Overview:
Duration- 13 Nights / 14 Days
Places- Delhi-Ayodhya-Prayagraj-Varanasi-Delhi-Agra-FatehpurSikri-Jaipur-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Ranakpur-Udaipur-Delhi
Mode of Transportation- Private vehicle with experienced English speaking chauffer
Meals- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Tour Manager- Available at your service right from your arrival till departure
Tour Guide- Local tour guide will be made available at all the locations
Inclusions- All inclusive except expense of personal nature like laundry, entry fee of camera etcetera
Hotel Category- Category of your choice. We recommend palatial / boutique properties wherever available
Golden Triangle-India’s golden triangle is a tourist circuit that connects the national capital, New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The Golden Triangle is so named because of the triangular shape formed by their locations on a map and also because of the vast wealth of cultural and historic treasures to be found in these three cities The trips usually start in Delhi and move south to the site of the Taj Mahal at Agra then west, to Jaipur (the desert landscapes). It is normally possible to do the trip by road, train or plane. The Golden Triangle is now a well-travelled route, providing a good spectrum of the country’s different landscapes in short duration. The circuit is about 450 Miles by road. Each leg is about 4 to 5 hours of seamless driving with few short breaks en route to cover places of historical importance.
Rajasthan- Rajasthan, also known as the “Land of Kings” or “Land of Kingdoms,” is India’s largest state in terms of area. The state is located in the country’s northwest and is a cultural melting pot. The ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization, temples, forts, and fortresses can be found in almost every city
Itinerary:
Day 1– Delhi to Ayodhya (Flight / 1 Hour)
We will board morning flight to Ayodhya. On arrival at Ayodhya we will check in and freshen up before starting the tour of Ayodhya.
Today’s Excursion-
Ram Janmabhoomi- The Ram Janmabhoomi is believed to have been the birthplace of the Hindu deity, Lord Ram. According to the Indian epic Ramayan, Ram, Lord Vishnu’s seventh manifestation, is said to have grown up along Ayodhya’s river Sarayu. It is a highly revered site for Hindu devotees.
Hanuman Garhi- Hanuman Garhi is a 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman. It is one of the most important temples in Ayodhya as it is customary to visit Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. It is believed that Lord Hanuman lived at the temple site guarding Ayodhya.
Kanak Bhawan- The Kanak Bhawan is established towards the northeastern corner of the Ram Janmabhoomi. Constructed in 1891, this temple is also known as Sone-ka-Ghar. It is a holy site dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Rama and his wife, Goddess Sita.
Treta Ke Thakur- The Treta Ke Thakur Temple houses numerous idols including that of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Bharat and Sugreev. These statues are said to have been sculpted out of a single black sandstone.
Choti Chawni- Also known as Valmiki Bhawan or Maniramdas Chawni, Choti Chawni is a magnificent structure completely crafted out of white marble.
Sita ki Rasoi- Sita ki Rasoi is believed to be an ancient kitchen used by goddess Sita. Built quite close to the Ram Janmabhoomi, this sacred site is now a temple housing some exhibit vessels.
Night stay- Ayodhya
Day 2– Ayodhya to Prayagraj (110 / 3 hour)
After early breakfast today we will leave for Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela. Upon arrival check in and step out to enjoy the marvel of mela.
Today’s Excursion-
Sangam- The Triveni Sangam in Allahabad is a confluence of 3 rivers, the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Of these three, the river Saraswati is invisible and is said to flow underground and join the other two rivers from below. It is believed that all the gods come in human form to take a dip at the Sangam and expiate sins. The Triveni Sangam is believed to be the same place where drops of Nectar fell from the pitcher, from the hands of the gods. So, it is believed that a bath in the Sangam will wash away one’s sins and will clear the way to heaven.
Lete Hanuman Temple- Close to the Sangam is another attraction the Bade Hanumanji Temple. Also known as Lete Hanuman Temple, it enshrines a 20-ft-long idol of the deity, in a supine or reclining position. It is the only temple of its kind in the world where Lord Hanuman is worshipped in this position.
Night stay- Prayagraj
Day 3– Prayagraj to Varanasi (100 Miles / 3 hours)
Day starts very early today with a holy dip in Sangam. Post holy dop return to your place of stay for breakfast. After breakfast we will leave for Varanasi.
Upon arrival check in and relax for a while before we proceed for local tour.
