6 Days - Splendors Of North India - Golden Triangle, Khajuraho and Varanasi

Day 1: Tour of Old & New Delhi & Fly Delhi-Varanasi by Scheduled Commercial Airlines

1. Humayun's Tomb
   45m · Admission ticket included
   Our Guide will meet you at your desired location in Delhi / Gurugram/ Noida at 8 AM to conduct a full-day tour of Old & New Delhi. After giving a small brief about the rich cultural heritage and legacies of India in general, You will start your day by visiting Humayun's Tomb. Constructed in 1569-70, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb is the tomb of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun. The mausoleum is the finest example of Mughal architecture. Together with its accomplished Charbagh garden, typical of Persian gardens, but never seen before in India, it set a precedent for subsequent Mughal architecture. A century after its construction Humayun’s tomb inspired the construction of the more famous Taj Mahal.
2. Raj Ghat
   20m
   Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi, India. In the open gardens, a black marble platform marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation, and an eternal flame burns at one end
3. Pasar Chandni Chowk
   45m
   Chandni Chowk or the Moonlight Square is one of the busiest markets of old Delhi. The market has been in existence for three centuries and markets full of spices, dried fruits, silver jewelry, and merry saris, while the narrow side streets are lined with small shops selling essential oils, stationery, and traditional sweets from India. A rickshaw ride or a walk through the fumes and fragrances in the narrow lanes and by-lanes of this market is often enjoyed by visitors.
4. India Gate
   20m
   India Gate constructed in 1931 is a war memorial to the 70,000 British Indian Army who died during the First World War. The 42 m high India Gate, an “Arc-de-Triomphe” like archway in the middle of a crossroad, memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919.
5. Rashtrapati Bhavan
   Pass by
   Drive past President House and other Parliamentary Buildings which are part of Luyten’s Delhi and were constructed between 1920 and 1940 soon after it was decided that the capital of British India shall be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. President House or The Rashtrapati Bhawan is the home to the President of the largest democracy in the world. Other notable buildings designed by Sir Edward Luyten and his team are Parliament House, North and South Blocks which house the offices of ministers and other government officials.
   After your visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan, you will be transferred to Delhi Airport for 90 minutes flight to Varanasi - The City Of Ganges.
6. 1h 30m
   After your tour of Old & New Delhi, We will take you to Delhi domestic airport terminal for 90 minute flight to Varanasi, The City of Ganges & Spiritual Capital of India
7. 1h 30m
   Our tour guide and driver shall meet you at Varanasi airport for further transfer to your prebooked hotel. Varanasi -the Spiritual Capital of India, is situated on the banks of the river Ganga, is the most sacred city for Hindus Millions of Hindu pilgrims come to Varanasi to bathe in the holy waters of the river Ganges, and to be cremated at the banks of the river.

Day 2: Varanasi - The City of Ganges & Spiritual Capital of India

1. Ganges River
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Wake up early, meet with our tour guide, and head to see the morning life at the shores of the river Ganges in Varanasi. The spiritual moments of "Subah-E-Benaras" at " Assi Ghat " include offerings to Goddess river the Ganges and God Sun thus receiving cosmic energy followed by a small live session of Indian Classical music. Hundreds of locals and tourists participate in Yoga with nature. Young girls studying Vedas chant holy mantras and the entire atmosphere fills with spirituality. An early morning private rowing boat ride cruising gently passing through Dashashmedh Ghat and terminating at Manikarnika Ghat is an experience in itself. Boat ride amid the fresh air is a complete canvas of spiritual beliefs - holy men with painted faces and a headful of braided hair, women in rainbow-colored sarees and men in white dhotis and kurtas, people sinking in the Ganges to wash away their sins, floating marigolds and lighted diyas.
2. Sarnath
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Return to the hotel for breakfast and now it is the time to know a bit about Buddha and Buddhism which originated in India. Explore the Sarnath, a Buddhist city about 10 km from Varanasi is one of the four most sacred sites of Buddhism. It is at Sarnath, where Lord Buddha first taught the Dharma and gave his first sermon to people about the middle path of life to attain nirvana. In the 3rd century BC, King Ashoka built engraved pillars and magnificent stupas and monasteries. Interact with the Buddhist monks and lamas who live at various monasteries and temples to learn and practice Buddhism's philosophy.
3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
   1h 30m
   Later in the afternoon, You will walk through the old lanes of Varanasi to the Dashawamegh Ghat (Pier). Narrow lanes leading to various ghats are the living legends of the centuries-old sacred and oldest living culture of this ancient city. Holy temples in every house, Sadhus and Yogis, food, spices, the flower markets, and even the cows walking on the streets will leave you mesmerized.
   
