Golden Triangle with Varanasi and Diwali in Jaipur

After breakfast, proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Delhi. We’ll start with Humayun’s Tomb (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a memorial to the 2nd Mughal Emperor, Humayun. It is supposed to be the first Indo-Islamic buildings of India. Now visit Qutub Minar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Built-in 1192, Qutub Minar is the tallest single tower in India, and perhaps the tallest minaret in the world. Also, get a henna tattoo in Delhi as a memorable souvenir. After sightseeing in Delhi, drive to the wonderful former city of the Mughals - Agra, home to the famous Taj Mahal. 

Enjoy an early morning visit to the iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a monumental testament to love built by Shah Jahan for his empress Mumtaz Mahal. Return to the hotel for breakfast and check out. Next, explore Agra Fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573 and later enhanced by Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Post sightseeing, drive to Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan. Known as the "Pink City" due to the distinct color of its stone, Jaipur boasts impressive hill forts and palaces. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur city covering Jantar Mantar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) observatory. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) built in the late 18th century exclusively for the royal women so that they could peer down unseen by the world through its 953 ornate windows called “jharokhas” and balconies.

Lastly, visit City Palace, from where the Maharajas of Jaipur ruled, situated at the heart of the city, which also houses the City Palace Museum. 

Enjoy breakfast, followed by sightseeing of three forts of Jaipur, which once formed as the strong defense ring for the city. Start with Amer Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a 16th-century magnificent Rajasthani Fortress-Palace located on a hillock, with huge ramparts and watchtowers. You will certainly love the elephant ride to the Amber Fort. Proceed to the 18th century Nahargarh Fort, with Indo-European architecture styles, stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills and overlooks the city of Jaipur. The name Nahargarh means “abode of tigers”. Further, visit Jaigarh Fort, the huge and stunning red sandstone fort was built between 15th to 18th centuries. A gigantic canon named Jaivana is one of the star attractions of the fort.

Return to the hotel and relax. In the evening, get transferred to the royal heritage property to celebrate Diwali with a Rajasthani family. Arrive wearing traditional Rajasthani attires (preferably saree or salwar-suit for the ladies, and kurta-pyjama for the men), seek blessings from the divine with the Diwali pooja (worship rituals), enjoy Rajasthani folk music and dance, shake a leg to local funky music, watch the fireworks, and relish delicious Indian sweets and savouries. Diwali is the festival of lights in India. On the evening of Diwali, candles and traditional diyas (earthen lamps) are lit, homes are decorated, colourful rangoli artwork patterns are designed on the floor, sweets and gifts are shared among friends and family, firecrackers are set, and people get dressed in their festive best. Enjoy a traditional dinner first, before leaving for your hotel.

After breakfast at hotel, check-out and proceed to Jaipur Airport to take a flight to Varanasi. On arrival, check-in to your hotel and relax. 

This morning proceed for an early morning Boat ride on the River Ganges, a ferry pilgrimage from Ghat to Ghat. People bathe early in the morning to offer prayers to the rising sun. After the tour of Ghats, return to the hotel for breakfast. After enjoying lunch, proceed to Sarnath which is located just 10 km from Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers, and one of the holiest Buddhist sites. It is here Lord Buddha had preached his first sermon to his pupils after attainment of Nirvana or enlightenment in 530 B.C. in Bodh Gaya, India. After Sarnath, return to Varanasi and explore the city.

Visit ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple; walk through the narrow streets and alleys of the city leading to various hidden and popular market areas as well as other attractions. Evening, you will attend the popular evening Ganga Aarti ritual (Ganga Aarti is the riverside prayer rituals done in honour of the holy river goddess the Ganges) at the bank of the River Ganges. At the Aarti, watch well-choreographed traditional worship rituals done by Hindu priests where they chant holy Sanskrit prayers and swaying huge brass lamps in their hands and blow conch shells to produce divine music. Later, transfer to your hotel. 

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to the Varanasi Airport to board a flight to Delhi Airport. Upon arrival in Delhi, connect a flight to your home/onward destination. Your memorable India tour ends here.