attraction of Varanasi. There are many fascinating legends associated with these ghats. After the boat ride, tuck into a hearty breakfast and continue to explore the beautiful temples and bustling bazaars.

Later, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Khajuraho. Upon arrival in Khajuraho, check-in at a hotel and spend the night.

Day 4: Khajuraho – Jhansi - Agra
After breakfast, go on a sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. Marvel at the architecture of the temples and the intricately carved sculptures of gods and goddesses from Indian mythology. Made of finely grained stone, the colors of the sculptures range from pale buff, pink, yellow and brown. The human body depicted in various sensuous postures is widely found in Khajuraho.

Visit the largest temple Kandariya Hahodeo, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then, drive to Jhansi Railway Station, visiting Orchha on the way. Arrive at Jhansi Railway Station and board the Express Train to Agra. On arrival in Agra, check-in at a pre-booked hotel and spend the night.

Day 5: Agra – Jaipur
After breakfast, take a half-day city tour of Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1630 to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal (Taj Mahal is closed every Friday). Later, visit the magnificent Agra Fort and learn about its fascinating history.

In the afternoon, leave for Jaipur, visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and other palaces. Jaipur is about 232 kilometers from Agra. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check-in at a hotel and spend the night.

Day 6: In Jaipur
After breakfast, set out proceed on a full-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur which includes Amber Fort - the capital of the state till 1728. Visit Jagmandir or the Hall of Victory that glitters with mirrors, Jai Mahal and Temples of Kali. The most interesting part of your day tour will be the ascent to Amber Fort on elephant back while taking in panoramic views of the city.

In the afternoon, visit the Maharaja’s City Palace and Jantar Mantar, and drive past Hawa Mahal or The Palace of Winds and through the rose-pink residential and business areas of Jaipur. After sightseeing in Jaipur, return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 7: Jaipur – Ranthambhore
After breakfast, drive to Ranthambhore National Park, the former hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Ranthambhore is about 170 kilometers from Jaipur, an approx. 4-hour drive. Upon arrival in Ranthambhore, check-in at a pre-booked hotel.

In the afternoon, set out on a jeep safari into the wildlife park in search of the Great Indian Tiger. If you are lucky, you might catch sight of him, besides a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 8: In Ranthambhore
Spend the morning and afternoon taking jeep safari in the park. Ranthambhore is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country. Return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 9: Ranthambhore – Kota
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Kota about 180 kilometers from Ranthambhore (approx. 3 hours). Check-in at a hotel upon arrival. Spend an afternoon of sightseeing in Kota; visit the Chambal Garden, Maharao Madho Singh Museum and the Government Museum housed in the Brijvilas Palace near Kishore Sagar. Return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 10: Kota – Udaipur
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Udaipur, a 6-hour drive from Kota about 270 kilometers. Upon arrival in Udaipur, check-in at a pre-booked hotel and spend the night. Spend the evening at leisure exploring around the ‘lake city’ at your pace and taking a stroll on the banks of Lake Pichola

Day 11: Udaipur
After breakfast, take a full-day sightseeing tour of Udaipur city which includes visits to the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, a drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion ki Bari (Queen's Resort for her friends) and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir (folk art museum). Follow it up with an afternoon boat cruise on Pichola Lake surrounded by splendid hills, palaces and temples. Enjoy the brilliant scenery while boating and take back some wonderful pictures. Return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 12: Udaipur - Mumbai
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Udaipur Airport for a flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, check-in at a hotel for your overnight stay.

In the afternoon, continue on a half-day sightseeing tour of Mumbai and visit the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum and Jehangir Art Gallery. Drive past the Flora Fountain, the ever-bustling Crawford Market and along Marine Drive. Your tour concludes at ‘Dhobi Ghats’ where you will see hundreds of ‘dhobis’ (washer-men) and their families busy with their chores. Later, return to your hotel and spend the night.

Day 13: Mumbai - Aurangabad (by flight)
After breakfast, you will be transferred in time transfer to the airport for a connecting flight to Aurangabad. On arrival (in the afternoon), you will be taken to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (approx. 3-hour drive from Aurangabad, the nearest town). You will be dropped off at the Cave’s parking lot where you will find eco-friendly buses waiting to take you the short way up to the ticket office. From here, behold breathtaking views of Ajanta nestled in a panoramic gorge in the form of a giant horseshoe.

Explore the famous 6th century Buddhist excavations and frescoes in Ajanta Caves. The cave comprises Chaitya Halls or shrines dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas or monasteries. Browse the prayer hall with stupa; you will see Buddhist monks bowing in obeisance before the ancient sculpture of Buddha etched on the cave walls. Also see the reclining Buddha sculpture, the elaborately carved medallion, and some of Ajanta’s famous murals over a cave entrance and on the columns - though somewhat obliterated, they have withstood the ravages of time. Don’t miss out the paintings that illustrate the Jataka tales depicting diverse stories relating to the previous incarnations of the Buddha at Bodhisattva, a saintly being who is destined to become the Buddha. Ajanta Caves are among the finest examples of the earliest Buddhist architecture. The caves remained shrouded in obscurity for over a millennium till John Smith, a British army officer accidently stumbled upon them in 1819 while on a hunting expedition. There is a beautiful waterfall that tumbles down the cliff, and feeds a natural pool at the bottom called the Saptakunda

After exploring the caves and taking back some memorable pictures, return to Aurangabad and check-in at a pre-booked hotel. Spend the night at your hotel.

Day 14: In Aurangabad
After a hearty breakfast, set out on a half-day sightseeing tour of Ellora Caves, 6th - 7th century Buddhist caves and Bibi-ka-Maqbara, and let your guide tell you about the fascinating history of these sites. About 26 kilometers north of Aurangabad, the caves and monasteries of Ellora were excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment. These are 34 caves comprising Buddhist Chaityas or halls of worship, and Viharas or monasteries, and Hindu and Jain temples. Explore the main temple that is flanked on either side by two free-standing, 15.9 meter-high pillars. Legend has it that these magnificent pillars had once borne the trishul or trident of Lord Shiva. You will notice that the two storeys of the corridors of the main temple has small alcoves boasting a wealth of sculptures praising the great Indian epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata. There is an aura of mystery and intrigue about these caves.

After appreciating the architectural magnificence of Ellora Caves, return to your hotel. You are at leisure for the rest of the evening to take a walk around and absorb the local rhythm of life. Spend the night at your hotel.

Day 15: Aurangabad - Mumbai (by flight)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be dropped at the airport for your return flight to Mumbai. On arrival, you will be assisted to the international airport or any location convenient to you in Mumbai for your onward journey.

Note:
- Standard check-in/check-out times at all hotels will be 12 noon.