   Kashi Vishwanath Temple or Golden Temple is among the 12 most important Shiva temples for Hindus. Perhaps the oldest Hindu temple in the world is situated in narrow lanes of Varanasi. While returning back from the ghats, visit this temple in a narrow alley of Varanasi and participate in a special puja arranged exclusively for you with a Hindu priest. The priest chants holy mantras and explains to you about the Trinity in Hindusim, The Brahma, The Vishnu, and The Shiva.
4. Banaras Ghats
   1h
   It is the time to return to the ghats of Varanasi with our tour guide who will explain the core principles of Hinduism and the concept of Nirvana. Life in Varanasi starts on the ghats and ends on the ghats. A walk through these ghats is one of the most spiritually uplifting experiences. You will see the flawless and everlasting religiously decorated display of the cycle of life and death. Divinity and spiritualty can be felt everywhere while having a walk through these ghats - a complete canvas of spiritual beliefs - holy men with painted faces and a headful of braided hair, women in rainbow-colored sarees and men in white dhotis and kurtas, people sinking in the Ganges to wash away their sins, floating marigolds and lighted diyas. Some ghats are only for bathing while a few are only for cremation.
5. Ganga Aarti
   1h 30m
   Arti ( Puja ) in evening at the Dashashvamedh Ghat is an incredible experience. For Hindus, river Ganges OR Ganga is very pious and sacred and is worshiped like mother. Every evening , young priests dressed in saffron colour along with thousands of devotees worship Ganges for her existence in human life. Thousands of candles are flown in river Ganges. The entire atmosphere fills with spirituality amidst the sound of ringing bells, burning oil lamps and fragrance of incense.
   
   A private hand rowed boat in the river facing the ghats and the ceremony is the best way to experience these celestial moments. Later watch various activities including the cremations at Manikarnika Ghat on the banks of the river riding in a hand rowed boat.

Day 3: Train from Varanasi to Khajuraho ( Airconditioned Class - 05:00 AM / 12:40 PM )

1. Khajuraho
   8h
   Our tour guide and driver shall meet you at Khajuraho railway station for further transfer to your prebooked hotel. After check-in proceeds for a half-day tour of Khajuraho - a small tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh in Central India is a place that breathes sensuality. This small town is famous for its Hindu and Jain temples built between 950-1050 AD with beautiful and erotic rock carvings on the walls. The temples today are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   Sensuality and eroticism have always been a part of Indian architecture. There are many temples in India, where erotic sculptures have been carved out of stone. However, the Temples of Khajuraho are the epitome of the stone carvings. Various scenes from Kamasutra have been sculptured on the walls of the temples. Though these poses have been carved in stone the emotions in the figures make them alive.
2. 3h · Admission ticket included
   The monuments and temples in Khajuraho are divided into three groups: Eastern, Western and Southern. The Western group of Temples complex houses the most important temples in Khajuraho – Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Chitragupta Temple, The Chausath-Yogini Temple etc. These Hindu & Jain temples are dating back to 950 AD and inscribed with ornamental carvings, mostly erotic.

Day 4: Drive Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi and Train Jhansi - Agra

1. 1h
   The Eastern Group of Temples in Khajuraho are Jain temples dedicated to numerous Jain gods (Teerthakanras). Located in the small old village side, these temples are contrary to Western Group of Temples wherein the walls are carved with erotic scenes from Kamasutra. The walls and exteriors of Eastern Group of Temples are decorated with statues finely carved.
   
   Most of these temples were constructed between 95-AD and 1100 AD. Dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanatha of the Jain religion, Parsvanath temple is the oldest, largest and best known of the Jain temples.
2. Orchha Fort
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   At a distance of 175 km / 3 hours drive from Khajuraho, lies small but historic town of Orchha on the banks of river Betwa.
   