Today’s Excursion-
River Ganga Aarti- Ganga Aarti (ritual of offering prayer to the Ganges River) is held daily at dusk. Several priests perform this ritual by carrying lamps sway it choreographed movement. Special aartis are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals. The Ganga Aarti starts soon after sunset and lasts for about 45 minutes.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple- It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. The presiding deity is known by the names Vishwanath and Vishweshwara literally meaning Lord of the Universe.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple- It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. The temple was established by famous Hindu preacher and poet saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the early 16th century and is situated on the banks of the Assi river. The deity was named “Sankat Mochan” meaning the “reliever from troubles”. This temple has the unique distinction of having Lord Hanuman facing his Lord, Rama, whom he worshipped with steadfast and selfless devotion.
River Cruise- Enjoy boat ride on the Ganges when it is full of pilgrims is an amazing place to witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religions. While on the boat you may also see the cremation ceremonies of dead bodies as per Hindu Rituals.
Rickshaw Ride- Enjoy the narrow lanes and crowded street of city on the Rickshaw. You will come across various ancient temples.
Night stay- Varanasi
Day 4– Varanasi to Delhi (Flight / 1:30 hours)
Post relaxing breakfast at the hotel, we will leave for airport to board flight for Delhi. We will check in and start our Delhi Local Tour. You have option to add / omit places.
Today’s Excursion-
Qutub Minar- Built in 1193, it is the tallest minaret in the world built of bricks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The compound also has an iron pillar famous for the rust-resistant composition and is an excellent specimen of ancient metallurgy
Humayun Tomb- The tomb of Humayun construction was completed in 1572. The building was the first to use its unique combination of red sandstone and white marble. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Agrasen Ki Baoli- Agrasen Ki Baoli is a 60-meter long and 15-meter-wide historical stepwell built in 14th century.
Jama Masjid- It was built between 1650 and 1656.At the time of its construction, it was the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent. The mosque predominantly uses red sandstone & Black marble. The courtyard can accommodate 25,000 worshippers.
Red Fort- The Red Fort historically served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Its design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal. It was completed in 1648. The World Heritage Convention characterises the Red Fort as representing “The Zenith of Mughal Creativity”
Raj Ghat- It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s Cremation. It is on the west bank of the Yamuna River
Rickshaw Ride- The Old Delhi Rickshaw Tour is special as it is royal and regal. Hop on board our cushy rickshaws and explore the Mughal-built Walled City in a comfortable, eco-friendly and adventurous way. This tour is a mix of Old Delhi Heritage and culture. Immerse yourself in this enigmatic experience and have the best of this Old City.
Drive through / Photo stop- President house / Parliament house / India Gate
Night Stay- Delhi
Day 5– Delhi to Agra via Sikandra (130 miles- 3 hours)
After early breakfast at hotel, we will depart for Agra visiting Sikandra enroute. Upon arrival at Agra check in and relax for a while before we proceed to take a spectacular view of Taj Mahal during the sun set.
Today’s Excursion-
Sikandra- The four-storied tomb combines both marble and sandstone in its exterior. The construction of Sikandra was completed in 1613. The tomb with is set amidst a large garden and is enclosed by four battlemented walls, each with a large gateway. The 99 names of Allah have been inscribed on the tomb.
Agra Fort- Also known as Agra’s Red Fort was built by the Mughal emperor in 1573.It served as the main residence of the rulers of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The 40-hectare fort has a semi-circular plan, its chord lies parallel to the river Yamuna and its walls are seventy feet high.
Taj Mahal- The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare complex. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653 at a cost estimated at the time to be around ₹32 million, which currently would be approximately USD $1 billion. The construction project employed some 20,000 artisans. The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Night stay- Agra
Day 6– Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (150 miles / 5 hours)
Post relaxing breakfast at your hotel we will drive to Jaipur, visiting the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri enroute.
Upon arrival at Jaipur check in and relax for a while before we embark on half day city tour.
Jaipur is also known as the Pink City, due to the dominant colour scheme of its buildings. During the year 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII). It is also known as the Paris of India, and it was founded in 1727 UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed Jaipur the Pink City of India & among its World Heritage Sites. It is among the top 10 places of tourist attraction in Asia.
Today’s Excursion-
Fatehpur Sikri- It is an abandoned palace city which sits on rocky ridge, 1.9 miles in length and 0.62 miles wide and palace city is surrounded by a 6 km (3.7 mi) wall on three sides with the fourth bordered by a lake. Some of the important buildings in this city holds both religious and secular importance. The city was built massively and preferably with red sandstone.
