Golden Triangle Tour With Ancient Varanasi

DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT DELHI

Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. It is a city that has been an idyllic symbol of the magnificent past and thriving present of India. It has never failed to amaze its visitors with its beautiful blend of various nationalities, diverse cultures & traditions, heritage of the bygone eras and its modern lifestyle – all rolled into one. The day is at leisure. Overnight in Delhi.

DAY 02: DELHI SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, proceed for Delhi sightseeing starting with a visit to the Jama Masjid - the largest Mosque in India. Visit Chandni Chowk - the oldest & biggest bazaar of Old Delhi. Later, walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride till Red Fort. Here our driver will meet you, drive past Red Fort (a 17th century historical fort in Delhi) and reach Rajghat, a memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. An eternal flame burns on one side of this memorial. Visit the Humayun Tomb - first garden-style tomb of India. The main highlight of this tomb, inspired by Persian architecture, is the four garden squares with water passage channels surrounding the tomb. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan - residence of the President of India and India Gate - an archway built in honor of the soldiers who died in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India. Overnight in Delhi.

DAY 03: DELHI - AGRA (205 KMS/APPROX. 4-5 HRS)

After breakfast, you will head to Agra. It is a beautiful city situated on the banks of river Yamuna that achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors. It still remains a popular tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Upon arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel. After some relaxation, visit the Agra Fort that resembles the magnificent Red Fort in Delhi. Later in the evening, visit the Taj Mahal - the most extravagant symbol of love, dedication and purity ever that took almost 22 years to build. It is an ivory-white marble monument where rests the mortals of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan (who built Taj Mahal) and his wife (Mumtaz). An interesting fact about this stunning edifice is that it turns pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden at night as the moonlight falls upon it. Watching the sunset over this iconic monument, is truly a sight to behold. Overnight in Agra.

DAY 04: AGRA - JAIPUR (260 KMS /APPROX. 5-6 HRS) VIA FATEHPUR SIKRI

Post breakfast, check out and drive to the beautiful city of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City of India. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned city of the Mughal Empire. The city boasts some of the magnificent monuments built during the Mughal Era, which include the Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti. We then continue our drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Jaipur is a city known as the Pink City of India due to extensive use of pink sandstone in various buildings of the city. Its monuments showcase a myriad of architectural styles and its vibrant bazaars are famous for traditional handicrafts and jewelry. The ambiance of this city speaks volumes of the rich lifestyle of the Rajput Kings. Overnight in Jaipur.

DAY 05: JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing. Visit the Amer Fort dating back to 16th century that displays private halls, pavilions, former private chambers of the King and royal Rajput women. The reflection of this fort falling on the Maota Lake, is truly captivating. Enjoy an Elephant ride here. Explore the City Palace consisting of former private and public chambers, silver vessels, courtyards, gateways, private chambers of the King and lot more. Later visit the Jantar Mantar which is an astronomical observatory that features the World’s largest Sundial - Samrat Yantra. Then visit the Hawa Mahal - a five-storey palace built in 1799 during Rajput rule. It is popularly known for its intricately-designed 953 windows adorned with spectacular latticework. Later, afternoon is kept free to visit the famous markets of textiles, gems, carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. Overnight in Jaipur.

DAY 06: JAIPUR-VARANASI (BY FLIGHT)

After breakfast, our representative will drive you to the Jaipur Airport to board your flight to Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Varanasi is a city located on the banks of River Ganga which is the 2nd largest river of India. Formerly known as Kashi and Benares, this city is around 3000 years old. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindus as it is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva (God of Destruction). Every year, Hindu devotees visit this city to take a holy dip in the River Ganga that is said to wash away all the sins. Overnight in Varanasi.

DAY 07: VARANASI SIGHTSEEING

Your Varanasi sightseeing tour begins with an early morning boat ride on the River Ganges. Enjoy soaking in the spectacular sunrise views and later, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, proceed to Sarnath. It is the place dotted with various Buddhist pilgrimage sites of great significance. If you’re a devout follower of Buddha, then you must visit this place. Later, visit the New Vishwanath Temple also known as the “Birla Mandir”. Settled within the Banaras Hindu University, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (God of Destruction). It took around 35 years to build this temple. Head to the Tulsi Manas Temple built by the royal family of Banaras in 1964. It is believed to be the place where the legendary poet Tulsidas wrote the great Indian epic “Ramcharitramanas”. Close to this temple is the Durga Temple (Monkey temple) dedicated to Goddess Durga (divine feminine energy). In the evening, witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a daily evening ceremony that has been practiced since thousands of years on the banks of River Ganges. Overnight in Varanasi.

DAY 08: VARANASI DEPARTURE

After breakfast, our company representative will drive you to Varanasi Airport to board your flight back home.