This 09-day Golden Triangle tour will be taking you through popular destinations of India – New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur as well as an extended tour to Varanasi - the holy city of India and one of the most ancient cities in the world. Also, on this tour, get a lifetime opportunity to celebrate Holi - the Festival of Colours in Jaipur. Delhi will give you a pleasant surprise with its interesting mix of history, art, culture and architectural wonders from the ancient and the modern time. Explore Mughal era architectural wonders, which include World Heritage Sites, in Agra. In Rajasthan, admire the magnificent royal forts and palaces of Jaipur. Varanasi will give you spiritual enlightenment and a glimpse of the centuries old Hindu traditions along with temples and Ghats (embankments by the river) of the holy River Ganges. To stimulate your travel experience, enjoy a Rickshaw Ride in the streets of old Delhi, enjoy an elephant ride in Jaipur, attend the spectacular Ganga Aarti (worship rituals of the Ganges), go on a soulful morning Boat Ride on the River Ganges in Varanasi, visit Buddhist pilgrimage site in Sarnath among other experience.
The highlight of this tour is Holi, India’s very popular festival of colours. A private Holi celebration at a royal heritage property in Jaipur accompanied with colourful riot of organic colours, Rajasthani music and dance, special Holi delicacies and many more await you to delight you.
Delhi - Take in the sights of Old and New Delhi on a guided tour of India’s capital including Jama Mosque, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Gandhi’s crematorium Raj Ghat
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN DELHI
Upon arrival, our representative will greet you at the Delhi Airport, and then transfer you to your hotel. The Capital city of India, Delhi is a striking modern metropolis. Delhi has been repeatedly destroyed by erstwhile empires, and yet, it has sprung back to life time and again. This city narrates the history of India in its ruins of lost empires. The rich past of Delhi has brought India through history books. Settled by Mughals and later by the British; Delhi is dotted with ancient streets, architectural marvels and vibrant marketplaces that will be etched forever in your memories.
Overnight in Delhi.
DAY 02: DELHI SIGHTSEEING
This morning after breakfast, do a full-day guided city sightseeing tour of Delhi. Delhi sightseeing tour begins at Old Delhi with a visit to the 350-year-old and the largest mosque in India - Jama Masjid. Next, proceed in a rickshaw to Chandni Chowk, exploring one of the oldest, biggest and the busiest markets in India. The rickshaw ride halts at the Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a massive Mughal era red sandstone monument. Here, our driver will pick you up and drive you to Raj Ghat - the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Furthermore, drive to the Humayun’s Tomb (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a memorial to the 2nd Mughal Emperor Humayun. Later, drive past the Rashtrapati Bhawan (official residence of the President of India) and India Gate (a War memorial dedicated to the Indian & British soldiers who died in World War-I). Sightseeing in Delhi ends with the visit to Qutub Minar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), world’s tallest brick minaret that was built in 1192.
Also, get a henna tattoo applied as a memorable souvenir from India. Overnight in Delhi.
DAY 03: DELHI – AGRA
After breakfast at hotel, drive to Agra. AGRA is the city of the inimitable Taj Mahal. The story of Agra begins much earlier than the Taj Mahal; it finds mention in the Mahabharata when it was called the Agrabana or paradise. It was the Mughals who finally nurtured Agra with the finest monuments that the architects could design: The Taj Mahal of Shah Jahan and Agra Fort of Akbar are but few of the many that spangle the city, each of which stands in mute testimony to the city's grandeur over the ages. After arrival in Agra, check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Agra.
DAY 04: AGRA - JAIPUR [240 KM/5 HRS. DRIVE APPROX.]
Enjoy an early morning visit to the world-renowned and World Heritage site of Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays). The Taj Mahal, which is one man’s monumental testimony to love, has become synonymous not only with this city, but with all of India. A mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his empress Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is the primary attraction of the city. Located close to the Taj Mahal, you’ll now visit the Agra Fort, which lies on the bend of the river Yamuna. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar over 1565-73 AD, it was successively occupied and added to by Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast, then check-out and journey to Jaipur - the flamboyant and historical capital of Rajasthan. Rajasthan's beautiful Pink City Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city are important attractions. Jaipur is also known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check-in to your hotel. Overnight in Jaipur.
DAY 05: JAIPUR
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Start with Amer Fort, a 16th century magnificent fort with beautiful display of Hindu and Islamic art and architecture. Now visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory with world’s largest stone sundial to boast. Next visit the stunning Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Built exclusively for the Royal Ladies in the late 18th century, the palace has 953 ornate little windows and balconies that act like a natural air coolant. Lastly, visit City Palace, from where the Maharajas of Jaipur ruled, situated at the heart of the city, which also houses the City Palace Museum. Overnight in Jaipur.
DAY 06: JAIPUR [HOLI CELEBRATIONS]
Your breakfast this morning is followed by the much awaited day of the tour - Holi celebrations. We will take you to a royal heritage property where you will indulge in a group Holi celebration. Here, you will be entertained with Rajasthani folk music and dance, treated to delicious Indian sweets and snacks, offered traditional Rajasthani attires to wear, groovy Bollywood music and lots more. Get ready to face a riot of colours as you enter the cheerful Holi celebrations. After a fun-filled Holi celebration, return to the hotel. Relax and stay overnight in Jaipur.
DAY 07: JAIPUR - VARANASI (BY FLIGHT)
This morning proceed for an early Morning Boat ride on the River Ganges, a ferry pilgrimage from Ghat to Ghat. People bath early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation Ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns day & night. After the Ghats tour, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, explore the city of Varanasi. Visit ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple; walk through the narrow streets and alleys of the city leading to various hidden and popular market areas as well as other attractions. Evening, you will attend the popular evening Ganga Aarti ritual (Ganga Aarti is the riverside prayer rituals done in honour of the holy River Ganges) on the banks of the River Ganges. During the Aarti, you will see well-choreographed traditional worship rituals done by Hindu priests where they chant holy Sanksrit prayers and sway huge brass lamps in their hands and blow conch shells to produce divine music. Later, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Varanasi.
DAY 08: VARANASI
This morning proceed for an early Morning Boat ride on the River Ganges, a ferry pilgrimage from Ghat to Ghat. People bath early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation Ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns day & night. After the Ghats tour, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, explore the city of Varanasi. Visit ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple; walk through the narrow streets and alleys of the city leading to various hidden and popular market areas as well as other attractions. Evening, you will attend the popular evening Ganga Aarti ritual (Ganga Aarti is the riverside prayer rituals done in honour of the holy River Ganges) on the banks of the River Ganges. During the Aarti, you will see well-choreographed traditional worship rituals done by Hindu priests where they chant holy Sanksrit prayers and sway huge brass lamps in their hands and blow conch shells to produce divine music. Later, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Varanasi.
DAY 09: VARANASI - DELHI [BY FLIGHT] – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, check-out of the hotel and transfer to the airport to board a flight to Delhi Airport. Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, connect a flight to home/onward destination.
Package Cost
Starting from (Twin Sharing Basis):
USD $990 USD $822 per person
Package Inclusions
08 Nights’ Accommodation
Add on Experiences
Chokhi Dhani Dinner with a Rajasthani Folk Dance, Jaipur.
**The quoted price above is for a stay in 3-star hotels. These packages are also available with 4-star and 5-star accommodations. To customize your tour, please contact our travel experts.
**Internal airfare will be additional, as per the date of travel
We’ll happily customize this tour, tailor-made to your interests. Our tours aim at offering hassle-free services to all our clients while they relax and enjoy on their India Getaway.