This 08-day Golden Triangle tour will be taking you through popular destinations of India – New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur as well as an extended tour to Varanasi - the holy city of India and one of the most ancient cities in the world. Delhi will give you a pleasant surprise with its interesting mix of history, art, culture and architectural wonders from the ancient and the modern time. Explore Mughal era architectural wonders, which includes World Heritage Sites, in Agra. In Rajasthan, admire the magnificent royal forts and palaces of Jaipur. Varanasi will give you spiritual enlightenment and a glimpse of the centuries old Hindu traditions along with temples and ghats (embankments by the river) of the holy River Ganges. Enjoy a Rickshaw Ride in the streets of old part of Delhi city, an elephant ride in Jaipur, the spectacular Ganga Aarti (worship rituals of the Ganges), a soulful morning Boat Ride on the River Ganges in Varanasi, Buddhist pilgrimage in Sarnath (Varanasi) and lots more. The package also includes accommodation in hotels, private guide, meals, transport and more. The icing on the cake, we have customized this tour to coincide with HOLI, just for you to experience and enjoy India’s most popular festival - Holi, festival of colours. A private Holi celebration at a royal heritage property in Jaipur accompanied with colourful riot of organic colours, Rajasthani music and dance, special Holi delicacies and more awaits to delight you.
Highlights
● Delhi - Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Henna tattoo and lots more.
● Agra - Agra Fort and a Sunrise visit to the world-famous World Heritage site - Taj Mahal.
● Jaipur - Elephant Ride at Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar.
● Varanasi - Ganga Aarti ritual, Temples, Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges, walk through the narrow lanes and a visit to Sarnath - an ancient Buddhist heritage site.
● HOLI in Jaipur - private group celebrations at a heritage property with organic colours, music, dance, food, traditional attires and lots more.
● Personal guide in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi.
● Private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned sedan.
DAY 1
February 26: Arrival in Delhi
Upon arrival, our representative will greet you at the Delhi Airport, and then transfer you to your hotel.
The Capital city of India, Delhi is a striking modern metropolis. Delhi has been repeatedly destroyed by erstwhile empires, and yet, it has sprung back to life time and again. This city narrates the history of India in its ruins of lost empires. The rich past of Delhi has brought India through history books. Settled by Mughals and later by the British; Delhi is dotted with ancient streets, architectural marvels and vibrant marketplaces that will be etched forever in a your memories.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.
DAY 2
February 27: Delhi Sightseeing - Agra
Morning after breakfast, proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Delhi. We’ll start with Humayun’s Tomb, a memorial to the 2nd Mughal Emperor, Humayun. It is supposed to be the first Indo-Islamic buildings of India. Now visit Qutub Minar; built in 1192, Qutub Minar is the tallest single tower in India, and perhaps the tallest minaret in the world.
Also, get a henna tattoo applied in Delhi as a memorable souvenir.
After sightseeing in Delhi, drive to the wonderful former city of the Mughals Kings - Agra, home to the famous Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.
DAY 3
February 28: Agra Sightseeing - Jaipur
Enjoy an early morning visit to the world-renowned and World Heritage site of Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays). The Taj Mahal, which is one man’s monumental testimony to love, has become synonymous not only with this city, but with all of India. A mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his empress Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is the primary attraction of the city. Located close to the Taj Mahal, you’ll now visit the Agra Fort, which lies on the bend of the river Yamuna. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar over 1565-73 AD, it was successively occupied and added to by Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast, then check-out and drive to Jaipur - the flamboyant and historical capital of Rajasthan. Rajasthan's beautiful Pink City Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city are important attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check-in to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 4
March 01: Jaipur Sightseeing
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Start with Amer Fort, a 16th century magnificent fort with beautiful display of Hindu and Islamic art and architecture. Now visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory with world’s largest stone sundial to boast. Next, to the stunning Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Built exclusively for the Royal Ladies in the late 18th century, the palace has hundreds of ornate little windows that acts like a natural air coolant. Lastly, visit City Palace, from where the Maharajas of Jaipur ruled, situated at the heart of the city, which also houses the City Palace Museum.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Jaipur.
DAY 5
March 02: Jaipur [Holi Celebrations]
Your breakfast this morning is followed by the much awaited day of the tour - Holi celebrations. We will take you to a royal heritage property where you will indulge in a group Holi celebration. Here, you will be entertained with Rajasthani folk music and dance, treated to delicious Indian sweets and snacks, offered traditional Rajasthani attires to wear, groovy Bollywood music and lots more. Get ready to face a riot of colours as you enter the cheerful Holi celebrations.
After a fun-filled Holi celebration, return to the hotel in the evening. Relax and stay overnight at the hotel in Jaipur.
DAY 6
March 03: Jaipur - Varanasi (by Flight)
After breakfast at hotel, check-out and proceed to Jaipur Airport to take a flight to Varanasi. On arrival, check-in to your hotel and relax.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.
DAY 7
March 04: Varanasi Sightseeing
This morning proceed for an early Morning Boat ride on the River Ganges, a ferry pilgrimage from Ghat to Ghat. People bath early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation Ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns day & night. After the Ghat tour, return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, proceed to Sarnath, just 10 km from Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centres, and one of the holiest Buddhist sites. It is here Lord Buddha had preached his first sermon to his pupils after attainment of Nirvana or enlightenment in 530 B.C.
After Sarnath, return to Varanasi and explore the city. Visit ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple, walk through the narrow streets and alleys of the city leading to various hidden and popular market areas as well as other attractions. Evening, you will attend the popular evening Ganga Aarti ritual (Ganga Aarti is the riverside prayer rituals done in honour of the holy river goddess Ganges) at the bank of the River Ganges. At the Aarti, watch well-choreographed traditional worship rituals done by Hindu priests where they chant holy Sanksrit prayers and sway huge brass lamps in their hands and blow conch shells to produce divine music. Later, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.
DAY 8
March 05: Varanasi - Delhi
After breakfast, check-out of the hotel and transfer to the airport to board a flight to Delhi Airport. Upon arrival in Delhi, connect a flight to home/onward destination.
