9 Day Golden Triangle with Varanasi

Welcome to Delhi International Airport! Upon arrival, our team will assist you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel by a private chauffeur-driven vehicle.

New Delhi is the capital of India, has been inhabited continuously since the 6th century BCE and has served as the capital of multiple kingdoms and empires throughout its history. In the 1920s, it was redesigned by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. Today, Delhi is a bustling metropolis that serves as a vibrant hub of international arts and culture and a thriving commercial centre.

Please note that the standard check-in time at hotels is 2 pm. As most international flights arrive in the evening or night, we do not have any sightseeing activities planned for the first day of the trip. However, if your flight arrives early in the day and you don\'t require time to recuperate from international travel, we can arrange some sightseeing on the first day of the trip at an additional charge.

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• MORNING: TOUR OF OLD & NEW DELHI

Old Delhi is known for its hustle and bustle, energy and colour, local shops and bazaars, and twists and turns of narrow lanes between soaring buildings and leaning houses. A rickshaw ride through the busy and narrow streets of Chandni Chowk will give you a unique experience. Take a look at the marvellous Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Drive past the Red Fort while enjoying the rickshaw ride. Your next stop is Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial – a calm and quiet place in complete contrast to the commotion of the old walled city.

Amongst other prominent attractions to cover on the same day is the golden-domed Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a famous Sikh temple, which has a huge kitchen where the langar (free food for anyone who wants it) is prepared for thousands of people every day. Volunteers mostly staff it, and you can go in and look around or even help out.

Visit the inspiring Mughal monument, Humayun’s Tomb - UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the first garden-tomb in the country, constructed in 1570. Later, zip around the Connaught Place shopping centre and be mesmerised by the fast-paced and upscale lifestyle. Take a look at the India Gate and other princely buildings, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, to admire the architectural grandeur of modern Delhi.

From here, visit the magnificent Qutab Minar - UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the towering minaret, standing at a height of 73 meters, and admire the intricate carvings and architectural brilliance of this 12th-century masterpiece.

INCLUDED: Monument entrance fees, Rickshaw ride, personal English-speaking guide, private Chauffeur-driven vehicle & Shoe keeping charges at the mosque.

Travel to Varanasi by flight. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Varanasi, also known as Benaras, is considered one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, situated on the sacred banks of the Ganges river. According to legend, Varanasi is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, who brought the celestial Ganga river to earth, making it a holy site. It has been a destination for pilgrims for centuries and is regarded as one of the seven sacred cities in India. Thousands of devotees visit Varanasi to bathe in the Ganges, which is believed to cleanse them of their sins. It is also considered a place where cremation leads to salvation. The city\'s rich history, art, and traditions are reflected in its vibrant ghats, and it is also a significant site for Buddhism, as Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, is just 12 km away.

• AFTERNOON: TOUR OF OLD CITY

Explore India’s most sacred city for Hindu’s, which is the oldest living city in the world. During the visit to the Old city you will share space with cows, scooters etc. and walk through the narrow alleys where every street corner has a roadside shrine or temple and vendors selling garlands, incense sticks and other items used in worship.

INCLUDED: Monument entrance fees, Rickshaw ride, personal English-speaking guide, & private Chauffeur-driven vehicle.

• MORNING: BOAT RIDE ON GANGES AT SUNRISE

The best way to experience the life in Varanasi is to tour the Ganges in a country boat at sunrise as early morning life in this city revolves around the Ghats. You will see Pilgrims, yogis and mystics flock to the ghats, to take a cleansing dip in India\'s holiest river, practice yoga, meditate, or washing clothes and vessels. Return to your hotel to breakfast and rest.

INCLUDED: Country boat ride, personal English-speaking guide & private Chauffeur-driven vehicle.

• AFTERNOON: SARNATH TOUR

Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon in 500 BC, and the precise location is commemorated by the Dhamekh Stupa. Nestled within the Archaeological Park, you will explore the remnants of the modest monastery where Buddha resided during his visits and walk along the path he used for meditation. Following a visit to the exceptional museum showcasing sculptures unearthed from the park, proceed to the relatively recent Buddhist temple adorned with murals by a Japanese artist depicting significant moments from Buddha\'s life.

INCLUDED: Monument entrance fees, personal English-speaking guide, & private Chauffeur-driven vehicle.

