Golden Triangle with Varanasi Khajuraho

Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, meet our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is at leisure to recover from your journey or begin exploring the surrounding area. You might choose to visit nearby markets or restaurants to get a first taste of India. Overnight in Delhi.

Following breakfast, embark on a comprehensive tour of Delhi, India’s capital. Visit Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, and Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Experience Old Delhi’s vibrant atmosphere with a drive past the Red Fort. In the afternoon, explore New Delhi’s landmarks including Humayun’s Tomb, the architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal, and Qutub Minar, a 73-meter tall minaret built in 1193. Drive past the Parliament House, Presidential Palace, and India Gate on the stately Rajpath boulevard. Return to your hotel for overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan known as the “Pink City” for its distinctive rose-colored buildings. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin exploring this vibrant city independently. You might choose to visit the colorful local bazaars known for textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts, or simply relax at your hotel. Overnight in Jaipur.

Following breakfast, visit the magnificent Amber Fort, located on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. Enjoy a traditional elephant ride up to the fort’s entrance (subject to availability). Explore this extensive palace complex with its series of courtyards, halls, and private chambers. Continue to nearby Jaigarh Fort, known for its massive cannon and spectacular views. In the afternoon, tour Jaipur city, visiting the City Palace complex which continues to be the residence of the royal family, Jantar Mantar (an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century), and the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its distinctive honeycomb façade. In the evening, optionally visit Chokhi Dhani, a cultural village resort offering traditional Rajasthani food and entertainment. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Agra. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal capital built by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. Explore its well-preserved monuments including Buland Darwaza (victory gate), Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal (five-story palace), and pavilions that once housed Akbar’s courtiers. Continue to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the evening, explore local markets known for marble inlay work, leather goods, and handicrafts. Overnight in Agra.

Rise early to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the changing light creates a magical atmosphere at this monument to eternal love. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum is India’s most recognized landmark. Return to your hotel for breakfast before visiting Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone structure housing palaces, audience halls, and mosques. You may optionally visit Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often called the “Baby Taj,” an exquisite marble tomb that prefigured the Taj Mahal. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Agra.

After an early breakfast, transfer to Agra railway station to board your train to Jhansi (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, drive to the medieval city of Orchha (30 minutes). Explore its well-preserved palaces and temples including Jahangir Mahal, built by the Bundela rulers as a gesture of hospitality to the Mughal emperor Jahangir, Raj Mahal with its vibrant murals, and Laxmi Narayan Temple known for its unique blend of temple and fort architecture. Continue driving to Khajuraho (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel for overnight stay.

Following breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho Temples, built between 950 and 1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty. These temples are renowned for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their sculpted panels depicting various aspects of life, including the famous erotic sculptures. Tour the Western Group of temples, including Kandariya Mahadev Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and Devi Jagdambi Temple, as well as the Eastern Group featuring Jain temples. In the afternoon, transfer to Khajuraho airport for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival in this ancient holy city, check into your hotel. Overnight in Varanasi.

Rise before dawn for a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River as the sun rises. Witness the activities along the ghats as pilgrims perform ritual bathing and prayers while cremation pyres burn continuously at certain ghats. This profound experience offers insight into Hindu beliefs about the cycle of life and death. Return to your hotel for breakfast before departing for Sarnath (10 kilometers from Varanasi), where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Archaeological Museum, and Chaukhandi Stupa. Return to Varanasi in the afternoon to explore the city, including the Alamgir Mosque (also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera), Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Bharat Mata Temple dedicated to Mother India. In the evening, witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti (prayer ceremony) performed on the banks of the river, where priests honor the river with incense, flowers, and oil lamps. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, morning at leisure to further explore Varanasi or revisit the ghats. In the afternoon, transfer to Varanasi airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or relaxation. At the appropriate time, transfer to Delhi International Airport for your departure flight.