This is a fantastic 11 days exploit to the Golden Triangle of India which consists of the most famous cities of India: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and the best architectural wonders of India: Orchha, Khajuraho and the spiritual capital of India: Varanasi. We provide a range of activities such as a rickshaw ride through the streets of Old Delhi and the thrill of an elephant ride to Amber Fort in Jaipur. Moreover, a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra will amaze you. Your tour continues by exploring Orchha taking you to the era of Rajput rule, with its beautiful palaces, temples and royal chhatris (cenotaphs) inspired by 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 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 free.
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 ruling 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 bustling 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, check-out the hotel and drive to the beautiful city of Jaipur. Jaipur is a city known as the Pink City of India due to the substantial use of pink sandstone in numerous buildings in the city. Its monuments feature a numberless of architectural styles and its bustling bazaars are famous 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 begins with day trips to Jaipur. Explore India's Pink City, starting with a visit to Amber Fort and enjoy a jeep or elephant ride to Amber Fort. Then explore the City Palace and Museum in the heart of the pink city of Jaipur. It is private and divided into courtyards, gardens, buildings and the residence of the royal family of Jaipur. Visit the Jantra Mantar, an astronomical observatory that houses the largest sundial in the world - the Samrat Yantra. Next, visit Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds. This palace is built in red and pink sandstone. It is a five storey mansion built in 1799 during the rule of Rajput. Enjoy the photo in front of 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 tthe markets for jewelry, fabrics, carpets and handicrafts.
After breakfast, departure for Agra. En-route, 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. The day is free at leisure.
Early in the morning, visit the Taj Mahal - the most extravagant symbol of love, devotion and purity. The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is an ivory-white marble monument built in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. An interesting fact about this impressive building is that it turns pink in the morning, milky white at night, and golden at night when the moonlight falls on it. Watching the sunrise over this iconic landmark is truly a sight to behold. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Next, visit the historic Agra Fort - Agra Fort is built of red sandstone and is a marvelous symbol of Mughal architecture. This fort was built by the 3rd Mughal Emperor Akbar. Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), Khas Mahal, Diwani-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) are some of the outstanding constructions in this fort.
In the morning transfer to Agra railway station to board the Shatabdi train for Jhansi. On arrival at Jhansi railway station, meet our representative and we will take you to Orchha. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Orchha is a city dotted with elegantly beautiful palaces and temples built by the Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries, which still retain much of their original excellence. After rest visit Orchha Fort complex. Visit the Jehangir Mahal, built in the 17th century by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo to commemorate Emperor Jehangir's visit to Orchha. Its strong lines offset the delicate chhatris and trellis. Explore the Raj Mahal crowned with chhatris and magnificent interiors, colorful murals based on religious themes. Visit the Ram Raja Temple which is very unusual as it is a palace converted into a temple where Rama is worshiped as Raja. Go to the Laxminarayan Temple which is connected to the Ram Raja Temple by a stone wall. Its interior contains the most beautiful murals of Orchha.
After breakfast, you will drive to Khajuraho. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandela kings and their temples were built in a short period of 100 years from 950-1050 AD. Most of them were eradicated by Muslim invaders. Decorated with beautiful carvings, only 22 of the original 85 temples remain. The temples of Khajuraho are covered with hundreds of carved figures: a galaxy of gods and goddesses, beasts and serpents, and a plethora of erotic couples. After some relaxing time, visit the Khajuraho group of temples, which speaks volumes about the greatness of the Chandela kings. These temples are about 200 years old. It is a series of temples divided into east, west and south wings. The east wing is mainly dominated by carefully designed Jain temples. The Parsvanath Temple is the largest temple in this district. The west wing is home to some of the best temples including Andariya Mahadev Temple, Devi Jagadambe Temple, Chausat Yogini Temple, and Chitragupt Temple, etc., while the south wing consists of three temples: Duladeo Temple, Chaturbhuj temple and Bejamandal temple. All these temples feature beautiful detailing, erotic carvings that cannot be found anywhere else in India.
After breakfast, our driver will drop you to the airport to board your flight to Varanasi.
Upon arrival in Varanasi, get transferred to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel and free for the rest of the day. Varanasi is a city located on the banks of the Ganges, India's second longest river. Formerly known as Kashi and Benares, this city is about 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.
Varanasi city tour begins with a morning boat ride on the Ganges. Enjoy the magnificent view of the sunrise then return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast continue to Sarnath where Buddha delivered his first sermon. It is a place dotted with many Buddhist pilgrimage sites of great importance. If you are a devout Buddha follower, this is a must visit place. Next, visit the new Vishwanath Temple, also known as Birla Mandir. Installed at the Hindu University of Benares, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (God of destruction). The construction of this temple took about 35 years. Head to the Tulsi Manas Temple, built by the royal family of Benares in 1964. It is believed to be where 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, witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a daily night ritual 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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