Guided Tour of Old Jaipur City
Visit Shops for Souvenir Shopping
Night stay- Jaipur
Day 7– Jaipur
Post relaxing breakfast at your hotel we will embark on our full day local tour of Jaipur.
Today’s Excursion-
Amer Fort- Amer Fort is great example of architecture. Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. Its construction ensured that a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Jaigarh Fort- The Amer Fort along with Jaigarh Fort, is located immediately above on the Hill of Eagles. The Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort are considered one complex, as the two are connected by a subterranean passage. This passage was meant as an escape route in times of war to enable the royal family members and others in the Amer Fort
Nahargarh Fort- Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defence ring for the city. Nahar in local language means abode of tigers. The popular belief is that Nahar here stands for the kind named Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort. Nahar’s spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name
Hawa Mahal- The structure was built in 1799 from red and pink sandstone. Its five-floor exterior is akin to a honeycomb with its 953 highly decorated small windows. The original intent of this design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen. This architectural feature also allowed cool air to pass through, thus making the whole area more pleasant during the high temperatures in summer
City Palace- The City Palace, Jaipur was established in 1727. It now houses the Museum and continues to be the home of the Jaipur royal family. The royal family has around 500 personal servants The palace complex has several buildings, various courtyards, galleries, restaurants, and offices
Jantar Mantar- A Jantar Mantar is an assembly of stone-built astronomical instruments, designed to be used with the naked eye. The instrument can be used with an accuracy of about 20 seconds by a skilled observer & to measure the time of day, and the declination of the Sun and the other heavenly bodies. It is the world’s largest stone sundial. The Jaipur Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Optional Activity (At extra charge)
- Elephant Ride to Amer Fort
- Jeep Ride to Amer fort
- Hot Air balloon – Jaipur City view from the top
Night stay- Jaipur
Day 8– Jaipur to Bikaner (215 miles / 5 hours)
Post breakfast at hotel today we start our journey into heart Rajasthan which is full of ancient colourful mansions. We will come across villagers attired in colourful dresses, camels, folklore while driving through the rural Rajasthan.
Upon arrival at Bikaner, check in and post relaxing a bit we will take a city tour of Bikaner
Bikaner- Also known as the Camel city was founded in 1488 and its named after its founder. Apart from architecturally rich heritage buildings and forts, this city also has a research institute for Camels. The region is host to another 1200 migratory vultures. Local varieties include Egyptian and King Vultures. The most common migratory vulture is Eurasian Griffon coming from Spain and Turkey.
Today’s Excursion-
Junagarh Fort-The Junagarh Fort was built around 1594. It is one of the few major forts which was not built on hilly terrain. The fort is studded with temples, grand palaces and huge pavilions and walls.
Rai Bikaji Fort- Built in 1478 this fort is now in ruins. Junagarh fort was built around hundred years later.
Camel Breeding Farm- The tourist visiting the Centre can see the camel of different breeds and their behaviour. A camel museum is available to apprise them of the developmental and research aspects of the camel in the desert ecosystem. Facilities of camel riding, safari and video/photography are available for the visitors. Camel milk parlour is a special attraction because it vendors unique value added camel milk products like ice-cream, hot and cold beverages.
Horse Cart Ride- Enjoy the city charm enjoying the ride.
Night stay- Bikaner
Day 9– Bikaner to Jaisalmer (215 miles / 5 hours)
Post breakfast at hotel we will embark on our journey into the heart of Desert. We will drive through remote villages and small patch of sand dunes.
Upon arrival at Jaisalmer, check in and relax for a while before we embark on our local tour of this magnificent city. Today we will take city tour in horse cart
Jaisalmer- Nicknamed “The Golden city” this town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone. Many of the houses and temples of the town are built of finely sculptured sandstone. The town lies in the heart of the Thar Desert (the Great Indian Desert). Jaisalmer is also known for its leather messenger bags, made from wild camels native to the area. Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is the most awaited and famous cultural and colourful event. It is held in the month of February every year.
Today’s Excursion-
Old city tour in horse cart ride- We move through narrow lanes housing local artisans and art shops.
Explore local market for souvenir shopping
Night stay- Jaisalmer
Day 10– Jaisalmer
We start with a very relaxing breakfast in hotel. Later we will spend the whole day exploring Jaisalmer and places around.
Later in the day we will visit Sam sand dune for camel ride and dinner.
Today’s Excursion-
Jaisalmer Fort- Built in 1156 situated on Hill has been the scene of many battles. Its massive sandstone walls are a pale-yellow colour during the day, turning to a darker gold as the sun sets. This changing colour patter is to camouflage as desert during war times.
