Golden Triangle with Varanasi

After breakfast, proceed for Delhi sightseeing starting with a visit to the Jama Masjid - the largest Mosque in India. Visit Chandni Chowk oldest, biggest bazaar of Old Delhi. Later, walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride till Red Fort. Here our driver will meet you, drive past Red Fort (a 17th-century historical fort in Delhi) and reach Rajghat, a memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. An eternal flame burns on one side of this memorial.

Visit the Humayun’s Tomb - the first garden-style tomb of India. The main highlight of this tomb, inspired by Persian architecture, is the four garden squares with water passage channels surrounding the tomb. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan - the residence of the President of India and India Gate - an archway built in honour of the soldiers who died in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutab-Ud-Din Aibak in 1193 to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India.

Early morning, we will attend a Yoga class at Lodi Garden. Yoga is a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation. Go back to the hotel for breakfast. After this proceed for a cooking class at the host’s home in Delhi followed by lunch. Later you will also get an opportunity to learn how to wear an Indian Saree.

In the evening visit Dilli Haat which is an open-air food plaza along with stores selling handicrafts and artefacts. Extensive foundation work, small thatched roof cottages and kiosks give the plaza a village atmosphere. Get an opportunity to see how "Mehndi" is applied and also experience it. Mehndi is the art of colouring hands with a Henna paste which is very popular in India. You can end the day with a spa session at the hotel itself.

After breakfast, you will head to Agra. It is a beautiful city situated on the banks of river Yamuna that achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628. It still remains a popular tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Upon arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel. After some relaxation, visit the Agra Fort that resembles the magnificent Red Fort in Delhi. The Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) are the must-see attractions here. Later in the evening, visit the Taj Mahal - the most extravagant symbol of love, dedication and purity ever that took almost 22 years to build. It is an ivory-white marble monument where rests the mortals of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan (who built Taj Mahal) and his wife (Mumtaz). An interesting fact about this stunning edifice is that it turns pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden at night as the moonlight falls upon it. Watching the sunset over this iconic monument is truly a sight to behold. (Taj Mahal closed on Friday)

Post breakfast and check out, drive to the beautiful city of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City of India. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned city of the Mughal Empire. The city boasts some of the magnificent monuments built during the Mughal Era, which include the Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti. You have time to explore the corners of Fatehpur Sikri before continuing your way. Continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. It is a city known as the Pink City of India due to extensive use of pink sandstone in various buildings of the city. Its monuments showcase a myriad of architectural styles and its vibrant bazaars are famous for traditional handicrafts and jewellery. The ambience of this city speaks volumes of the rich lifestyle of the Rajput Kings.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing. Visit the Amer Fort dating back to the 16th century that displays private halls, pavilions, former private chambers of the King and royal Rajput women. The reflection of this fort falling on the Maota Lake is truly captivating. Enjoy an Elephant ride here. Explore the City Palace consisting of former private and public chambers, silver vessels, courtyards, gateways, private chambers of the King and lot more. Later, visit the Jantar Mantar which is an astronomical observatory that features the World’s largest Sundial - Samrat Yantra. Then visit the Hawa Mahal - a five-story palace built-in 1799 during Rajput rule. It is popularly known for its intricately-designed 953 windows adorned with spectacular latticework. Later afternoon is kept free to visit the famous markets of textiles, gems, carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs.

After breakfast, our representative will drive you to Jaipur Airport to board your flight to Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. It is a city located on the banks of River Ganga that is the 2nd largest river of India. Formerly known as Kashi and Benares, this city is around 3000 years old. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindus as it is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva (God of Destruction). Every year, Hindu devotees visit this city to take a holy dip in the River Ganga that is said to wash away all the sins.

Your Varanasi sightseeing tour begins with an early morning boat ride on the River Ganges. Enjoy soaking in the spectacular sunrise views and later, return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, head to Sarnath. It is the place dotted with various Buddhist pilgrimage sites of great significance. If you’re a devout follower of Buddha, then you must visit this place. Later, visit the New Vishwanath Temple also known as the “Birla Mandir”. Settled within the Banaras Hindu University, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (God of Destruction). It took around 35 years to build this temple.

Head to the Tulsi Manas Temple built by the royal family of Banaras in 1964. It is believed to be the place where the legendary poet Tulsidas wrote the great Indian epic “Ramcharitramanas”. Close to this temple is the Durga Temple (Monkey temple) dedicated to Goddess Durga (divine feminine energy). In the evening, witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a daily evening ceremony that has been practised for thousands of years on the banks of River Ganges.

After breakfast, our representative will drive you to Varanasi Airport to board your flight back home.