A Journey to the Sacred Ganges

Arrive in to Delhi in the morning where you will be met on arrival and transferred by car to your hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to rest and acclimatise. Delhi is India's capital and a city of two halves. Old Delhi – the heart of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries – is a bustling and crowded medieval district of grand mosques, majestic forts and crumbling monuments. This is quintessential India. The colours and smells overwhelm, the scent of spices fill the air and the vibrancy of everyday life is invigorating. In contrast New Delhi, with its tree-lined avenues and white-washed bungalows was purpose-built in the 1930s by the British as a colonial capital and remains the epicentre of Indian political power. (B)

Early this morning you will be met and transferred to Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin Station in good time to catch the Gatimaan Express to Agra. One of Uttar Pradesh’s largest cities, Agra is dominated by three magnificent buildings – Agra Fort, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula and the beautiful Taj Mahal – that hark back to its glorious past. On your arrival visit the Taj Mahal (closed Friday), arguably the greatest monument to love, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz and a building world renowned for its power and beauty. After hotel check-in continue to the imposing Agra Fort on the banks of the River Yamuna which was established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. This powerful imperial fortress dominates the centre of the city and the red sandstone walls enclose a vast area which comprises of palaces, impressive reception rooms and two very beautiful mosques. From Agra Fort cross the river to visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, the jewel of Agra, sometimes known as the ‘Baby Taj’. The least visited of Agra’s three great monuments the Itmad-ud-Daula was the first Agra building to be covered in white marble and pietra dura and is a place of peaceful serenity. Leaving the Itmad-ud-Daula, continue to the nearby Mehtab Bagh and end the day with a beautiful sunset over the Yamuna River to the Taj Mahal. (B)

This morning leave Agra and begin the drive to Jaipur. Today stops will be made en-route at the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Once the capital of the emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was built during the second half of the 16th century and is notable for largely being constructed out of striking red sandstone.On a grand scale, Fatehpur Sikri provides a pointer to Akbar’s power, lifestyle and vision and can be divided into three main sections – the Royal Palace, the area outside the Palace and the Jami Masjid mosque. Leaving Fatehpur Sikri continue west towards Jaipur and just over halfway leave the main road to visit the small village of Abhaneri which is home to the 8th century Chand Baori step-well. The deepest step-well in the world, Chand Baori is a stunningly beautiful architectural masterpiece, thirteen stories deep and with over 3,500 zigzagging steps. The nearby Harshat Mata Temple, located close to the step-well entrance, is also well worth visiting. Upon leaving Abhaneri continue on to Jaipur where you will stay for the next two nights. (B)

This morning drive outside of Jaipur to the dramatically located Amber Fort, a beautiful royal complex home to palaces, temples and gardens set high on a ridge above the rugged sounding hills. A Rajput capital for over 700 years, there is plenty to explore here from courtyard gardens and small temples to the private chambers of the Maharaja. From Amber Fort return to your hotel for a rest.

Later in the afternoon visit the heart of the city and to see the superb City Palace complex that occupies the centre of Jaipur. Painted pink as a mark of welcome, the City Palace was completed in 1732 and houses the intriguing Armoury Museum, beautiful Peacock Gate and famous Hawa Mahal, or 'Palace of the Winds'. Built at the turn of the 19th century, this five storied structure with its elaborate façade was built for the ladies of the harem and is best seen from the street outside. End the day at the Jantar Mantar, the largest stone observatory in world. (B)

Today you will be transferred to Jaipur airport in good time to catch your flight to Varanasi. On arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. One of India’s holiest cities, Varanasi is situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges and is characterised by a maze of narrow alleys that wind behind the crowded waterfront ghats. The city is an image, an idea and a symbol of Hinduism’s core principles and consequently has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage for over 2000 years. Principally associated with Hinduism Varanasi has a varied religious heritage. Considered holy by Jains, Buddha also visited the city in 500 BC and the Muslim influence was so strong that until the 18th Century Varanasi was known as ‘Mohammadabad’. With its array of temples, palaces and crowded ghats it is not surprising that Varanasi is considered to be one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities in India. As the sun sets, follow the pilgrims to the banks of the Ganges to witness the beautiful evening Aarti ceremonies by boat. (B)

Today take an early morning boat ride on the Ganges to view the sunrise and witness the pilgrims who gather to perform their religious rituals along the banks of the river. As the misty sunshine clears the light and spectacle is quite special. Return to your hotel for breakfast then head off to explore the back lanes of the old city that pulse with life. Visit the Bharat Mata Temple and the Durga Temple, which dates from the 18th century and is painted ochre red, before continuing to the nearby Tulsi Manas Temple situated in a peaceful garden and constructed from white marble. Additionally a visit will be made to the ‘Golden’ Temple built in 1777, instantly recognisable by its gold plated roof, as well as to the Benares Hindu University. In the afternoon drive 10kms northeast of the city to Sarnath one of the major centres of Indian Buddhism. Buddha first preached his sermon of enlightenment here 2500 years ago and once inside the enclosure visit the excavated stupas, the archaeological museum and the Mulgandhakuti Vihara Temple. (B)

Today tour Delhi with your local guide starting the morning in Old Delhi. Built in the first half of the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan this old city remains a dense network of overcrowded homes, markets and alleyways dominated by the enormous Red Fort (closed on a Monday) – the centre of 17th century Mughal government. After exploring the complex head to the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, which was commissioned by Shah Jehan and completed in 1656. Below the Jama Masjid are the atmospheric alleys of the old city and the famous markets of Chandni Chowk (mainly closed on a Sunday). Explore the bustling lanes by cycle rickshaw passing craftsmen’s workshops, small mosques and colourful temples. End the morning with a memorable visit to Rajghat which was the cremation place of Mahatma Gandhi. This afternoon explore New Delhi which was designed by renowned British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in a combination of western and eastern styles. Start at Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent which was built in 1570, then visit the Qutb Minar complex with its impressive 13th century 72m victory tower. Leaving the Qutb Minar, drive to India Gate – a war memorial designed by Lutyens to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the First World War, on the Northwest Frontier and in the Afghan War of 1919 and, most recently, in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. End the day at Rashtrapati Bhavan once the Viceroy’s abode and now the official residence of the President of India. (B)