ITINERARY CODE RJ 03
Golden Triangle with Varanasi (08 Nights /09 Days)
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrival New Delhi. Meet and greet upon arrival by our tour representative at the International airport. Transfer to hotel, Overnight at hotel in New Delhi.
Day 02 : New Delhi
Morning proceed on a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting important tourist sites of Old and New Delhi. Visit the Qutab Minar 12th century tower and one of the tallest towers of its time, walls here consist of verses from Quran (Holy book of Islam). Wander around the complex visiting ruins of Hindu temples and palaces which once remained here and 4th century steel pillar which has not developed rust till date. Drive past India Gate the war memorial and other government buildings stopping at President House. Visit Laxmi Narayan Temple.
In Old Delhi drive past Red Fort once a symbol of Mughal power, visit Jama Masjid 16th century mosque and largest in India. Take a rickshaw ride in the narrow alleyways of Chandni Chowk and amazing mixture of history with modern world and visit Raj Ghat cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi- “Father of the Nation”.
Overnight at hotel in New Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi-Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and check in at hotel. Evening explore local markets, lanes and alleys of Jaipur. This city is famous for colorful clothes, precious stones, gems and antiques. Shop to your heart’s content. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 04 : Jaipur
Morning proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort. Amber Fort - Ancient capital of Kachhawaha Rajputs rulers of Jaipur, Amber guarded one of the important defiles from invading enemies. Wander inside the Fort to see extravagant Palaces to witnessing the opulence of Rajput royal lifestyle amongst which summer palace, winter palace and mirror palace etc. are the most popular. Stop at the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) en route to fort.
Afternoon city tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace – official residence of the present royal family palace covers a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. A part of this Palace is now turned into a museum housing Armory, Textiles and Artifacts. City Palace is delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture. Jantar Mantar - 17th century astronomical observatory, an excellent example of the marvelous precision wherein each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes and azimuths or calculating eclipses and some of them still works.
Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 05 : Jaipur-Agra
Morning depart Jaipur by surface for Agra stopping by en route to visit to Fatehpur Sikri - Just 44 km away from Agra on the way to Jaipur is Fatehpur Sikri, which briefly served as capital of emperor Akbar. It is believed that city was quickly abandoned due to lack of potable water. Palaces, meeting halls, courtyards inside the complex is in a remarkable state of preservation. Holy shrine of Saint Salim Chisti here is one of important pilgrimage for Muslims and Buland Darwaza which emperor Akbar built to commemorate his victory on Gujarat is very imposing. Arrive Agra and check in at hotel. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at hotel in Agra.
Day 06 : Agra-Varanasi (Overnight train)
Morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Agra visiting the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort - Foundation led by emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, four of the mighty Mughal rulers controlled their vast empire from here. Wander around the palaces built by successive emperors famous amongst which are Jahangiri Mahal, Khass Mahal, Diwan-i-Khass, Diwan-i-Am, Machchhi Bhawan and Moti Masjid etc. that represents the excellence of Mughal architecture. Fort also serves as a vantage point to view Taj Mahal and it is believed that emperor spent his last days in exile watching the Taj Mahal from here.
Taj Mahal (World Heritage Site) - This most beautiful monument of love was built during 1630 by grieving emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal is flawless to its conception and execution. It is aptly said that Taj Mahal is not a monument that can be described in words – one has to see it to experience it. You can stay on to view the monument on the soft light of the rising sun. (Taj Mahal remain closed to visitors on Friday)
Evening transfer to Agra station to board overnight train to Varanasi.
Day 07 : Varanasi
You will be met at Varanasi railway station by our representative. Transfer to hotel in Varanasi. It is the most sacred and oldest living city in India and perhaps the world. The old come here to die as it is believed that it opens the door to heaven and a sure shot way to achieve Nirvana. Later proceed to visit the many temples in Varanasi. Visit Bharat Mata temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kali Mata temple, Sankat Mochan Temple. Evening view the Aarti ceremony at the Ghats.
Overnight at Hotel in Varanasi.
Day 08 : Varanasi- Delhi (Overnight train)
Early morning boat ride on river Ganges to view the pilgrims offering their obeisance to God above and understand why Varanasi is also called the city of Ghats. Later departure back to hotel for a leisurely breakfast. Afterwards a short drive to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon and paved the way for Buddhism in the world. Also visit the many stupas, the deer park and the Government Museum.
In evening transfer to Varanasi railway station to board overnight train to Delhi.
Day 09 : Delhi
Arrive Delhi railway station and transfer to Delhi airport to catch flight for onward destination.
(END OF TOUR WITH WONDERFUL MEMORIES)
Includes :
• Assistance on arrival and departure.
• Room stay on Bed & Breakfast basis.
• Tours in New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Varanasi.
• Excursion tour to Fatehpur Sikri & Amer Fort.
• En route visits to Sikandra.
• Elephant ride at Amer Fort, Jaipur.
• Boat ride at river Ganges in Varanasi.
• All transfers, drives, sightseeing excursions using air-conditioned Car or SUV depending on number of participants.
• Parking fees, fuel charges, all state and toll taxes.
• English speaking guide as per program
• Enterance to the monuments.
Excludes :
• Air-Conditioned sleeper class train ticket from Delhi – Varanasi and back.
• Expenses of personal nature.
• Any other meals
• Camera fees.
• Porterage and tipping