GOLDEN TRIANGLE, VARANASI & LUCKNOW

Offering an inspiring introduction to the Subcontinent, this journey combines Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi and Lucknow’s cultural and natural wonders. Delving into centuries of history, the tour uncovers ornate temples, magnificent Islamic architecture and marbled palaces. Explore the Old and New Delhi highlights; visit the ultimate symbol of love, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Varanasi which is considered the oldest living city in the world. Experience the spiritual aspect of India’s age-old beliefs and enjoy a unique culinary experience in the metropolis of Nawab known as Lucknow.

Day 01: Delhi Arrival (by flight: TBA)

Arrive at Delhi International Airport. Please clear immigration & visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS Executive will wait at the arrival with a placard to greet you. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer to the hotel, check in at the hotel and stay two nights in Delhi. (No Meals)

Day 02: Delhi

After breakfast meet your tour manager at the hotel lobby for a short briefing, followed by guided sightseeing tour at Old & New Delhi. Begin with Old Delhi with a drive pass Red Fort Palace to reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India built in red sandstone. Between the mosque and Chandni Chowk is a narrow shop-lined street along which you will be transported by cycle rickshaws on your most photogenic journey of the tour. Afternoon drive past New Delhi, which will include photo opportunities at some of the following attractions - the exterior of the Parliament House, the War Memorial Arch (India Gate) and residence of the President of India in New Delhi. Conclude your day with visit to Qutub Minar; being one of the most important landmarks of Delhi, with calligraphically decorated interiors and also inscriptions of verses of the Holy Quran. Stay overnight at Delhi. (B,D)

Day 03: Delhi – Varanasi (by AM flight: TBA)

Morning get in time transfer to airport to board flight to Varanasi. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ghats of Varanasi are natural supplement to the concept of divinity and is known as the city that liberates soul from human body to ultimate. Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk saris and silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world, even today. The city is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. On arrival you will be received by our Tour Executive at the Airport, transfer to hotel and check-in. Remaining part of the free for self-recreational activities. Stay for two nights at Varanasi. (B,D)

Day 04: Varanasi

Wake up early morning and proceed to enjoy the sunrise boat ride on river Ganges. The river will be thronged with early morning bathers, raising their faces to the rising sun and reciting the sacred mantra. One can see the perpetual movement of the pilgrims on the steps, the vivid Colours of their clothes glistening against the pale gold water, the triangular flags fluttering atop the temple spires. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism and Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language. Visit the Banaras ghat, Assi ghat & various other ghats. Return back to hotel for buffet breakfast. After breakfast, proceed for morning city tour of Varanasi visiting various temples including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple etc. Afternoon proceed for an excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at the deer park after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka down to the 12th century A.D Ashoka, who built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and nearby is a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adorned Lions, which today forms the national emblem of India. Later in the evening witness grand prayer ceremony on the ghats of river Ganges. Stay overnight at Varanasi. (B, D)

Day 05: Varanasi – Lucknow (by train: TBA)

Enjoy buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure. In time transfer to the Varanasi railway station to board train to Lucknow. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. 'The City of Nawabs' is an intriguing blend of old world charm, warm hospitality, courteous people, beautiful architecture and Rich heritage. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Stay for two nights in Lucknow. (B, D)

Note: Itinerary is subject to change depending upon the train timings.

Day 06: Lucknow

After breakfast at the hotel, see some of the highlights of the city, Bada Imambara a famous monument of Lucknow that has historical, cultural and heritage importance. The complex also includes the large Asfi mosque, the Bhul-Bhulayah (the labyrinth) and a summer palace with running water. Government Museum is a must visit for all the tourists is situated in a modern three-storied building at Banarasi Bagh area of Lucknow. This afternoon enjoy heritage walk across the lanes and bylanes of the chowk of Lucknow, where the time stand still in the medieval century, exploring the unexplored and explaining how vast a history this city of superlatives holds. It is said that each building in the old city has an anecdote and a gamut of tales connected to it, our expert 'Heritage Guides' take you into the bygone era of this city that is a world unto itself. Explore the unexplored, learn the history beyond the books and rediscover the life of Lucknow through the walk. Return to the hotel for overnight stay at the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 07: Lucknow – Agra (by train: TBA)

Lucknow is the centre for Chikan embroidery, renowned for its timeless grace and gossamer delicacy, a skill more than 2000 years old. After a leisurely breakfast, visit a Chikan workshop and watch skilled karigars (workers) delicately working on unique styles and stitches. In time, transfer to Lucknow railway station to board train to Agra. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Known by all as the home of the Taj Mahal, the city is still associated with the Mughuls who were great builders and you will see this by the architecture of the buildings as you pass by. Stay for two nights in Agra. (B, D)

Day 08: Agra

Early morning visit Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) - the epitome of love, stands on the banks of the river Yamuna built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. The white marble building changes its hue with the variations in the daylight. Made entirely of white marble and decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work, different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. This magnificent monument is built around a Charbagh or ’four garden’ plan, split by watercourses— reflects the influence of Persian architectural style. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Then after visit to Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, which is a mixture of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture and Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb; nicknamed as baby Taj; another fine example of Mughal architecture. Stay overnight at Agra. (B,D)

Day 09: Agra – Jaipur (by surface: 05 ½ hrs drives)

Morning after a leisure breakfast check out and travel to Jaipur, the first planned city of India, is a treasure-trove of culture, art and history, famous for its colour, life style and Rajasthani cuisine. It is a city exuding royal heritage and extravagant richness. The historic city also has many temples and shrines. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The perfectly preserved red sandstone buildings consist of palaces, courtyards, a life-size chess board, tombs and mosques. Visit the Diwan-e-Khas with its remarkable central pillar. Also unmissable is Panch Mahal, the five storied structure used as the viewing station for the harem. On arrival check into hotel. Stay for two night in Jaipur. (B,D)

Day 10: Jaipur

Morning after an early breakfast proceed for guided visit of Amber Fort, enroute photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace). Continue your morning with Amber Fort excursion, the ancient capital of Rajasthan and the majestic palace complex to witness a unique system of air-conditioning of 17th century. Later proceed for guided tour of Jaipur city starting with City Palace Museum; boasts to have some of the priceless handwritten Hindu scriptures of the ancient past, miniature delicate paintings, preserved painted ceilings and the elephant saddles (haudas), and is registered in the Guinness Book of Records to contain the biggest silver objects in the world. Conclude your day with visit to Jantar Mantar; one of the famed observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh is a complex of astronomical instruments, chiselled out of stone which provides fairly accurate information to this day. Overnight at Jaipur. (B,D)

Day 11: Jaipur – Delhi (by surface: 05 ½ hrs drives) & departure

Morning check and travel to Delhi, ending your tour with drop at Delhi Airport to board your flight to onward destination. (B)

What’s included?

•  Accommodation with private facilities (Check-in 1400hrs & Check-out 1200hrs in Luxury Hotels)
• Travel, transfers & sightseeing by air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary
• Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner)
• Services of Private English speaking local guide during sightseeing / excursions
• Entrance fee to the monuments as per the Program (one visit per monument)
• Rickshaw ride in Delhi
• Shared boat ride on in river Ganges in Varanasi
• Food and Heritage Walking tour in Lucknow
• Varanasi – Lucknow and Lucknow to Agra train ticket charges in air conditioned coach.
•   Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur (On festival dates elephant ride will be replaced by shared jeep)
• One Bottle of Mineral water per person per day (during drives and sightseeing only)
• Assistance on arrival and departure transfers
• All applicable & current taxes