Nov 1st: Depart from origin. You can ask us to include international flights - we offer discounted consolidator fares (First, Business and Economy) on the best airlines and we know the best routes and travel routings, including seasonal advantages. This is a free service provided solely as a convenience and extra value for our guests. We do not sell airline tickets to people not touring with us.
Nov 2nd: Arrive at Delhi (most flights arrive either in the evening or at night).
Our services begin here. You are greeted at the airport by an Easy Tours Travel Facilitator or your Tour Director, and then ushered to a chauffeur driven vehicle. You are then driven to your hotel where you are assisted with your check in. The next day’s plans are briefly reviewed and the Travel Facilitator or Tour Director hands over your welcome package to you. Among other things, this package includes a beautiful handcrafted journal for your explorations, travel documents such as your air tickets and hotel vouchers, as well as copies of documents that were sent to you (such as our General Travel Guide) earlier.
Nov 3rd: Delhi.
Start your exploration of India with a guided city tour of Old Delhi. You will be introduced to the other members
of your group and your Tour Director prior to beginning this excursion. Drive, walk and ride through the ancient city’s streets and alleys; explore crowded and colorful bazaars. This excursion includes an exploration of the Jama Masjid (1650 A.D.), the largest mosque in India. The Masjid (Mosque) is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture and is constructed of red sandstone and white marble. It is an active place of worship and its courtyard can hold 25,000 worshippers. You continue on to the amazing Red Fort that was finished a decade before the mosque. Both structures were built by Shah Jahan, the emperor who created the Taj Mahal.
The great city inside the massive sandstone walls of the Red Fort offers visitors a large number of architectural and historical attractions; it was once known as the 8th wonder of the world. The Red Fort was the seat of the Mughal Empire for more than two hundred and fifty years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an amazing example of a blend of Persian, Indian and European architecture. You will also experience a fascinating rickshaw ride in the ancient alleys of the crowded and colorful bazaar at Chandni Chowk, followed by a walk through the ancient spice and street food market that is part of the bazaar. After these experiences a short drive will deliver you to an oasis of calm and serenity, which also
happens to be your last destination in Old Delhi. The cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi (Raj Ghat) is a simple yet stirring memorial to the father of the nation. Lush lawns extend beyond the enclosure surrounding the black marble platform occupying the spot where the Mahatma was cremated. An eternal flame burns next to the platform.
There is a break for lunch.
Afternoon – enjoy a city tour of New Delhi. This excursion begins with the awe-inspiring Qutab Minar (1193 A.D.). This 239-foot tall medieval tower is a symbol of victory and a beautiful example of Persian architecture from that period. There is a winding stairway inside the tower that goes up all the way to the balcony at the very top of the tower – unfortunately they are no longer accessible for visitors. The Qutab Minar and its Monuments are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of the Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque, stands one of the legendary Ashoka Pillars. This large iron pillar has withstood the ravages of Delhi’s weather (and recent pollution) and has not rusted in more than 1500 years. After the Qutab complex you will be driven to visit the magnificent tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun.
Delhi has such an abundance of amazing monuments that this Tomb Complex (1562 A.D.) does not quite get the acclaim that it deserves. It is Delhi’s third UNESCO World Heritage Site and its amazing architecture and the elaborate gardens (all currently undergoing restoration) will captivate you.
From the tomb you will proceed on a drive to Lutyens’ New Delhi. Time permitting, this drive will include photo opportunities at some of the following attractions - the exterior of the massive and awe-inspiring Rashtrapati Bhawan (known as Viceroy’s House during the British era), Delhi’s landmark structure India Gate, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara (a gold domed Sikh Temple), and the Birla Temple. The last part of this excursion is a drive through Connaught Place, which is New Delhi’s downtown.
An optional cultural excursion is available this evening. You can ask to be escorted to a dance and musical performance at the Kingdom of Dreams theatre in nearby Gurgaon. This needs to be selected when you reserve your tour and will mean reduced sleep time as you have to head to the airport in the morning.
Nov 4th: Delhi - Varanasi. You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel and driven to the airport. Board the mid-morning flight to Varanasi.
You are greeted at the airport and driven to your hotel where you are assisted with your check-in.
Afternoon - Experience a city tour of Varanasi that includes visits to some of the ancient temples that lie along the banks of the holy river. You will walk through the narrow lanes through the crowded bazaars to discover a way of life that has not changed much over the past few millennia.
Sunset cruise on the Ganga - Two of the highlights of your time in Varanasi are the sunset and sunrise cruises on the Ganga. You can float your own oil lamps while you watch the ancient prayer and oil lamp ceremony at sunset. Your personal boat enables you to enjoy a great view of the hundreds of lamps as they are sent floating on the holy river.
Varanasi is famous for silk manufacturing.
