This is a fantastic 10 days - Golden Triangle Tour with Khajuraho and Varanasi, covering the most famous cities of India - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, Khajuraho and Varanasi. Khajuraho is the best architectural wonders of India and Varanasi (Benaras) is the spiritual capital of India. Moreover, a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra will amaze you. The visit continues with the exploration of the opulent palaces, temples and royal chhatris (cenotaphs) inspired by the mixed Rajput-Mughal architecture. You will also visit the famous Hindu and Jain temples of Khajuraho with the best temple art with their erotic carvings and intricate carvings. This tour ends in the spiritual city of Varanasi where you will see the Ganga Aarti.
Upon your arrival at Delhi International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. It is a city that has long been a charming symbol of India's beautiful past and prosperous present. It never ceases to enchant its visitors with its wonderful mix of different nationalities, cultures and traditions, the heritage of ancient times and its modern lifestyle all rolled into one. Rest of the Day at leisure.
This morning, after breakfast, departure for the visit of the city of Delhi. Visit the fascinating monuments that remind you of when India was one of the most beautiful jewels of the British Empire. Visit the tallest minar - Qutub Minar, built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 to mark the beginning of the Muslim religion that rules India. Visit the elegant and impressive Red Fort, a Mughal architectural heritage. Then visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Visit Chandni Chowk, the oldest and largest bazaar in Old Delhi. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the lively streets of Chandni Chowk. And head to Rajghat, a memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. An eternal flame burns on one side of this memoraial. Visit Humayun's Tomb, the first garden tomb in India. The highlight of this tomb, inspired by Persian architecture, are the four square gardens with water channels that surround the tomb. Pass by Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India, and India Gate, a gate built in honor of soldiers who died during World War I.
In the morning, after breakfast and check-out, drive to the beautiful city of Jaipur, also known as the pink city of India. Jaipur is a city known as the Pink City of India due to the extensive use of pink sandstone in various buildings in the city. Jaipur is a city of royal palaces and ancient forts. The monuments have a multitude of architectural styles and the bustling bazaars are known for their traditional handicrafts and jewelry. The atmosphere of this city says a lot about the rich lifestyle of the Rajput kings. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free.
This morning after breakfast, your tour starts with day sightseeing of Jaipur. Explore India's Pink City, start with a visit to Amber Fort and enjoy a jeep or elephant ride to Amber Fort. Then explore the City Palace and Museum, located in the heart of the pink city of Jaipur. It is private and divided into a series of courtyards, recumbent gardens, buildings and the residence of the royal family of Jaipur. Visit Jantra Mantar, an astronomical observatory that houses the largest sundial in the world: Samrat Yantra. Then visit the Hawa Mahal, known as the Palace of the Winds. This palace is built in red and pink sandstone. It is a five storey mansion built in 1799 under the Rajput rule. Enjoy the photo in front of the Jal Mahal (Water Palace) is a palace in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in the city of Jaipur. Later, the evening is free to visit the markets for fabrics, carpets, handicrafts and jewelry.
After breakfast departure for Agra. Along the way, visit the 16th century Fatehpur Sikri, home to some of the magnificent monuments of the Mughal era. Here, visit Panch Mahal (a five-story palace built by Mughal Emperor Akbar), Buland Darwaza (the world's tallest gate built by Emperor Akbar in 1601 to commemorate his victory over Gujarat), and more. Later we proceed to Agra, it is a beautiful city located on the banks of the Yamuna River. It is marbled with many historical architectures which determine the grandeur of the Mughal era in India. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
This morning after breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Agra city, first visit the Tajmahal at sunrise. Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Taj Mahal was built in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Later, visit the historic Agra Fort - Agra Fort is built of red sandstones and is a marvelous symbol of Mughal architecture. The fort is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River. This fort was built by the third Mughal emperor Akbar. Sheesh Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwani-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas are some of the excellent constructions in this fort. Agra has a very rich heritage of handicrafts market, you can have a look even at the evening.
In the morning transfer to the train station to take the Shatabdi train to Jhansi. Upon arrival in Jhansi Railway station, meet our representative and drive to Khajuraho. Then explore the Eastern and Western Temples of Khajuraho. Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandela kings and the temples were built in an amazingly short period of 100 years, between 950 - 1050 AD. Most of them were destroyed by Islamic invaders. Decorated with beautiful carvings, of the original 85 temples, only 22 remain. The temples of Khajuraho are covered with hundreds of sculpted figures: a galaxy of Gods and Goddesses, creature and serpents and a multitude of erotic couples representing the passion to live, love and enjoy.
After breakfast, our driver will drop you to the airport to board your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi, our company representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for the rest of the day. Varanasi is a city located on the banks of the Ganges, the second longest river in India. Formerly known as Kashi and Benares, this city is around 3000 years old. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus as it is considered the abode of Lord Shiva (God of Destruction). Every year Hindu devotees visit this city to take a holy bath in the Ganges, which is said to wash away all sins.
Today, your Varanasi sightseeing tour begins with a morning boat ride on the Ganges. Enjoy the spectacular view of the sunrise and return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast departure to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It is the place dotted with many Buddhist pilgrimage sites of great importance. If you are a devoted Buddha follower, a visit to this place is a must. Then visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Benaras Hindu University and other important monuments. Next, visit the new Vishwanath Temple, also known as Birla Mandir. Housed in the Hindu University of Benaras, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (god of destruction). It took about 35 years to build this temple.
And visit the Tulsi Manas Temple, built by the royal family of Benares in 1964. It is believed that the legendary poet Tulsidas wrote the great Indian epic Ramcharitramanas. Near this temple is the Durga Temple (Monkey Temple) dedicated to Goddess Durga (Divine Feminine Energy). In the evening, watch the spectacular Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a daily nighttime ceremony that has been practiced on the banks of the Ganges for thousands of years.
Morning After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Varanasi Airport / Railway Station for onward your journey.
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