Golden Triangle and Varanasi Tours

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Meet our representative and transfer to hotel. Morning visit Old Delhi - explore the massive Red Fort built in 1648, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, visit Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, and pay respects at Raj Ghat - the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon tour of New Delhi - drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House. Visit Humayun's Tomb - a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Qutub Minar - the tallest brick minaret in the world at 73 meters. Return to hotel. Overnight stay at Delhi.

Morning drive to Jaipur (280 kms, approx 5 hours) - the Pink City of Rajasthan. Check into hotel and freshen up. Afternoon visit City Palace - a beautiful blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture with courtyards, gardens, and museums. Explore Jantar Mantar - the astronomical observatory with massive stone instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh. Drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its unique facade of 953 windows. Evening stroll through the colorful bazaars of Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar for textiles, gemstones, and blue pottery. Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Morning excursion to Amber Fort (11 kms from city). Enjoy an elephant ride up to the main gate. Explore Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful gardens with water channels. Afternoon visit Nahargarh Fort - perched on the Aravalli hills offering panoramic views of Jaipur city. Visit the Royal Gaitor - the royal crematorium with beautiful cenotaphs of Jaipur's rulers. Evening enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner with folk dance and music performance. Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Morning drive to Agra (240 kms, approx 5 hours). Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri - the impressive sandstone fortress city built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Explore Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate) - the tallest gateway in the world, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, and the Royal Palace complex with its courtyards and pavilions. Continue drive to Agra. Check into hotel. Evening visit Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) for a spectacular sunset view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River. Overnight stay at Agra.

Early morning (5:30 AM) visit to the Taj Mahal for sunrise viewing - witness the white marble monument change colors with the rising sun. Explore the gardens, mosque, and the main mausoleum with its intricate inlay work. Return to hotel for breakfast. Afternoon visit Agra Fort - a massive red sandstone fortress containing the Pearl Mosque, Hall of Public Audience, and Hall of Private Audience with stunning views of the Taj Mahal. Also visit Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (Baby Taj) - built by Empress Noor Jahan for her father. Evening free for shopping of marble inlay work and leather goods. Overnight stay at Agra.

Morning after breakfast, drive to Delhi (230 kms, approx 4 hours) via the Yamuna Expressway. On arrival at Delhi, check into hotel. Afternoon free for shopping at Connaught Place, Dilli Haat, or Select Citywalk Mall. Visit the local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts. Evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a popular Delhi restaurant. Overnight stay at Delhi.

Morning transfer to Delhi Airport for flight to Varanasi (approx 1 hour 30 minutes). On arrival at Varanasi, transfer to hotel and freshen up. Afternoon explore the ancient city - visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple - one of the most sacred Shiva temples in India. Walk through the narrow lanes of the old city to reach the ghats. Evening witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat - a mesmerizing spiritual ritual with fire, incense, chanting, and bells. Watch priests performing rituals with lamps and prayers to the river Ganges. Experience the spiritual energy of the ghats. Overnight stay at Varanasi.

Early morning boat ride on the River Ganges at sunrise - witness the devotional rituals and bathing ceremonies at the ghats. Visit the Manikarnika Ghat - the main cremation ghat, and observe the cycle of life and death. Return to hotel for breakfast. Afternoon drive to Sarnath (10 kms) - the site of Buddha's first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Ashoka Pillar with its famous lion capital. Visit the Archaeological Museum to see the original lion capital. Evening explore the local bazaars of Varanasi for Banarasi silk sarees and handicrafts. Overnight stay at Varanasi.