Sam Sand Dune- At Approximately 3 PM we will leave Jaisalmer. We will visit 2 Monument on the way to dunes. Khaba Fort- from where you can have great view of empty villages & Landscape. Jassery (Oasis/Lake) Then travel to camel point from here you will take the camel ride into thar desert for around 1.30 hour and see the sunset. Each person will have own camel. After sunset, dinner will be prepared on the bonfire while you relax on the Dunes, or you can join to the camel driver`s in cooking the dinner on the bonfire fire.
Night stay- Jaisalmer
Day 11– Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (175 miles / 4 hours)
Post breakfast at hotel we will embark on our journey to Jodhpur.
Jodhpur- Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts, and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert. It is popularly known as the “Blue City” founded in 1459. Jodhpur is the Handicraft Hub of India.
Today’s Excursion-
Mehrangarh Fort- Mehrangarh Fort covers an area of 486 hectares. The complex is located on a hilltop around 122 metres above plain and was constructed in 1459. Within the fort are several brilliantly crafted and decorated palaces. The fort was one of the filming locations for Disney’s 1994 live-action film The Jungle Book, as well as the 2012 film The Dark Knight Rises
Umaid Bhawan Palace- It is one of the world’s largest private residences. The palace has 347 rooms. The Palace is divided into three functional parts – the residence of the royal family, a luxury Taj Palace Hotel, and a Museum. The museum has exhibits of stuffed leopards, a very large symbolic flag given to Maharaja Jaswant Singh by Queen Victoria in 1877. The classic cars of the Maharajas are also on display in the garden in front of the museum.
Jaswant Thada- The Jaswant Thada serves as the dedicated cremation ground for the royal family. It is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These marble sheets are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when illuminated by the Sun.
Night stay- Jodhpur
Day 12– Jodhpur to Udaipur via Ranakpur (130 miles / 5 hours)
Post lavish breakfast at hotel we proceed for Udaipur with a short break to view the architectural wonder of Ranakpur
Post arrival at Udaipur check in and relax for a while before we step out to explore local sites.
Udaipur- Udaipur is also known for its historic forts and palaces, museums, galleries, natural locations and gardens, architectural temples, as well as traditional fairs, festivals and structures. Due to the several lakes present here, it is also known as “Venice of the East“. It is also considered as “the most romantic spot on the continent of India”. it is also known as the ”City of Lakes’‘. because city is surrounded by lakes.
Today’s Excursion-
Ranakpur- It is famous for Jain temples built in 15th Century. It has many temples in the compound but the main temple is unique in its construction. This temple is a grand white marble structure with 1444 marble pillars, twenty-nine halls, eighty domes and 426 columns. One pillar is incomplete and legend says every time it is built the next morning the pillar breaks down again. The 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple and no two pillars are the same
Lake Pichola Boat Ride- Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake and is one of the several contiguous lakes in the city of Udaipur. The lake’s surroundings and the several islands within the lake have been developed over the centuries, with palaces, marble temples, family mansions and bathing ghats
Jag Mandir- Jag Mandir is a palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola. The construction started in 1551 and was completed by 1652. The royal family used the palace as a summer resort and pleasure palace. It is also a preferred place for lavish destination weddings.
Night stay- Udaipur
Day 13– Udaipur
Post relaxing breakfast at hotel we will start full day tour of Udaipur
Today’s Excursion-
City Palace- Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces. It has a series of courtyards, overlapping partitions, terraces, corridors and gardens. The palace now houses a museum with many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils from the royal era.
Sahelion ki Bari- Sahelion ki Bari is a garden with fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. It was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry.
Guided city tour- Walk through market hub full of artisans exhibiting the fine art work.
Night stay- Udaipur
Day 14– Udaipur to Delhi (Flight / 1.30 hours)
Post breakfast at your hotel we will proceed to Airport for our onward journey to Delhi.
Night stay at hotel in Delhi (depending upon your onward journey)
Note: This is just a time bound sample itinerary indicative of how and what all could be explored. We can customise the tour as per your requirements. Set your expectations and we will offer memorable experience. Please reach out to us for personalised holiday experience.
Inclusions-
All meals- breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation for 13 Nights / 14 Days
All mode of domestic transportation
All the entry tickets
English speaking tour guide at all the locations
Exclusions-
International flight
Travel insurance
Any service / activity not mentioned in Itinerary
Expense of personal nature like laundry, entry tickets for camera etcetera
Optional tours / activities