7-Day Private Tour of Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Ayodhya, Lucknow and Varanasi

Day 1: New Delhi Sightseeing & Drive To Jaipur (4/5 Hrs Drive)

1. Qutub Minar
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Begin with pick-up at 8am from your desired place in Delhi, Gurugram (Gurgaon) or Noida. Take a half-day city tour of Delhi. Visit the 11th Qutub Minar (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - that gives the complex its name is an unmissable, soaring Afghan-style victory tower and minaret, erected by sultan Qutb-ud-din in 1193 to proclaim his supremacy over the vanquished Hindu rulers of Qila Rai Pithora.
2. Humayun's Tomb
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Humayun's Tomb (Unesco World Heritage site) - is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi. Constructed for the Mughal emperor in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, Humayun's Persian-born wife, the tomb marries Persian and Mughal elements, with restrained decoration enhancing the architecture.
3. Lotus Temple
   1h
   Lotus Temple (Closed on Monday) - Designed for tranquil worship, It is shaped like a lotus flower, with 27 delicate-looking white-marble petals. The temple was created to bring faiths together; visitors are invited to pray or meditate silently according to their own beliefs.
4. India Gate
   30m
   This imposing 42m-high stone memorial arch was designed by Lutyens in 1921. It pays tribute to around 90,000 Indian army soldiers who died in WWI, the Northwest Frontier operations and the 1919 Anglo-Afghan War.
5. Parliament House
   Pass by
   This circular, colonnaded building, designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, was where the 1947 handover of power from Britain to the newly independent India took place, and parliament still meets here.
6. Rashtrapati Bhavan
   Pass by
   Rashtrapati Bhavan or President House is an official residence of the President of India. Formerly home to the British Viceroy, the President’s House has 340 rooms, with 2.5km of corridors, and it's fascinating to take a peek inside.
7. Jaipur
   5h
   After sightseeing of Delhi, you will be taken to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas.
   
   Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel.

Day 2: Jaipur Sightseeing & Drive To Agra (4/5 Hrs Drive)

1. Amber fort
   2h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, check out from hotel and visit Amber Fort - The magnificent, formidable, honey-hued fort of Amber (pronounced 'amer'), an ethereal example of Rajput architecture, rises from a rocky mountainside about 11km northeast of Jaipur, and is the city’s must-see sight. It comprises an extensive palace complex, built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble, and is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard.
2. Jal Mahal
   15m
   Photo Stop at Jal Mahal (Water Palace) - Near the cenotaphs of the maharanis of Jaipur and beautifully situated in the watery expanse of Man Sagar, is this dreamlike palace.
3. Hawa Mahal - The Palace of Breeze
   15m · Admission ticket not included
   Photo Stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark is an extraordinary pink-painted delicately honeycombed hive that rises a dizzying five storeys. It was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city.
4. The City Palace
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The City Palace is the residence of the royal family. A complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings. There are palace buildings from different eras, some dating from the early 20th century. It is a striking blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
5. Jantar Mantar - Jaipur
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Jantar Mantar Observatory (a Unesco World Heritage Site) - is a collection of curving geometric buildings that are carefully calibrated to monitor the movement of the stars and planets.
6. Agra
   5h
   After Jaipur sightseeing drive 5hrs approx. to the City of Taj Mahal - Agra an ancient city on the banks of the River Yamuna. Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel.

Day 3: Agra sightseeing & Drive To Lucknow (4/5 Hrs Drive)

1. Taj Mahal
   2h · Admission ticket included
   At sunrise visit Taj Mahal (a Unesco World Heritage Site) - widely considered the most beautiful building in the world. Built by Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. The magical allure of the Taj Mahal shall definitely be the highlight of your tour.
   
   Later back to your hotel and enjoy your breakfast.
2. Agra Fort
   1h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast and check out from hotel visit Agra Fort (a Unesco World Heritage Site) - is a historical fort along the bank of the Yamuna River in the city of Agra. Walking through courtyard after courtyard of this palatial red-sandstone and marble fortress, your amazement grows as the scale of what was built here begins to sink in.
3. Lucknow
   5h
   After sightseeing of Agra drive to the home of the Nawabs of Avadh, Lucknow - Sprinkled with Islamic and British Raj–era architecture, stuffed with fascinating bazaars and famed throughout India for its food, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is something of a sleeper.

Day 4: Lucknow Sightseeing - Discover the City of Nawabs

1. Bara Imambara
   1h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, visit Bara Imambara - This large structure was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1786-91 and is one of the architectural wonders of that era. The Imambara is primarily known for its incredible maze, known as Bhul Bhulaiya locally, which is located on the upper floor of the monument.
2. Chhota Imambara
   1h · Admission ticket included
   This elaborate black-and-white tomb was constructed in 1832 by the third king of Oudh, Mohammed Ali Shah (who is buried here, alongside his mother). Adorned with calligraphy, it has a serene and intimate atmosphere. Mohammed’s silver throne and red crown can be seen here, as well as countless chintzy chandeliers and some brightly decorated tazia.
3. The Residency
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Built for the British Resident during the rule of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan in 1780-1800, it was originally a large complex of many buildings including residential quarters, armoury, stables, dispensaries, worship places and so on.
   
   Note: The Residency remains closed on every Monday.
4. Rumi Darwaza
   Pass by
   The 60 feet high Rumi Gate was constructed during the reign of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784-86. It is said to be identical in design to an ancient portal at Constantinople in Turkey and is also referred to as Turkish Gate.
5. La Martiniere College
   Pass by
   This prestigious boarding school – where British pop legend Sir Cliff Richard studied – was designed and built by influential Frenchman Major General Claude Martin as a palatial home. In 1800 it became his tomb: he's buried in the basement under a blue-washed spiral staircase.
6. Husainabad Clock Tower
   Pass by
   This 221 ft. high Clock Tower was built in 1881 to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, the first Lieutenant Governor of the United Province of Awadh. Set amidst picturesque background, it is commonly known as Ghantaghar and reflects Victorian and Gothic style designs.
7. Satkhanda
   Pass by
   This decaying and empty watchtower looks like a medieval painting of the Tower of Babel. Known as Satkhanda, it has only four storeys because construction was abandoned in 1840 when Mohammed Ali Shah died.
8. Lucknow
   2h
   This evening set out for a Culinary walking tour with a professional Culinary guide. After a brief introduction will take you through the lane and visit eateries that not only serve the best but have invented and mastered this heritage cuisine. Try Kebabs, Variety of Breads, Curries and desserts on this curated walking tour. What travelers would get to eat here:- 1. Pasanda Kebab 2. Sheermaal 3. Chicken Pullao 4. Galawat Kebab 5. Parantha 6. Nihari 7. Kulcha 8. Halwa 9. Paan

Day 5: Drive Lucknow To Varanasi Enroute Ayodhya Sightseeing (7/8 Hrs Drive)

1. Ayodhya
   3h
   Around 5.30 am with a packed breakfast, check out from your hotel in Lucknow and drive to Ayodhya - The birthplace of Lord Rama, the 7th avatara (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. Located on the banks of the Sarayu river, Ayodhya is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus.
2. Hanuman Garhi Mandir
   30m
   Upon arrival in Ayodhya visit Hanuman Garhi - Constructed in the shape of a fort and accessed by a flight of seventy-six steps, the 10th-century ancient temple nestles in the centre of the pilgrim town. It has circular fortifications in each corner and is believed to be the spot where Lord Hanuman resided in a cave and protected the town.
3. 30m
   The original residence of King Dashrath - the ruler of Ayodhya and father to Lord Sri Ram. Lord Ram along with his siblings spent their childhood and youth in this area. The Mahal houses a shrine with the idols of Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Sita. The temple can be reached through a big and colorful entrance.
4. Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi
   30m
   Although Ayodhya is generally referred to as the birthplace of Shri Ram, there is actually a specific place in Ram Kot Ward of the city where he was born. It is this place that is called Ram Janama Bhoomi. It is marked by the presence of a small temple dedicated to Shri Ram.
5. Kanak Bhavan Temple
   30m
   Kanak Bhavan is a temple complex dedicated to Lord Sri Rama and his consort Goddess Sita. It is believed that this Bhawan was gifted to Devi Sita by Kaikei immediately after her marriage to Lord Ram. Idols of Lord Rama and that of his brother Laxman and wife Sita were kept in different enclosures and decorated with Rajasthani art.
6. 30m
   A series of ghats set on the banks of river Saryu that serves as a platform to devotees who come here to wash away their sins. It also has lush green gardens surrounded by temples. The riverfront brings forth an outstanding panorama especially in floodlit night. These serve as platforms to devotees who, it is believed, come to wash away their sins by taking a dip in the holy river.
   
   Note: You can enjoy boating in saryu river at your own expense.
7. Varanasi
   5h
   After the sightseeing of Ayodhya, drive to the oldest and holiest living city in the world, Varanasi - is the India of your imagination. This is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, and one of the holiest in Hinduism. Pilgrims come to the Ganges here to wash away sins in the sacred waters, to cremate their loved ones, or simply to die here, hoping for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
   
   Upon arrival in Varanasi, check in to your pre-booked hotel.

Day 6: Varanasi Sightseeing - Highlight Sunrise & Sunset Ganges Boat Ride

1. Ganges River
   1h
   Your guide will meet you at the hotel before sunrise, so you can witness the amazing spectacle which takes place on Varanasi's waterfront at the start of every day. A boat ride (Hand Rowed Boat) on the Ganges at dawn, to see the bathing Ghats (river bank) & cremation site. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. The life on the Ghats bound in an endless string of rituals, ever-changing aspects of the river & the wide landscape across have fascinated visitors from all over the world. Leave the boat after passing the most important Ghats.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
   1h
   One of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Vishveswara – Shiva as lord of the universe is the presiding deity of the city. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. Later drive back to your hotel for breakfast.
3. Banaras Hindu University
   1h
   Post breakfast visit Banaras Hindu University. Established in 1916, BHU is the largest university campus in Asia. Tour the campus and see the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum and the new Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple), which is an exact replica of the original Vishwanath Temple.
4. Bharat Mata Temple
   30m
   Dedicated to the goddess who represents all the goddesses in the India culture. In other words, it can said that Bharat Mata personifies India as a mother goddess. It is a popular shrine of Mother Goddess where a map of undivided India is worshiped.
5. Monkey Temple (Durga Temple)
   30m
   Durga temple is also known as the Monkey temple (because of the presence of huge number of monkeys). The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. It was built in the 18th century. The statue of Goddess Durga is not human made, it was appeared by its own in the temple.
6. Sarnath
   1h · Admission ticket included
   After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya the Buddha went to Sarnath, and it was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park to set in motion the 'Wheel of the Dharma'. It is one of the most holy sites as in this place the stream of the Buddha's teaching first flowed. You'll also visit the Archaeological Museum, which features treasures that date to the 3rd-century BC. Note: Archaeological Museum remains close on every Friday.
7. Ganges River
   2h
   Later in the early evening, You will walk through the old lanes of Varanasi to the Dashawamegh Ghat (Pier) and take a boat ride (Hand Rowed Boat) on the Ganges to view the cremation grounds, You can witness cremations as your boat floats gently past, revealing a ritual that is memorable in its rawness, simplicity, and completeness. Then return to Dashashwamedh Ghat to watch the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. The Aarti Ceremony is a devotional Hindu ritual performed at dusk on the banks of the Ganges, using fire as an offering to, the affectionately referenced, Maa Ganga, goddess of the holiest river in India.

Day 7: Fly Varanasi – Onward destination

1. Pass by
   Hotel Check-out Time is 12 Noon. Your Tour ends with a drop-off at Varanasi Airport or other desired location in Varanasi.

Pickup details

From Delhi Airport, your hotel or other desired location in Delhi, Gurugram (Gurgaon) or Noida

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• Mandatory Gala Dinner on X-mas and New Year Eve at hotel of stay is not included and will be charged extra.
• You must confirm and obtain any visa requirements to enter India. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler
• Taj Mahal sunrise visit is subject to clear weather conditions
• Travelers should be fully vaccinated and carry the covid vaccination certificate
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions