Luxury Golden Triangle with Varanasi and Khajuraho

This morning after hearty breakfast, our guide will lead you in exploring the bustling Old Delhi. Begin at the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque with a courtyard so large where upto 25,000 devotees can pray at once. Continue the guided walk through the labyrinthine lanes of the Chandni Chowk (a bazaar dating to the 17th century of Mughla era, which today retains a strong souk like quality). Next, enjoy a rickshaw ride from Fatehpuri Masjid to the impressive Red Fort, and from there you’ll be chauffeured to Rajghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Afterward, visit Humayun’s Tomb (a World Heritage Site, displaying India’s first garden-style tomb built in 1565 and featuring striking Persian inspired architecture). Later, move toward New Delhi and driving past Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House) and India Gate. Lastly, visit Qutub Minar (world’s tallest brick built tower). stay at The Imperial.

This morning after breakfast, board a flight to Khajuraho. The city in the state of Madhya Pradesh is home to the World Heritage Site-listed erotic Khajuraho Temples. Upon arrival, you will check-in to your accommodation at the Lalit Temple View Khajuraho. Freshen up before a sightseeing tour of Khajuraho. This modern luxury hotel is conveniently located offering rooms with panoramic views of the Western Group of Temples, famed for their erotic sculptures. Stay at Lalit will provide an exceptional blend of old-world elegance and modern comforts. In the evening, begin exploring the beautiful temple complex that date back to 950 A.D. Explore these stunning ancient temples adorned by erotic, sensuous and other artistic carvings; perhaps the best temple art in the world. stay at Lalit Temple View.

Leave early at sunrise again for the temple. Return to the hotel for breakfast, and after you’ll leave for the airport to board a flight to the holy city of Varanasi. After arrival, you’ll be chauffeured to Brijrama Palace. Ideally located near the river bank, visitors can enjoy royal treatment at this palace hotel dating back to 1812. The interiors of this heritage hotel is tastefully done with 18th century artworks, exquisite antiques and of course the stunning traditional architecture. In the evening, our guide will take you on a boat ride tour along the River Ganges, and its many ghats (places by the river with flight of steps leading to the water), which will end at the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. Ganga Aarti is a spiritual spectacle where the Ganges and other Hindu deities are worshiped. Hundreds of locals, devotees and tourists gather at the ghat to watch this ritual performed by the priests. stay at Brijrama Palace.

Enjoy an early morning boat ride soaking in the beautiful views while your boat traverses through the ghats of Varanasi. Next, you’ll be driven to Sarnath, a popular Buddhist pilgrimage spot. It is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Later return back to Varanasi in the evening, continue walking through the famous ghats starting from Assi Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat, then head to the Vishwanath Gali, which is lined with plenty of shops selling all kinds of religious objects, also find here the famous Banarasi silk sarees and brocade items. End the day at Ramnagar Fort, which has been home to the Maharajas of Varanasi for over 400 years. Return to Brijrama Palace for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, take a flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, your chauffer driven vehicle will assist you to take a straight drive towards to Agra and check in your hotel at ITC Mughal. Your luxury hotel in Agra is located close to the Taj Mahal, and fittingly exudes Mughal era charm through its excellent Mughal-inspired architecture, Mughal styled landscapes and gardens. Enjoy an unmatched Royal Indian hospitality here. If time permit you can visit any Handicraft shop in Agra. stay at ITC Mughal.

After breakfast, start on a full day of Agra sightseeing. Begin with a visit to Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Continuing on, also visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, a highly ornate edifice, this mausoleum is considered as imminent inspiration for the making of the Taj Mahal, as far as elaborate carvings and inlay work are concerned. End the evening on a romantic note with a visit to the world-famous architectural marvel of Taj Mahal. An epitome of love, this World Heritage site was created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to enshrine his beloved wife and queen Mumtaj Mahal. Return to ITC Mughal. 

This morning after breakfast, check-out of the hotel, then 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 including the Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti. You have time to explore the corners of Fatehpur Sikri before continuing to Jaipur. You’ll be transferred to Shiv Vilas Palace for a luxury stay in Jaipur. The heritage is an ode to the Pink City, visible through its striking architecture and decor, inspired by the Mughal and Rajput style. stay at Shiv Vilas Palace.

Today after breakfast, explore the Pink City of Jaipur with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside the city. Enjoy the experience of ride on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Also visit Jantar Mantar, a heritage solar and astronomical observatory, also featuring world’s largest stone made sundial. Then to Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal woman could peer down unseen by the world through its 953 small ornate windows. Also see Jal Mahal. Later, take a guided walk through the vibrant local bazaars looking for local handicrafts, textiles and jewellery. Return to Shiv Vilas Palace. 

VAfter breakfast, take a scenic drive through the Aravalli hills to Jodhpur - Rajasthan’s “Blue City” with 2 day luxury stay at Ajit Bhawan. India’s first heritage hotel, Ajit Bhawan will remind you of the erstwhile Rajput royalty with traditional welcome and royal hospitality. Enjoy the best of tranquil luxury. stay at Ajit Bhawan.

After breakfast, continue on a half-day guided tour of the Blue City of Jodhpur starting with the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, perched high on a hill. Continue with a walking tour through the Old city, exploring the shops, narrow lanes of the town and feeling the local life. As the sightseeing ends, the remaining day is free at leisure for you to enjoy the palace, or to go shopping. Return to Ajit Bhawan for an overnight stay. stay at Ajit Bhawan.

After breakfast, drive to the romantic city of Udaipur. En-route, visit the one of India’s most ornately carved Ranakpur Jain Temples. Your stay at Udaipur will be at the centrally located Shiv Niwas Palace where royalty meets contemporary. This crescent-shaped Grand Heritage Palace has been preserved meticulously for guests seeking world-class luxury facilities. The Lake Palace is located close to the hotel. stay at Shiv Niwas Palace.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Visit City Palace built in 1559, a small palace overlooking the dreamy Lake Pichola. It has gradually evolved to be the largest palace in Rajasthan; with attractions like Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. Later, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari that is a small ornamental garden built in the honour of Royal Ladies for recreational purpose, and visit Lok Kala Mandal, a cultural institution with a museum, which exhibits collection of folk art items like folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Opened seven days a week, puppet shows and folk dancing are conducted every evening in an adjacent open air theatre. Next stop will be at Shilpgram to see the village arts & crafts. Evening free to relax, optionally you can take a walk through the narrow lanes and back streets of Udaipur up to the Washing Ghats at the lake Pichola. Enjoy Boat ride at Lake Pichola and also opt for dinner at Lake Palace Hotel, located amidst the Lake. Have a luxurious and comfortable overnight at Shiv Niwas Palace in Udaipur.

This morning after breakfast, enjoy your surroundings at your heritage hotel in Udaipur. In the afternoon, check-out and fly back to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi, you’ll be connected to your flight back home. Your Luxury Tour ends here.