9 Days India Group Tour: India Golden Triangle with Varanasi in Small Group

Welcome to Delhi, the capital city of India! When you arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, our local professional guide and driver will pick you up and escort you to the downtown area. After checking in at your hotel, you can relax and decompress from your long flight for the rest of the day.

Delhi is a fascinating metropolis that seamlessly blends the old with the new. Divided into two distinct parts - Old Delhi and New Delhi - the city offers a captivating journey through time, where ancient traditions coexist with modern developments.

Arrival Ideas:
1. Flights to Delhi: Travelers can take international flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport from major cities in Europe (London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rome), the Middle East (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi), North America (New York, Toronto, Los Angeles), and Asia (Kathmandu, Singapore, Phuket, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Bangkok, Colombo). India domestic flights connect New Delhi with Varanasi (1h 20m), Udaipur (1h 25m), Mumbai (2h), Amritsar (1h 20m), and other destinations.
2. Delhi Airport Transportation: Delhi Airport is located in Palam, about 18km southwest of central Delhi. The airport is well-connected to the city center, with a typical travel time of 30 to 45 minutes by car.

Free Time Ideas (Optional): Red Fort Sound and Light Show (Jai Hind, Evening Show of 60 min)
With a seating arrangement of 700 people for a single viewing, this spectacular evening show brings the history of the Red Fort (World Heritage) and Delhi to life in a fun and engaging way! (Tips: Closed on Mondays. Make sure to book your tickets in advance. Show timings: 6:30 - 7:30 pm in Hindi; 8:15 - 9:15 pm in English).

Get ready for an extraordinary adventure in Delhi! Today, you’ll embark on a unique time travel tour, journeying from the majestic Old Delhi steeped in history, all the way to the modern marvels of New Delhi. This exciting exploration will weave together the vibrant tapestry of Delhi, allowing you to witness the city's ancient grandeur seamlessly blend with its contemporary flair.

Your exploration begins in the heart of Old Delhi, where you'll visit Jama Masjid, one of India's largest and most awe-inspiring mosques. Construction began in 1644 under the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the same visionary who brought us the Taj Mahal. This magnificent structure, also known as Masjid-i-Jahan Numa (meaning "mosque commanding the view of the world"), is crafted from red sandstone and adorned with beautiful white marble. Step back into the 17th century and stand in awe under the towering minarets of Jama Masjid. Feel the spiritual energy resonate through time and imagine the grandeur of the Mughal era as the call to prayer echoes through the centuries.

Later, take a stroll to Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. Also established by the Shah Jahan in the 17th century, this market is a maze of narrow alleyways filled with small shops offering delectable snacks, sweets, and savories, as well as budget-friendly deals on clothing and other items. Chandni Chowk stretches from the iconic Red Fort to the historic Fatehpuri Masjid, covering a significant distance. To fully immerse yourself in the charm of Old Delhi, we recommend taking an optional rickshaw tour around Chandni Chowk.

Don't miss the opportunity to pass by the Red Fort (World Heritage) and marvel at its symbol of grandeur. Known as Lal Qila and built by the Shah Jahan, the fort serves as the main residence for the Mughal emperors of India and is recognized as a significant architectural masterpiece.

After that, make your way to New Delhi and explore the iconic India Gate. This magnificent memorial is dedicated to the Indian soldiers of World War I. Resembling the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, India Gate stands as a prominent landmark, symbolizing an important chapter in India's history.

As you move forward, you'll have the opportunity to witness the transformation of Delhi into a thriving modern metropolis while also having a chance to take photos of several notable landmarks, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Residence), Parliament House, North Block, and South Block.

Then, you will arrive at Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest brick minaret in the world. Standing proudly at an astonishing height of 72.5 meters (238 feet), the Qutub Minar showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of Indo-Islamic architecture. Prepare to be enthralled by the sheer magnificence of this historical masterpiece as you delve into its rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 12th century.

Finally, visit Humayun's Tomb, another jewel in Delhi's crown and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It holds the distinction of being the first significant example of a Mughal garden tomb. Its breathtaking design and captivating blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles even served as inspiration for the future wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal! Adorned with intricate marble inlays and surrounded by Char Bagh gardens, this red sandstone monument stands as an iconic symbol of Mughal architecture. Stroll through the paradise garden, marvel at the architectural grandeur, and immerse yourself in the captivating love story it holds.

After this amazing tour, you’ll head back your hotel.

Start your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel in Delhi and bid farewell to the capital of India in the morning. Head off to Agra, a journey of approximately 250km (155miles) that takes about 4.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

The primary route for travel between Delhi and Agra is the Yamuna Expressway. It is known for its well-maintained surface and infrastructure. With our selected vehicle, that's a comfy road trip guaranteed. And it's a scenic road trip as well! Witness the captivating transformation as Delhi's urban sprawl transitions into picturesque landscapes, flyover bridges right over lush green fields, and vibrant agricultural farms painting the landscape. So don't hesitate to ask for a pit stop to capture the essence of the journey with your camera!

Upon arrival in Agra, you can visit Mehtab Bagh for an amazing sunset view. Known as the "Moonlight Garden", Mehtab Bagh is a 16th-century Mughal-era garden that offers a unique perspective of the Taj Mahal, especially during sunset. Watch the iconic Taj Mahal's silhouette reflecting over the calm Yamuna River, creating a truly magical scene. It's a perfect sneak peek preview of the Taj Mahal.

Today will be the big day for the Taj Mahal (World Heritage)! Your knowledgeable guide will pick you up from your hotel in the pre-dawn hours, so you can enjoy a serene sunrise viewing of the Taj Mahal bathed in an ethereal glow, away from the day's heat and crowds.

As you approach the magnificent Taj Mahal, you can admire its immaculate white marble facade glistens in the morning light. This remarkable architectural masterpiece, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, serves as an eternal symbol of love. Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in the 17th century as a tribute to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Walking up to the Main Gate of the Taj Mahal is an experience in itself. The gate is carved from red sandstone and adorned with intricate floral patterns. It serves as a grand prelude to the awe-inspiring monument that awaits you. Stepping through, you enter the Charbagh, a formal Mughal garden divided into four perfect quarters by reflecting pools. This symmetry and balance foreshadow the architectural mastery evident in the Tomb itself.

The centerpiece of the Taj Mahal complex is the white marble mausoleum, which houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. The story goes that Shah Jahan deliberately built the minarets of the Taj Mahal - towers that serve as vantage points and landmarks - away from and tilted outwards from the main structure. In the unlikely event of a collapse, they would fall away from the Taj Mahal. So the tomb of his beloved wife would remain unharmed. Intricate floral designs, calligraphy, and semi-precious stone inlays that adorn the tomb's surface offer a glimpse into the unparalleled craftsmanship of the era, leaving you breathless with its beauty.

After marveling at the architectural mastery of the Taj Mahal, you will return to your hotel for a refreshing breakfast.

Then, you will continue the journey to Agra Fort (World Heritage). By the way, Shah Jahan was imprisoned in the Agra Fort by his son Aurangzeb. From his vantage point, he is said to have gazed upon the Taj Mahal, which served as a constant reminder of his beloved wife.

Agra Fort is a formidable red sandstone fort built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, serving as the seat of Mughal power for nearly a century. Your guide will lead you through the imposing gateways, showcasing the fort's rich history and architectural brilliance. Explore the various palaces, courtyards, and audience halls that once housed emperors, their families, and the Mughal court. Witness the exquisite craftsmanship evident in the intricate carvings, marble inlay work, and jali screens (decorative perforated stonework).

Next, you’ll explore Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb, also known as the "Baby Taj" which was built by Empress Nur Jahan. This 17th-century mausoleum foreshadows the grandeur of the Taj Mahal with its intricate stone inlay work (perfected later), white marble, and geometric patterns, showcasing the evolving Mughal architectural style. Some might even say that its intricate architectural elements outshine the Taj Mahal!

