Golden Triangle With Temples Cities Ayodhya & Varanasi

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport assistance and transfer to hotel (hotel check in/ out time 1200hrs afternoon early check in subject to rooms availability). Rest time free and easy to relax & personal activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Delhi (B)

City tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the majestic Red Fort (closed on Monday) the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.

In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun`s first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Bahai House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape. Also drive pass President House, Parliament & India Gate etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur (265kms)

Drive to Jaipur check in at hotel. Rest time free to explore the local market with your driver, visiting the Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Chandpole Bazaar, Kishanpole Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, Sireh Deori Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar & Mirza Ismail Road. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Jaipur (B)

City tour of Jaipur the first planned city of India. Established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the king of Amber when he shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city. In 1876, the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur and the entire Jaipur city was painted in pink the symbolic colors of hospitality to welcome him. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple.

In morning visit Amber Fort followed by Jaigarh Fort. Later visit City Palace, Observatory, Hawa Mahal, Sisodia Rani Garden & Birla temple. Explore the famous bazaars of Pink City with its rich history and heritage exudes an amazing mix of royalty and art. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Jaipur - Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (245km) (B)

Drive to Agra via visiting Abhaneri a small village popular for India`s deepest, largest and amazing step well & a Hindu Temple. Next visit Fatehpur Sikri an abandoned predominately a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area. See the graceful buildings including Diwan-E-Khas hall, Jodha Bai Palace, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & Buland Darwaza.

Continue drive to Agra check in & overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Agra - Lucknow (335kms) (B)

Sunrise visit Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Agra Fort the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. And Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.

Later drive to Lucknow check in & overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Lucknow - Ayodhya (135kms) (B)

Visit Bara Imambara, British Residency, Chattar Manzil, Jama Masjid & Rumi Darwaza. Drive pass government colonial building which includes Vidhan Bhavan, Secretariat & Hazratganj a major shopping area of Lucknow.

Later drive to Ayodhya check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Ayodhya - Varanasi (200kms) (B)

Visit Lord Sri Ram Temple and several other religious and historical places which include Ram Ki paidi, Jain Temple, Birla Temple, Gulab Bari, Kanak Bhawan.

Later drive to Varanasi check in at hotel. Evening attend Holy Ganga Aarti, a magical ritual held every evening at sunset on the banks of the Holy Ganges. The entire Ghat gets illuminated with a divine light that can be felt strongly. The magnificent ritual involves huge brass lamps lit with oil and the priests chant the holy mantras that reverberate in the entire location. The entire Ghat gets illuminated with a divine light that can be felt strongly. The magnificent ritual involves huge brass lamps lit with oil and the priests chant the holy mantras that reverberate in the entire location. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Varanasi (B)

Early morning boat ride & Ghat visit along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water.

Later city tour visit Banaras Hindu University. With 5.3 sq kms campus and 30,000 residing students it is the largest residential university in the continent. Bharat Mata Temple built in 1936 houses a relief map of undivided India, carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Mandir one of the most famous temples in Varanasi. The temple has beautiful images of Lord Rama, Mother Sita, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman. The walls of temple are adorned with verses from Ramcharitmanas, the Hindi version of the epic Ramayana. Continue to Sarnath, it was here Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining the Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The great Dhamekh Stupa and glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C. stand testimony to the importance the place enjoyed at that time.

If time permit visit Ram Nagar Fort located on the eastern bank of River Ganga. The Fort includes an eccentric museum boasting a royal collection of vintage cars, swords, palanquins, ivory works, an old weaponry section and an extremely unusual astrological clock. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Varanasi - Delhi (B)

Transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. From Delhi board connecting flight for onward destination.