Kingdoms of North India   16 Days 15 Nights

Arrive at Delhi Airport and you will be greeted by our representative followed by transfer to your pre-booked hotel. No activities planned for the day, you can simply rest at hotel or you may want to visit we recommend Akshardham Temple tour in evening with water fountain show. Overnight in Delhi.

Delhi has a strong historical background dating back to the epic Mahabharat period. Pandavas founded their capital Indraprastha in the region. Its control passed from one dynasty to another beginning with the Mauryas followed by the Pallavas and Guptas of Central India. The city thrived under the reign of various dynasties of the Tomaras, Chauhans, Mughals, Slave Kingdom, Khalji Afghans, Tughlaqs, Sayyids, Lodhi and the British. The glorious history of Delhi is more than 5000 years old. Over the time

To discover this ancient kingdom of India, we start our day with visit to Lal Kot or Qila Rai Pithora founded by Tomar ruler Anangpal in 1060 AD around Qutub Minar complex, it is termed as ‘First City of Delhi’. The Iron Pillar was fixed by Anangpal in Qutb Complex in 1052 as per evident of inscriptions on it. Explore old ramparts and gateways in fort complex. This fort was expanded by King Prithviraj Chauhan, a Rajput Ruler also known as Rai Pithora, the popular hero of the stories of Hindu resistance against Muslim invaders. Lal Kot was Delhi’s original Red Fort and the Red Fort which we see today was originally called Qila-e-Mubarak built by Shah Jahan. Next, we visit the Qutub Minar, a gigantic victory tower built using the materials of demolished temples and Jain shrines built around Lal Kot city.

Our next move is to the second city of Delhi ‘Siri’ built by Alaud-din-Khilji to defend his kingdom against Mongol invaders. Most cities rise on stones and bricks and some are on severed heads. Siri is derived from ‘Sir’ means head is one such place. According to legend, it contains the sliced-off heads of 8,000 Mongols defeated by Sultan Alauddin Khilji in 1303. We take walk around the forgotten fort and hear the story from our expert guide before getting into the short story of Alaud-din-Khilji as his establishments around Siri could stave off Mongols to invade.

We complete our day with a Sufi evening at a local restaurant followed by dinner. Overnight in Delhi.

We start our day after breakfast to visit Firoz Shah Kotla, the first city built on the banks of River Yamuna. The mosque in Firzo Shah Kotla was so impressive that Timur who attacked Delhi in 1398, first stopper and prayed here before destroying it. He took the artisans with him to Samarkand to create a similar masterpiece. Our next stop is Shahjahanabad, built by Shah Jahan when he decided to move his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1639. Shah Jahan was a brilliant architect and under his patronage, pietre dura (an Italian technique adopted by the Mughals) to create wonderful marvels with unprecedented art. The sights included Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and several temples with beautiful planning around the city.

Have lunch in old city and take a walk around the streets or by rickshaw with guide. Our final stop of the Delhi is Lutyens’ New Delhi Tour. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens’ to create New Delhi as a garden city lives on in its wide tree-lined boulevards. Take drive around whitewashed buildings, Viceroy’s lodge, War Memorial and finally to Connaught Place. Have dinner around this thriving centre of Delhi and return to hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

This morning, we fly to Varanasi from Delhi Airport. On arrival, our guide and driver will greet you followed by transfer to hotel. Varanasi has been the prime seat of pilgrimage for Hindus and considered one of the oldest cities of the world.

After freshen up we take an excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon followed by musical evening tour in old city. In 7 BCE Chinese Buddhist scholar Huien Tsang travelled to Varanasi and described it Varanasi as “a centre of learning,” bustling with thousands of students, teachers, and sacred temples. He was very impressed by spiritual significance and Buddhist monasteries scattered around town. Overnight in Varanasi.

An early morning boat cruise on River Ganges is surely not to miss, you will see the ghats coming alive and other rituals performed by pilgrims and locals followed by tour of prominent sights built during the reign of Gahadvala Dynasty including Kashi Vishwanath temple and Assi Ghat.

Return to hotel for freshen up and relax. In the evening join Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat. Overnight in Varanasi.

This morning, we drive to Prayagraj another town situated at the confluence of three rivers, the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati—Prayagraj is a place where spirituality and tradition meet. Prayagraj is a historical site was controlled by many dynasties including Maurya, Gupta and Kushan empires. On arrival, check in at hotel and after freshen up with your guide take plunge in the history of Mauryan Empire at Allahabad Pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka during his reign in 3rd century BCE.

Afterwards explore Allahabad Fort and take holy dip on sacred waters of Triveni Sangam followed by aarti ceremony. Overnight in Prayagraj.

Today we drive to Khajuraho en-route visiting one of the greatest cities in India from the late Vedic period known as Kosambi or Kaushambi. It was a powerful trade centre for Vatsa Kingdom during the time of Gautam Buddha. Explore the Ghoshitaram monastery in Kosambi dating back to 6th century BC.

Continue to Khajuraho and check in at your pre-booked hotel for overnight stay.

Khajuraho was the principal seat of Chandela Rajputs built lofty temples and other architectural marvels in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. Today after breakfast we discover the magnificent sights of Western and Eastern Group of temples identified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

This afternoon we travel to Panna was the capital of Bundela Rajput ruler Chhatra Sal and now a famous tiger reserve. On arrival opt for Jeep Safari in National Park to spot wild animals. Return to Khajuraho and stay overnight.

Morning after breakfast proceed for an excursion to Ajaigarh Fort and Kalinjar. Our first stop will be Ajaigarh Fort constructed during the peak of Bundela dynasty. Drive to this beautiful fort passes through serene hill views and Ken River. Few gates and courtyards create an astounding experience as you hear the history by our expert guide.

Later drive to Kalinjar Fort, a monument of great historical significance perched on an isolated flat-topped hill of the Vindhya range. The scriptures state that this citadel has been known by different names over time. Explore the fort with your guide and return to Khajuraho in evening for overnight stay.

After a soothing breakfast at hotel, we embark on our next destination to Orchha. The enchanting town was founded by Rajput ruler Rudra Pratap Singh, a Bundela chief in 1531. Arrive at hotel and proceed to your room before joining your guide for immersive experience at Orchha Fort complex adorned by intricate palaces, cenotaphs, temples, and panoramic views along the Betwa river that create an idyllic escape from modernity. It houses the Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, and the Sheesh Mahal.

We also explore Raja Ram Temple and delve deep into the village walk with your guide takes you away from the regular track. Experience the life in an ordinary family of rural village in India and with Turban Adventures support the local communities as you travel differently with us. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

By leaving early this morning we straight head to Jhalawar, a cultural jewel of Rajasthan was founded by Jhala Zalim Singh is a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. On your arrival, check in at hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel.

Today we explore the Gagron Fort is a fine example of hill and water fort and one of the six hill forts of Rajasthan to be a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Afterwards we discover the Buddhist caves, an 8th century marvel has stupas, chaityas containing figures of Buddha.

After exploration drive to Shahpura Bagh, an oasis of calm in rural Rajasthan. This 120-year-old family-owned estate is a fabulous retreat to experience a gentle way of life. On arrival, check in at hotel and spend the remaining day at leisure. Overnight in Shahpura Bagh.

Morning after breakfast embark on a leisurely walk with village expert and immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle, arts and crafts and vibrancy. Interact with locals and witness daily life unfold before your eyes.

You may have variety of activities to choose from hotel’s reception directly. In the evening enjoy sundowner followed by dinner at Dhikola Fort in outskirts. Overnight in Shahpura.

After a leisurely breakfast drive to Jaipur. One of the most powerful kingdoms ruled by the Kachwaha Rajput clan. On arrival, check in at hotel and in the evening visit Birla Temple, built in white marble with intricate carvings. You will have option of a home cooked dinner with local family after your sightseeing to enjoy the authentic experience and delicious Rajasthani cuisine.

After a leisurely breakfast embark on full day sightseeing of Jaipur.

Start your day with visit to Amber Fort, located at a short distance of 11 kms from Jaipur famous for its architecture and Sheesh Mahal.

Take walk in Amber town and explore the old palace built before the Amber Fort.

Return to city and take a short stop at Jal Mahal, famous as Water Palace built as a summer residence for the rulers of Jaipur. Have lunch at Baradari followed by tour of the residence of present royal family of Jaipur famous for its excellent architecture and houses weaponry and royal collections of erstwhile rulers.

Then we will visit Jantar Mantar which houses the world’s largest sundial. Later take walk in old city with your guide to explore the local bazaars and narrow streets filled with shops. Return to hotel in evening for overnight stay.

Check out from hotel in morning and drive to Delhi. 5 hrs drive takes you straight to Delhi Airport to board flight for onward journey.