The Golden Triangle & Varanasi, India

The Golden Triangle & Varanasi, India

Make your way through the Fabled Golden Triangle of India; visiting Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. Relive the mystery, romance and intrigue, nobility and grandeur with enough time in hand to discover each stunning location at your own pace. The tour described below includes an extension to Varansi.


Day 1. Arrival to Delhi. 
On your arrival at Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel in Gurgaon (National Capital Region of Delhi).

Upon arrival at the hotel, proceed for check-in at the hotel. 
(Check-in time at hotel is 14:00 Hrs.) 
 
Afternoon, proceed for city tour of New Delhi The tour will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. Return to hotel after the sightseeing. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Delhi
After beakfast, proceed to visit Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; Drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. It was the last architectural extravaganza of the Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan built in the year 1656 AD with the help of 5,000 craftsmen. It was made across the road from the Red Fort. The mosque is also known as Masjid-I-Jahanuma, which means 'mosque commanding view of the world'.

Return to hotel after the sightseeing. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3. Delhi - Jaipur
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (255 Kms./ 6-7 Hrs. approx.). Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 4. Jaipur
After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area. An elephant (alternatively by jeeps) will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.

En-route to Amber you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city. Continue for sightseeing tour of Jaipur city visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets. 

Return to hotel after the sightseeing. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5. Jaipur - Fatehpur - Agra
After an early breakfast (around 07:00 Hrs.) at the hotel, you will be driven to Agra (240 Kms / 6 Hrs.) .

En-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace 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 used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed. Now it is an extraordinary place to wander around with its buildings in near perfect condition.

Upon arrival in Agra, check-in at hotel.

Afternoon visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. Continue to visit the Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture.

Return to hotel after the tour. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6. Agra - Jhansi - Kaijuraho
Early/ packed breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to railway station to board train Shatabdi Exp. for Jhansi.

Departure: Agra At: 08:00 hrs. By: Train Shatabdi Express. / Arrive: Jhansi At: 10:34 hrs.

Upon arrival at Jhansi railway station, you will be met with our representative. 
After meet and greet, drive to Khajuraho (165 Kms./ 04Hrs. drive approx.)

Upon arrival in Khajuraho, check-in at hotel.

Afternoon, proceed for a tour of the Chandela Temple Complex. The tour of Khajuraho concentrates on the famous erotic temples, which represent some of the finest examples of temple architecture in Northern India. The remote location of Khajuraho meant that the temples were unharmed by Muslim invaders and as a result, the intricately fine carvings are in very good condition and are said to represent life in heaven. They were built during the mighty Chandela dynasty; the majority were constructed in a sudden burst of creative and religious energy, between the mid-10th and 11th centuries. After ruling for about 500 years the Chandela dynasty fell to the might of Islam and consequently the religious centre of Khajuraho was abandoned. The temples remain as a reminder of a society that believed in the full enjoyment of life, with all the senses being a path to nirvana. Of the eighty-five original temples only 22 remain, but many are in very good condition. You visit the Kandariya Mahadeva, the Chatrabhuj, Parswanath and Ghantai Temples, each remarkable for its beautiful design and architecture.

Return to hotel after the tour. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 Khajuraho - Varanasi by flight.
After breakfast, our representative will take you to the airport to board flight for Varanasi.

Departure: Khajuraho At: 14:20 hrs. By:UK 622 (Vistara)
Arrive: Varanasi At: 15:25 hrs.

Upon arrival in Varanasi you will be met with our representative, who will transfer you to the hotel.

Varanasi cannot be described, only experienced. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts a large number of tourists, both domestic and international. Varanasi is the oldest living city in India, and one of the world’s most ancient religious capital of Hinduism.

Later in the evening move to Rajendra Prasad Ghat to enjoy splendid arti at the river Ganges.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 8. Varanasi
Rise before dawn and board a boat on the River Ganges. At sunrise, you will witness one of the world’s most moving acts of faith as Hindu pilgrims come to the river to wash away their sins or pour out the ashes of their ancestors on the river’s current.
You will watch some of these rituals as you take a boat ride on the river Ganges.

Return to your Hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, proceed for a half day city tour primarily visiting the Kashi-Vishwanath Temple, the most sacred of shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, the patron deity of Varanasi. Reconstructed in the 18th century, its gold plating on the 'shikaras' was a gift of the one-eyed Sikh king, Maharaja Ranjit Singh; Bharat Mata Mandir, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi is a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. It houses a relief map of India carved out of marble; and some other important temples

Afternoon, proceed for excursion to Sarnath. Sarnath (also Mrigadava, Migadāya, Rishipattana, Isipatana) is the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Sarnath is located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India

Return to your hotel after the visit. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9. Varanasi - Delhi Airport
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure. Later transfer to Varanasi airport to board the flight for Delhi.

Departure: Varanasi At:15:20 hrs By: UK 813 (Vistara)
Arrival: Delhi At:16:50 hrs

On arrival remain in transit area to connect to onward flight back home.

