Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour

After breakfast we will proceed for a Guided city tour of Old and New Delhi city tour visiting India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President’s House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931.

Later we will visit Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.  Later we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation20on 31 January 1948.

In the afternoon we will visit Humayun’s Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562.  Qutub Minar built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lotus Temple (Bahai Temple): this temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai’s temples built around the world.  The architect Furiburz Sabha chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Today after breakfast we will leave for Jaipur ” Pink City” of Rajasthan.

Upon arrival transfer to Hotel and check in.

Evening take a round of Pink City and watch the Aarti ceremoney in Birla Temple. Stay Overnight at the Hotel.

Today after early breakfast we will proceed for a Guided city tour of Pink City Jaipur visiting Amber Fort, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort. It is beautiful on the inside and boasts of various buildings of prominence like the ’Diwan-i-Aam’, the ’Sheesh Mahal’ and even the ’Sukh Mahal’. The Amer Fort has influences of both Hindu and Muslim architecture.

We can take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience.

Later we will visit City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The center of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen by the world through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows). Overnight at the Hotel.

Morning drive to Agra. Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from the year 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

On the way we can see Abhaneri Step Well and also Fatehpur Sikri. Stay overnight at the Hotel.

Sunrise we will visit to Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love, which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal emperor, Shah Jehan in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years with the orders of Shah Jahan and it was dedicated to Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Bano Begum), the wife of Shah. 20.000 workers labored and 32 crore rupees were spent during the construction of the monument and it was built according to Islamic architecture

Back to hotel for the Breakfast.

After Breakfast check out from Hotel and visit Agra Fort.

Agra Fort, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra, India. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was constructed by the third Mughal emperor Akbar on the remains of an ancient site known as Badalgarh. Some of the exquisite structures that deserve a mention are: Sheesh Mahal, the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, the Anguri Bagh, Khas Mahal, Mina Masjid, Nagina Masjid and Musamman Burj – A large, octagonal tower with a balcony facing the Taj Mahal.

Also we can see Baby Taj. In the late afternoon drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to Hotel and check in. Stay Overnight at the Hotel.

Today after breakfast we will transfer you to Delhi airport to board flight for Varanasi.

Upon arrival in Varanasi, meet and greet with our office’s representative and transfer to Hotel and check in.

In the afternoon we take an excursion to Sarnath. After the Bouddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya he came to Sarnath. Here in the Deer Park, he delivered his first sermon, or in religious language, set in motion the wheel of Law (maha- Dharmachakra Pravartan). On the day before his death Buddha included Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar as the four places he thought to be sacred to his followers. The Emperor Ashoka, who spread the Buddha’s message of love and compassion throughout his vast empire, visited Sarnath around 234BC, and erected a stupa here. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. Sarnath is 10 km from the holy city of Varanasi, and is an exceedingly tranqiuil place. The ruins, the museum and temple are all within walking distance.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Early morning boat rides on the holy river Ganges to view the sunrise where the Hindus perform their morning prayers. Back to Hotel for the Breakfast. Later proceed for half day city tour of Varanasi, visiting Bharat Mata temple, and Banaras Hindu University, Vishwanath Temple, Hanuman Temple, and Old City market.

Evening  watchGanga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. The Aarti takes place facing the river. The lamps are lit and circled around by the pandits (Hindu priests) in a clockwise manner, accompanied by changing or songs in praise of Mother Ganga. The idea is that the lamps acquire the power of the deity. After the ritual is complete, devotees will cup their hands over the flame and raise their palms to their forehead in order to get the Goddess’s purification and blessing. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Today we will transfer you to Varanasi airport to board flight for Delhi in order to catch your international flight for back to Home.