Tour of Old & New Delhi & Fly Delhi-Varanasi by Scheduled Commercial Airlines

Humayun’s Tomb - The guide will meet travelers at their preferred location in Delhi, Gurugram, or Noida at 8 AM for a comprehensive tour of Old & New Delhi. After a brief introduction to India’s rich cultural heritage, the day begins with a visit to Humayun’s Tomb. Built in 1569-70, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the resting place of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun. The mausoleum is a prime example of Mughal architecture, featuring a Charbagh garden typical of Persian gardens, setting a precedent for future Mughal architecture. A century later, it inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal.

Raj Ghat - Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi, India. In the open gardens, a black marble platform marks the site of Gandhi’s cremation, with an eternal flame burning at one end.

Chandni Chowk - Chandni Chowk, or Moonlight Square, is one of Old Delhi’s busiest markets. Established three centuries ago, it is filled with spices, dried fruits, silver jewelry, and vibrant saris. Narrow side streets host small shops selling essential oils, stationery, and traditional Indian sweets. Visitors often enjoy a rickshaw ride or a walk through the market’s aromatic lanes.

India Gate - Constructed in 1931, India Gate is a war memorial honoring the 70,000 British Indian Army soldiers who died during World War I. The 42-meter-high India Gate, resembling an “Arc-de-Triomphe,” bears the names of over 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed on the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919.

Rashtrapati Bhavan - Drive past the President’s House and other Parliamentary Buildings, part of Lutyens’ Delhi, constructed between 1920 and 1940 after the capital of British India moved from Calcutta to Delhi. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the residence of the President of the world’s largest democracy. Other notable buildings designed by Sir Edward Lutyens and his team include Parliament House and the North and South Blocks, housing ministers’ and government officials’ offices. After visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan, travelers will be transferred to Delhi Airport for a 90-minute flight to Varanasi, the City of Ganges.

Indira Gandhi International Airport - After touring Old & New Delhi, travelers will be taken to the Delhi domestic airport terminal for a 90-minute flight to Varanasi, the City of Ganges and Spiritual Capital of India.

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi - The tour guide and driver will meet travelers at Varanasi airport for transfer to their pre-booked hotel. Varanasi, the Spiritual Capital of India, is located on the banks of the river Ganga and is the most sacred city for Hindus. Millions of Hindu pilgrims visit Varanasi to bathe in the holy waters of the Ganges and to be cremated on its banks.

Varanasi - The City of Ganges & Spiritual Capital of India

Ganges River - Rise early to meet the tour guide and witness the morning life along the Ganges in Varanasi. The spiritual “Subah-E-Benaras” at Assi Ghat includes offerings to the Goddess Ganges and the Sun God, followed by a live session of Indian Classical music. Hundreds of locals and tourists participate in yoga with nature. Young girls studying Vedas chant holy mantras, filling the atmosphere with spirituality. An early morning private rowing boat ride, gently passing through Dashashmedh Ghat and ending at Manikarnika Ghat, is a unique experience. The boat ride amidst fresh air offers a complete canvas of spiritual beliefs, with holy men, women in colorful sarees, and men in traditional attire, all engaging in rituals.

Sarnath - Return to the hotel for breakfast, then explore Sarnath, a Buddhist city about 10 km from Varanasi, one of Buddhism’s four most sacred sites. It is where Lord Buddha first taught the Dharma and gave his first sermon on the middle path to attain nirvana. In the 3rd century BC, King Ashoka built engraved pillars, stupas, and monasteries. Interact with Buddhist monks and lamas to learn about Buddhism’s philosophy.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple - In the afternoon, walk through Varanasi’s old lanes to Dashawamegh Ghat. The narrow lanes leading to various ghats are living legends of this ancient city’s sacred culture. Holy temples, Sadhus, Yogis, food, spices, flower markets, and even cows on the streets will mesmerize visitors.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, or Golden Temple, is among the 12 most important Shiva temples for Hindus. Possibly the oldest Hindu temple in the world, it is located in Varanasi’s narrow lanes. Visit this temple and participate in a special puja with a Hindu priest, who will chant holy mantras and explain the Hindu Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Banaras Ghats - Return to Varanasi’s ghats with the tour guide, who will explain Hinduism’s core principles and the concept of Nirvana. Life in Varanasi begins and ends on the ghats. A walk through these ghats is a spiritually uplifting experience, showcasing the cycle of life and death. Divinity and spirituality are palpable, with holy men, women in colorful sarees, and men in traditional attire engaging in rituals. Some ghats are for bathing, while others are for cremation.

