Golden Triangle with Varanasi and Khajuraho

Morning after breakfast full day combined city tour of Old and New Delhi.

Old Delhi, built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan the Magnificent (who also built the Taj Mahal). First we will be visiting the famous Jama Masjid mosque with its 9,000 sq. ft. courtyard, three domes and two minarets. Then proceed to the massive complex known as the Red Fort (only for photo stop). (Red Fort is closed on Monday).

Later visit Raj Ghat the crimination ground of Mahatma Ghandi, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a Spectacular structure that’s just 60 years old, India Gate – the war memorial, photo stop at Presidential Palace and Parliament House and then proceed via India Gate – the war memorial, photo stop at Presidential Palace and Parliament House.

Afternoon transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival Transfer to hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Today early morning you experience the life of this ancient city. See the beauty of the rising sun on the Ganges Boat Ride. The boat ride passes along some of the 100 ghats, with numerous palaces built by Hindu kings. Experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus being performed, thousands of people taking a bath in the holy river believing they will be free from the circle of rebirth. It is interesting to see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God.

Return to hotel for breakfast.

Later you will see the Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, which, instead of gods and goddesses, houses a relief map of India carved out of marble.. Emperor Aurangazeb’s Mosque built in the 17th century on the site of a Hindu Temple. The rear of the mosque reveals specimens of the ancient temple art of India. Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple) erected by Rani Ahalyabai Holkar of Indore in 1776. The shikharas of the temple are gold plated.

Afternoon drive to Sarnath, 10 kms north of Varanasi is Sarnath, where in the Deer Park; Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon after he received enlightenment. The ruins of monasteries, built more than 2000 years ago, the Dhamok Stupa, the Dharmaraji Ka Stupa and the main shrine draw Buddhist pilgrims yearly to Sarnath.The Mahabodhi Society of India have recently built a modern Vihara, the interior frescoes of which have been executed by a Japanese artist. At Sarnath stands the famous Ashoka Pillar of polished sandstone whose lion capital has been adopted by the republic of India as its state emblem. The museum designed like a Buddhist monastery, contains many superb specimens of ancient art.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning at leisure. Later transfer to airport to board flight for Khajuraho. Arrive Khajuraho and transfer to hotel.

After lunch at hotel. Half day city tour of Khajuraho. Visit Eastern and Western group of Temples.

The Eastern Group of temples are mainly dedicated to the Jain teachers - tirthankaras - The Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple and the Santinatha Temple. There is a 4.5m statue of Adinatha in the main place of Jain worship. The temples are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods, goddesses.

The Western Group consists of a group of artistic temples built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers and musicians appear to be so natural as if they would come alive any time. We will visit the Varaha Temple dedicated to Vishnu, and also the Lakshmana Temple also dedicated to Vishnu. It is one of the earliest of the western enclosure temples dating from 930 to 950 AD. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is not only the largest of the temples, it is also artistically and architecturally the most perfect. Built between 1025 and 1050 it represents Chandella art at its most finely developed phase.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, drive to Jhansi enroute visit Orcha.

Orcha, 18 km from Jhansi, is highly picturesque & is set on an island on a bend in the Betwa River. You see the beautiful Orcha Fort palace raised on a rocky promontory above the wooded countryside. The Raj Mahal with its Hall of Private Audience and Public Audience and royal chambers with beautiful painted murals on the walls and ceilings of religious and secular themes. The Jahangir Mahal, (7th century) palace built to commemorate the Emperor’s visit. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple a square temple has excellentmurals (religious and secular) on the interior walls and ceilings of the four cool galleries around the temple. The paintings portray Hindu deities, scenes from epics, historical events including the early British period.

After lunch drive to Jhansi to board train for Agra.

Board Shatabdi Express at 1756 hrs. Arrive Agra at 2025 hrs. Meet and assistance upon arrival and transfer to hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Early morning visit Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal, the mausoleum built by a sorrowing Shah Jehan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Building's stupendous scale, flawless symmetry, translucent white marble and shimmering reflection in the water channel are truly breathtaking. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday).

Return to hotel and have breakfast. Later visit Agra Fort.

Agra Fort, Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of courtyards, mosques and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid and other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects and artists. Afternoon drive to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and check in hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, you will explore the city of Jaipur, founded in the 18th century. Called the ‘pink city’ many of its buildings are made of pink sandstone. You will see the Jantar Mantar, an open-air royal observatory with gigantic astronomical instruments, and visit the City Palace Museum, which houses the magnificent art collections of the Maharajahs of Jaipur.

Afternoon visit Hawa Mahal or the Palace of winds built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Also visit Laxmi Narayan Temple Etc. Evening visit Johiri Bazar for shopping.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, you will visit Amber Fort by Elephant Ride, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Like the 18th-century Palace of Winds, the screened windows of Amber allowed for the ladies of the court in times gone by to view the processional, civic activities, and formal matters of state. Photo Stop at Water Palace.

After lunch drive to Delhi. Upon arrival check-in at hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, visit Qutab Minar, Humayun Tomb, Bilra Temple, Evening free time at Janpath. After dinner transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.