After the tour, drive back to your hotel in Agra.

Begin your day early with breakfast at your hotel in Agra. Afterward, you will depart from Agra and make your way to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (World Heritage). The journey covers approximately 250km and takes about 5 hours.

En route to Jaipur, make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, meaning "The City of Victory”, which is 40 kilometers west of Agra. It served as the capital of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar from 1571 to 1585. Visiting Fatehpur Sikri offers a deep dive into India's rich history, providing insight into the life and times of one of its most celebrated emperors, Akbar the Great. It is a prime example of Akbar's architectural genius, dominated by red sandstone buildings, showcasing a unique blend of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic architectural styles, a reflection of the syncretic culture developed under Akbar’s rule.

The city is divided into two main areas: the royal palace complex and the religious complex. The royal complex includes stunning buildings such as the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Jodha Bai's Palace, Birbal's House, and Panch Mahal, among others. The religious compound features the Jama Masjid (Grand Mosque) and the tomb of Salim Chisti, a revered Sufi saint, which draws pilgrims from all over due to its sanctity and the belief in the fulfillment of wishes tied to it. One of Fatehpur Sikri’s most iconic structures is the Buland Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), standing at a height of 55 meters. It was erected by Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat and is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture. The gate serves as the main entrance to the Jama Masjid.

Following the tour, drive on to Jaipur, which is approximately 210 kilometers away, taking around 4 hours from Fatehpur Sikri. Welcome to Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, India, known as the "Pink City" for its trademark building color. Jaipur's most striking feature is the rose-colored hue of its buildings in the old city center. his distinctive color scheme is attributed to a welcoming gesture by Maharaja Ram Singh who had the city painted pink in 1876 to honor a visit by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). Upon reaching Jaipur, check in at your hotel and take some time to unwind.

Optional Activity: Jaipur Local Bazaar Walking Tour with a Guide (USD 40 per person).
You have the option to participate in a Jaipur Local Bazaar walking tour with your tour guide. Jaipur is a fantastic shopping destination, with lots of bazaars showcase wonderful Rajasthan artifacts such as textiles, gemstones, silver, and pottery. One local specialty is blue pottery, which features hand-painted vessels adorned with floral motifs and geometric patterns in combinations of blue, white, and occasionally other colors.

After a delightful breakfast, embark on a full-day Jaipur sightseeing led by your guide, including visits to the magnificent Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal, and the Jaipur Jantar Mantar.

Your first destination is Amber Fort (World Heritage). The magnificent, formidable, honey-hued fort of Amber is an exquisite example of Rajput architecture. It is located in the rugged hills about 11km northeast of Jaipur, overlooking Maota Lake, and is a must-see sight in the city. Amber was the former capital of Jaipur state. This magnificent fort comprises an extensive palace complex, showcasing a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. It is built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, along with white marble, and features a grand palace, temples, and several ornate gates. Of particular interest is the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), where the walls are inlaid with exquisite mirrored motifs that dance in the flickering flame of even a single candle.

Tips: You can choose to take a jeep ride (optional) up to the Amber fork rather than take an elephant ride (optional).

You can reach the Amber fort through the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) which leads to the Jaleb Chowk, the first main courtyard. Diagonally opposite is the Chand Pol (Moon Gate). From Jaleb Chowk, a flight of stairs leads up to the small Siladevi Temple, whose doors feature relief work in silver. The main palace is up next, which includes the Diwan-e-Am (hall for a private audience with the king) with carved columns and latticed galleries, the king’s apartments, the gate Ganesh Pol with beautiful arches, and Jai Mandir or Sheesh Mahal. Stand at one of the many arched windows of the palace and take in the rolling shrubland stretching up to the horizon and the scenic Maota Lake at the foot of the fort.

