North India Temple Tour Exploring Flamboyant India

India is a land of diversities. The people of every faith and religion live together to create a unique and colorful mosaic. There is a festival for every reason and for every season. North India Temple Tour will take us to the temples of North India and Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior, Ujjain, Orchha, Indore, Khajuraho and Varanasi are the important pilgrimage centre for Hindus in North India. The temples of Khajuraho are among the finest example of temple craftsmanship in the whole of India.

Tour Duration: 13 Nights - 14 Days
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Bhopal - Indore - Ujjain - Bhopal - Varanasi

The Journey Begins now!!!

Day 01: New Delhi

You arrive in Delhi by international flight. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representatives would assist you at the airport and to our hotel for check in and overnight stay.

Day 02: New Delhi

Breakfast at the Coffee shop. Rest of the morning at leisure. You will be taken on a guided tour of Delhi, beginning with a morning sightseeing trip to Old Delhi and followed by visits to the 1648 Red Fort, India's largest mosque - Jama Masjid and Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat. Afternoon tour includes visits to India Gate, President's House, Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple and Qutb Minar. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03: New Delhi - Agra (about 200 km)

Today after having breakfast we drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages to Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. In the evening arrive in Agra. Evening free for leisure.

Day 04: Agra

Today we start our sightseeing by a visit to the Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque. After the visit of Agra Fort we proceed to visit the most beautiful monument of India, the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. We spend enough time at Taj Mahal to take this impressive memory home.

Day 05: Agra - Gwalior

After the breakfast we drive to Gwalior. Gwalior's strategic position between north and south India made its Fort an important possession and several ruling houses captured it. Some left almost as soon as they came, while others stayed on to build and beautify the citadel. Today we visit the fort of Gwalior. Evening free for leisure.

Day 06: Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho (about 330 km)

In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Orchha. Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. After the visit of Orchha we proceed for Khajuraho. In the evening we will arrive in Khajuraho. Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandela dynasty. The Chandela Kings claimed descent from the moon.

Day 07: Khajuraho

Today we visit the temple complex of east and west block to see the most beautiful temples in India. The temples of Khajuraho are among the finest examples of temple craftsmanship in the whole of India. Most famous among them is the Laxmana Temple, which is dedicated to god Vishnu. The presence of erotic sculptures in the Temples at Khajuraho is one of the expressions among others of the celebration of all human activities displaying different aspects of Hinduism. Among all the temples, Kandariya Mahadeo and Chausatha Yogini temples are world renowned for their exquisite sculptures.

Day 08: Khajuraho - Bhopal (about 383 km)

In the morning after having breakfast we drive to railway station for train to Bhopal. Bhopal is the capital of Madhya Pradesh. Upon arrival in Bhopal, you will be met by an Caper Travels representative and transferred to the hotel. In the evening we have sightseeing in Bhopal. We will visit Taj -ul- Mosque, Birla Museum, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Gandhi Bhawan and also enjoy the boat ride in the lake.

Day 09: Bhopal - Indore (about 187 km)

In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Indore. Indore was the historical capital of Holkars. Arrive in Indore by the afternoon. In the evening we have sightseeing in Indore. Sightseeing includes places like Lalbagh Palace and Museum, the Chattri Bagh, the Bada Ganesh and Annapurna Temple.

Day 10: Indore - Ujjain - Bhopal (about 187 km)

In the morning we drive to Ujjain. It is about 56 km from Indore. Ujjain is one of India's holiest cities for Hindus. It was earlier the capital of King Vikramaditya. It also has one of the Saptapuries and Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple of Lord Shiva on the River Kshipra. Kumbha Mela is held once in twelve years in Ujjain. We will visit this holy temple and also the Bhairon temple, Harsiddhi temple etc. Then we drive further to Bhopal.

Day 11: Bhopal - Varanasi (about 791 km)

In the morning after having breakfast we drive to railway station for a train to Varanasi. Varanasi is without doubt India's most sacred city and thus visited by over one million people. Varanasi is also called the city of light - Kashi or Benaras. Buddha visited this city in 500 BC. Varanasi is regarded as one of the oldest and the holiest city. According to the Indian chronicles, Varanasi was established as a city around twelve hundred years ago before the Christian era.

Day 12: Varanasi

In the early morning we take boat ride on the holy River Ganges and enjoy sunrise on the boat. Ghats (flight of steps) and the activities of pilgrims on that are the principal attraction for visitors to Varanasi. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves through taking a bath in the holy river Ganges. In the noon we visit the city of Varanasi. A drive can be organised to Sarnath (10 km). Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon at deer park.

Day 13: Varanasi - New Delhi (by air)

In the afternoon we drive to the airport for the flight from Varanasi to New Delhi. In New Delhi we have rest of the day at leisure. Rooms are available to get fresh and change before we depart to the airport with Caper Travels representative.

Day 14: New Delhi

Tour concludes. Caper thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to the Railway Station / Airport for your onward travel.