Ganga Aarti - The evening Aarti at Dashashvamedh Ghat is an incredible experience. For Hindus, the Ganges is sacred and worshiped like a mother. Every evening, young priests in saffron attire, along with thousands of devotees, worship the Ganges. Thousands of candles float in the river, filling the atmosphere with spirituality amidst ringing bells, burning oil lamps, and incense fragrance.

A private hand-rowed boat facing the ghats and the ceremony offers the best experience of these celestial moments. Later, observe various activities, including cremations at Manikarnika Ghat, from a hand-rowed boat.

Train from Varanasi to Khajuraho (Air-conditioned Class - 05:00 AM / 12:40 PM)

Khajuraho - The tour guide and driver will meet travelers at Khajuraho railway station for transfer to their pre-booked hotel. After check-in, proceed for a half-day tour of Khajuraho, a small tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh, Central India, known for its sensuality. Famous for its Hindu and Jain temples built between 950-1050 AD, the temples feature beautiful and erotic rock carvings. These temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sensuality and eroticism have always been part of Indian architecture. Many temples in India feature erotic sculptures, but the Temples of Khajuraho epitomize stone carvings. Various scenes from the Kamasutra are sculpted on the temple walls, with emotions in the figures bringing them to life.

Khajuraho Western Group of Temples - The monuments and temples in Khajuraho are divided into three groups: Eastern, Western, and Southern. The Western group houses the most important temples, including Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Chitragupta Temple, and The Chausath-Yogini Temple. These Hindu and Jain temples date back to 950 AD and are adorned with ornamental carvings, mostly erotic.

Drive Khajuraho - Orchha - Jhansi and Train Jhansi - Agra

Eastern Group of Temples - The Eastern Group of Temples in Khajuraho are Jain temples dedicated to various Jain gods (Teerthakanras). Located in a small old village, these temples contrast with the Western Group, featuring walls carved with erotic scenes from the Kamasutra. The walls and exteriors of the Eastern Group are decorated with finely carved statues.

Most of these temples were constructed between 950 AD and 1100 AD. Dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanatha of the Jain religion, Parsvanath temple is the oldest, largest, and best-known Jain temple.

Orchha Fort - Located 175 km (3 hours drive) from Khajuraho, Orchha is a small historic town on the banks of the Betwa River.

Orchha is a sublime and less touristic destination with a marvelous history of Bundela Kings, who built many architectural marvels. Orchha Fort, a blend of Bundelkhand and Mughal architecture, houses notable palaces and constructions. Numerous cenotaphs and chhatris dot the fort’s vicinity and the Betwa River. The town also features a variety of temples and tombs, including the Chaturbhuj temple, built on a vast stone platform.

After visiting Orchha, drive to Jhansi (15 km from Orchha) to connect to an air-conditioned train to Agra. The train journey to Agra takes around 3 hours.

Jhansi Railway Station Bus Stop - After visiting Orchha, drive for about 30 minutes to Jhansi railway station to connect to an air-conditioned and superfast train to Agra. The journey takes around 3 hours.

Agra - Arrive at Agra railway station, where a representative will meet travelers for transfer to their pre-booked hotel. Agra, the former capital of the Mughals, is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famous Taj Mahal and the massive Agra Fort complex.

