Golden Triangle with Khajuraho & Varanasi
Duration: 9 nights and 10 days
Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi
Day 1 Delhi
Arrive in New Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our representative and transfer
to your hotel. India's capital & a major gateway to the country, Delhi is contemporary
and a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and
the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties
chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British
left behind. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
This morning after breakfast proceed for a half day combined city tour of Old and
New Delhi. This fascinating city has been in existence since the 6th century BC
and has seen ups and downs from the rule of the Pandavas right up to the British
Raj. Visit Jama Masjid, which is the largest mosque in India, commissioned by Emperor
Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the mosque can hold about 25,000 worshippers. Enjoy
a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi noisy, chaotic
and uniquely Indian. Drive past Red Fort, President House, India Gate and several
other government buildings in Edwin Lutyens modern Delhi before you head to Rajghat,
the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated
in 1948. Later visit Humayuns Tomb, commissioned by Humayuns wife Hamida Banu
Begum in 1562. It was the first garden tomb built in the Indian sub-continent where
the Persian architect used red sandstone on a large scale. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3 Jaipur
This morning after breakfast proceed to Jaipur (265 Kms/6 Hrs Approx). Arrive and
check in at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 4 Jaipur
This morning after breakfast proceed for full-day sightseeing trip of Jaipur, also
known as the Pink City it is famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces,
and lakes. The old city of Jaipur is painted pink, which gives it a magical glow.
Visit the Amber Fort a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The best
way to explore the fort is to ride up to it on elephant back. Later, stop to photograph
the beautiful Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. This beautiful
façade with its ornately carved latticework windows is made of pink sandstone. Post
lunch, visit the City Palace again, a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles.
Later, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, comprising geometric devices for measuring
time. You will also visit the Albert Hall, which was modeled on the Victoria and
Albert Museum in London and is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 5 Agra
This morning after breakfast proceed to Agra (232 kms / 5 hrs drive approximately),
enroute Visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was built by Emperor Akbar and is home to many
historical buildings. Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his headquarters; however,
he had to abandon it due to shortage of water. The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti
enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint who lived a religious life here. Today,
Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World heritage site. Arrive Agra and check in at hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Agra.
Day 6 Agra
This morning after breakfast proceed for city of Agra, Visit the Red Fort, which
was commissioned in 1565 by Akbar, and subsequently embellished by other Mughal
Emperors. The beautiful yet forbidding structure is a handsome example of Mughal
architecture. Later, visit the Taj Mahal a mausoleum built as a symbol Emperor Shah
Jehans devotion to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Considered an architectural
marvel, its construction took thousands of workers over 21 years to complete. This
edifice is replete with decorative inlays, carvings and calligraphy. Thereafter,
visit Itmad- Ud - Daula, known as the "Baby Taj"; this mausoleum rests in a walled
garden close to the Yamuna River. You will then visit Sikandra, which is also a
mausoleum of the great Emperor Akbar. Akbar designed his own mausoleum as a perfect
blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain designs and motifs, in keeping
with his religious tolerance and secular views. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight
in Agra.
Day 7 Khajuraho
This morning after breakfast proceed to Railway Station to board the train for Jhansi.
Arrive Jhansi and drive to Khajuraho by road (220 kms / 5 hrs drive approximately),
enroute visiting Orchha. Visit the Orchha fort complex. The Jahangir Mahal in the
fort is known for its delicate work balanced with strong masonry. Raj Mahal, the
second palace in this fort complex is well known for its murals, depicting religious
themes. Later, visit the Raja Ram Temple. Lord Ram is worshipped here as a king.
Also visit the Laxmi Narayan temple, a unique blend of temple and fort architecture.
Arrive Khajuraho and check in to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight
in Khajuraho.
Day 8 Varanasi
This morning after breakfast proceed for a half -day tour of Khajuraho. Visit the
Western Group of Temples -the Kandariya Mahadeo is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and
the largest of Khajuraho's temples. The temple of Devi Jagdamba is considered to
be one of the most erotic temples of Khajuraho. Later, visit the Eastern Group of
Temples- The temple of Parsvanath is the largest of the Jain temples in Khajuraho
India and the finest without any sexual motifs. Later proceed to the airport to
board the flight for Varanasi. Arrive in Varanasi, you will be met and assisted
by our representative and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight
in Varanasi.
Day 9 Varanasi
Early morning, enjoy a sublime boat ride on the Ganges River. View the numerous
ghats along the bank of the Ganges, presenting a varied scene from dawn to dusk.
Later back to hotel for breakfast. Visit the Benares Hindu University, the largest
residential university in Asia, a center of Sanskrit, Indian art, culture, and music.
Later, proceed to Sarnath, located eight km from Varanasi. It is famous as the place
where the Buddha first preached his message after attaining nirvana. Visit the Dhamek
Stupa it marks the spot where the Buddha proclaimed his faith in front of his first
five followers. The earliest and most important relic is found here is the Ashoka
pillar, erected in 250 BC. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 10 Onwards
This morning after breakfast proceed to the airport to board the flight for your
onward destination.