Signature North India Tour

Day 1

Delhi arrival

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport of New Delhi to be met and greeted by representative of Optima Travels. Traditional warm welcome will be the beginning of Signature North India Tour. Atithi Devo Bhav" (Guest is God) is ancient ethos of India that one experiences on the land of sages. Observe and enjoy uniquely pleasant aspects of mankind that evolved and got nurtured in India. You shall be escorted to Delhi hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2

Delhi sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed on a full-day guided sightseeing tour of New Delhi & old Delhi. It will unfurl a bounty of monuments, traditions, rituals, life-styles and tastes of the people of India. During the course of exploration, the iconic monuments to be visited are Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Akshardham Temple, India Gate, President House, Parliament House and Qutub Minar. During the whole tour you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable, government certified guide who will keep enriching you with all relevant information. Watch out the rich past and rapid modern day progress of Delhi, the capital of India. In old Delhi, a manually-pulled rickshaw ride will be a novel experience. Overnight stay is scheduled in Delhi hotel.

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Day 3

Delhi – Mandawa – Mandawa sightseeing

After breakfast, depart for Mandawa, a town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. It is one of the most famous and interesting tourist destinations in Shekhawati region of the desert state. Rural landscape and traditional way of lifestyle of the people is worth watching. It is said that India lives in villages. India's pristine cultural glory is still preserved in India's rural masses. What else Mandawa can be the ideal place to come face to face with the rustic aspect of India. You will be directly transferred to hotel on reaching Mandawa. Relax and refresh a bit and proceed for Mandawa sightseeing. Mandawa is known as "the Open Art Gallery" due to multi-hued frescoes. It is world renowned for its painted havelis and paintings, noted for their frescos depicting mythological and historical themes. Prime attractions of Manadawa to be seen on a guided tour are Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, village life and fresco paintings on walls. Overnight stay is scheduled in Mandawa hotel.

Day 4

Mandawa – Bikaner – Bikaner tour

After breakfast, depart for Bikaner, the land of delicious desserts and golden desert. You will be transferred directly to the hotel on reaching Bikaner. Relax a bit and move for guided sightseeing of Bikaner which includes Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Fort, Sardul Museum, Bhand Sagar & Camel Farm and Breeding Research Centre. Watch out the distinctive features of architecture of Bikaner buildings. Distinctiveness can be observed in the walls of the city, jharokhas of havelis and wooden carvings. Overnight stay is scheduled in Bikaner hotel.

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Day 5

Bikaner-Deshnoke - Jaisalmer

Having enjoyed scrumptious breakfast, depart for Jaisalmer. On the way to the ‘golden city of Rajasthan’, have a short but interesting stop-over at Deshnoke, famous for Karni Mata Temple or Rat Temple. It will be a distinctively unique experience of Indian culture and traditions. On arrival at Jaisalmer, check in at the hotel to spend evening in leisure and have over overnight stay therein.

Day 6

Jaisalmer sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed on a guided sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer that includes Sonar Qila or Golden Fort or Jaisalmer Fort and various havelis like Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Patwon-ki-Haveli & Salim Singh-ki-Haveli. The old city is inhabited within the fort’s walls. Ancient library, Hindu & Jain temples, beautiful palaces etc are worth watching.

In the afternoon, you shall be taken to Sam/Khuri sand dunes on camel. Camel safari, night stay in AC tented accommodation on sand dunes and dinner while folklores and dances being performed will be the hallmark of Signature North India Tour. While enjoying the exotic desert safari in Jaisalmer, discover desert traditions, folk culture and desert ways. The camel riders cum guides accompanying, you on Jaisalmer camel safari, help your safari guides pitch in tents, relieve the camels of their heavy load and tie them to wooden posts for them to rest, collect dried twigs and light a small fire. Overnight stay is scheduled in desert tent.

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Day 7

Jaisalmer-Osian-Jodhpur

After breakfast, depart for Jodhpur, the ‘blue city of Rajasthan’. On the way to previous Rathore kingdom, visit Osian village, famous for its Hindu (Brahmin) and Jain temples. The Hindu temples are built in classical Nagar style of architecture. The Sun Temple of Osian is very renowned. Though, at present these temples are in dilapidated condition but having seen them you can easily imagine Osian's place and importance in history. Continue your journey to Jodhpur. Arrive at Jodhpur, check in at the hotel for the overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Day 8

Bishnoi village safari & Jodhpur sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed on an exotic excursion to Bishnoi artisans' village. Bishnoi village safari is a highly cherished excursion while in Jodhpur. Here, see the craftsmen at work. Excellent ethnic products charm a visitor. The finesse, colors, designs and suitability to practical purposes attract visitors in large catches. The route to village passes through amazingly beautiful landscape. Thereafter, return to city to visit Mehrangarh Fort (considered as one of the best forts of India), Ummed Bhawan Palace (half portion of this palace is opened for the tourists and the rest portion is owned by Taj hotel chain), Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal and Jaswant Thada (known as "Taj Mahal of Rajasthan"). Explore local market known for spices, handicraft products & delicious cuisine. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 9

Jodhpur-Ranakpur-Udaipur

After breakfast, proceed for Udaipur. On the way to ‘the city of lakes in Rajasthan’, visit Ranakpur Temple, world renowned for their rich engravings and architectural intricacy. The temple is a must-see attraction of Rajasthan. Having visited the temple, have lunch in a nice restaurant. Again, continue your drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur, check in at the hotel. Spend rest of the day in leisure and have overnight stay.

Day 10

Udaipur sightseeing

Guided sightseeing tour of Udaipur will commence soon after breakfast. Udaipur is called the "City of Lakes" and "Venice of East". Udaipur is known for its distinctive architecture, mammoth monuments, various lakes and chivalry. Visit the City Palace Complex, the Jagdish Temple, the Jag Mandir, Saheliyon-k-Bari and other picturesque spots of tourist interests. Late afternoon, ride a boat in Lake Pichola and see Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) from close quarters and have a glimpse of old city. Late in the evening, return to hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 11

Udaipur- Pushkar – Jaipur

After breakfast, drive towards Jaipur. On the way to Jaipur, have a short halt at Pushkar, one of the holy pilgrimages of the Hindus. Here, have lunch and proceed on a guided sightseeing of Pushkar which includes Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Ghats and rustic way of life. Pushkar is also famous for the world's largest camel fair known as Pushkar Fair- a major tourist attraction of Rajasthan. Late afternoon, continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival at Jaipur, check in at the hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

Day 12

Jaipur sightseeing

The whole day is reserved for leisurely exploration of the ‘Pink City of Rajasthan. Jaipur is the only city in the world which has been designed and constructed from the point of view of astrology. It has been laid according to the conventional nine-grid pattern that astrologers believe to be lucky and has been recommended in the ancient Indian treatise on architecture. Its nine rectangular sectors represent nine levels of universe. Jaipur is famous by the name of Pink City or Gulabi Nagar and is the capital city of Rajasthan. After breakfast, proceed on guided Jaipur city tour. Being the erstwhile capital of Kachhawaha Rajput Clan, Jaipur is home to gargantuan forts, marvelously built palaces, lively market of handicraft products and intricately carved out temples. It was the first planned city of medieval India. Take an excursion to Amber Fort (biggest fort of Rajasthan). Enjoy a ride on a caparisoned elephant which will take to the top of the hill- the entrance of the mammoth fort. Thereafter visit Jal Mahal, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Birla Temple and local buzzing market place of the yore. Later in the evening, return to hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 13

Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

Having enjoyed scrumptious breakfast, depart for Agra. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted city built by Mughal ruler Akbar as capital / secretariat of Mughal kingdom. Watch out the blend of Persian, Islamic and Hindu architectural elements in the prominent buildings like Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace, Birbal Bhawan and shrine of a Sufi saint Salim Chishti. Having spent about two-three hours in the mammoth complex, continue your drive to Agra. On arrival in Agra, check in at the hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

Day 14

Agra sightseeing

Agra is home to the finest monuments belonging to Mughal era. Agra was once capital city of Mughal kingdom and is endowed with world renowned monuments like Taj Mahal, Baby Taj, Agra Fort, Sikandara etc. Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the Mughal kingdom. Along with Agra tour guide, visit Taj Mahal early morning at the time of dawn (sunrise) when it looks amazingly beautiful. Taj Mahal, the epitome of love, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I is made of shimmering white marble. Return to hotel after visiting Taj Mahal. Refresh, relax, have breakfast in the hotel and proceed to visit Agra Fort, Baby Taj (tomb of It Mad ud Daula) & Sikandara (tomb of Akbar). Depending upon visitor’s choice, he can be taken to Mehtab Bagh instead of Sikandara. Mehtab Bagh, located across River Yamuna, is the best place to capture beauty of Taj Mahal at the time of sunset. Explore local market to see excellent crafts related to marble chiseling. Overnight stay will be in Agra hotel.

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Day 15

Agra – Gwalior – Orchha

After breakfast, drive towards Gwalior, a historical destination in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for its gargantuan fort complex bejeweled with beautiful palaces, museum and temples. Gwalior Fort houses Man Mandir Palace and Gujari Mahal. Belonging to 11th century, Sas Bahu (Sahastrabahu) Temple is dedicated Lord Vishnu. Post-lunch, continue the drive to Orchha, capital city of a medieval era Bundelkhand region. On arrival, check in at the hotel to spend time in leisure and have overnight stay.

Day 16

Orchha sightseeing - Khajuraho

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed on for Orchha sightseeing that includes Orchha Fort, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple & Raja Ram Temple. Having explored Orchha, move for Khajuraho. After 4 hours, you will reach Khajuraho. On arrival, you will be attended by our representative and taken to the pre-booked hotel. Relax and proceed for watching Sound & Light Show in the Western Group of temples complex. Overnight stay will be in Khajuraho hotel.

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Day 17

Khajuraho sightseeing - Varanasi (by air)- Ganga Aarti

After breakfast, guided sightseeing tour of Khajuraho will be conducted that will show Western Group of Temples and Eastern Group of Temples. Out of these two clusters of temples, Western Group of Temples is the most fascinating one. Watching the Khajuraho temples, dedicated to various aspects of womanhood and renowned for its erotic architecture and elaborate carvings, is heavenly feast to the eyes. The Khajuraho temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are famous for their erotic statues and exceptionally beautiful architecture.

After visiting Khajuraho temples, move for Khajuraho airport to board flight for Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi airport, you shall be greeted by our representative and taken to the pre-booked hotel. Later in the afternoon, you shall be taken to Dashaswamedh ghat where majestic Ganga Aarti takes place. Get submerged into the pious ambience and relish the cultural aspects of Varanasi and Hinduism during your Signature North India Tour. Overnight stay is scheduled in Varanasi hotel.

Day 18

Varanasi tour – Delhi (by air) - Departure

Today, the Varanasi sightseeing will commence from the time of sunrise. Guided Varanasi tour will be marked with morning boat cruise on the Ganga along the ghats of Varanasi. Full Day Varanasi tour is very special in terms of exploring, experiencing and expressing the very essence of Indian ethos, culture, way of life and spirituality. Ganga ghat tour in the morning unfolds exotic aspects of Varanasi. The ghat excursion will let you observe various facets of day-to-day living patterns of the people of Varanasi- one of the world's living cities.

After boat ride, a short heritage walk through the narrow alleys will take place. Later, return to hotel to refresh and have breakfast. Thereafter, Sarnath tour will acquaint you with rich cultural & architectural heritage of Buddhist era. See major attractions of Sarnath - Dhamekh Stupa, Asokan Pillar, Buddhist Museum & remains of Buddhist monastery of 200 BC.The city tour of Varanasi will take you to Sankat Mochan Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, BHU & Bharat Mata temple. The temples of Varanasi help one to immerse in the subtle ambience of spirituality. Late evening, you will be transferred to Varanasi airport to board Delhi-bound flight. On arrival at New Delhi, catch flight for your onward destination.

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