Golden Triangle including Varanasi Tour
Durations: 8 Days / 8 Nights
Destinations: Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur,
Day 1: Arrive Delhi (March 31st - April 1st, 2011)
Arrive Delhi in the very early morning, our representative will meet and greet you at the hotel and will be transferred to hotel to overcome jet lag.
In the afternoon take a guided tour of New Delhi, visit Himayun Tomb, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple and Raj Ghat. Also drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan and other parts of Central Delhi.
Delhi stands on seven successive cities and is one of the oldest cities in the world. This history helps one appreciate the scale of the sprawling metropolis. It’s a quintessential Indian city, marrying the ancient with the cosmopolitan. Revel in marvellous shopping, a treasure trove of architectural monuments, some of the swankiest restaurants in India and heavenly street food.
Day 2: Delhi – Varanasi (April 2nd, 2011)
In the morning after breakfast check out from hotel take a half day guided tour of Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Red Fort (optional).
In the noon time transfer to Delhi airport to board an afternoon flight for Varanasi. At Varanasi you will be received and transferred to your hotel. In the evening witness aarti at the Ghat. Stay overnight at Varanasi hotel.
Varanasi is the world's most ancient living city. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be spiritually uplifting sight. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts the maximum number of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the carpet manufacturing place of India. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers varuna and asi.
Day 3: Varanasi (April 3rd, 2011)
Very early morning drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga". As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful are coming and going. Return to hotel for a sumptuous breakfast and rest of the day free.
Later in the day visit Sarnath - 5 miles out of Varanasi for a day excursion: One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.
In the afternoon take a half day-guided tour of Varanasi including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Benaras Hindu University and other important monuments. Stay overnight at Varanasi hotel.
Day 4: Varanasi – Agra (April 4th, 2011)
In the morning transfer to Varanasi Railway Station to board a train for Agra. Enjoy the beautiful country side view while in the train. Reach Agra in the evening, you will be received and transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.
Agra is famous as being home to one of the seven wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid remainder of the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries.
Day 5: Agra (April 5th, 2011)
In the morning visit the famous Taj Mahal built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble. It took 22 years to complete (1630-1652 AD). Take your time to explore this symbol of love.
After that visit Agra Fort containing the Pearl Mosque, the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Also visit Itmad – ul – daulah’s tomb: it’s a pre taj era marble structure and often compared with Taj Mahal. Optional visit to Dayal Bagh also.
In the evening at sunset take a glimpse of Taj Mahal from Yamuna River side. Stay overnight at Agra hotel.
Day 6: Agra – Jaipur (April 6th, 2011): 249 kms/150 miles – 5 hours by car
In the morning after breakfast drive to Jaipur, en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, Fatehpur Sikri. Its one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height. See the beautiful Jama Masjid / The Buland Darwaza, palace of Queen Jodha Bai, Birbal's (a Minister) Palace. Drive further to reach Jaipur in the afternoon and check into your hotel and relax.
In the evening visit Fort Amer for Sound & Light Show (optional). Stay overnight at Jaipur hotel.
Day 7: Jaipur (April 7th, 2011)
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel and leave for Jaipur Tour. First visit the hilltop fortress at Amer. Ascend the imposing fort on a painted elephant. The Fort, originally built in the 16th century by Maharaja Man Singh encloses superb palaces and a beautiful temple in marble dedicated to the fearsome goddess Kali. One of the main attraction of Fort Amer is its glittering Sheesh Mahal.
In the afternoon, tour the old walled city of Jaipur. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, this ‘pink city’ is meticulously constructed on the lines of the Shilpa-Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory situated in the heart of the city. Built in the 1700's (A.D), it still looks futuristic. Nearby is the ornate Hawa Mahal (the palace of winds). The old City Palace & its museum display a rare fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and house a rare collection of paintings, Rajasthani armory and costumes.
Evening visit to Chokhi Dhani: an ethnic village resort (optional). The vitality of Rajasthani folk culture comes alive as children dance rhythmically to the loud tenor of folk songs sung by men and women, festooned in bright clothes. Gaily caparisoned camel, horses and bullock carts offer joy rides. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Jaipur - Delhi Departure (April 8th, 2011): 272 km / 170 miles – 5 hours by car
First half of the day is free to explore the Pink City with the car at your disposal. Jaipur is famous for real stone jewelry and handicrafts.
Later drive back to Delhi. Stop on the way for refreshment. Drive further to directly reach IGI Airport to board your return flight at 9.50 pm. Your tour comes to end but its sweet memories and vivid colors of India will remain forever.
I can't wait to see these pictures!
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