North India Spiritual & Heritage Circuit with Royal Rajasthan Tour – 20-Day

• Arrival (14:10): Meet the Travel Astu assistant and driver at IGI Airport (look for the paging board with your name and logo). Transfer to your hotel via private AC vehicle.
• Schedule: After a quick check-in and dropping your bags, start your introductory tour of Delhi.
• Sightseeing:
  • India Gate: A 42-meter high archway built as a war memorial; it is the iconic symbol of modern Delhi and the "eternal flame."
  • Parliament House: Drive past the stunning circular colonnaded building that serves as the heart of Indian democracy.
  • Bangla Sahib Gurudwara: Visit this peaceful Sikh temple to see the community kitchen (Langar) that feeds thousands daily.
  • Qutub Minar: A UNESCO site featuring the world’s tallest brick minaret, showcasing 12th-century stone carvings.
• Evening: Return to the hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.

• Schedule: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At 09:00 AM, meet your guide and head to Old Delhi.
• Morning Sightseeing:
  • Jama Masjid: Explore one of India’s largest mosques, built with red sandstone and white marble by Emperor Shah Jahan.
  • Chandni Chowk Rickshaw Ride: A vibrant journey through Delhi’s oldest market, filled with the aroma of spices and traditional crafts.
  • Red Fort (Photo Stop): View the massive sandstone walls of the former residence of the Mughal Emperors.
• Afternoon Sightseeing:
  • Akshardham Temple: A modern architectural marvel depicting 10,000 years of Indian culture through breathtaking stone carvings.
  • Lotus Temple: A Bahá'í House of Worship designed like a blooming lotus, serving as a sanctuary for silent meditation.
• Evening Activity: Indian Food Cooking Demonstration & Family Dinner - Experience an immersive cooking class with a local Hindu family at my home. My wife, my sister, and I warmly welcome you to join us for a special get-together. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know one another and share stories while you learn the secrets of Indian spices and traditional recipes from my family. In addition to the culinary experience, my wife and sister will demonstrate how to drape a Sari (traditional Indian dress) and apply Henna Mehandi (intricate temporary tattoos made from natural herb leaves) on the ladies' hands. Enjoy learning about our culture and traditions before sitting down together to enjoy a delicious, authentic home-cooked dinner.
• Stay: Delhi.

• Schedule: Early morning transfer to the station. Board the Vande Bharat Express (06:00 AM – 14:00 PM).
• Afternoon: Upon arrival in Varanasi, transfer to your hotel. Relax for a few hours.
• Evening: Meet your guide for a walk through the Local Markets and attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat—a powerful ritual of fire and chants on the riverbank.
• Stay: Varanasi.

• Sunrise: Experience a serene boat ride on the Ganges to witness the morning prayers and rituals. You will cruise past all the famous ghats of Kashi, including the historic Manikarnika Ghat (the main cremation site).
• Morning: Explore the vibrant narrow streets of Kashi with your guide to discover hidden, sacred temples and enjoy a cup of authentic local masala tea. Afterward, visit the unique Nepali Temple, the beautiful Durga Temple, the grand Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, and the sprawling campus of BHU (Banaras Hindu University).
• Afternoon: Visit Sarnath, the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the massive Dhamekh Stupa, the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, the historic Ashoka Pillar, and the unique Mother India Temple, which features a relief map of India carved in marble.
• Stay: Varanasi.

• Schedule: Early transfer (05:15 AM) for the Vande Bharat to Khajuraho (Arrival 13:10 PM). Check-in and refresh.
• Afternoon Sightseeing: Western and Easter Group of temples
• Western Group of Temples: UNESCO-listed temples famous for their intricate 10th-century erotic and celestial carvings.
• Eastern Group (Jain Temples): Beautifully preserved temples known for their peaceful atmosphere and detailed stone art.
• Evening: Witness the traditional Aarti Ceremony in the local Shiva Temple.
• Stay: Khajuraho.

• Schedule: After breakfast, enjoy a 4-hour drive to the riverside town of Orchha.
• Afternoon Sightseeing:
  • Orchha Fort Complex: Visit Jahangir Mahal, a palace built to welcome a Mughal Emperor, blending Hindu and Mughal styles.
  • Chaturbhuj Temple: A monumental temple built on a massive stone platform, towering over the town.
• Sunset: A peaceful walk along the Betwa River to see the royal cenotaphs (Chhatris).
• Stay: Orchha.