Practical information:   

► Hotel Check-in time is 1400 Hrs. and check-out time is 1200 noon. ► TAJ MAHAL remains closed on Fridays.► Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary. ► Please note, the names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels. It is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey the confirmations to you on receipt of your acceptance. However in the event of any of the above mentioned hotels not becoming available at the time of initiating the reservations, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel. ► Elephant ride is subject to availability as Government of Rajasthan has restricted the number of rides and prior reservation. Clients will have to queue themselves and wait to see if they can get a chance to have the Elephant ride. ► In case on any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to adjust the tour price accordingly. The due increase or decrease will be communicated.


Price Includes:
08 nights hotel accommodation on Twin sharing basis at 3* hotels
Meal Plan: Half Board Basis as per program
All transfers
excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary shall be provided by air-conditioned vehicle
Services of a local English speaking guide during sightseeing as per the itinerary
Entrance fees at all World Heritage monuments listed in the itinerary (For one visit only)
road taxes; parking fee; fuel charges and interstate taxes
01 Elephant ride (Alternatively by jeep) at Amber fort in Jaipur
02 common boat rides on river Ganges in Varanasi
01 Rickshaw ride in Varanasi
Ac Chair Car train tickets for the sector Agra – Jhansi
Local representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers
All currently applicable taxes

Not Included:
International flight tickets
Domestic flight tickets Khajuraho – Varanasi and Varanasi - Delhi - app. 170 EUR* per person. * Price of air fares is subject to change at the time of making the booking
Insurances
Expense of personal nature like tipping; laundry; Portage; telephone/fax calls; camera/video camera fee at monuments; medical expenses; airfare; airport departure tax etc.
Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions
The above quoted rates are not valid for any other period than the mentioned above
Hotels reserve right to change the rates without prior notice during any fair/ festivals or in the wake of any big event.

Additional Services:
4* hotel upgrade - on request


Gallery


The Golden Triangle & Varanasi, India (Rated 4.96 / 5 Based on 434 Reviews.)
Group Size
Min. 2
Reservation System Code
INDIA
Balkan Kaleidoscope - 8 Balkan Countries in 14 Days 1290 , 14 Days

Balkan Kaleidoscope - 8 Balkan Countries in 14 Days

Once upon a time people said that the Balkans were the “power-keg of Europe”. Indeed,...
Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia 2240 , 8 Days

Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the most enigmatic places to visit in the Middle East - a blend of...
Caucasus Explorer - Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan 1220 , 11 Days

Caucasus Explorer - Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan

The Caucasus - the region where Europe meets Asia, where dramatic nature landscapes meet...

View all» What people say about us

Great
Penguin Travel on Trust Pilot
Based on 86 reviews
Trust Pilot
Binky's Review Verified review Verified
Great caucus Explorer trip
Caucus Explorer( Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan ) was a great trip . Even though our Van is fully...
Beth, 5 May
Daniel's review Verified review Verified
8 day Caucasus trip
5/5 for the Caucasus trip in apr/may 2024. Everything was well planned and executed.
Haris, 3 May
Maribeth's review Verified review Verified
Excellent and Amazing Tour
Excellent tour. My highlight of the tour is Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid and more places. I like the itinerary...
Arnold, 6 April
View all»

Blog

13.08.2024 16:52

5 Unique African Festivals and Traditions for the Bold Explorer

Travel, at its most meaningful, isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about connecting with the cultures that breathe life into those places. Africa, with its vast landscapes and myriad traditions, offers unparalleled opportunities for explorers who yearn for authentic experiences. Below, you will find 5 of our favorite festivals and traditions you can experience while traveling in...


30.07.2024 18:38

Gabon: Where Eco-Friendly Adventures Meet Stunning Wilderness

At Penguin Travel, we believe in the power of authentic experiences, and there are few places as untouched and awe-inspiring as Gabon. Nestled on the west coast of Central Africa, Gabon is a sanctuary for nature lovers and a testament to the beauty of unspoiled wilderness. Our tours are designed to immerse you in Gabon's incredible landscapes and wildlife, offering a truly unique adventure. Gabon...


09.07.2024 16:01

Photo Diary: Afghanistan Tour (Kabul, Herat, Bamiyan, Band-e Amir, Mazar-I-Sharif and Other)

In today's article, we will take you on a virtual journey to a misunderstood land where ancient civilizations have left their mark on rugged mountains and sweeping valleys. Afghanistan, a land often overshadowed by conflict, unveils a strikingly different side to those who dare to look beyond the headlines. It's a place of profound beauty and cultural richness, a stark contrast to its war-torn...


27.06.2024 17:45

Everything you need to know about travelling to Afghanistan: Essential travel information (Q&A with our tour leaders and local guides)

Traveling to Afghanistan in 2024 is an adventure like no other. Despite its rocky past and current political situation, more tourists are starting to explore the country, thanks in part to the Taliban's push for tourism. Penguin Travel is leading the way, having successfully organized a few trips in the last year. Must-see spots include the stunning Bamyan Valley, the gorgeous Band-e-Amir...