Golden Triangle and Varanasi
Golden Triangle and Varanasi Tour
Duration: 10 Days/9 Nights
Places of Interest: Delhi – Varanasi - Agra – Jaipur - Delhi
The Golden Triangle tour is a wonderful introduction to India as it combines history, culture, heritage sites and colourful elements of North India. The tour gives you opportunities to explore the narrow bylanes and bustling bazaars of Old Delhi; some of the Mughal architectural wonders of Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi; the massive Rajput forts and palaces in “Pink City” Jaipur; and the monumental Agra Fort and the famed mausoleum of love, the Taj Mahal in Agra.
We also add extra sights that are usually not included in standard tour itineraries. For example, we include opportunities to visit the stepwells and experience hand block printing in Jaipur. Should you wish to experience either a walking, bicycle or food tour or a special interest in art and crafts, do let us know and we can further customize your itinerary!
This particular Golden Triangle tour is packaged with the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, the oldest living city of Lord Shiva as per Hindu mythology. You’ll have an unforgettable spiritual experience in Varanasi: cruising on the Ganges River and taking in the various Hindu rituals taking place at the bathing ghats; visiting the temples; and exploring Buddhist ruins in Sarnath where Buddha preached his first sermon and organised the first order of monks (sangha).
Best time to travel: October - March
To enquire and/or book, email us at hello@crimsonasia.my
Day 01: Arrival in Delhi
On your arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist you to transfer to your hotel.
Check in hotel and overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 02: Tour of Old Delhi
Experience the narrow bylanes and bustling bazaars of Old Delhi on foot or rickshaw, and explore Delhi's magnificent red sandstone monument, Red Fort.
Key places of interests:
- Jama Masjid
- Chandni Chowk
- Red Fort
- City landmarks (India Gate, President's House, Parliament House)
- Raj Ghat (memorial to Mahatma Gandhi)
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03: Tour of New Delhi (B)
Visit key UNESCO World Heritage sites in New Delhi.
Key places of interests:
- Qutub Minar (the world's tallest brick minaret)
- Humayun's Tomb (the last refuge of Mughal Emperor Humayun)
- Bahai Lotus Temple
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 04: Travel by train from Delhi to Varanasi (8 hours) (B)
Early morning collect your packed breakfast and transfer to the train station at 6AM to board the high-speed Vande Bharat Express for Varanasi. Expected to arrive in Varanasi at 2PM. Upon arrival in Varanasi, check in at hotel and day at leisure to rest.
Later afternoon leave for Ganges River tour; enjoy evening boat ride and aarti from the middle of the river and offer prayer.
As per Hindu mythology, Varanasi is considered the oldest living city of Lord Shiva. It is generally understood by Hindus to take God’s name and die in Varanasi is to attain moksha which means liberation – freedom for the soul, a release from the constant cycle of rebirth.
Key places of interests:
- Ganges River tour
- Evening aarti
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05: Tour of Varanasi (B)
Enjoy a boat ride at dawn. On this boat ride, you’ll get to see various Hindu rituals (people bathing and praying) taking place at the bathing ghats.
Post boat ride, return to hotel for breakfast. After resting, continue with the tour of Varanasi – visit the Bharat Mata temple, the exteriors of Vishwanath temple and Durga temple, and tour the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Banaras Hindu University is one of the largest universities in Asia, that excels in arts and sciences and is known for its role in the Indian independence movement. It is a must-visit to experience age-old tradition of learning and spirituality.
In the afternoon, drive to Sarnath (10kms north of Varanasi) where Buddha preached his first sermon and organised the first order of monks (sangha). Explore the ruins of Sarnath – monasteries, shrines and foundations of stupas.
Key places of interests:
- Boat ride at dawn
- Bharat Mata Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple
- Banaras Hindu University
- Sarnath
Post tour of Sarnath, return to Varanasi and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 06: Fly from Varanasi to Delhi and onward journey to Agra (B)
Early morning collect your packed breakfast and transfer to airport to board your onward flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our driver and direct leave for Agra (3 hours’ drive).
Upon arrival in Agra, check in at hotel. In the late afternoon, visit Agra Fort and its Hall of Public Audience and Royal Pavilions. The fort was the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations (Akhbar, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb).
Key places of interests:
- Agra Fort
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 07: Sunrise visit of Taj Mahal and drive to Jaipur (B)
Take in the stunning sight of the lavish Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The epitome of Mughal art and one of the most famous buildings in the world, Emperor Shah Jahan had this monument constructed in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at first sight.
A sunrise visit to Taj Mahal frees you from the crowds and heat during daytime.
Return to hotel for breakfast, after which drive to Jaipur (4.5 hours). Visit Fatehpur Sikri en route to Jaipur.
Fatehpur Sikri was a deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akhbar as his capital and palace (only 10 years) in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. It is complete with palaces and mosques and still in near perfect condition.
Key places of interests:
- Taj Mahal
- Fatehpur Sikri
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at hotel and overnight stay.
Day 08: Tour of 'Pink City' Jaipur (B)
Jaipur was established by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743) and painted pink by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876. The royal heritage of Jaipur lives in its architecture and culture. The ‘Pink City’ is symbolic of the hospitality that reigns in the Rajput culture.
Key places of interests:
- Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds - facade only)
- Amer Fort
- Jantar Mantar (largest stone observatory in the world)
- City Palace
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 09: Visit stepwells and Anokhi Museum of Hand Block Printing (B)
Explore a few Rajasthani stepwells (some actually date back to 8th and 9th centuries) where pilgrims were said to have found comfort in quenching their thirst and finding a resting spot on the steps of those deep and large wells after their long travels.
After exploring the stepwells, visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Block Printing, a museum-cum-gallery that exhibits the oldest art form of Rajasthani art at its very best.
Key places of interests:
- Chand Baori Stepwell
- Panna Meena Kund
- Anokhi Museum of Hand Block Printing
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10: Return to Delhi for onward journey home (B)
Return to Delhi and transfer to Delhi International Airport for onward journey home.
***End of Tour***
For full private tour details and bookings, please email hello@crimsonasia.my
