Meet upon arrival in Delhi & transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Delhi.
After Breakfast proceed with sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi.
Old Delhi or Shahjanbad: The city built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who shifted the Mughal capital here from Agra in the 17th century. Drive past along the river Yamuna past the magnificent Red Fort to one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, the Jama Masjid. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi, past jeweller’s spice merchants, food vendors, shopping arcades, workshops as well as residences.
Later proceed with visit to Qutab Minar Complex, visiting a myriad of monuments that combine both Islamic calligraphy and Hindu motifs, commemorating the onset of Islamic rule in India. Then proceed to Lutyens’s New Delhi, drive past the Rashtrapati Bhawan, (President’s Palace), Secretariat Buildings, Parliament House and the India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honour of soldiers who died in the Afghan Wars and World War–I. Visit the Humayun Tomb, the first great example of Mughal architecture in India and regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra.
Overnight at the hotel in Delhi.
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel & travel by road to Agra. Upon arrival check-in at hotel.
Later proceed for Agra Fort & Taj Mahal
Agra Fort - Built by Emperor Akbar on the west bank of the river Yamuna and beautified with palaces and gardens by Jahangir, Agra Fort today dominates the centre of the city.
Evening visiting the world-famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the sill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 years to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble'. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)
Overnight at the hotel in Agra.
Meal: Breakfast
Checkout from the hotel & transfer to railway station to board train for Lucknow
DEP: AGRA 0550 HRS 12180 LJN INTERCITY
ARR: LUCKNOW 1145 HRS
Meet upon arrival & check-in at hotel
Overnight at the hotel in Lucknow.
Meal: Breakfast
Full day city sightseeing to Lucknow - city of Gardens. It was the 18th-century capital of Nawab Wazirs and a centre of culture and tradition. Visit the great Imam bara, built in the 18th century. The absence of beams and pillars in the huge main hall is an architectural achievement. Also visit Lucknow Residency where the British Resident lived and the Picture Gallery exhibiting excellent full-size portraits of the Nawabs of Oudh.
Overnight at the hotel in Lucknow.
Meal: Breakfast
Checkout from the hotel & transfer to railway station to board train for Varanasi
DEP: LUCKNOW 0700 HRS 14204 LKO BSB INTRCITY
ARR: VARANASI 1330 HRS
Meet upon arrival & check-in at hotel
Evening proceed to downtown area in a rickshaw. Experience Varanasi intimately when you go on a leisurely rickshaw, ride through the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi. In the evening the Ghats and temples are lit with oil-lamp lights or candles. Participate in an Aarti Ceremony (collective prayer) and watch the floating Diya’s (lamps) on the river Ganges.
Overnight at the hotel in Varanasi.
Meal: Breakfast
Early morning enjoy boat ride on holy river Ganges. The western banks of Ganges has a string of Ghats - the chain of stone steps, all built with pavilions, palaces and terraces, most of which are mainly used as Dharamsala where the pilgrims stay during their visit to the holy city. At dawn, the Ghats are abuzz with activity of the devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing other religious rituals. A boat ride along the Ghats gives you vantage views of this activity. The sunrise on the Ganges is a soul-lifting experience. Later, visit the Vishwanath temple, also called the golden temple because of the gold-plating on its roof.
Return to hotel for breakfast
Afternoon: Walk the “Galis” (lanes) and “Mohalla’s” (neighbourhoods) of Varanasi and get a glimpse in to the private world of the people who call this ancient city home. An expert will lead you through the serpentine lanes and showcase for you the unique character of each area visited. Also Visit to Bharat Mata Mandir, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and Banaras Hindu University.
Overnight at the hotel in Varanasi.
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight to Khajuraho.
DEP: VARANASI 1215 HRS AI – 406
ARR: KHAJURAHO 1440 HRS
Meet upon arrival & check-in at hotel.
Later visit the Western Group of temples, the most important temple being the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest and most typical of the Khajuraho temples. Visit the Chaunsat Yogini Jain Temple-dedicated to the 64 "Yoginis" or attendants of Goddess Kali. This temple stands apart from the rest. Also see the Chitragupta or Bharati Temple with a lovely sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his 11-headed form. The sculptures that adorn the temples depicts gods, Goddesses and amorous couples.
