Arrival in Delhi and Half-Day Sightseeing

Raj Ghat - Upon your arrival in Delhi, you will be picked up from your preferred location, whether it be a hotel or the airport. Afterward, you will be taken to your reserved hotel in Delhi for an overnight stay. Check-in to the hotel.
After lunch at 1:30 p.m., embark on a sightseeing tour of Delhi, starting with Raj Ghat. Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi, India. Originally, it was the name of a historic ghat in Old Delhi. Raj Ghat features a black marble platform marking the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948.

Red Fort - The Red Fort, or Lal Qila, is a historic fort in Old Delhi, India, which served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of the Red Fort on May 12, 1638, when he decided to move his capital from Agra to Delhi.

Friday Mosque (Jama Masjid) - The Masjid-i Jehan-Numa, commonly known as the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656, it was inaugurated by its first Imam, Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari. Located in the Mughal capital of Shahjahanabad (now Old Delhi), it served as the imperial mosque of the Mughal emperors until the empire’s end in 1857. The Jama Masjid was a symbolic node of Islamic power across India, even during the colonial era. It was also a site of political significance during key periods of British rule. It remains in active use and is one of Delhi’s most iconic sites, closely associated with the ethos of Old Delhi.

Qutub Minar - Qutub Minar is a towering, 73-meter-high victory tower, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony, and tapers from a 15-meter diameter at the base to just 2.5 meters at the top. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively states that it was built with materials obtained from demolishing ‘27 Hindu temples’. A 7-meter-high iron pillar stands in the mosque’s courtyard. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it, your wish will be fulfilled.

Drive from Delhi to Jaipur

Jaipur - After breakfast at 8:30 a.m., check out from the hotel, and you will be driven to Jaipur, arriving at 2:00 p.m.

Full-Day Sightseeing in Jaipur & Evening Drive to Agra

Hawa Mahal - Palace of Wind - After a hearty breakfast at 8:00 a.m., embark on a full day of sightseeing, starting with the City Palace. The five-storey palace was built in the form of Krishna’s crown because Sarai Pratap Singh was devoted to Krishna, the Hindu god. The mahal has 953 small casements, each with small lattice-worked pink windows, balconies, and arched roofs with hanging cornices. This design allows cool breezes to flow through the mahal, keeping it cool and airy in summer. Despite the large number of windows, each is the size of a peephole, ensuring that the royal ladies were not seen by the public.

City Palace of Jaipur - Jaipur is a city that transports you back to the Rajput era as soon as you arrive. It is filled with architectural wonders, which is why it attracts tourists year-round. One such architectural delight is the City Palace, located in the heart of Jaipur. It symbolizes the regal and royal days of the city. Upon entering the palace, you will be captivated by its beauty as you admire the marvelous architecture and artifacts inside. The City Palace was once the home of Jaipur’s royal family but was later divided into two parts: one containing courtyards and museums, and the other where the royal family still resides.

Jantar Mantar - Jaipur - The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Completed in 1734, it features the world’s largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located near the City Palace and Hawa Mahal.

Albert Hall Museum - The Albert Hall Museum building was constructed in 1876 as a concert hall. The museum is named after the Victoria and Albert Museum in London due to its architectural similarity. The foundation for the building began in 1876 when the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur. Initially, the royals and government had no specific use for the building, and it was used as a Town Hall in 1880. Later, the King of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II, suggested using it as a museum for Industrial Arts. The hall was eventually used to display masterpieces by local artisans.

Birla Mandir Temple - Birla Mandir, Jaipur (Lakshmi Narayan Temple) is a Hindu temple located in Jaipur, India, and is one of many Birla mandirs. Built by the B.M. Birla Foundation in 1988, it is constructed entirely of white marble. It is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu (Narayan), whose images appear inside, along with other Hindu gods and goddesses and selections from the Gita and Upanishads. Festivals such as Diwali and Janamashtami are celebrated at the temple.

Monkey Temple - The Monkey Temple in India is a group of iconic temples at the holy bathing site of Galta, a peaceful retreat amid nature offering mesmerizing views of the Aravali hills and a serene environment. This complex is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large colonies of macaque monkeys residing there, which are a major attraction along with the striking temples decorated with fresco paintings inside and out. Situated in the mountain pass of Galtaji, it is naturally vibrant with mountains on all three sides, and two ponds—one for ladies at the top and another below for gentlemen. Small dunes on the way to the Galta group of temples provide a respite from the chaos of bustling Jaipur. A visit to this place of pilgrimage, with its peaceful and calming energy, is a must when in Jaipur. After all the sightseeing, you will be driven to Agra, arriving later in the evening to check in to your pre-booked hotel for an overnight stay.