   Orchha a sublime and less touristic destination yet with marvelous and glorious history of Bundela Kings who built many architectural marvelous. Orchha Fort, a perfect blend of Bundelkhand and Mughal architecture, houses many notable palaces and other architectural constructions. Numerous cenotaphs and chhatris dot the vicinity of the fort and the Betwa river. Elsewhere about the town there is an unusual variety of temples and tombs, including the Chaturbhuj temple, which is built on a vast platform of stone.
   
   After visit of Orchha drive to Jhansi ( 15 kms from Orchcha ) to connect an air-conditioned train to Agra. Train journey to Agra shall take around 3 hours.
3. Pass by
   Post your visit to Orchha, drive for about 30 minutes to Jhansi railway station to connect an air-conditioned and superfast train to Agra. The journey will take around 3 hours.
4. Agra
   3h
   Arrive Agra railway station where our representative shall meet you for further transfer to your pre-booked hotel.
   Agra, the erstwhile capital of Mughals is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites including famous Taj Mahal and massive fort complex of Agra Fort.

Day 5: Drive Agra - Fatehpur Sikri- Chand Baori ( Stepwell ) - Jaipur, The Pink City (250 Kms/ 6 Hours)

1. Taj Mahal
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Wake up early, enjoy tea/coffee in your room and meet with our tour guide to visit the most photographed monument in the world " The Taj Mahal", a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Monument of Love, Romance in Marble, Crown of the Palaces …many more words and phrases have been described by scholars and poets about this beautiful building. For tourists …It is just …Superb, Whao...Amazing...Marvelous...
   Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the tomb of his beloved queen, the magical allure of the Taj Mahal shall definitely be the highlight of your tour. Though the Taj Mahal can be visited at any time of the day, the most amazing views are during the sunrise and sunset, when the sky forms a symphony of colors and the almost translucent marble of this eternal monument absorbs the magical light and reflects it, Please note that the Taj Mahal remains closed for tourists on every Friday, so if this day of the scheduled visit is Friday, you shall visit the Taj Mahal at Sunset a day prior.
2. Agra Fort
   1h · Admission ticket included
   After the visit to the Taj Mahal, return to your hotel. Post breakfast, check-out, Situated on the banks of the river Yamuna, Agra has been the capital of Mughals and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Taj Mahal. The glory of Agra brings travelers from all around the world. After check-in at your pre-booked hotel, our guide will meet you to visit Agra Fort which is a massive fort complex with many royal pavilions, halls of public and private audiences, and beautiful mosques. Construction of the fort was initiated by Akbar followed by additions of royal pavilions and mosques by later Mughal emperors, Agra Fort is a superb specimen of Mughal architecture. It is the same fort where Mughal emperor Shahjahan was imprisoned and later died viewing the most beautiful tomb of his beloved life.
3. Fatehpur Sikri
   1h 30m
   Post breakfast, check-out, and drive West to the Pink City of Jaipur with a couple of stops en-route. The first stop shall be at Fatehpur Sikri, UNESCO World Heritage Site and the erstwhile capital of Mughals, approximately 38 Kms, was founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571. Imperial buildings and palaces were constructed within a walled city. The city got its name as Fatehpur Sikri or a City of Victory after Akbar’s victory over Gujrat. The palace complex has many architectural masterpieces like Diwan-E-Khas, Diwan-E-Am, Panch Mahal, Anup Talao, Treasury, Astrologer’s seat, Jahangiri Mahal and Buland Darwaja. White marble building has the grave of a Sufi saint under an ornate wooden canopy encrusted with the mother of pearl mosaic.
   After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, you will continue driving to Jaipur with another stop at Chand Baori in Abhaneri.
4. Chand Baori
   45m · Admission ticket not included
   Post your visit, your next stop shall be at Chand Baori in a small village of Abhaneri. Our local guide at the monument shall be glad to explain to you about Baoris or Step-wells which has been in existence in India for centuries. Stepwells are wells or ponds in which the water is reached by descending a set of steps to the water level. These were designed and created as water reservoirs.
   Chand Baori or Moonlit stepwell in a small village of Abhaneri between Agra and Jaipur was constructed by local ruler Chand in the 8th century. There are 3500 stairs set in perfect symphony descending downwards to 20 meters through 13 floors.
5. Birla Mandir Temple
   45m
   Arrive at Jaipur by early evening. Check-in at your prebooked hotel and later in the evening visit Birla Mandir Or Birla Temple built in white marble at the base of Moti Dungri hill in Jaipur. Birla Mandir in Jaipur is a special one due to its intricate latticework in white marble. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (One of the Trinity of GODS and preserver of the universe) and being at the temple during the arti ( puja ) in the evening is an experience.

