This tour combines great historic sites with deeply sacred ones offering you an insight into the nature of India and her people. Touring what is known as the Golden Triangle, spend time visiting the great moments of Old and New Delhi, before seeing the opulent legacy of Moghul art and architecture found in Jaipur. Experience the wonder that is Agra’s Taj Mahal then marvel at the skilled craftsmanship to be seen in the sculpted temples in Khajuraho. The journey’s fitting finale is in the holy city of Varanasi where for 3,000 years, Hindus have come to pray and cremate their dead on the banks of the great River Ganges. This is a trip of a lifetime!
Day 1
Arriving at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport you are greeted by our staff who will transfer you to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax.
Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 nights.
Day 2
After breakfast, we set off on a full day, guided tour of the city. In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid then drive past the Red Fort before taking a short rickshaw ride through the bustling market of Chandni Chowk. You also visit Rajghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Following lunch we explore the British Raj architecture of Lutyen’s New Delhi, driving past the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House) and the Parliament buildings with a photo stop at the India Gate. The tour finishes with a visit to the ancient minaret Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.
Day 3
Departing after breakfast we drive you from Delhi to Jaipur (265 km/5 hrs), the capital of the Rajasthan and popularly known as the Pink City. Later, after arriving and checking in at your hotel, experience the hustle and bustle of two of Jaipur’s wonderful markets, the famous Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar.
Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 nights.
Day 4
This morning we take a short drive through the nearby Aravali Hills to visit the stunning Amber Fort with the option of entering the fort on an elephant. In the afternoon we visit the beautiful City Palace, the ancient observatory, Jantar Mantar as well as Hawa Mahal known as the Palace of the Winds. While in Jaipur, there is the option of taking a Hot Air Balloon ride.
Day 5
Today we drive to Agra (235 km/4-4½ hrs), visiting Akbar’s abandoned city Fatehpur Sikri en route. Also on the way you have the option of visiting either Abhaneri with its step wells and temples or the well-known bird sanctuary at Bharatpur (a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site). Depending on the optional activities you might choose, your arrival time in Agra will vary with the balance of the day at leisure at your hotel.
Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 nights.
Day 6
Our early start this morning lets you appreciate the Taj Mahal’s unique beauty at sunrise followed by enough time to learn about and enjoy this spectacular building. In the afternoon, we visit the fascinating Agra Fort followed by a short tour of the exquisite Itmad-Ud-Daulah, also called the ’Baby Taj’. For a grand finale, watch the sun set over the Taj Mahal from the Mehtab Bagh gardens across the Yamuna River.
Day 7
This morning take a short train ride from Agra to Jhansi where we meet you and continue by road to Khajuarho (180 km/ 4 hrs), visiting Orchha with its spectacular palace, en route. Overnight at your selected hotel
Day 8
Our day starts with a tour of the Eastern and Western group of the Khajuraho temples, including its most notable ones such as the Kandariya Mahadeo and Chaunsath Yogini temples. This afternoon you are transferred to the airport for a short flight to Varanasi, one of India’s holiest cities on the River Ganges and said to be heart of spiritualism and Hinduism. On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel and this evening, enjoy a rickshaw ride before witnessing the ceremonial Aarti on the banks of the Ganges.
Accommodation: At your selected hotel – 2 Nights
Day 9
Early this morning watch the sunrise as you enjoy a boat ride on the River Ganges. Experience the centuries-old living tradition of the chanting of mantras and hymns along the riverbank, where devotees take their holy baths, and see a cremation at Manikarnika Ghat. In the afternoon we take an excursion to Sarnath, one of the most sacred places for Buddhists where Lord Buddha gave first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Day 10
The morning is spent visiting some important places of interest such as the Beneras Hindu University, the Vishwanath, Durga and Bharat Mata temples and a local market. Depending on interest, a heritage walk of the Old City can also be organized. Later in the day you are transferred to the airport for a flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to your hotel for a final night’s stay. Overnight at your selected hotel
Day 11
Today we will transfer you to the airport for a flight home or, you may extend your stay, visiting more of India.
Explore your TRAVEL DESTINATION like never before.