Nov 5th: Varanasi - Khajuraho. Start your day with an early morning boat cruise on the Ganga. The best time to visit the Ghats is dawn when the pilgrims take their morning dip. It is also the ideal opportunity to experience some of Hinduisms ancient and iconic rituals. The most famous Ghat
is the Dasadwamedh Ghat from where we begin this tour. You can simultaneously witness the ceremony of a recently deceased Hindu’s ashes being immersed in the river while another Brahmin priest orchestrates the naming ceremony of a newborn. Just like the previous evening, your boat offers an excellent view of all the activity on the Ghats - women bathing discreetly while still wearing their sarees, the priests offering prayers as they immerse themselves in the holy water, men that are oblivious to their surroundings as they practice yoga or meditate on the banks of the Ganga.
Return to your hotel to freshen up and pack.
Late morning - You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel and driven to the airport.
Board the flight to Khajuraho.
You are greeted at the airport and driven to your hotel where you are assisted with your check-in.
Start your guided tour of the famed temples, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These magnificent examples of Hindu religious art were constructed about a thousand years ago. Thousands of extremely detailed rock sculptures adorn the facades of these temples and the subject matter includes some very explicit erotic scenes. The sophisticated design and building techniques that were used in the creation of these temples and the detailed artistry of the sculptures cannot be described in words - you have to experience them personally to grasp their impact. You have the option (no charge) of attending the sound and light show at the temples in the evening - it is not impressive by western standards.
Nov 6th: Khajuraho - Agra. Return to the temples in the morning and finish your tour if you were unable to do that on the previous afternoon.
Mid-morning - Check-out of your hotel and drive about 3.5 hours to Orchha. Have a late lunch here and explore the magnificent ruins at Orchha on your own (local guides may be available for you to hire). The archeological treasures of Orchha were built between four and five centuries by Hindu kings that ruled this area. After your exploration of the ruins you are driven to nearby Jhansi and assisted in boarding the express train to Agra. You are greeted at the railway station in Agra and driven to your hotel where you are assisted with your check-in.
Agra’s artists are famous for their creations in inlaid marble.
Nov 7th: Agra. You have the option (no charge) of a sunrise visit to Mehtab Bagh, which is a 500 year old Mughal garden located across from the Taj Mahal on the other side of the Yamuna River. You also have the option of visiting the Taj Mahal again for a sunrise visit (entry fee surcharge applies). If you select either of the two
options, you will return to your hotel to freshen up after the visit.
Please note that this will make for a short night as your arrival at Agra is after 10 pm on the previous evening. You will have an opportunity to sleep in on the 8th.
You now start your exploration of Agra with a half day city tour of the magnificent monuments of this city. This exploration includes a visit to the famous tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah. This was built by Mughal Emperor Jehangir’s queen as a memorial to her father. The tombs sheer beauty will surprise you - the only reason it does not get more accolades is because it shares the stage with the incomparable Taj Mahal. Like the Taj it has amazingly intricate ‘Pietra Dura’ inlay and lattice marble screens. The mausoleum rests in a walled garden with a view of the river Yamuna. Constructed in the year 1628, most historians believe that its design provided the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. After your exploration of the tomb you will visit the first red sandstone fort of North India, the Agra Fort. It was built in 1565 by India’s greatest Mughal ruler, Emperor Akbar. Its royal audience halls, immense stone courtyards, marble mosque and the private royal chambers give us a glimpse of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
There is a
break for lunch.
Afternoon - Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the incomparable Taj Mahal. The world’s greatest monument dedicated to love is obviously a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal was completed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 AD as a memorial to his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. This spectacular white marble mausoleum was created by about 22,000 skilled craftsmen and it took twenty two years to complete. When you experience the Taj Mahal with an Easy Tours Guide and have them provide unique insights into its innumerable facets, some of their passion for this masterpiece may rub off on you! Explore the amazing Taj and its surroundings till it is time to admire the sun’s rays setting on the façade of the world’s finest monument.
Nov 8th: Agra - Ranthambore. You are at leisure this morning to recuperate and enjoy your hotel.
You are assisted with your check-out from your hotel at 11 am and then you are driven to
Fatehpur Sikri. We recommend that you get a packed lunch from your hotel for this journey. Enjoy a guided exploration of this beautiful uninhabited city. It was built by Emperor Akbar between 1570 and 1585 and is constructed primarily out of red sandstone. The Emperor moved his capital from Agra to this city and then abandoned it, returning back to Agra. Visit the tallest gateway in the world, the towering Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory). In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of Shaik Salim Chishti, built in 1570.
Arrive at Ranthambore in the evening and check in at your resort.
Since 2006, Easy Tours of India has tracked the percentage of tiger sightings for our guests in Ranthambore National Park. Over 85% of our guests have had tiger sightings during this period, with many of them getting multiple sightings.
Nov 9th: Ranthambore. Covering an area of 410 sq. km, Ranthambore National Park runs along the eastern spur of the Aravali mountain range until it meets with
the Vindhya ranges. Ranthambore used to be the private hunting ground of the rulers of Jaipur. In 1972 it was declared a Sanctuary and was brought under the Project Tiger Conservation platform.