Drive Agra - Fatehpur Sikri- Chand Baori (Stepwell) - Jaipur, The Pink City (250 Kms/ 6 Hours)

Taj Mahal - Wake up early, enjoy tea/coffee in the room, and meet the tour guide to visit the most photographed monument in the world, “The Taj Mahal,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the Monument of Love, Romance in Marble, and Crown of the Palaces, the Taj Mahal is described by scholars and poets as superb, amazing, and marvelous.
Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the tomb of his beloved queen, the Taj Mahal’s magical allure is a tour highlight. Though it can be visited anytime, the most stunning views are during sunrise and sunset when the sky forms a symphony of colors, and the translucent marble absorbs and reflects the magical light. Note that the Taj Mahal is closed to tourists every Friday, so if the scheduled visit is on a Friday, the visit will occur at sunset the day before.

Agra Fort - After visiting the Taj Mahal, return to the hotel. Post-breakfast, check out. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra was the Mughal capital and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Taj Mahal. Agra’s glory attracts travelers worldwide. After checking in at the pre-booked hotel, the guide will meet travelers to visit Agra Fort, a massive complex with royal pavilions, halls of public and private audiences, and beautiful mosques. Construction began under Akbar, with later additions by Mughal emperors. Agra Fort is a superb example of Mughal architecture. It is where Mughal emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned and later died, viewing the beautiful tomb of his beloved.

Fatehpur Sikri - Post-breakfast, check out, and drive west to Jaipur, the Pink City, with a couple of stops en route. The first stop is Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Mughal capital, approximately 38 km away. Founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571, the city was named Fatehpur Sikri, or City of Victory, after Akbar’s victory over Gujarat. The palace complex features architectural masterpieces like Diwan-E-Khas, Diwan-E-Am, Panch Mahal, Anup Talao, Treasury, Astrologer’s seat, Jahangiri Mahal, and Buland Darwaza. A white marble building houses a Sufi saint’s grave under an ornate wooden canopy encrusted with mother-of-pearl mosaic.
After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, continue driving to Jaipur with another stop at Chand Baori in Abhaneri.

Chand Baori (Stepwell) - After visiting, the next stop is Chand Baori in the small village of Abhaneri. A local guide will explain Baoris or Step-wells, which have existed in India for centuries. Stepwells are wells or ponds accessed by descending steps to the water level, designed as water reservoirs.
Chand Baori, or Moonlit Stepwell, in Abhaneri between Agra and Jaipur, was constructed by local ruler Chand in the 8th century. It features 3,500 stairs set in perfect symmetry, descending 20 meters through 13 floors.

Birla Mandir Temple - Arrive in Jaipur by early evening. Check in at the pre-booked hotel and later visit Birla Mandir, or Birla Temple, built in white marble at the base of Moti Dungri hill in Jaipur. Birla Mandir is special for its intricate latticework in white marble. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (one of the Trinity of GODS and preserver of the universe), and attending the evening arti (puja) is an experience.

Jaipur - The UNESCO World Heritage City known for its Forts, Palaces, and Colorful Bazaars

Amer - Amer, or Amber, on Jaipur’s outskirts, was the capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs until Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II moved the capital to Jaipur. Amer Fort, set on a hill in the Aravali mountain range, is a perfect blend of Rajasthani architecture. Constructed in pink and yellow sandstone and marble, the opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. It includes the Diwan-e-Aam, or “Hall of Public Audience,” the Diwan-e-Khas, or “Hall of Private Audience,” the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), and the Sukh Niwas, where a cool climate is created by winds blowing over a water cascade. The royal pavilions’ walls are beautifully painted with vegetable colors.
Travelers can walk up to the fort using the staircase (15 minutes) or take a private jeep, offering a unique experience as it drives through winding lanes at the fort’s backside.

Jal Mahal - A photo stop at Jal Mahal (meaning Water Palace), a palace in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. Jal Mahal is an architectural showcase of the Rajput style, offering a picturesque view of Man Sagar Lake and the surrounding Nahargarh hills.