• Schedule: After breakfast, check out and begin a 5-hour drive to Agra.
• Evening: Visit Mehtab Bagh (The Moonlight Garden – Taj View Point) located across the river for a perfect sunset silhouette view of the Taj Mahal.
• Stay: Agra.

• Sunrise: Visit the Taj Mahal with your guide to witness the white marble glowing at dawn.
• Morning: Return for breakfast, check out, and visit Agra Fort and the Baby Taj (Itmad-Ud-Daulah), famous for its delicate inlay work.
• En-route: Drive 5 hours to Jaipur, stopping at Abhaneri (Chand Baori)—a 1,000-year-old geometric stepwell with 3,500 steps. Also visit Harshat Mata Temple.
• Stay: Jaipur.

• Morning: Visit Amber Fort (Jeep/Elephant ride to the top) and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors). Photo stop at Jal Mahal (Water Palace).
• Afternoon: Visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the City Palace Museum, and the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. If time permit, visit Patrika Gate top click some beautiful photos for instagram and facebook.
• Evening: Enjoy a Special Dinner accompanied by live Rajasthani Folk Music and Dance.
• Stay: Jaipur.

• Schedule: After breakfast, a 3-hour drive to Pushkar. Check-in and meet your guide.
• Afternoon: Visit the Brahma Temple (the only one in the world) and the sacred Pushkar Lake with its 52 bathing ghats.
• Stay: Pushkar.

• Schedule: After breakfast, start a 6-hour drive to Udaipur. Check-in and relax.
• Evening: Visit Bagore Ki Haveli for the Dharohar Cultural Dance Show, featuring traditional puppets and fire dances.
• Stay: Udaipur.

• Morning: Visit the City Palace, Rajasthan’s largest palace complex, and the Jagdish Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a Boat Ride on Lake Pichola, passing the floating Lake Palace.
• Evening: Visit Saheliyon-ki-Bari, the "Garden of Maidens," famous for its marble fountains.
• Stay: Udaipur.

• Schedule: After breakfast, drive 5 hours to Jodhpur.
• En-route Stop: Visit Ranakpur Jain Temple, a marble marvel supported by 1,444 uniquely carved pillars. Also visit Sun Temple there near to Jain Temple.
• Stay: Jodhpur.

• Morning: Explore Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a cliff 400 feet high, and Jaswant Thada, the white marble royal cenotaph.
• If time permit, we will also take you to famous Toorji Ka Jhalra (Stepwell) with driver.
• Afternoon: Visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace and walk through the Blue City streets and Sardar Market. Enjoy local market of Clock Tower.
• Stay: Jodhpur.

• Schedule: A 5-hour drive through the Thar Desert to the "Golden City."
• Evening: Visit Gadisar Lake, a beautiful man-made reservoir surrounded by golden shrines.
• Stay: Jaisalmer.

• Morning: Visit the Jaisalmer Fort (a living fort where people reside) and the carved Patwon ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli
• Afternoon: Drive to Sam Sand Dunes for a Camel Safari and an evening of desert folk music under the stars.
• Stay: Jaisalmer.

• Schedule: After breakfast, a 6-hour drive to Bikaner.
• Afternoon: Visit Junagarh Fort, known for its golden interiors, and the Karni Mata (Rat) Temple in Deshnoke.
• As per time availability, visit Camel Breeding Farm (ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel) to know about camels farming and breeding.
• Stay: Bikaner.

• Schedule: After breakfast, a 4-hour drive to the Shekhawati region.
• Afternoon: Walk through Mandawa to see the painted Havelis (mansions) like Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Murmuria Haveli and Mandawa Fort.
• Stay: Mandawa.

• Schedule: A 5.5-hour drive back to Delhi.
• Afternoon: Visit a modern Shopping Mall (DLF or Vegas Mall) for last-minute gifts.
• Evening: Join the host's family for a Farewell Dinner, including a final Saari and Mehandi session (if we not done first day).
• Stay: Delhi.

Have relax breakfast and as per your flight time we will transfer you to IGI Airport for your flight. Go back home with incredible memories of your North India and Royal Rajasthan Tour. See you next time in South, North – East and other Asian countries with us.