Golden Triangle with Khajuraho & Varanasi

Duration- 8 Nights / 9 Days

Places- Delhi-Jaipur-Fatehpur Sikri- Agra- Khajuraho-Varanasi-Delhi

Mode of Transportation- Flight and Private vehicle with experienced English speaking chauffer

Meals- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tour Manager- Available at your service right from your arrival till departure

Tour Guide- Local tour guide will be made available at all the locations

Inclusions- All inclusive except expense of personal nature like laundry, entry fee of camera etcetera

Hotel Category- Category of your choice. We recommend palatial / boutique properties wherever available

Golden Triangle- India's golden triangle is a tourist circuit that connects the national capital, New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The Golden Triangle is so named because of the triangular shape formed by their locations on a map and also because of the vast wealth of cultural and historic treasures to be found in these three cities The trips usually start in Delhi and move south to the site of the Taj Mahal at Agra then west, to Jaipur (the desert landscapes). It is normally possible to do the trip by road, train or plane. The Golden Triangle is now a well-travelled route, providing a good spectrum of the country's different landscapes in short duration. The circuit is about 450 Miles by road. Each leg is about 4 to 5 hours of seamless driving with few short breaks en route to cover places of historical importance.

Khajuraho- One of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Khajuraho has the country's largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculptures. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and is considered one of the "seven wonders" of India. Khajuraho, is worldly known for its magnificent temples of erotica built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D

Varanasi- Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities.[19] Kashi, its ancient name, was associated with a kingdom of the same name of 2,500 years ago. The city is known worldwide for its many ghats, steps leading down the steep river bank to the water, where pilgrims perform rituals. The celebrated Chinese traveller Xuanzang, also known as Hiuen Tsiang, who visited the city around 635 CE, attested that the city was a centre of religious and artistic activities.

Sarnath is just 10 kms from Varanasi. It was here Buddha preached his first discourse in the deer park to set in motion the 'Wheel of the Dharma

Day 1– Arrival Delhi

A very warm welcome to India’s capital city!!! Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your English- speaking tour manager and chauffer. Tour manager will help you with hotel check in and discuss the tour details. Depending upon your flight timings local excursions can be planned for the day.

Today’s Excursion-

• It will depend upon guest’s time of arrival in Delhi

Night stay- Delhi

Day 2– Delhi

Post breakfast at hotel, we will embark on a full day city tour. We will cover / pass through all the below listed places of importance. You have option to add / omit places.

Today’s Excursion-

• Qutub Minar- Built in 1193, it is the tallest minaret in the world built of bricks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The compound also has an iron pillar famous for the rust- resistant composition and is an excellent specimen of ancient metallurgy
• Humayun Tomb- The tomb of Humayun construction was completed in 1572. The building was the first to use its unique combination of red sandstone and white marble. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Agrasen Ki Baoli- Agrasen Ki Baoli is a 60-meter long and 15-meter wide historical stepwell built in 14 th century.
• Jama Masjid- It was built between 1650 and 1656.At the time of its construction, it was the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent. The mosque predominantly uses red sandstone & Black marble. The courtyard can accommodate 25,000 worshippers.
• Red Fort- The Red Fort historically served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Its design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal. it was completed in 1648. The World Heritage Convention characterises the Red Fort as representing “The Zenith of Mughal Creativity”
• Raj Ghat- It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation. It is on the west bank of the Yamuna River
• Rickshaw Ride- The Old Delhi Rickshaw Tour is special as it is royal and regal. Hop on board our cushy rickshaws and explore the Mughal-built Walled City in a comfortable, eco friendly and adventurous way. This tour is a mix of Old Delhi Heritage and culture. Immerse yourself in this enigmatic experience and have the best of this Old City.
• Drive through / Photo stop- President house / Parliament house / India Gate

Night stay- Delhi

Day 3– Delhi to Jaipur (175 miles / 4 hours)

Post breakfast at your hotel we will embark on our first leg of journey to Jaipur, The heritage city. Upon arrival check in and relax for a while before proceeding for a half day local tour.

Jaipur is also known as the Pink City, due to the dominant colour scheme of its buildings. During the year 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII). It is also known as the Paris of India, and it was founded in 1727 UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed Jaipur the “Pink City of India” among its World Heritage Sites. It is among the top 10 places of tourist attraction in Asia.

Today’s Excursion-

• Jal Mahal- The palace, built in red sandstone, is a five-storied building, of which four floors remain underwater when the lake is full, and the top floor is exposed
• Guided Tour of Old City
• Visit shops for Souvenir Shopping