Next, head to the City Palace, situated in the old city of Jaipur. It is a sprawling complex that blends Rajput and Mughal architecture styles and serves as the royal residence of the Jaipur royal family. The palace houses several buildings, including Chandra Mahal, the Armoury, Diwan-i-Khas, and Diwan-i-Am Art Gallery, along with courtyards and gardens. Among them, Pitam Niwas Chowk (Courtyard of Love) is a photographer's delight. It is famous for its ****4 colored gates, each representing a different season. The Peacock Gate depicts autumn, the Lotus Gate signifies summer, the Green Gate represents spring, and finally, the Rose Gate embodies winter.

No tour would be complete without visiting Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). It is renowned for its unique 5-story exterior, resembling the honeycomb of a beehive. This architectural wonder is built of red and pink sandstone, and features an incredible 953 intricately carved windows. These windows, resembling a honeycomb design, gave the building its name ("hawa" meaning "wind" in Hindi) and allowed royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals in the street below without being seen. The clever design also facilitate the circulation of cool breezes throughout the palace, providing natural air conditioning, especially during the hot summer months. Hawa Mahal is an architectural marvel that blends Hindu Rajput architecture with Islamic Mughal architecture. The facade of Hawa Mahal is a stunning sight, particularly when bathed in the golden light of the early morning or late afternoon.

Immediately behind the Hawa Mahal is the Jaipur Jantar Mantar (World Heritage), considered one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The observatory houses the world's largest stone sundial and features 16 devices designated to measure time, observe planetary motion around the sun, and keep track of celestial bodies. The geometric devices of the observatory are both functional and architecturally fascinating, offering a glimpse into the advanced astronomy studies of the 18th century.

After breakfast, we will escort you from Jaipur to Delhi Airport (by car 308km, 5.5h) to catch the flight to Varanasi Airport. Varanasi, also known as Benaras, Banaras or Kashi, is home to the sacred Ganges River. It is famed as the Spiritual Capital of India, a holy site shared by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.Varanasi is also known as the City of Temples, boasting over 2,300 temples, and as the Holy City of India with over 80 ghats. It is one of the Oldest Living Cities in the World, dating back to 5,000 years. After this trip, you will understand why Varanasi holds greater significance than the capital city of New Delhi and the megacity of Mumbai.

When arrive at the Varanasi, your local guide and driver will escort you to the hotel for rest. The rest of the time is for free exploration and a great option is to walk to the banks of the River Ganges to have an insider's look at the local life and watch life flow by. You may see people bathing in the Ganges which is a purifying ritual that is thought to wash away a penitent's sins. Varanasi is also known as the City of Death due to the primarily Hindu belief that by dying and being cremated in Varanasi (spreading one's ashes in the Ganges), one can break out of the cycle of rebirth and attain salvation. An eye-opening experience at Varanasi is the cremation ghats (riverside steps where dead bodies are openly burned on funeral pyres) that line the banks of the Ganges.

As night falls, follow your guide to walk through the oldest and most famous narrow lanes of the city. You will encounter pilgrims, worshipers, sadhus, and children selling flowers & floating lights. Eventually, you will reach the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganges, where you will witness the thousand-year-old Ganga Aarti ceremony (optional boat ride). This ancient ceremony is known as the Ganga Night Sacrifice. During the ceremony, priests will chant and dance while lighting a large lamp to honor the River Goddess Ganga. The atmosphere is filled with the glow of oil lamps, chants, incense, flowers, and the music of traditional instruments, creating a feeling of divine bliss. Many tourists consider this ceremony a must-do activity in Varanasi.

Stay in Varanasi for overnight.

Warm Tips for visiting Varanasi:
1. Dress modestly: As a religious city, respectful clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended.
2. Be prepared for crowds: Varanasi can be quite crowded, especially during festivals.
3. Respectful photography: Avoid taking photos during cremation ceremonies or without permission from people.
4. Be cautious of scams: Be wary of unsolicited guides or touts offering help.

Wake up early and savor the beauty of a sunrise on the River Ganges with a Morning Boat Ride. This is a must-do experience in Varanasi, where you can view the Ghats from a boat, especially during sunrise. Varanasi, renowned as the City of Light, embraces the symbolism of light representing knowledge. Embrace the morning light as you witness a multitude of activities around the Ganges including locals bathing in the river, worshiping the sun, cremations, religious rituals, bustling commercial activities, occasional rubbish dumping, and clothes washing. This immersive journey will make you feel as if you are traversing through time and space.

Tips for the Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges:
1.The Boat Ride typically starts around 5 AM and lasts approx. 1 hour.
2. It usually coverssignificant Ghats (piers) including Dashashwamedha Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat (burning funeral), and Manikarnika Ghat (a cremation site).
3.If you wish to view Alamgir Mosque (optional), the boat ride will be extended, covering the stretch from Assi Ghat to Panchganga Ghat.
4.Sunrise Timings: Around 5:00 AM during summer & around 5:45 AM during winter.
5. Respect the local culture, as Varanasi is home to the Ganges River, India's sacred river, river of life, religion and pollution.

After getting off the boat, you will have breakfast at your hotel and then spend the rest of the day visiting Sarnath (The Deer Park), Bharat Mata Temple, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple), and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

After Breakfast, head to Sarnath (Sarnath Deer Park) where Gautama Buddha (Sakyamuni, Buddhist founder) preached his first teachings after enlightenment and revealed the eightfold path (the Buddhist doctrine). Sarnath holds the same level of holiness for Buddhists as Varanasi does for Hindus, as it is one of the four holy places of Buddhism in ancient India. Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese monks have constructed and maintained several Buddhist temples in Sarnath during the twentieth century. In the seventh century, the Chinese pilgrim Hsuan-tsang (Xuanzang,玄奘) recorded that there was a monastery (in Sarnath) large enough to house 1,500 monks. You can visit Chaukhandi Stupa a fifth-century stone marker that memorializes the spot where the Buddha met his first disciples, and the 39m high Dhamek Stupa (landmark of Sarnath), a hemispherical structure used for meditation. Don't miss a visit to the Sarnath Archaeological Museum (Sarnath Museum, closed on Fridays) for well-preserved Buddhist relics such as the famed Lion Capital of Ashokan sculpture (the National Emblem of India).

Later, you will visit Bharat Mata Temple, the Temple of Goddess Motherland India,  which is the only one of its kind in the world. It was built in 1936 CE by freedom fighter Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. Located in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus, Bharat Mata Temple is counted amongst the most-visited places in Varanasi as it houses no idol but a large map of undivided India carved in marble. The entire temple structure is supported by five distinct pillars, symbolizing the five elements of nature - Earth, Wind, Fire, Sky, and Water.

Next, you will move to the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Vishwanath Temple, ) which has been located in Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi since 1589. It is situated near Manikarnika Ghat, where over 300 funeral pyres are lit every day, on the western bank of the sacred river Ganga. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is famed for its tower , which is adorned with 800 kg of gold, earning it the name "Golden Temple" among the people. This temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is counted among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines.

Then, explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and visit its internationally reputed temple, known as the New Vishwanath Temple. This Hindu temple is opened to everyone and was constructed t by the Birla family, with its completion in 1966. It proudly features the world's tallest temple spire, becoming a prominent new landmark of Varanasi.

If you wish, you can also enjoy a delightful shopping experience in the evening at the markets of Varanasi.

It is time to end your 9 Days India Group Tour. Today you will head back to Delhi by flight. At Indira Gandhi International Airport you can catch your flight home or transfer to your next destination.

If you wish to extend your stay in Delhi for another night, please feel free to ask us to arrange accommodation for you. If you prefer to travel longer in India, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of India, Udaipur, Ranthambhore, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Amritsar, etc.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Asia tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!