Golden Triangle Tour with Khajuraho & Varanasi
- Duration
09 Nights / 10 Days
- Best time to visit
September - March
- Pickup / Drop
New Delhi / Varanasi Airport
Tour Overview : Golden Triangle and Khajuraho & Varanasi
Embark on an unforgettable journey through India's cultural tapestry with our Golden Triangle tour enhanced by Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varanasi. Begin in Delhi, where historic landmarks like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar showcase the city's Mughal and colonial past. Proceed to Agra to witness the mesmerizing Taj Mahal and explore the grand Agra Fort.
Journey onward to Jaipur, the vibrant Pink City, known for its majestic palaces and forts including the Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal. From Jaipur, venture to Orchha, a hidden gem with its medieval architecture and serene ambience, offering insights into India's royal heritage.
Continue to Khajuraho, renowned for its UNESCO-listed temples adorned with intricate sculptures depicting life and spirituality. Explore the architectural marvels that narrate tales of love, devotion, and mythology.
Conclude your tour in Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, where ancient temples and ghats along the sacred Ganges River create a mystical atmosphere. Experience the serene beauty of the Ganga Aarti ceremony and delve into the spiritual traditions that have shaped India's cultural landscape for millennia.
This comprehensive tour promises a blend of history, spirituality, and architectural wonders, providing a deep understanding of India's rich heritage and diverse cultural traditions.
Tour Highlights
- Taj Mahal in Agra: Marvel at the iconic marble masterpiece, a symbol of eternal love and UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Khajuraho Temples: Explore intricately carved temples showcasing exquisite sculptures and artistry, depicting various aspects of life and spirituality.
- Varanasi's Ghats: Experience the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi's ghats along the Ganges River, where rituals and ceremonies unfold daily.
- Orchha's Medieval Architecture: Discover Orchha's architectural splendor with its forts, palaces, and temples reflecting a rich historical legacy.
- Jaipur's Royal Heritage: Immerse yourself in Jaipur's royal heritage at Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal, offering a glimpse into Rajasthan's regal past.
Tour Plan - Itinerary
Welcome to Delhi!
Welcome to Delhi! Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you'll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in a comfortable, private vehicle. Check-in and take some time to settle into your room. After check-in, you have the afternoon to relax and recover from your journey. You can take a short rest in your room or explore the hotel's facilities.
If you feel refreshed, you can head out for a leisurely exploration of nearby attractions:
Connaught Place: Visit this bustling commercial and financial hub in Delhi, known for its colonial-era buildings, restaurants, and shops.
Janpath Market: Just a short walk from Connaught Place, this market is perfect for picking up souvenirs, handicrafts, and ethnic wear.
Return to your hotel. Take this time to relax and prepare for the exciting day of sightseeing ahead.Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Delhi.
- No Meals
- 20 Kms/45 Min
- New Delhi
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Meet your driver in the hotel lobby to start your day of sightseeing.
- Head to Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this 73-meter tall minaret and learn about its history dating back to the 12th century.
- Proceed to Humayun’s Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the inspiration for the Taj Mahal's design. Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens and marvel at the Mughal architecture.
- Visit India Gate, a war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Take a walk around the area and enjoy the lush greenery.
- Drive past the President's House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) and the Parliament House for a glimpse of the grand governmental buildings.
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (at your own cost), sampling a variety of North Indian dishes.
- Head to Red Fort, a massive Mughal fortification made of red sandstone. Explore its impressive structures, including Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience).
- Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Climb to the top of its minaret for a panoramic view of Old Delhi.
- Explore Raj Ghat, the serene memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, where you can pay your respects and reflect on his legacy.
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi's oldest and busiest markets. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through its narrow lanes, teeming with shops, food stalls, and historic buildings.
- Breakfast
- Delhi
Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at your hotel. Check-out from the hotel. Meet your driver in the lobby and begin your journey to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. The drive will take approximately 5-6 hours (265 km). Continue your drive, enjoying the changing landscapes and scenic views of rural India along the way.
Arrive in Jaipur and check in to your hotel. Take some time to rest and freshen up. Have lunch at the hotel or at a local restaurant, sampling some delicious Rajasthani cuisine.
Experience a traditional Rajasthani evening at Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort. Enjoy cultural performances, folk dances, puppet shows, camel rides, and a traditional Rajasthani dinner.
Return to your hotel. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, perhaps enjoying the hotel's amenities or taking a relaxing stroll around the property. Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Jaipur.
- Breakfast
- 265 Kms/5 Hrs
- Jaipur
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, meet your guide and head out for a day of exploring Jaipur's rich heritage.
Your first stop is the Amber Fort, a stunning hilltop fort located just outside the city. Ascend to the fort's entrance on an elephant or by jeep, enjoying the panoramic views of Maota Lake below. Once inside, explore the beautiful courtyards, intricate palaces, and ornate halls, including the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) and the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience).
After your visit to Amber Fort, drive back to the city and visit the City Palace, a splendid blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Wander through its various courtyards, museums, and buildings, including the Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal, which house a collection of royal costumes, artifacts, and armory.
Next, head to the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the collection of architectural astronomical instruments, designed to measure time, predict eclipses, and track celestial bodies.
Visit the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), known for its unique five-story façade with 953 small windows. Learn about the history of this remarkable structure, built for royal ladies to observe street festivities while remaining unseen.
Evening: Shopping and Local Flavors : In the evening, take a stroll through Jaipur's vibrant bazaars, such as Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, famous for their jewelry, textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Enjoy shopping for traditional Rajasthani items and witnessing the lively atmosphere.
Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening, reflecting on the day's experiences. Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Jaipur.
- Breakfast
- Jaipur
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Jaipur. Afterward, check out and meet your driver to start your journey to Agra.
En route to Agra, stop at the historic city of Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This abandoned city, built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Explore the well-preserved red sandstone buildings, including the Buland Darwaza (Gate of Victory), Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, and the Tomb of Salim Chishti.
Continue your journey to Agra. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to freshen up and relax.
Visit the magnificent Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sprawling red sandstone fortress, once the main residence of the Mughal emperors, contains beautiful palaces, mosques, and audience halls. Explore notable structures like the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and the stunning Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque).
Next, visit Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, also known as the "Baby Taj." This exquisite mausoleum is often considered a draft of the Taj Mahal and showcases intricate marble inlay work and beautiful gardens.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling Mughlai cuisine, which Agra is famous for. After dinner, return to your hotel. Spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps enjoying the hotel's amenities or taking a relaxing walk. Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Agra.
- Breakfast
- 250 Kms/5 Hrs
- Agra
Start your day early with a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Witness the stunning beauty of this iconic monument bathed in the soft morning light, creating a magical and serene atmosphere. Take your time to explore the intricate details and gardens while learning about its history and significance.
Return to your hotel for breakfast and check out. Later drop at Agra Railway station to board Express Train to Jhansi which takes around 3 Hrs to reach Jhansi. Arrive at Jhansi Railway Station, where our representative will greet you. Begin your journey to Orchha, located approximately 18 kilometers from Jhansi. The drive takes around 30 minutes. Arrive Orchha and visit :
- Orchha Fort Complex: Explore the Orchha Fort Complex, which includes impressive structures like Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, and Rai Parveen Mahal. Admire the intricate architecture and historical significance of these palaces.
- Chaturbhuj Temple: Visit the Chaturbhuj Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its towering structure and ornate design.
- Raja Ram Temple: Pay homage at Raja Ram Temple, known for its beautiful frescoes and the idol of Lord Ram.
- Breakfast
- 2:40 Hrs
- 190 Kms/4 Hrs
- Khajurao
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Khajuraho. Meet our driver at hotels lobby and proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Khajuraho.
- Western Group of Temples: Begin your exploration at the Western Group of Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and intricate sculptures depicting various aspects of life. Highlights include the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Devi Jagadambi Temple, and Chitragupta Temple.
- Eastern Group of Temples: Visit the Eastern Group of Temples, which includes notable temples like Parsvanath Temple, Adinath Temple, and Ghantai Temple.
- Southern Group of Temples: Explore the Southern Group of Temples, including Duladeo Temple and Chaturbhuj Temple, each offering unique architectural styles and historical significance.
- Light and Sound Show: Attend the mesmerizing Sound and Light Show at the Western Group of Temples. The show narrates the history and significance of Khajuraho and its temples through captivating audio-visual effects.
- Breakfast
- Khajuraho
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Khajuraho. Check out from your hotel and transfer to Khajuraho Airport. Board your flight from Khajuraho to Varanasi. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
Upon arrival in Varanasi, check-in at your hotel and freshen up. Rest of the day free to relax.
Evening: Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti Ceremony
Boat Ride on Ganges: Experience a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River during sunset, witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Ganga Aarti: Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat or another prominent ghat in Varanasi. This ritualistic worship involves chants, prayers, and oil lamp offerings, creating a spiritual ambiance by the river.
Spend the night at your hotel in Varanasi, reflecting on the spiritual experiences of the day and preparing for tomorrow's exploration of this ancient city.
- Breakfast
- 1:00 Hrs
- Varanasi
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Varanasi. After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Varanasi
- Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Begin your exploration with a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most sacred temples for Hindus and a significant pilgrimage site.
- Explore Old Varanasi: Wander through the narrow alleys of Old Varanasi (Varanasi's Old City), soaking in the bustling atmosphere, ancient architecture, and vibrant markets.
- Bharat Mata Temple: Visit the unique Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, showcasing a relief map of the Indian subcontinent carved out of marble.
- Sarnath Excursion: Explore the Sarnath Archaeological Site, including the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Ashoka Pillar. Learn about Buddhism's profound influence and visit the Sarnath Museum to see ancient artifacts and sculptures.
- Breakfast
- Varanasi
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Varanasi. Spend some free time relaxing or exploring any last-minute sights in Varanasi.Check out from your hotel and proceed to Varanasi Airport. Board your flight from Varanasi to Delhi. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to the international terminal for your onward international flight.
- Breakfast
- 1.5 Hrs
Inclusions and Exclusions
Package Cost : On Request
(Package Cost is per person on twin share)
Accommodation
City | Superior | Premium |
---|---|---|
Delhi | Hotel Emerald | Pride Plaza |
Agra | Royal Sarovar Portico | Grand Mercure |
Jaipur | Fern Residency | The Lalit |
Khajuraho | Ramada | Radisson |
Varanasi | Meradan Grand | Ideal Towers |
Travel Tips
- Respect Local Customs: India has diverse cultural norms; dress modestly, especially at religious sites.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry bottled water and stay hydrated, especially during hot weather and while exploring.
- Currency and Payments: Have a mix of cash (Indian Rupees) and cards; smaller towns may have limited card acceptance.
- Health Precautions: Consider vaccinations and travel insurance; avoid drinking tap water and be cautious with street food.
- Documentation: Keep your passport, visa, and travel documents handy for international departure formalities.
- Safety Awareness: Be vigilant with belongings in crowded areas; consider a money belt or secure bag for valuables.
- Sun Protection: Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.