Offers

North and Central India Heritage Itinerary(8 Nights)

New Delhi, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi

for Inbound Traveller, Premium and Luxury Traveller, Heritage Traveller

Holiday Overview

Sarnath Main Temple
Mulgandhakuti Vihara Sarnath
Chinese Temple Sarnath
Dhamma Chakka Shrine Sarnath
Ghats of Varanasi
Munshi Ghat
One of the Western Group Temples (Nivalink Trip Dated - 31 January 2005)
One of Eastern Group Temples (Nivalink Trip Dated - 31 January 2005)
Inside Orchha Fort
Sikandara
Taj Mahal
Humayun Tomb
Red Fort (Lal Quila)
Safdarjung Tomb (Photo Courtesy: Michael Vito)
Jama Masjid Delhi (Photo Courtesy: Muhammad Mahdi Karim)
Akshardham Delhi (Photo Courtesy: Swaminarayan Sanstha)

North and Central India Heritage Itinerary is a very popular inbound itinerary that covers major heritage destinations of North and Central India such as New Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho and Varanasi.

Route

New Delhi(2) - Agra(2) - Orchha(1) - Khajuraho(1) - Varanasi(2)

Summarised Itinerary
  • Day-1 Arrival at Delhi. Half day sightseeing to Heritage Monuments around Old City.
  • Day-2 Delhi Sightseeing in and around South Delhi.
  • Day-3 Proceed to Agra via Mathura.
  • Day-4 Full Day Agra Sightseeing
  • Day-5 Proceed to Orchha. Heritage walk in the evening.
  • Day-6 Proceed to Khajuraho. Afternoon visit to Western group of temples. Evening Sound and Light Show.
  • Day-7 Visit Eastern and Southern group of Temples. Fly to Varanasi. Boating in river in the evening around the evening Aarti on Ghats.
  • Day-8 Morning visit to Sarnath. Afternoon visits to Jantar Mantar, Museum, Bharat Mata Temple etc.
  • Day-9 Departure
Sightseeing Summary

Agra - Jama Masjid Agra (1.40 kms), Agra Fort (4.00 kms), Taj Mahal (5.00 kms), Mehtab Bagh (6.00 kms), Fatehpur Sikri (37.00 kms)

Khajuraho - Khajuraho Group of Temples (0.50 kms), Light and Sound Show at Khajuraho (0.50 kms)

New Delhi - Connaught Place (3.00 kms), Chandni Chowk (5.00 kms), Jama Masjid Delhi (5.00 kms), Red Fort (Lal Quila) (5.00 kms), National Zoological Park (5.00 kms), Raj Ghat (5.00 kms), Akshardham Delhi (8.00 kms), Humayuns Tomb (8.50 kms), Dilli Haat (9.50 kms), National Railway Museum (11.00 kms), Bahai Temple - Lotus Temple (13.00 kms), Hauz Khas Village (13.50 kms), Qutab Minar (18.00 kms), Sulabh International Museum of Toilets (24.00 kms)

Orchha - Heritage Monuments of Orchha (0.50 kms)

Varanasi - Kashi Vishwanath Temple (5.40 kms), Banaras Hindu University (8.00 kms), Ghats of Varanasi (9.00 kms), Sarnath Stupa (12.00 kms)

Preferred Arrival /Departure Destination
Arrival - New Delhi Departure - Varanasi
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Popular Extensions to the Itinerary

Jaipur is a popular extension in the itinerary that fits in between Delhi and Agra.

Distances
  • New Delhi to Agra -210 kms (4 hrs)
  • Agra to Orchha -234 kms (6 hrs)
  • Orchha to Khajuraho -174 kms (4 hrs)
  • Khajuraho to Varanasi -414 kms (9 hrs)
Route

New Delhi(2) - Agra(2) - Orchha(1) - Khajuraho(1) - Varanasi(2)

Detailed Itinerary

Day-1 Arrival at Delhi. Half day sightseeing to Heritage Monuments around Old City. Arrive early at New Delhi. New Delhi is capital of India, access point to North India and one of the major heritage destinations. Half-day sightseeing to renowned heritage monuments in Old City Area such as Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Guests looking for a cuisine experience may look to visit Chandni Chowk (e.g. Paranthewali Galli) and around Jama Masjid (e.g. Karims) in the evening after visiting the monuments.