Hawa Mahal - Palace of Wind - A photo stop at the Palace of Winds, or Hawa Mahal, one of Jaipur’s most iconic buildings. Constructed in 1799 as an extension to City Palace, it features 953 small windows, called Jharokas, decorated with intricate latticework (jali or screen). The lattice design allowed royal ladies to observe street life and festivals without being seen, as customs forbade them from appearing in public without face coverings.

City Palace of Jaipur - Visit City Palace in Jaipur, a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace remains the home of Jaipur’s royal family and was constructed in 1727 by Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II when he moved the capital from Amer to Jaipur. The palace complex includes several buildings, courtyards, and museums. Exquisite carpets, bright Rajput weapons, delicate clothes, and ornamented palanquins evoke the grandeur of India’s princely era. The royal family, including Jaipur’s present maharajah, still resides in one of the complex’s wings.

Bapu Bazar - Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise, offering souvenirs and fine jewelry with precious stones. The city is also known for carpet weaving and unique Tie & Dye and Block-printing on fabric.
Jaipur’s markets are unique, with similar facades painted pink and selling authentic handicrafts, including imitation jewelry, mirror and patchwork on fabric, stoles, shawls, and sarees. A walk in Bapu Bazar or Johri Bazar is a wonderful way to learn about Rajasthani culture and colors.

Jaipur International Airport - After visiting marvelous palaces and forts, travelers will be dropped off at Jaipur airport, Jaipur railway station, their hotel, or any other desired location in Jaipur.

• Battery bus/golf cart return ride at Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri
• Hotel accommodation for 5-nights on twin sharing (If booked with option including Hotels)
• Unlimited Free Wi-Fi during entire trip
• Entrance fees at mentioned monuments
• Domestic Flight tickets from Varanasi to Khajuraho in Tourist class by Scheduled Commercial Flight
• Transportation by chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle for entire trip at disposal
• Breakfast
• Unlimited Bottled Mineral Water in vehicle during entire trip
• Domestic Flight tickets from Delhi to Varanasi in Tourist class by Scheduled Commercial Flight
• Train Tickets in air-conditioned class from Jhansi to Agra
• Private Hand Rowing Boat rides with all safety gears in Varanasi
• Services of Tour Guides for sightseeing, city tours and walks as mentioned in the itinerary
• Private Jeep to ride to/from Amer Fort in Jaipur (If do not want to go up by walking)

• Any other item / visits / services not mentioned in itinerary
• Any other meal, snacks or beverages not specified in the itinerary
• Camera Fees at monuments @ USD10-20 at any monument depending upon the type of camera
• Gratuities

This luxurious 6-day journey offers vivid experiences, including visits to renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), the sensual artistry of Khajuraho temples, and the spiritual essence of Hinduism along the Ganges River in Varanasi.

On this private and exclusive 6-day tour, travelers will explore Delhi, the capital of India, which beautifully blends the old with the new. Agra, home to the world-famous Taj Mahal, and Jaipur, known as the Pink City and the capital of Rajasthan, are celebrated for their majestic palaces and forts. Khajuraho captivates with its sensual sculptures, where each stone tells a passionate story. In Varanasi, the sacred city, visitors can experience the authenticity of Hinduism, where rivers are revered as mothers and cremation on the banks offers liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

• All travelers require valid Visa prior to the arrival in India
• Taj Mahal remains closed for visitors on every Friday. In case scheduled Taj Mahal visiting day fall on Friday, You will visit Taj Mahal a day prior
• Mandatory Gala Dinner on X-mas and New Year Eve at hotel of stay is not included and will be charged extra.
• Taj Mahal sunrise visit is subject to weather conditions
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• This is a Private Tour and no sharing of other tourists is allowed
• As per the prevailing guidelines of Government of India, All foreign travelers should either have Vaccination Completion Certificate of their respective country OR a negative RT-PCR Test report of 72 hours before the departure from the originating country
• Domestic flights by Scheduled Commercial airlines shall be in tourist class and usually with 15 Kgs of check-in baggage
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.