Dry deciduous forest covers most of the park, and the vegetation is lush around the many small lakes and ponds. The open grasslands that are the tiger’s favorite terrain account for much of the land on the higher slopes. This varied flora supports a large number of animals including a variety of deer, the sloth bear, the shy caracal, leopards and of course, the tiger.
Enjoy wildlife safaris in to the park in the morning and evening.
In between safaris, you have the option of a guided visit to the
Ranthambore Fort. This excursion does have a fairly steep climb - approximately 700 feet of stairs. The massive Fort is one of the finest examples of the ancient Hindu concept of “Vana-Durg”, or a fort protected by a jungle. The history of this Fort (originally built in 944 AD) is a chronicle full of tales of blood and valor. Successively occupied by the Muslims, Rajputs and Mughals, the insides of the fort today lie partly in ruins, and there are superb views of the park to be had from the ramparts. There is an ancient temple located in the fort and it attracts a continuous stream of pilgrims from the surrounding villages. A large number of aggressive langur’s (South Asian monkey) have made the Fort area their home and it is not advisable to have food visible in your hands as you tour the fort.
In the evening you are invited to join some of the other lodge guests around the campfire for some Indian barbecue delicacies before dinner, if this activity is occurring on this night. The snacks are included in your tour cost, just as the other meals while at Ranthambore; drinks are on a direct pay basis.
Nov 10th: Ranthambore – Jaipur. Enjoy your last safari into Ranthambore in the morning. Return to your hotel after the safari to freshen up and have breakfast. You are assisted with your checkout from your hotel and then there is a
break for lunch. After lunch, you are driven to Jaipur. The first half of this drive is also through rural Rajasthan and there are multiple photo opportunities. Sawai Madhopur itself (the community located next to Ranthambore) is a rural small town, and you will drive through it to get a glimpse of life here before you head for Jaipur. You are assisted with your check in at your hotel upon your arrival at Jaipur.
Evening – You are taken to a local venue where you will enjoy dinner and cultural performances that include ethnic dances and acrobatics.
Jaipur is famous for its carpets, jewelry and handicrafts.
Nov 11th: Jaipur. Start your day with an excursion to the Amber Fort and Palace, located a short distance from the walled city. Just like the Emperors of a few centuries ago, enjoy the ascent up
to the ramparts of the fort on top of a colorfully caparisoned elephant (jeeps are available instead of the elephants, if you so desire). The massive Fort complex was originally built by Raja Mansingh and is one of India’s finest examples of Rajput architecture. Explore the chambers and hallways, which are famous for their exquisite designs and handcrafted embellishments. Return to the valley beneath the Fort on your elephant or jeep and proceed back to the Pink City.
There is a
break for lunch.
Afternoon – Enjoy a city tour of the walled city of Jaipur, including the magnificent City Palace. Visit Jantar Mantar (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728. After the observatory comes a photo opportunity of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind). This intriguing facade was built in 1799 so that the ladies of the court could use its unique windows and observe the bustling bazaar without being visible to the people on the streets. Continue the tour with an exploration of the City Palace, the former royal residence (a part of it is still occupied by the Royal family and is not accessible to the public), built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. This immense complex also houses a number of museums that offer a large and impressive collection of costumes, armory and miniature paintings. During this afternoon you will enjoy a brief stop for a tour of a collection of Rajput turbans. A turban tying demonstration is included, as are turban and Sari tying lessons.
Nov 12th: Jaipur - Pushkar. Drive to Pushkar in the morning. Arrive at Pushkar in the mid-morning and check in to your Luxury Tent or Cottage.
Participate in Pushkar Camel Fair festivities (Cattle Fair).
Easy Tours ‘Tour Directors’ will guide you to various activities and events around the Fair, and are available to assist you with your individual needs should any arise.
Afternoon - Tour the Fair camp grounds to view the cattle. Experience the trading activity with the cattle, which is at its peak.
Nov 13th: Pushkar. Participate in Pushkar Camel Fair
festivities (Cattle Fair), including the camel race which is currently scheduled for this morning (subject to change).
Easy Tours ‘Tour Directors’ will guide you to various activities and events around the Fair, and are available to assist you with your individual needs should any arise.
Afternoon - Tour the Fair camp grounds to view the cattle, and this is a good day to explore the small town of Pushkar and its monuments.
Nov 14th: Pushkar - Jaipur - Delhi - International Flight. You are assisted with your check-out from your desert resort and then you are driven to the airport where you are assisted with boarding your flight to Delhi. Upon your arrival at Delhi you are greeted at the airport by an Easy Tours Facilitator & your chauffeur. You are provided with a personal vehicle for this day. This is a good time to do some last minute shopping and/or sightseeing if you are so inclined.
Your vehicle and chauffeur stay with you until your assisted check in at the airport up to 9 pm. If your flight departs early in the morning you may want us to arrange a room for you so you can rest.
Our services end at Delhi airport.
Nov 15th: Arrive at your next destination.
