Golden Triangle With Varanasi

In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.

After breakfast gather at hotel’s lobby & proceed for guided city tour of Delhi including Jama Masjid followed by Rikshaw ride, Raj Ghat, Humayun’s Tomb – the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drive past through India Gate & Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House), Akshardham Temple (closed on Mondays) – A Hindu temple which exemplifies traditional Hindu culture and architecture. 7000 artisans were involved in the construction of the temple aided by 3000 volunteers.

After sightseeing return to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

En-route visit Sikandra, a famous heritage area of Agra which is most widely known as the burial place of Emperor Akbar. It used to be a favoured architectural site during the Mughal era, especially under Emperor Akbar.

Arrive Agra & check-in at hotel.

Have rest for some time & then visit Agra Fort, large 16th-century fortress of red sandstone located on the Yamuna River in the historic city of Agra. The fort complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

After sightseeing return to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

After visiting Taj Mahal, return to hotel for refreshment & breakfast. And then check out from Agra hotel & continue your journey to proceed for Jaipur, titled as the ‘Pink City’ and known for its hospitality. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the grandeur of Mughal architecture. This magnificent fortified ancient city, 40 Kms west of Agra, was the short-lived capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. When the prophecy of the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne, came true, Akbar built his new capital here, including a stunning mosque – in honour of the saint.

Arrive Jaipur & check-in at hotel.

In evening visit Chokhi Dhani – An Ethnic Village Resort. The place is divided into 2 sections – Chokhi Dhani Resort & Chokhi Dhani Village where the former provides accommodation facilities to the tourists whereas the latter is adorned with the replica of Indian village life and has opened its doors to non-residential tourists to experience the same.

The Chaupad and Sangri traditional sit-down style restaurant have become a ‘must have experience’ among locals and visitors across the globe. Have dinner at this unique dining place in unique style.

Return to hotel & Overnight stay at hotel.

Former residence of Rajput Maharajas, the fort is notable for its grand architecture showcasing Hindu style of art.

Then visit Jantar Mantar – largest of the five astronomical observatories in India and features world’s largest sundial.

Later, explore the City Palace complex that is comprised of two palaces, Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal, a museum, a vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The palace is a blend of the Shilpa Shastra of Indian architecture with Rajput, Mughal and European styles.

Drive past through Jal Mahal where you can take a halt for selfie session as well as here you will get a chance to get photographed in Rajasthani attire & Hawa Mahal – the palace of winds offered complete view of the outside world to the royal ladies without exposing them. In evening, explore the local market and shop for some amazing stuff such as traditional clothes, jewellery, handicraft etc.

Return to hotel & Overnight stay at hotel.

It is believed that after attaining the Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, it was here that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, sanctified as Maha Dharm Chakra Parivartan. Major attractions of Sarnath includes The Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar & Tibetan Temple.

The Chaukhandi Stupa: The Chaukhandi Stupa is regarded as one of the most divine and important monuments of the Buddhist culture. This stupa has been built on the exact spot where the great Lord Buddha first met his five ascetics- to whom he later went on to preach his first teachings. The monument has been erected as a commemoration of this significant event that eventually became instrumental in the rise of the religion of Buddhism. The Chaukhandi Stupa is an evolution over burial mounds and serves as a shrine to the great Lord Buddha.

The Ashoka Pillar: The national emblem of India and a mark of Emperor Ashoka’s visit to Sarnath, the Ashoka Pillar crafted out of stone is an impressive structure with four lions at the top. This 50 m long pillar along with the Dhamek Stupa, are Ashoka’s gift to Buddhism and the entire complex has a calm aura to it. A number of monks are spotted meditating around the compound.

Sarnath Tibetan Temple: This Buddhist shrine has been decorated with Thangksa, which are Tibetan Buddhist paintings. The temple features a statue of Shakyamuni, the Buddha. The Prayer Wheels are seen outside the building which on being rotated clockwise, release paper scrolls with prayers written on them.

In evening, return to Varanasi & overnight stay at hotel.

At sunrise you will take a boat down the river. People flock to the river to greet the rising sun and you will see a panorama of life in a pilgrim town. The activities vary from pilgrims taking a bath in the holy river, to yogis meditating on the steps leading to the river bank to women doing laundry and washing vessels.

After completing this part of the sightseeing, return to hotel and have breakfast. After breakfast, proceed to visit Benaras Hindu University, Dashashwamedha Ghat & Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Foreigners are not allowed to enter the temple premises). You walk through the narrow alleys where you share space with cows, scooters, cycle rickshaws, shops and people, your path leading you to the banks of the Ganges. Here you will again embark on a boat ride to experience renowned evening aarti ceremony, when priests perform a ritual to put the river goddess Ganges to sleep and to ward off evil. The ceremony will be watched from a boat, and we will have time to travel up river viewing some of the ghats which define life in the city.

Return to hotel & Overnight stay at hotel.

The Qutub Minar is a towering 73-meter-high tower built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193. The tower was built to celebrate Muslim dominance in Delhi after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu ruler. This tower is the highest tower in India, complete with five storeys and projecting balconies. The first three storeys of the Qutub Minar are made of red sandstone and the last two are made of marble and sandstone.

Apart from the tower, the Qutub Minar complex comprises of the Quwwat-us-Islam Mosque (the first mosque to be built in India), a 7-metre-high iron pillar, the tomb of Iltutmish, Ala’i-Darwaza and the Ala’I Minar.

Return to hotel & Overnight stay at hotel.