Night stay- Jaipur

Day 4– Jaipur

Post relaxing breakfast at your hotel we will embark on our full day Jaipur tour

Today’s Excursion-

• Amer Fort- Amer Fort is great example of architecture. Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. Its construction ensured that a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Jaigarh Fort- The Amer Fort along with Jaigarh Fort, is located immediately above on the Hill of Eagles. The Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort are considered one complex, as the two are connected by a subterranean passage. This passage was meant as an escape route in times of war to enable the royal family members and others in the Amer Fort
• Nahargarh Fort- Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defence ring for the city. Nahar in local language means abode of tigers. The popular belief is that Nahar here stands for the kind named Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort. Nahar’s spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name
• Hawa Mahal- The structure was built in 1799 from red and pink sandstone. Its five-floor exterior is akin to a honeycomb with its 953 highly decorated small windows. The original intent of this design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen. This architectural feature also allowed cool air to pass through, thus making the whole area more pleasant during the high temperatures in summer
• City Palace- The City Palace, Jaipur was established in 1727. It now houses the Museum and continues to be the home of the Jaipur royal family. The royal family has around 500 personal servants The palace complex has several buildings, various courtyards, galleries, restaurants, and offices
• Jantar Mantar- A Jantar Mantar is an assembly of stone-built astronomical instruments, designed to be used with the naked eye. The instrument can be used with an accuracy of about 20 seconds by a skilled observer & to measure the time of day, and the declination of the Sun and the other heavenly bodies. It is the world’s largest stone sundial. The Jaipur Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Optional Activity (At extra charge)

• 1. Elephant Ride to Amer Fort
• 2. Jeep Ride to Amer fort
• 3. Hot Air balloon – Jaipur City view from the top

Night stay- Jaipur

Day 5– Jaipur to Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri (150 miles / 6 hours)

After early breakfast at your hotel, we will leave for Agra via Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival check in and relax for a while before we proceed to take a spectacular view of Taj Mahal during the sun set.

Today’s Excursion-

• Fatehpur Sikri- It is an abandoned palace city which sits on rocky ridge, 1.9 miles in length and 0.62 miles wide and palace city is surrounded by a 6 km (3.7 mi) wall on three sides with the fourth bordered by a lake. Some of the important buildings in this city holds both religious and secular importance. The city was built massively and preferably with red sandstone.
• Taj Mahal- The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare complex. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653 at a cost estimated at the time to be around ₹32 million, which currently would be approximately USD $1 billion. The construction project employed some 20,000 artisans. The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Night stay- Agra

Day 6– Agra

Start the day with an early morning sunrise view of majestic Taj Mahal. After the awestrucking view of Taj Mahal get back to the hotel for a lavish spread of breakfast. Later we embark on local excursion tour

Today’s Excursion-

• Agra Fort- Also known as Agra’s Red Fort was built by the Mughal emperor in 1573. It served as the main residence of the rulers of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The 40-hectare fort has a semi-circular plan, its chord lies parallel to the river Yamuna and its walls are seventy feet high.
• Taj Mahal- Sunrise and Sunset view
• Agra City Tour
• Souvenir Shopping

Night stay- Agra

Day 7– Agra to Khajuraho via Orchha (Train / 3 hours followed by drive 100 miles / 2 hours)

Post early breakfast in hotel, we will proceed to railway Station to board train to Jhansi. After arrival at Jhansi we will drive to Khajuraho via Orchha historical site.

Today’s Excursion-

• Orchha- On a seasonal island on the bank of the Betwa River, which has been surrounded by a battlement wall, stands a huge palace-fort. The fort consists of several connected buildings erected at different times.
• On arrival at Khajuraho, check in and day at leisure

Night stay- Khajuraho

Day 8– Khajuraho to Varanasi (Flight / 1 hour)

Post breakfast at your hotel explore magnificent temples of erotica built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. Khajuraho - is world heritage town, the temples are scattered in an area of 5 square miles.
Later in afternoon we will proceed to airport to board flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi we will proceed for local tour.

Today’s Excursion-

• Khajuraho group of monuments- Most Khajuraho temples were built around 12th Century. The temples have a rich display of intricately carved statues. While they are famous for their erotic sculpture, sexual themes cover less than 10% of the temple sculpture Further, most erotic scene panels are neither prominent nor emphasized at the expense of the rest, rather they are in proportional balance with the non-sexual images
• Varanasi River Ganga Aarti- Ganga Aarti (ritual of offering prayer to the Ganges River) is held daily at dusk. Several priests perform this ritual by carrying lamps sway it choreographed movement. Special aartis are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals. The Ganga Aarti starts soon after sunset and lasts for about 45 minutes.
• Varanasi Rickshaw Ride- Enjoy the narrow lanes and crowded street of city on the Rickshaw. You will come across various ancient temples.

Night stay- Varanasi

Day 9– Varanasi to Delhi (Flight / 1.30 hours)

Post breakfast at hotel we will embark on local tour. We will take early morning river cruise and later drive down to Sarnath. Later in evening we will board flight for Delhi.

Today’s Excursion-

• River Cruise- Enjoy boat ride on the Ganges when it is full of pilgrims is an amazing place to witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. While on the boat you may also see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindu Rituals.
• Sarnath- It is a place located 6.2 miles northeast of Varanasi, near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers. Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment

Night stay- Delhi

Note: This is just a time bound sample itinerary indicative of how and what all could be explored. We can customise the tour as per your requirements. Set your expectations and we will offer memorable experience. Please reach out to us for personalised holiday experience.

All meals- breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation for 8 Nights / 9 Days

All mode of domestic transportation

All the entry tickets

English speaking tour guide at all the locations

International flight

Travel insurance

Any service / activity not mentioned in Itinerary

Expense of personal nature like laundry, entry tickets for camera etcetera

Optional activities