Day 6: Jaipur - The UNESCO World Heritage City known for its Forts, Palaces and Colourful Bazars

1. Amer
   3h
   Amer or Amber, at the outskirts of Jaipur, was the capital of erstwhile rulers of Kachwaha Rajputs till Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II shifted the capital to Jaipur. Amer Fort set on top of a hill in the Aravali mountain range is a perfect blend of Rajasthani architecture. The fort is constructed in pink and yellow sandstone and marble. The opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. It consists of the Diwan-e-Aam, or “Hall of Public Audience”, the Diwan-e-Khas, or “Hall of Private Audience”, the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. The walls of the royal pavilions are beautifully pained using vegetable colours.
   You can either walk up to the fort using the staircase (15 minutes walk) or we will take you up by a private jeep which is also a unique experience as you drive up to the fort through the winding lanes at the backside of the fort.
2. Jal Mahal
   15m
   Photo Stop at Jal Mahal (meaning Water Palace) is a palace in the middle of Man Sagar lake in Jaipur. The Jal Mahal palace is an architectural showcase of the Rajput style of architecture. The building has a picturesque view of Man Sagar Lake, but owing to its seclusion from land is equally the focus of a viewpoint in front of the backdrop of the surrounding Nahargarh hills.
3. Hawa Mahal - The Palace of Breeze
   15m
   Photo Stop at Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal, one of the most emblematic buildings of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Constructed in 1799 as an extension to City Palace is an exquisite building with 953 small windows, called Jharokas, decorated by intricate latticework ( jali or screen ). The original reason for the lattice design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen as was the custom of those days which forbade them from appearing in public without face coverings.
4. The City Palace
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Visit City Palace in Jaipur, a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace continues to be the home of the royal family of Jaipur and was constructed in 1727 by Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II when he shifted his capital from Amer to Jaipur. The palace complex today has several buildings, courtyards, and museums. Exquisite carpets, bright Rajput weapons, and delicate clothes, ornamented palanquins will remind you of the grandeur of this princely era of India. The royal family including the present maharajah of Jaipur still live in one of the wings of this complex.
5. Bapu Bazar
   45m
   Jaipur is a shopper's paradise and offers opportunities for shopping of souvenirs for giveaways to the finest piece of expensive precious stones set in designed jewelry. Jaipur is also famous for its carpet weaving along with the unique style of Tie & Dye and Block-printing on fabric.
   The markets of Jaipur are unique as all having similar façade painted in pink color and selling authentic handicrafts ranging from imitation jewelry, mirror & patchwork on fabric, strolls, and shawls and sarees. A walk-in Bapu Bazar or Johri Bazar is a wonderful way to learn about the Rajasthani culture and colours.
6. Pass by
   After your visits to marvelous palaces and forts, we will be glad to drop you at Jaipur airport or at Jaipur railway station or at your hotel in Jaipur or at any other desired location in Jaipur.

Pickup details

We coordinate the meeting place, pick-up time and share the contact details of our driver and guide at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting and pick-up time. If you want us to pick-up you from any airport or railway station, please come out of the terminal and look for our representative waiting for you holding a placard reading your name.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Wheelchair accessible
• All travelers require valid Visa prior to the arrival in India
• Taj Mahal remains closed for visitors on every Friday. In case scheduled Taj Mahal visiting day fall on Friday, You will visit Taj Mahal a day prior
• Mandatory Gala Dinner on X-mas and New Year Eve at hotel of stay is not included and will be charged extra.
• Taj Mahal sunrise visit is subject to weather conditions
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• This is a Private Tour and no sharing of other tourists is allowed
• As per the prevailing guidelines of Government of India, All foreign travelers should either have Vaccination Completion Certificate of their respective country OR a negative RT-PCR Test report of 72 hours before the departure from the originating country
• Domestic flights by Scheduled Commercial airlines shall be in tourist class and usually with 15 Kgs of check-in baggage
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants