Golden Triangle with Varanasi and Khajuraho itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by flight. Welcome to India- a country where hospitality is a way of life; to a culture steeped in tradition, a land where history lives in music and dance. You will be received at the airport in a traditional manner with garlands and proceed to your hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi
Morning after a relaxed breakfast we will take you to a tour of Delhi.
Pulsing with energy and colour, Old Delhi is laced by a maze of narrow lanes, which twist and turn between the tall, leaning buildings. You will witness the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars where you will experience the full sights, sounds and aromas indicative of the Indian sub continent. In Old Delhi you will visit the famous Red Fort (closed on Monday) surrounded by shops and bazaars, the Jama Masjid with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes and Chandni Chowk. In Old Delhi you will also have an opportunity to experience a rickshaw ride.
As a complete contrast, New Delhi stands in formal splendor. It is a city of wide boulevards that offers ever changing perspectives of Lutyen’s landscaped city. It is also a city known for its formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India in the 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens) and India Gate. In New Delhi you will also visit Qutab Minar, the 72.5 meter high tower dating back to the 13th century, and Humanyun’s Tomb, which was built in the 16th century and architecturally considered the forerunner of the Taj Mahal.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 3: Delhi / Varanasi
In time transfer to Delhi airport to board flight for Varanasi
Depart Delhi at 1045 hrs by 9W K 2423 (Jet Airways)
Arrive Varanasi at 1205 hrs and transfer to hotel.
Varanasi one of the old living cities of the world placed on the banks of the holy Ganges and one of the sacred places of the Hindus. The city known for its spiritualism and religious passion called as Benaras and In the Ancient time this city well-known as Kashi. Hindus consider that a dip in the holy Ganges washes away all the sins and purifies the soul. Varanasi is not only the spiritual capital of India with innumerable temples and places of worship painting the hues of the skyline, but also a very picturesque place with gorgeous backdrop.
Later enjoy the pleasure trip to Sarnath few kilometres from Varanasi. Sarnath, about 10 km from the holy city of Varanasi, is the place where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. The celebrated Mantra, 'Buddham Sharanam Gachhami', owes its origin to Sarnath. On the day before his death Buddha included Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be sacred to his followers. It makes Sarnath one of the most venerated Buddhist places. Besides Buddhism, Sarnath is also connected with Jainism.
Return to Varanasi and Evening we will head towards the Dasaswamedh Ghat (One of the banks of Ganges River.close to Kashi Vishwanath Temple) to witness Ganga Aarti (Evening Prayer). Take a stroll through the Local Market which is very colorful during the evening with lights.
Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 4 : Varanasi / Khajuraho
Early morning enjoy an inspiring and beautiful Sunrise boat ride along the river’s edge to view the temples and the ancient rituals of the thousands of pilgrims who worship here daily. Bear a testimony to the ancient living heritage of thousands of years. Take a long boat ride along the bathing Ghats and later disembark to walk through the ancient narrow lane of Varanasi witnessing the pilgrims going for worship to the temple after they have taken a cleanse from the Holy Dip in the River Ganga, which you will be able to see from outside only, After the boat ride come back to hotel for breakfast.
Post breakfast proceed for city tour of Varanasi. Starts from the visit of Durga temple called as the Sankat Mochan temple and the Bharat Mata temple.
Then in time transfer to Varanasi airport to board flight for Khajuraho.
Depart Varanasi at 1235 hrs by 9W K 2423 (Jet Airways) Arrive Khajuraho at 1325 hrs and transfer to hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing of Khajuraho visiting temples.
Afternoon proceed to visit Temples of Khajuraho (In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique. One thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly carved, came up on one site, near the village of Khajuraho. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity. Today, of the original 85, only 22 have survived the ravages of time; these remain as a collective paean to life, to joy and to creativity; to the ultimate fusion of man with his creator).
Overnight in Khajuraho.
Day 5: Khajuraho - Jhansi
Moring drive to Orchha ( Approx. 180 Kms/ 4 hrs drive). Upon arrival proceed for sightseeing of Orchha.
Orchha is a small town placed on the banks of River Betwa and accurately translates to "hidden place "and is a well known traveler Destination. Orchha is residence to Bundella style of structural design and the palaces of Orchha bear observer to the magnificent work of medieval architects. The famous amongst this are Raj Mahal and Jahangir Mahal. The Rajmandir - built on a square base has plain external with project-ing windows. The Jahangir Mahal, built to welcome the Mughal emperor Jahangir is the magnificent exam-ple of Hindu structural design. The other attractions include the Raj Mahal, The Sheesh Mahal, the chaturbhuj temple. Along with these there are numerous Chhatris of royals or cenotaphs dotting the banks of the river Betwa.
Then in time transfer to Jhansi railway station to board Shatabdi Express train to Agra.
Depart Jhansi at 1759 hrs by Shatabdi Express
Arrive Agra at 2030 hrs and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 6: Agra
Morning sightseeing of Agra visiting Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) and Agra fort.
Then visit Taj Mahal Someone rightly said, ‘see the Taj and die’ and the Taj certainly surpasses this thought. Described as the most spectacular monuments ever built for love, Taj Mahal is the Agra fascination and greatest pride of India. One of the legendary Indian poet -Rabindranath Tagore described its beauty as “a teardrop on the face of eternity”. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died after giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. Around 20,000 workers devoted day and night to construct this magnificent monument.
Taj Mahal proved to be the costliest tomb ever build on this earth. Specialists were brought in from Europe and other Asian counties to produce the exquisite marble screens and pietra dura made with the thousands of semi precious stones. It is said that Shah Jahan also wanted to built a black Taj Mahal as a tomb for himself on the opposite side if the river Yamuna. Locals guides are found saying that he want to portray his negative image, when his own son Aurangzeb threw his son into the jail, but sadly he could not afford his grandiose plans.
The Taj is the monument of love, so its each and every detail has been conceptualized with at most care and meaning. The architects and builders made it a point not to confront the viewer with the mind boggling all at once. So they made the entry through a dazzling arched gateway inscribed with verses from Koran. The credit of designing this spectacular mausoleum goes to the architect Ustad Isa Khan Effendi from Iran. The best marble were transported from Makrana in Rajasthan, and the precious stones came from Afghanistan, Persia and Central Asia.
Agra Fort (Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. More often than not, the Agra Fort is overshadowed by the pristine beauty of the Taj, but for those looking for something beyond romance, the Agra Fort is worth seeing. Situated on the bank ofriver Yamuna, the Agra Fort today, stands as a citadel of the past that has witnessed centuries slip by).
Afternoon visit Itmad ud Daulah.
Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah- Before the Taj Mahal was built, its design was already standing in the form of Itmad Ud Daulah’s Tomb, hence it is affectionately known as the ‘Baby Taj’. Built to represent a silver jewel box in marble, this mausoleum houses the body of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the father of the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 7 : Agra - Jaipur
After breakfast proceed to Jaipur ( Approx. 245 Kms / 5 ½ hrs drive) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri (40 kms west of Agra, is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone and is called Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1570 and 1585. It is one of the finest examples of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture).
After the sightseeing continue for Jaipur.Upon arrival transfer to hotel for check in.
Jaipur – The Pink City : Jaipur needed a fresh coat of paint to welcome its distinguished guest the Prince of Wales in 1905-6. The contractor inability to supply any other color in the required quantity compelled the choice of pink shade for its walls. A contractors compulsion famed Jaipur to Pinkcity. Since then the PINK color is associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 8: Jaipur
After breakfast, you will be taken for sightseeing of Jaipur. Morning proceed to Amer fort complex stands amidst wooded hills. One of the finest examples of Rajput/Mughal architecture. Built in 16th century it stands as a testament reflecting the glory of the fierce Kachawaha Dynasty that ruled over the region from 12th to the 18th century. The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture.
Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1952 and completed by Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort- palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. In the foreground is the Maota Lake providing a breathtaking look. Built mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents within the ramparts of the fort.
Then proceed to visit Hawa Mahal which is the best-known landmark of Jaipur. In the heart of the city is situated the City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The place is now a museum except for one section where the erstwhile royal family still lives. Jantar Mantar is only one of the five ob-servatories constructed by Jai Singh to whom the city owes its name. Central Museum has a large collec-tion of costumes, woodwork, brassware, jewelry, and pottery. The hilltop forts of Nahargarh, Jaigarh, and Amber constitute the real Rajputana legacy. The Maota Lake offers a breathtaking reflection of the mag-nificent Amber Fort-Palace.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 9 : Jaipur / Delhi
After breakfast morning drive back to Delhi airport to board your flight for next destination (Approx. 250 Kms / 5 ½ hrs drive).
Tour Highlight
Delhi: Chandni Chowk, Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar
Varanasi: Sarnath Excursion, Aarti on the Ghat of Ganges and Morning boat ride on River Ganges
Khajuraho: Erotic temples of Khajuraho
Agra: Taj Maha, Agra Fort & Itmad Ud Daulah’s Tomb
Jaipur: Elephant ride at Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Observatory
Prices Include:
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Accommodation for (8) nights on twin share basis in the mentioned hotels and similar
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Breakfast at hotels.
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Services of English Speaking Local Guide for the sightseeing as per the itinerary.
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One time entrances to the monuments as per the itinerary
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Train fare for the sector Jhansi-Agra using air-conditioned Chair Car.
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Transport will be using air conditioned Innova Car or similar
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All currently applicable taxes
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All current Government taxes are included in the above price, which are subject to change without any notice.
Prices DO NOT Include:
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International , visa fees, airport tax or any kind of insurance cover
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Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, camera fees etc
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Car at disposal or any sightseeing on leisure days unless specified above
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Early check in or a late checkout room (s) at any hotel (s) unless specified above
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Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in flight and train schedule; cancellation of flights/trains, political disturbances, natural phenomenon, etc
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Any airfare – international or domestic
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Any porterage at hotel (for baggage on arrival and departure from the hotel).
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Camera/video camera fee at monuments
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Any other item not specifically mentioned above as 'INCLUDED'.
