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Echoes of Empire: Mughal Monuments, Sacred Cities & Timeless Temples

0/5
Duration

14 Nights/ 15 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Echoes of Empire: Mughal Monuments, Sacred Cities & Timeless Temples offers a captivating journey through India’s rich heritage and spiritual legacy. Starting in Delhi, explore the majestic Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the vibrant streets of Chandni Chowk, before marveling at the Taj Mahal’s grandeur in Agra. Travel through Gwalior and Orchha to admire their historic forts and temples, then immerse yourself in Khajuraho’s intricate carvings. Experience the spiritual heartbeat of Varanasi with its sacred Ganges rituals, followed by a pilgrimage to Bodhgaya’s Mahabodhi Temple. Conclude your journey with visits to Patna, Kolkata, and Bhubaneshwar, uncovering ancient temples and cultural treasures that echo the grandeur of bygone empires.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax and unwind from your journey. Delhi, a city where ancient traditions blend with modernity, offers a vibrant mix of culture and history.

Day 2: Delhi

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your Delhi exploration. Visit the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Mughal grandeur with its imposing walls and stunning architecture. Explore Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, renowned for its exquisite Mughal architecture and expansive courtyard. Wander through Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s oldest markets, to experience its bustling lanes, local shops, and street food. Pay your respects at Raj Ghat, the serene memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, marking his cremation site. Marvel at Humayun’s Tomb, an architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal, with its beautiful Mughal gardens and intricate design. Conclude your day with a visit to the Qutub Minar, a towering 73-meter tall minaret, and the Lotus Temple, known for its serene lotus-shaped structure. Drive past the Presidential House, Parliament House, and India Gate, key landmarks reflecting India’s political heritage.

Day 3: Delhi - Agra (210km)

Start with breakfast at the hotel before driving to Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an epitome of Mughal architecture, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and intricate marble work. Explore the Agra Fort, a majestic fortress with stunning palaces, mosques, and courtyards that served as a royal residence. Conclude with a visit to the Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb, also known as the "Baby Taj," featuring intricate marble inlay work and elegant design.

Day 4: Agra - Gwalior - Orchha (220kms)

After breakfast, drive to Orchha with a stopover in Gwalior. Explore Gwalior Fort, a formidable structure offering panoramic views of the city and housing several historic temples and palaces. Continue to Orchha and check in at your hotel. Visit the Orchha Fort complex, including Jahangir Mahal, built by Bir Singh Deo to honor Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Explore Raj Mahal, known for its stunning frescoes, and Rai Parveen Mahal, celebrated for its elegant design. Discover the numerous temples and cenotaphs around Orchha, each narrating tales of the region’s historical grandeur.

Day 5: Orchha - Khajuraho (180kms)

Begin with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Khajuraho. Visit the Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for their elaborate carvings and sculptures depicting various aspects of life. After checking in at your hotel, enjoy the captivating light and sound show at the Western Group of Temples, which narrates the history and legends associated with Khajuraho.

Day 6: Khajuraho - Varanasi (Flight)

After breakfast, take a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges River, a mesmerizing ritual with floating lamps and devotional chants.

Day 7: Varanasi

Start with an early morning boat ride on the Ganges River, observing the city’s awakening with devotees performing their rituals. Explore Varanasi’s narrow, winding lanes, rich with spiritual and historical significance. Visit Banaras Hindu University, a prominent educational institution with an extensive campus. Explore Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, and Tulsi Manas Temple, known for its exquisite marble work and religious texts. Visit Sarnath Temple complex, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, and explore the ancient ruins and serene environment. If time permits, visit Ram Nagar Fort and Museum to learn about Varanasi’s royal history and cultural heritage.

Day 8: Varanasi - Bodhgaya (255kms)

Start the day with breakfast before driving to Bodhgaya. Check in at your hotel upon arrival. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Explore the various monasteries around the Mahabodhi Temple, each showcasing different architectural styles from Buddhist traditions around the world.

Day 9: Bodhgaya - Patna (170kms)/ Kolkata (flight)

After breakfast, drive to Patna with stops at Rajgir and Nalanda. In Rajgir, explore Vulture’s Peak and the significant Buddhist ruins, associated with Buddha’s teachings and meditative retreats. Continue to Nalanda, the site of an ancient center of learning and one of the world's earliest residential universities. Visit the impressive ruins of Nalanda University, reflecting India's educational heritage. Arrive in Patna in the evening and check in at your hotel.

Day 10: Kolkata

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before flying to Kolkata. On arrival, check in at your hotel. Start your city tour with the Victoria Memorial, an iconic Indo-Saracenic structure surrounded by lush gardens. Walk across Howrah Bridge, a symbol of Kolkata connecting the city to Howrah. Visit the Indian Museum, one of India’s oldest and largest museums, showcasing a vast collection of antiques and artifacts. Explore Marble Palace, noted for its marble walls, floors, and sculptures. End the day sampling Bengali cuisine and exploring bustling local markets.

Day 11: Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar (Flight)

Begin with breakfast before taking a flight to Bhubaneshwar. Check in at your hotel upon arrival. Visit Lingaraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its architectural grandeur. Explore Mukteshwar Temple, famous for its exquisite carvings and intricate designs. Visit Rajarani Temple, known for its beautiful sculptural work and erotic carvings. Conclude with a visit to Dhauli Stupa, a Buddhist site marking Emperor Ashoka’s transformation post the Kalinga War.

Day 12: Bhubaneshwar - Puri (60kms)

Start with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a drive to Puri. En route, visit Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site shaped like a colossal chariot with intricate stone carvings. Explore Raghurajpur artisan village, known for its Pattachitra paintings, and Pipili, famous for its vibrant applique work. Arrive in Puri and visit Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and his elder brother Balabhadra.

Day 13: Puri - Chilika Lake (55kms one way)

After breakfast, take an excursion to Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Sail through the tranquil waters of Chilika Lake, observing a variety of migratory birds such as flamingos, herons, and pelicans. Enjoy the serene environment and stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes before returning to Puri in the evening.

Day 14: Puri

Spend the day at leisure on Puri’s beautiful beaches. Indulge in optional water sports activities, take a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores, or simply relax and unwind amidst the scenic coastal backdrop.

Day 15: Puri - Bhubaneshwar/ Delhi (Flight)

Start with breakfast before transferring to Bhubaneshwar airport for your flight to Delhi. On reaching Delhi, board your onward flight, concluding your journey with cherished memories of India's classical culture, historical grandeur, and spiritual depth.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 14 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

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