The Eastern Group of temples include the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple dedicated to the "Vamana" or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Javari Temple. There are also three Jain Temples with beautiful carvings and non-erotic sculptures.
Overnight at the hotel in Khajuraho.
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast transfer to Jhansi railway station (175 KMS/04 HRS approx.) en-route visiting Orchha.
Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy of the ages. For this medieval city, the hand of time has rested, and the palaces and the temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th century retain much of their pristine perfection. Jahangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful Chhatries, commands a spectacular view of soaring temple-spires and cenotaphs.
Thereafter continue drive to Jhansi & board train to Delhi
DEP: JHANSI 1520 HRS 12279 TAJ EXPRESS
ARR: DELHI 2225 HRS
Meet upon arrival & check-in at hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Delhi.
Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination.
Meal: Breakfast
- 09 Night’s accommodation on Twin/Double occupancy on Bed & Breakfast Basis.
- All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours to be by air-conditioned Toyota Innova.
- Monument entrance fees as per itinerary (1 visit per monument).
- Service of Local English Speaking Guide as per program.
- Assistance at airports by our representatives.
- Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
- Evening rickshaw ride in Varanasi.
- Early morning Boat ride in Varanasi.
- Train Tickets: Agra/Lucknow, Lucknow/Varanasi & Jhansi/Delhi in AC Chair Class.
- All presently applicable Governments taxes.
With Best compliments
- Two bottles of mineral water daily in the vehicle.
- Traditional Indian welcome by flower garlands on arrival.
- Any item of personal nature such as table drinks, Laundry, Telephone calls.
- Camera fees (Still/video) at any monuments.
- Any tipping, gratuities or porterage anywhere.
- Lunches, Dinner unless specified.
- Any International airfare/Visa Fees.
- Any Domestic air fare.
HOTELS ENVISAGED: (Failing shall provide similar alternative)
Delhi
3 star - Hotel Africa Avenue
4 star - Udman Hotel And Resorts by Fern N Petals
Agra
3 star - Hotel The Taj Vilas
4 star - Radisson Hotel Agra
Lucknow
3 star - Comfort Inn
4 star - Fortune Park
Varanasi
3 star - Ganges Grand
4 star - Hotel Meraden Grand
Khajuraho
3 star - Golden Tulip
4 star - Clarks Khajuraho
Rates not valid from 20th December' 2024 – 10th January' 2025 and 20 Dec – 10 Jan 2026.
Domestic airfare: (Economy class fares which are Subject to change)
Varanasi-Khajuraho - AUD 1146 PP (* Flight operation between Varanasi – Khajuraho / Khajuraho – Varanasi is subject to operation in Summer time till 30 Sep 2025).
IMPORTANT:
1. Standard check in and check out time at hotels is 1400 hrs.
2. Kindly note that names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey such confirmation to you. In the event of accommodation not becoming available at any of the above mentioned hotels we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.
3. Our offer is based on usage of base category rooms at the mentioned hotels (unless specified otherwise) and if this category of rooms is not available we shall try to confirm accommodation in next available higher category of rooms and shall advise supplementary cost involved while conveying the status.
4. Sonia Jones Travel total liability, at law in respect of any package or services towards its customers (including, but not limited to all cost expenses and fees), shall be limited to and shall not exceed the value of the total amount of the invoice paid to Sonia Jones Travel and the parties agree that this amount is a reasonable and genuine pre estimate of the liability of the Sonia Jones Travel.
5. Sonia Jones Travel shall not be held responsible for any act of omissions and commissions by third parties Service Providers for negligence, civil wrongs, criminal acts of third parties Service Provider, including Indian / overseas Governmental Agencies / Authorities, Airlines, Transporters, Hotels, Excursions/Activities Operators etc.
6. Sonia Jones Travel shall not be liable for any non-performance of any obligations hereunder arising from acts of God: acts of a public enemy, acts of any governmental authority or any political subdivision or any department or regulatory agency thereof or entity created thereby; acts of any person engaged in subversive activity or sabotage; fires, floods, explosions, or other catastrophes; strikes, embargoes or any other act or circumstance beyond the reasonable control of Sonia Jones Travel. The failure of either Party to act upon any right or remedy it has or upon any breach by the other Party shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other right, remedy, or breach. No waiver is effective unless made in writing and signed by the waiving Party.