Golden Triangle with Khajuraho and Varanasi Tour

Golden Triangle with Khajuraho and Varanasi

10 DAYS & 11 NIGHTS, 

Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho & Varanasi

• Day 1 - Arrive Delhi
   

  Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Delhi is often distinguished as the old and new, the old referring to the pre –British habitations and the new is Lutyen’s Delhi, built to suit British sensibilities and the rapidly expanding city of independent India.

  Overnight at hotel.

   
• Day 2 - Delhi
   

  Morning sightseeing of old Delhi, Drive past the Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone, the Raj Ghat, - memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India. Spend some time in Chandni Chowk to savour the ambience of an oriental, crowded bazaar.
  Afternoon sightseeing of New Delhi, visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, the mausoleum of emperor Humayun, the imposing modern Lakshmi Narayan temple, Gandhi Smriti. Drive past India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

  Overnight at hotel.

   
• Day 3 - Drive Delhi - Jaipur
   

  Morning drive to Jaipur. On arrival check in at hotel. Evening attend an `aarti’ prayer ritual ceremony at Birla Mandir (modern Hindu temple) followed by a cycle rickshaw (pedi cab) ride.

  Overnight at hotel.

   
• Day 4 - Jaipur
   

  Morning visit of Amber Fort with Elephant ride. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal - a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces. Enroute to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds.

  Afternoon city tour begins with a visit to the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum.

  Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

  Overnight at hotel.

   
• Day 5 - Drive Jaipur – Agra
   

  Depart Jaipur by surface en route to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri.

  Fatehpursikri located 40 Km from Agra, the deserted city of Fatehpursikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honor of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpursikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city.

  Then second stop would be at the wonder of the wells- the CHAND BOARI (Wonder of the Wells) is a step well built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. At first glance it appears to be and Egyptian Pyramid turned upside down. It is one of the largest step wells in the world and also one of the most beautiful ones.

  After visit continue drive to Agra upon arrival check in to hotel.

  Overnight at hotel.

   
• Day 6 - In Agra
   

  Early morning Sunrise visit of Taj Mahal. Visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 years to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble'.

  Post visit return back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast visit.

  Agra Fort: Built alongside the Yamuna River stretching almost 2.5 km.

  Later on visit The Tomb of Akbar the Great is an important Mughal architectural masterpiece, built 1605–1613, set in 48 Ha of grounds in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. The third Mughal Emperor, Akbar the Great (1555–1605), himself commenced its construction in around 1600, according to Tartary tradition to commence the construction of one's tomb during one's lifetime. After his death, Akbar's son Jahangir completed the construction in 1605-1613.Akbar was one of the greatest emperors in the history of India.

  Overnight at hotel.

• Day 7 - Train Agra – Jhansi; Drive Jhansi – Khajuraho
   

  In time transfer to station to connect the train for Jhansi.
  Depart Agra: at 0802hrs by Bhopal Shtbdi (12002)
  Arrive Jhansi: at 1040hrs.

  Meeting and assistance on arrival Transfer from Jhansi to Khajuraho, en route visiting Orchha: Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time and a rich legacy to the ages. The Palace and the temples build by its Bundela rulers in the 16 & 17th century retains much of their pristine perfection Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatries has a spectacular view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs.

  On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

   
• Day 8 - In Khajuraho
   

  Khajuraho is a small village in Central India. Khajuraho is renowned the world over for its fine temples, built between 950 and 1050 AD, which are among the most creative examples of Indian architecture. There are three main groups of Khajuraho temples. The western group includes Brahmanical temples of Shiva and Vishnu, the northern group of Vaishnava temples and the southeastern of Jain temples. The renowned Parsvanath Temple stands within a walled enclosure and considered the finest temple of the area. Nearby stands the Jain temples of Adinarath, Shantinath and Ghantai. Today you will enjoy a full day private tour with your guide that will include the temples as well as walk in a neighboring village.

  Overnight at hotel.

   
• Day 9 - Fly Khajuraho – Varanasi
   

  In time transfer to airport to connect the flight for Varanasi
  Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.

  Varanasi is situated on the banks of the River Ganges, the holy city of Varanasi is a major religious pilgrimage site, to which all Hindus hope to journey at least once in their lives. Mentioned in the great epics of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, the city has always stood as a symbol of Hindu renaissance and philosophy. Lining the river banks are nearly 100 ghats – including 2 burning ghats - which are the emotional and spiritual heart of this city.

  In the evening experience Varanasi intimately when you go on a leisurely rickshaw ride through the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi. The `Ghats’ and temples are lit with oil-lamp lights or candles. Participate in an `Aarti’ Ceremony (collective prayer) and watch the floating Diyas (lamps) on the river Ganges.

  Overnight at hotel.

   
• Day 10 - In Varanasi
   

  Early morning boat cruise at sunrise which is a soul searching experience. Take a short walking tour to the Old town with narrow alleys and visit some important Temples. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later take a drive past tour of Benaras Hindu University and visit Bharat Mata Temple with a big relief map. Later visit the brocading center where you can see the weavers at work on both punch card jacquard looms and the old style of brocade weaving using tedious string tie ups.

  Later tour to Sarnath (Museum Closed on Friday), 10-Kms away from Varanasi is the fabled place, which bears testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples, expounding the principles of Buddhism. The remains date back to as far as the3rd-Century BC when Emperor Ashoka founded various institutions, stupas, monasteries and pillar Edicts. Visit the art collection at the Archaeological Museum. The main attraction is the superb Capital from Ashokan Pill r - the Ashokan symbol of four back-to-back Lions which has been adopted as the state symbol Independent India. Also visit the Mahabodhi'Buddha temple and walk around the Deer Park. Later see the Monastery ruins area, Dhameka Stupa.

  Afternoon Special walking tour, which make you to feel like a typical ‘Benarasi’ for the whole course of this day tour of Varanasi. Hit the streets, which are free from any vehicular traffic.

  Overnight at the hotel.

   
• Day 11 - Fly Varanasi-Delhi and final departure
   

  In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi.

  Meeting and assistance on arrival at Delhi airport and assistance upon your final departure for onward journey.

January 6, 2019 to March 31, 2019

Price for two people: Starting at $2,065 (4-star Hotel)

Price for two people: Starting at $2,220 (5-star Hotel)

Price for airfare: depending on seasonality

*Price per person in US dollars based on two people traveling together, double occupancy and subject to availability.

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