Full-Day Sightseeing in Agra & Travel to Varanasi (By Train)

Taj Mahal - After a hearty breakfast at 9:30 a.m., embark on a full day of sightseeing in Agra, starting with the magnificent Taj Mahal. The most photographed monument in the world, the Taj stands in its splendor of white marble, an imposing citadel on the banks of the Yamuna River. Built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is an ode to the emperor’s eternal love for his wife. It took over 20,000 skilled workers from across the country, working day and night for 22 years, to create this architectural wonder.

Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah - The Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah is a Mughal mausoleum in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Often described as a “jewel box” and sometimes called the “Bachcha Taj” or “Baby Taj,” the tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal.

Agra Fort - Agra Fort is a historical fort in Agra, India. It was built between 1565 and 1573 for Mughal Emperor Akbar. It served as the main residence of the rulers of the Sikarwar clan of Rajputs until the Mughals occupied it, and the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi.

Mehtab Bagh - Mehtab Bagh is a charbagh complex in Agra, North India. It lies north of the Taj Mahal complex and the Agra Fort on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, in the flood plains. The garden complex, square in shape, measures about 300 by 300 meters and is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank. After all the sightseeing, you will be taken to the railway station to catch the train to Varanasi in the evening. Overnight stay on the train.

Varanasi

Sarnath - You will arrive in the morning, and our representative will be there to receive you at the Varanasi Railway Station. From there, you will be driven to the hotel, where you will be assisted with check-in. The day’s sightseeing begins with a tour of Sarnath, located 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. Sarnath is where the Buddha taught the Dhamma and established the Buddhist Sangha.

Ganga Aarti - Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Ganges, where you will have a grandstand view to witness the ancient prayer and oil lamp ceremony.

Varanasi to Delhi (By Train)

Ganges River - Early in the morning, your tour guide will meet you at the hotel and take you for a boat cruise on the Ganges River. Enjoy the sunrise and see the historical ghats of Varanasi. During the boat trip, you can learn about the traditions and culture of Kashi. The best time to visit the ghats is at dawn when pilgrims take their morning dip.

Dashashwamedh Ghat - Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most well-known of all the ghats. Enjoy the boat journey and observe the people on the ghats: young men showing off their strength in yoga poses, Brahmin priests praying, and women bathing quietly in their sarees. Return to the hotel at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast and some time to freshen up.

Bharat Kala Bhavan - An art and architecture museum housing a vast collection of paintings, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, and other materials of archaeological importance. You will travel to Delhi by train, with an overnight stay on the train. After completing your sightseeing, you will be taken back to the Varanasi Railway Station to catch your train from Varanasi to Delhi. Stay on board the train for the night.

Delhi Half-Day Tour & Departure

Humayun’s Tomb - After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, embark on a sightseeing tour of Delhi at 10:00 a.m. First, visit the splendid mausoleum built in memory of Emperor Humayun, the second Mughal ruler to ascend the throne. It stands as a magnificent testament to the style of Mughal royal mausoleums. It is the first of the grand dynastic garden-tombs commissioned in India.

India Gate - India Gate is a war memorial initially named the All India War Memorial. This structure stands as a tribute to more than 70,000 soldiers who died in the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.

Lotus Temple - The Lotus Temple is a notable architectural marvel famous for its unique lotus structure. The temple has won several awards and recognitions for its architectural style, religious concept, and beauty. It is one of the most visited monuments in the world. After completing the program, you will be dropped off at your desired location in Delhi. Day 7’s sightseeing activities conclude at 4:00 p.m. After the session, you will be transported to a location of your choice within Delhi.
The tour concludes with sweet memories!

• Private Transportation in Sedan/SUV Car
• Hotel Accommodation (3, 4, or 5 Star)
• Entry/Admission - Taj Mahal
• Entry/Admission - Qutub Minar
• Hotel or airport pick-up and drop-off
• AC First Class or Second Class Train Tickets
• Breakfast (6)
• Monuments Entrance Fees
• Entry/Admission - Agra Fort

• Gratuities (optional)
• Lunch and Dinner

Explore the highlights of North India on a convenient, private 7-day tour. Beginning in Delhi, the journey follows the traditional Golden Circuit route, featuring the stunning palaces of Jaipur and the Mughal treasures of Agra, including the UNESCO-listed Taj Mahal. The tour then proceeds to the ancient city of Varanasi, where visitors will discover why it holds such significance for Hindus. Accommodations are in comfortable 4-star hotels and overnight trains. This private tour is customizable to meet individual preferences. It includes 6 nights of accommodation with breakfast, guided tours for deeper insights into each destination, and entry tickets and a boat ride in Varanasi are available at an additional cost.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.