Golden Triangle with Lucknow & Varanasi Tour Where History meets, Royalty and Spirituality

Day 01         ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi. Meet & assistance at the airport and transfer to hotel.

{Check In time 14:00 Hrs.}

Overnight at hotel.

Day 02         DELHI
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast sightseeing of Old Delhi takes you to Jama Masjid, – The largest mosque in India. Drive past Red Fort & Chandni Chowk, once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial area of the city. Rickshaw ride in the bustling bazaars of Chandani Chowk. Also Visit Raj Ghat (memorial to Mahatma Gandhi).

Afternoon: sightseeing of New Delhi including the visit to the 12th century Qutab Minar. Bangla sahib Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) Drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of laid down by the Indian soldiers), the president’s residence – formerly the Viceroy’s Palace, parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, – an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 03         DELHI – JAIPUR BY SURFACE (260 KMS / 05 HRS.)
Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel.

Evening visit Lakshmi Narayan temple (Birla Temple) to attend the Aarti ceremony.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 04         JAIPUR – Amber – JAIPUR
Breakfast at the Hotel.

Morning: visit of Amber Fort riding on elephant back. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal – a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period.

En-route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds.

Later: – city tour of Jaipur which begins with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05         JAIPUR – Fatehpur Sikri – AGRA BY SURFACE (250 KMS / 05 HRS.)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri is the imperial city of the Mughal dynasty. Famously known as the city of ghosts, it was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory of South India. Arrive Agra and visit Taj Mahal undoubtedly one of the most romantic buildings of the world. Renowned for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, it counts among man’s proudest creations to commemorate his love (Friday Closed). Also visit Agra Fort. The fort is really a city within a city, which embraces the Moti Masjid, the Diwan-I-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences, the Diwan-I-Khas or the Hall of Private Audiences, the Octagonal Tower, Jahangir’s Palace and many more monuments”. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06         AGRA – LUCKNOW BY SURFACE (335 KMS / 05 HRS.)
Breakfast at the Hotel. Later drive to Lucknow. Upon arrival Transfer to the Hotel.

Lucknow is one of those few places that cling on to their original character and refuse to let go even in the face of the fiercest of the storms of change. Majestic old monuments all but scream out the tales of an ephemeral yet rich tangible past. Descendants of royal chefs still serve cuisine prepared from recipes secretly handed down over generations. The tradition of Tehzeeb (courtesy) inculcated by the Nawabs (royal retainers) of the yesteryears often springs forth from the small gestures and language of the folks living here. Small wonder that all the sights, smells and sounds of Lucknow connive to become obsessive yet endearing memories. Upon the arrival check into your hotel and get lost in the tempting smells and flavours of this city. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Lucknow includes a visit to the exquisitely decorated Rumi Darwaza, also known as the Turkish Gate, the magnificent Bara Immambara, the Husainabad Immambara, and the Asafud-daula Immambara, which reflect the quintessence of Awadhi architecture. Visit the Picture Gallery, which houses a collection of life-size oil paintings of the Nawabs of Oudh and also visit Chattar Manzil, Moti Mahal and the British Raj Residency, which was the site of Mutiny in 1857.  Evening visit Gomti Riverfront (Marine Drive) A beautifully developed riverside promenade ideal for a relaxed evening walk. Enjoy landscaped gardens, musical fountains, cycling paths, and stunning sunset views along the Gomti River—perfect for photos.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 07         LUCKNOW – VARANASI BY SURFACE (315 KMS / 05 HRS.)
Breakfast at the Hotel. Later drive to Lucknow. Upon arrival Transfer to the Hotel.

Evening Aarti ceremony at River Ganges. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08         VARANASI
This morning an early start for a dawn boat ride on the Ganges River. Ritual is a very important aspect of Hinduism and there is no better place to observe it than at the Ganges. You will view the thread ceremony, head shaving and food being offered to the departing souls. A walk through narrow twisting lanes will give you a chance to witness the various rituals of the pilgrims and followed by city tour including Bharat Mata Temple, Shanta Durga Temple and Banaras Hindu University.

Drive back to hotel for breakfast.

Afternoon excursion to Sarnath (9 kms) where Buddha preached his first sermon after getting enlightenment. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09         VARANASI – DELHI by Train (22415-0600/1405 hrs)

(Not runs on Tuesday)
In time transfer to the Railway station to board the train for Delhi.

Upon arrival transfer to the International Airport to board the flight for onward destination

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