Day-2 Delhi Sightseeing in and around South Delhi. Proceed to South Delhi. Visit Bahai Temple near Nehru Place (Lotus Temple), Qutab Minar, Humayun Tomb and visit Dilli Haat (Craft from all over India). In the late afternoon / evening guests can either explore Delhi further (Railway Museum, Sulabh Toilet Museum, Delhi Zoo, Rajghat etc.) or spend time shopping in South Delhi (Hauz Khas Village) or Central (Connaught Place) OR travel to Akshardham (West Delhi) for a few hours.

Day-3 Proceed to Agra via Mathura.  Proceed to Agra (210 kms, 4.5 hours). Agra is a renowned Heritage Destination and home to the Taj Mahal, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. Enroute possibly visit Mathura Krishna Temple.

Day-4 Full Day Agra Sightseeing Visit Taj Mahal, one of the original seven wonders of the world and the Monument Agra is renowned for. Early morning is the ideal time to visit Taj Mahal. Later in the day visit Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza. In the afternoon excursion to Fatehpur Sikri (a heritage town at 60 kms - 1.5 hours). Time permitting visit Mehtab Bagh in Agra in the evening for another view of the Taj Mahal across the River.

Day-5 Proceed to Orchha. Heritage walk in the evening. Proceed to Orchha (234 kms - 6 hrs ) by taking Shatabdi Express From Agra to Jhansi. Orchha (15 kms from Jhansi) is a riverside town by the River offering unique heritage character and is visited on the Agra - Khajuraho route or as a standalone getaway. Take a heritage walk around Orchha town. Visit Orchha fort across the river and visit monuments such as Jain Temple, Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple and Laxminarayan Temple

Day-6 Proceed to Khajuraho. Afternoon visit to Western group of temples. Evening Sound and Light Show. Leave for Khajuraho (174 kms - 4 hours). Khajuraho is a heritage destination renowned for its temples having sculptures carved in erotic poses and is visited by guests from world over. Visit Western Group of Temples in the late afternoon (Audio Tour facility is developed by Archelogical Survey of India (ASI) for these temples). Enjoy sound and light show in the evening.

Day-7 Visit Eastern and Southern group of Temples. Fly to Varanasi. Boating in river in the evening around the evening Aarti on Ghats.  Visit Eastern and Southern group of Temples at Khajuraho. Take afternoon flight for Varanasi. Varanasi is a holy river Ganges riverside destination and one where guests arrive for a spiritual experience. Arrive at Varanasi by late afternoon / evening. Evening boat ride in holy river Ganges for experiencing the evening Arti on the Ghats.

Day-8 Morning visit to Sarnath. Afternoon visits to Jantar Mantar, Museum, Bharat Mata Temple etc.  Morning Visit to Sarnath (12 kms), a centre for Buddhist heritage and a destination on Buddhist circuit. Stupas at Sarnath are magnificient and worth a visit for any traveller. Spend afternoon visiting Bharat Kala Bhavan (Musem with a collection of clay and bronze sculpture, paintings, silks and embroidered textiles) and temples around the area (Indian travellers may visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a renowned Shiva Temple and a Jyotirlinga).

Day-9 Departure Depart for onward journey.

Detailed Sightseeing

Agra :

  • Jama Masjid Agra - Jama Masjid in Agra is opposite the Agra fort, is one of the larger mosques in India and a most visited monument after Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

  • Agra Fort - Agra Fort is a UNESCO World heritage site and one of the most visited monuments after Taj Mahal. There are several areas to explore and a guided visit can take upto an hour and a half to explore. Diwan-e-aam, Diwaan-e-khaas, Khas Mahal (white marble palace, one of the best examples of painting on marble), Sheesh Mahal, Mina Masjid, Moti Masjid are some of the areas that are worth a visit.

  • Taj Mahal - The Taj Mahal is often the reason to visit India. Its a monument built by Shahjehan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal and became symbol of love world over. Taj Mahal today is a major attraction and one of the original seven wonders of the world.

  • Mehtab Bagh - Mehtab Bagh overlooks The Taj Mahal from otherside of the river and offers excellent views. The Mehtab Bagh garden was the last of eleven Mughal-built gardens along the Yamuna opposite the Taj and the Agra Fort

  • Fatehpur Sikri - Built during the 16th century, the Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best preserved collection of Mughal architecture in India. Fatehpur Sikri often referred to as the lost city and has a number of monuments to visit.