• EVENING: AARTI CEREMONY ON GANGES

Visit the Ghats (River Front) and witness Oil lamp Aarti Pooja (prayer) performed by the priest on the banks of the river.

INCLUDED: RIckshaw ride, personal English-speaking guide & private Chauffeur-driven vehicle

Morning transer to the airport by a private chauffeur driven car to board flight.

Drive to the love city of Agra by a private chauffeur-driven vehicle.

Agra, the capital of the Mughal Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries, boasts three UNESCO world heritage sites that serve as legacies from that period: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri.

• MORNING: TOUR OF TAJ MAHAL, AGRA FORT AND ITMAD-UD-DAULAH

Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to the fabled Taj Mahal, the legendary Mughal monument built in the 17th century. The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and stands tall as a memorial to the beloved queen of Emperor Shah Jahan. The spectacular white marble mausoleum is well-complimented by the sprawling gardens, royal audience halls and private chambers.

Visit the Red Fort, also called as the Lal-Qila, is a red sandstone fort, built by Akbar, is admired for its splendour, architectural beauty and magnificent halls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort is the emblem of resilience, power and strength. Once the capital of the Mughal Sultanate, the citadel brags about several majestic palaces, masjids and halls; the most prominent amongst them are Macchi Bhawan, Shah Jahani Mahal, Khas Mahal, Mina Masjid, Nagina Masjid and Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-I-Am).

Later visit the Itmad-Ud-Daulah is a Mughal mausoleum that will stun you with ‘Pietra Dura’ inlay and lattice marble screens. Owing to its similarity with the exquisite Taj Mahal, Itmad-Ud-Daulah is popularly called as the “Baby Taj”, a perfect draft of the white tomb. The structure, also described as a “jewel box”, is embedded with sprawling gardens and beautiful outbuildings.

INCLUDED: Monument Entrance Fees, Decorated Horse-carriage/Battery Van ride, personal English-speaking guide and private Chauffeur-driven vehicle

• MORNING: TOUR OF MEHTAB GARDEN TO VIEW TAJ MAHAL

Immerse in a beautiful sunrise of view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, across the Yamuna River. The Mughal garden is located on the other side of the river.

INCLUDED: Monument Entrance Fees, Battery Van ride, personal English-speaking guide and private Chauffeur-driven vehicle

• VISIT FATEHPUR SIKRI (En-route Stop)

Visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be charmed with the magnificence of the ghost city once known for its extraordinary architecture that can still be perceived through the design and construction. Amongst the most popular buildings, both religious and secular, are Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Ibadat Khana, Mariam-us-Zamani’s Palace, Naubat Khana, Birbal’s House and Panch Mahal.

INCLUDED: Monument Entrance Fees, Battery Van ride, personal English-speaking guide and private Chauffeur-driven vehicle

Drive to Jaipur by a private chauffeur-driven vehicle.

Jaipur, Rajasthan\'s renowned walled capital city, is also known as the \"Pink City.\" This nickname originates from the city painted pink in 1876 as a symbol of the locals\' warm welcome to the visit of Queen Victoria of England and the Prince of Wales.

• MORNING: TOUR OF JAIPUR CITY AND AMBER FORT

Today spend day in Jaipur exploring the impressive forts, majestic castles, vibrant local bazaars, local souvenirs and experience real India.

The day starts with an elephant ride to the Amer Fort for the Hall of Public Audience, the Palace of Mirrors and other important attractions. Reach early to avoid the huge crowd at the fort. If you don\'t like to experience an Elephant ride, then a jeep can be arrnanged to get up there on the hill fort.

From here, head to the City Palace and appreciate its magnificent gardens and striking courtyards. They offer a brilliant contrast to the awe-inspiring palatial structures, such as the Shri Govind Dev temple, Badal Mahal, Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Also, visit the Diwan-e-Khas and marvel at the giant silver water vessels. Jantar Mantar is the next attraction. The observatory comprises several impressive buildings of distinctive geometrical forms, each having a unique function for astronomical measurement. Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, is a striking attraction with more than 900 windows.

Later in the day, explore and indulge in shopping at the colourful bazaars of Jaipur.

INCLUDED: Monument entrance fees, Elephant/Jeep ride, personal English-speaking guide & private Chauffeur-driven vehicle

Drive back to Delhi to catch your onward flight.

End of tour services.

Note: We can customize this tour to extend to other destinations as per your preference.