Destinations Covered: Delhi-Jaipur-Agra-Orchha-Khajuraho-Varanasi
The 11 day ‘Golden Triangle With Khajuraho & Ganges’ tour is designed to make our guests travel through the major part of the historical and cultural heritage of Incredible India. Touring the Golden triangle (Delhi, Jaipur and Agra) gives you an insight into the culture and legacy of three different regions. These regions held great significance in the past and were amongst the favorites of many dynasties and rulers. Besides, the tour also takes you the hub of spirituality, Varanasi. So, it’s your chance to immerse yourself completely in the cultural and religious gratifications of India.
The wonderful tour of the 'Golden triangle with Holy Ganges' start with your arrival at Delhi airport/railway station. You would be received by our IHPL tour representative and transferred to a pre-booked hotel. Rest of the day would be spend at leisure. Feel free to relax in the hotel room or move out exploring the nearby shopping markets.
Being a major metropolitan in India, Delhi has numerous world class shopping malls and good restaurants. The capital is also known for its vibrant street market and spicy street food. Thus, spend your evenings shopping and enjoying some yummy cuisines.
Post that, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
The capital city of India, Delhi had been a favorite of many dynasties and rulers in the bygone era. Their interest and love towards the city can be exemplified by the numerous historical and archaeological structures built on its lands. This is the one side of Delhi, which is the face of Old Delhi. On the other hand, Delhi has its metropolitan charm which is reflected through its urban infrastructure and development.
After having your morning breakfast, start with the sightseeing tour of Delhi. Guests would be heading first to Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. One of the most famous tourist attraction in Delhi, Raj Ghat is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is a sprawling complex of green surroundings that has a black platform in the center of it. The platform is believed to be the actual cremation sight of Mahatma Gandhi. Such is the significance of this site in the world, it has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and US president Eisenhower. After paying tribute at the Raj Ghat, guests would be driven to Jama Masjid.
Built by the great Mughal ruler of all time, Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. Being designed in red sandstone and marble, the mosque describes Persian architecture at its best.
The other half of the day i.e, post lunch, is scheduled for visiting the other attractions of Delhi. Starting with the fine Mughal structure of Humayun's tomb, then the glorified example of the Sultanate rule in Delhi, Qutu Minar. These majestic structures are brilliant examples of the architectural heritage of the city. You also would be touring the political narrows of the city. That will include sightseeing of the Parliament, Diplomatic enclaves and President's residence.
After all the visits, call it a day and return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Next destination in our delightful tour would be the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. After having your breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave for Jaipur (270 km away). Highly appreciated for its share of heritage forts and palaces, Jaipur is one of the most visited places in India. It is also known as the Pink City.
As you will reach Jaipur, you would be escorted to a pre-booked hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure by relaxing in your hotel or moving out when the sun goes down. Jaipur has some of the best handicraft bazaars from where you can buy traditional items and souvenirs at reasonable rates. Feel free to explore them and gorge on the mouthwatering Rajasthani delicacies at the nearby eating joints.
Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Post breakfast, guests would be heading for a sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. The tour will start with a royal elephant ride to Amber fort. It is one of the oldest of its kind in Jaipur and is a beautiful amalgamation of Hindu and Mughal style of architecture.
Just near to it is the Jaigarh fort, which resembles quite like the Amber fort. The fort is situated on the Aravali hills and is amongst the largest forts in the state.
By evening, head towards the traditional Choki Dhani village resort where a cultural performance awaits you.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 5 of our wonderful tour starts with the drive to the last destination of the Golden Triangle of India, Agra. Agra is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and one of the most culturally rich cities in India. The city resides on the banks of river Yamuna (243 km away from Jaipur). On your way to Agra, make a halt at the historic city of Fatehpur Sikri. The city was built by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar in the 16th century. Fatehpur Sikri is a reminder of the Mughal's love for architecture and is an exemplary take on the confluence of Hindu and Muslim architectural style.
As you would be done exploring its structures, return back to your journey to Agra. On arrival at Agra, you would be checking in to a pre-booked hotel. Relax or spend your evening exploring the vibrant street markets of Agra.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Very first in the schedule for today would be the one of the most beautiful wonders of the world, Taj Mahal. To catch the best sight of it, guests would be making an early morning visit to it. A UNESCO heritage site and a wonder of the world, Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of love towards his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The monument is also one of the best examples of Islamic style of architecture in the world. As the sun would be showering its first golden rays on the white Taj Mahal, you will find no sight better than it.
After breakfast, guests would be heading for a visit to the remarkable Agra fort. Another UNESCO proclaimed world heritage site in the city, the Agra Fort is red sandstone structure that has numerous structures to put on display. Structures like Diwan-I-Am and Diwan-I-Khas are the most prominent of them. If time permits, you can also visit Itmad-ud-Daula's tomb in the evening. It is also a lovely creation of the Mughals and resembles a lot like the Taj.
Overnight at hotel.
Post breakfast, bid adieu to Agra and assemble at the railway station to travel to your next destination i.e, Jhansi (215 km away). On arrival at Jhansi, guests would be covering the remaining distance to Orchha (18 km away) by road.
Highly unspoiled, Orchha is a historic 15th century city that is dotted with numerous remarkable structures (temples, palaces and forts). Prominent ones among them are Chandrashekhar Azad Memorial, Dauji ki Haveli, Laxmi Narayan temple, Phool Bagh, Raj Bagh and Sunder Mahal.
After exploring Orchha, the next lag of the journey will take you to Khajuraho. You would be embarking on a roadtrip to Khajuraho (172 km away). Upon your arrival, check in to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Spend the day exploring the world heritage temples of Khajuraho and enjoying the exploration tour of the Panna National Park. These exotic temples are divided into Hindi and Jain temples, which further subset them into the eastern and western group. Highly prominent amongst them is the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, which is also amongst the largest Hindu temples in Khajuraho.
The temple with its intricate stone carvings dedicates itself to Lord Shiva. Similarly, the site of Khajuraho is well known for erotic carvings, which can be seen on the walls of Devi Jagdambi temple. Besides the temples, you can visit the nearby Panna National Park.
You return back to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Khajuraho.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
On the 9th day of the tour, the guests would be transferred to the Khajuraho Airport to board the next flight to Varanasi. You would be received by our tour representative at the Varanasi airport. Post lunch drive to Sarnath, an important Buddhist site, a deer park where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Back to Varanasi. Attend the mesmerising evening Aarti on the banks of River Ganga
Overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.
Varanasi is one of the most sacred cities in India and it resides on the banks of river Ganga. Start your day with an early morning boat ride on the Ganges, as the rising sun would be painting the ambience in its golden colours. Post breakfast, you would be leaving for the sightseeing tour of the city. You will cover the major temples and Ghats that will include Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Darbhanga Ghat, Durga temple, Panchganga Ghat and more. In the evening, you can witness the 'Ganga Aarti' (prayer ritual) at the spectacular Dashashwamedh ghat.
Overnight stay in Varanasi.
After having breakfast you will head to Varanasi airport for your return journey back to Delhi. On arrival Delhi, you would be heading to board the flight for your further journey back home.