Khajuraho :

  • Khajuraho Group of Temples - The Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Khajuraho is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculptures. The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India.

  • Light and Sound Show at Khajuraho - The Khajuraho temple complex offers a professional light and sound show every evening. The first show is in English language and the second one in Hindi. The show is about an hour long and covers the history, philosophy and the art of sculpting of these temples. It is held in the open lawns in the temple complex.

New Delhi :

  • Connaught Place - Connaught Place is one of the most popular tourist areas for luxury hotels and shopping and is home to a large number of shops and restaurants representing most well known brands. Connaught Place is well connected with Metro rail Network (Rajiv Chowk) and has large parking spaces, theatres and lies in close proximity to Janpath.

  • Chandni Chowk - Chandni Chowk is Old Delhis main thoroughfare dedicated to shopping, trading and eating. Chandni Chowk is a massive area packed with shops, bazaars, and people. Its kind of crowded and an experience wading through the crowds, shops, narrow bylanes, cycle rickshaws, roadside eateries and heritage old world charm of the area (Red fort and Jama Masjid are also visited alongwith).

  • Jama Masjid Delhi - Jama Masjid of Delhi commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in mid 17th century, is the largest and best-known mosque in India.

  • Red Fort (Lal Quila) - The Red Fort or Lal Qila was started in 1638 by Shah Jahan and completed in 1648. The Red Fort was the seat of Mughal power from 1639 to 1857.The red sandstone walls of the fort vary from 18m to 33m and the fort covers over 2 kilometers. This is UNESCO World heritage site

  • National Zoological Park - Established in 1959, the zoo provides a natural habitat to more than 2,000 animals and birds species. The abundant wildlife is representative of all the continents such as Africa, America, Australia and Asia. Some of the animals found at the National Zoological Park include chimpanzee, hippopotamus, spider monkey, zebras, macaque, hyenas, Fallow deer, Peafowl, and jaguar. The underground Reptile Complex houses a variety of snakes such as King Cobra and Pythons

  • Raj Ghat - Rajghat is home to memorials of several Indian past leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru etc. It is popular for dignitories to arrive here to pay homage to past leaders of India. Its also become a well visited tourist site.

  • Akshardham Delhi - Akshardham as the World's Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple (As reported in Guiness Book of Records) opened in 2005. Its a modern day wonder spread over a very large area and is a grand, ancient-style, ornately hand-carved stone temple. It has been built without structural steel within five years by 11,000 artisans and volunteers. It would require at least a few hours to cover entire complex and its a popular for locals, visitors and Indian tourists to make a visit to Akshardham. Photography is not allowed and Complex is closed on Mondays. Ethnic cuisine here is also popular.

  • Humayuns Tomb - Humayuns Tomb is a lofty mausoleum set in a square garden. The tomb was constructed with white marble and red sandstone, and was designed as a prototype of the Taj Mahal in Agra. It is an excellent example of Mughal architecture. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Humayuns Tomb is one of the most visited monuments and has kind of become must visit. Isa Khans Tomb is a popular monument that is also visited alongwith.

  • Dilli Haat - A market where artisans from all over India have set up shop. Its an excellent one point stop for souvenirs and some genuine handicrafts.

  • National Railway Museum - Collection of over 100 real size exhibits of Indian Railways. Static and working models, signaling equipments, antique furnitures, historical photographs and related literature etc. are displayed in the museum.

  • Bahai Temple - Lotus Temple - The Bahai House of Worship in Delhi also popularly known as the Lotus Temple due to its flowerlike shape. It's spread over a large area with gardens around it and is a major tourist draw.

  • Hauz Khas Village - Hauz Khas Complex in South Delhi houses a water tank, an Islamic seminary, a mosque, a tomb and pavilions built around an urbanized village with medieval history traced to the 13th century of Delhi Sultanate reign. Hauz Khas today is renowned for its boutiques, restaurants and upmarket residential / commercial area.

  • Qutab Minar - The Qutub Minar is a UNESCO world heritage site and was completed in the 13th C. The Qutub Minar rises over 230 feet in the air, has five stories and is covered with intricate carvings. The carvings feature the history of Qutub and inscriptions from the Koran. The Complex is also home to Imam Tamims Tomb and Alai Minar. There is a large garden around it as well for tourists to spend some time to marvel at the monument.

