GOLDEN TRIANGLE WITH VARANASI

Breakfast at hotel

After breakfast enjoy a combined city tour of Old & New Delhi visiting Red Fort (closed on Mondays) built in red sandstone, Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling street of Chandni Chowk,  Jama Masjid (from outside), India's largest mosque.

After visiting Old Delhi proceed towards New Delhi and visit India Gate built in memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1st World War, Drive past the Rashtrapathi Bhawan (President House), Parliament House, the other government building and the Connaught Place area. 

Afternoon visit Qutab Minar. Qutb-Minar in red and buff stand stone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer.  

Later, if time permits, visit Akshardham Temple, Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. (Closed on every Monday).

Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel.

After breakfast drive to Agra which is 205 kms and approx. 4 hours drive.

On arrival, visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Visit the world famous Taj Mahal. Agra, the home of the immortal Taj Mahal, the inimitable poem in white marble is the first expression of love of an Emperor Shahjahan to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This great monument was completed in 1653 AD

Also visit Agra Fort, on the banks of the river Yamuna, is the imposing structure replete with priceless examples of craftsmanship in the Mughal period and including the beautiful pearl Mosque which was designed and built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD.

Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast, leave for Jaipur, which is  255 kms. and approx. 05 hours drive.

Check in at hotel.

Evening - Dinner with traditional Rajasthani Folk Dances at Narain Niwas Palace.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel

After breakfast proceed to visit Amber Fort set in a picturesque location. Amber is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture.

Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh in red sandstone and white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting apartments. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh Pol and Temple of Kali are some of the prominent areas of interest.

Jeeps would be provided to ascend and descend fort to visit the complex.

After visit of Amber continue to explore the Jaipur City, built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer 260 years ago. Visit the Maharaja’s City Palace, the home of the erstwhile royal family & the Observatory.

Drive past Hawa Mahal or the Palace of winds built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh & the old part of Jaipur.

 Rest of the day is at leisure for some souvenir shopping.

Overnight stay at hotel.

After Breakfast, Leave to airport.

On arrival Varanasi, transfer to hotel.

Evening – Witness Ganga Aarti.

Return back to hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

At 0515 hrs - Early morning enjoy Boat ride on the Holy River Ganges with picturesque view of sunrise.

0730 hrs - Back to hotel for breakfast,

Breakfast at hotel.

Later proceed for Sarnath - It was here that the Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and set in motion the wheel of law of Buddhist faith.

Take a tour of the ruins, dominated by the Dhamekh Stupa supposedly marking the point where Buddha delivered his sermon. See the ruins of the monasteries and the remains of the Ashoka Pillar which once stood over 20m high. Also visit the Sarnath Museum displaying finds from the site, including the famous lion capital from the Ashoka Pillar.

1500 hrs - visit the Jyotirlinga Vishanatha Temple, Benaras Hindu University and Bharat Mata Temple. 

Rest of the time is free for shopping.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel.

Transfer to airport to connect flight to Delhi.

On arrival in Delhi, time free for shopping. After Dinner at Local Restaurant, transfer to International Airport to connect flight for onward destination.