  • Sulabh International Museum of Toilets - A Museum by Sulabh, pioneer in Sanitation and Public toilets in India. It features toilet collecton from 2500 BC to modern times. There are hundreds of them on display and can be an interesting visit.

Orchha :

  • Heritage Monuments of Orchha - Orchha is a heritage town lost in time set on Betwa river at 15 kms from Jhansi. Fot is an attraction here. One crosses over on a footbridge for a leisurely walk.. The fort consists of several connected buildings erected at different times (Raja Mahal and the Jahangir Mahal). Chaturbhuj Temple is an old temple from the 9th century. Numerous cenotaphs or chhatris dot the vicinity of the fort and the Betwa river. Elsewhere about the town there is an unusual variety of temples and tombs.

Varanasi :

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shiva temples and most significant in Hinduism especially for a Lord Shiva devotee. The security around here is tight making entrance off limits to foreigners.

  • Banaras Hindu University - Banaras Hindu University is a large campus having approx. 124 independent departments built during Indian freedom struggle and is known as Oxford of the East. Guests also visit Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum of Art and Archeology inside the university having collection of sculptures, paintings and textiles.

  • Ghats of Varanasi - A ghat is a series of steps leading down to the river, used by bathers and pilgrims, and riverside Varanasi consists of a long sequence of these. The best option for viewing the ghats is to charter a boat and see them from the river. Hindus consider it auspicious to die in Varanasi, so some ghats are known as burning ghats, where bodies are cremated (in full view) before their ashes are placed in the Ganges.

  • Sarnath Stupa - It is believed that in Sarnath Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples after getting enlightenment. There is also a Museum in Sarnath. Stupas in Sarnath and Buddhist temples around here built by different Asian countries are worth a visit.

Destination Overview

New Delhi - Delhi is the capital city of India and a major International arrival point and a major tourist destination. Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Birla Temple, Mughal Gardens, Lodi Gardens, Rail Museum, Doll Museum, Zoological Park etc remain major tourist attractions of Delhi.

Agra - Agra is home to Taj Mahal, a mughal era monument that is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Agra forms a part of the Golden Triangle circuit Delhi-Jaipur-Agra which is the most visited tourist circuit in India.

Orchha - Orchha lies on the Betwa River, 15 km. from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh.Orchha is one of the most charming heritage villages in India.

Khajuraho - The Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India

Varanasi - Varanasi is seat of Hindu religion and culture for several thousand years and today visited for its Ganges side spiritual experience.

Access
Prefered Arrival : No ImageNew DelhiNo ImageNew Delhi
Prefered Departure : No ImageVaranasiNo ImageVaranasi
Distances
  • New Delhi to Agra -210 kms (4 hrs)
  • Agra to Orchha -234 kms (6 hrs)
  • Orchha to Khajuraho -174 kms (4 hrs)
  • Khajuraho to Varanasi -414 kms (9 hrs)

Ready Cost estimate for this itinerary is not available.

However Nivalink would be able to readily offer a cost estimate or customise the itinerary as per specific requirements.

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Travel Ideas incorporated in the itinerary

Delhi Break

Delhi is the most visited and renowned heritage destination in India. Being capital city of India more

Sarnath Experience

Sarnath (10 kms from Varanasi) is where Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath after achieving more

Lines indicate the best available driving routes.
Arrows indicate connectivity other than Road (e.g. Waterways or Air).
Please click on the markers for more detailed Information.

Distances
  • New Delhi to Agra -210 kms (4 hrs)
  • Agra to Orchha -234 kms (6 hrs)
  • Orchha to Khajuraho -174 kms (4 hrs)
  • Khajuraho to Varanasi -414 kms (9 hrs)

Expert Speak

A popular sub-option within the itinerary is to take train from Agra to Jhansi (skipping Gwalior) and avoiding a long and tiring drive.

Expert Connect

Nivalink has taken over 300 trips across India and select destinations overseas over last 10 years to verify hotels, evaluate destinations and understand its suitability with different profiles of customers across different seasons.

At Nivalink you are able to connect directly with experts who have travelled to these destinations and are able to offer novel ideas, honest perspectives and help you narrow down choices.

Email to expert@nivalink.co.in to connect with sector expert for specific ideas and recommendations.

All Holidays /Delhi - Uttar Pradesh - Madhya Pradesh/ Holidays for Delhi - Uttar Pradesh - Madhya Pradesh/North and Central India Heritage Itinerary