Best of India

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Delhi

  Welcome to India, the land of mystery and diversity! Our representative waiting at the airport will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After a brief introduction to your India tour, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

  • Delhi

• Day 2: Delhi, Delhi City Tour

  Begin your day's exploration with a visit to the great Jama Masjid, Delhi's main mosque and also a landmark due to its distinctive architecture. Getting out in the bustling Chandni Chowk, you will have the opportunity to navigate the narrow streets on a traditional rickshaw and gain insight into the daily lives of the locals. Following that, you will visit the Gandhi Smriti Museum to learn about some of his life stories. 

  In the afternoon, visit the Qutub Minar. With a height of 73 meters, this 12th-century minaret is the world's tallest brick tower. Continue to Humayun's Tomb, which was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and is of particular cultural significance. Today's tour will conclude at the vibrant Hindu Laxmi Narayan Temple.

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  • Delhi

• Day 3: Delhi - Agra

  Enjoy some free time in Delhi before being driven to Agra in a private vehicle. It will take about four hours to get there. After a brief rest in the hotel, proceed to the Mehtab Bagh, also known as the Moonlight Garden. It's a great spot for a panoramic view of the Taj Mahal's minaret in the distance, especially as the sun sets and the marble-white building takes on a golden hue.

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  • Agra

• Day 4: Agra, It’s All About Taj Mahal

  Today, you will visit the most famous attraction of India - the Taj Mahal. Rise early to avoid the crowds and gain a thorough understanding of one of the world's most beautiful structures. Discover its exquisite architectural structure and the fascinating story behind it. Depending on your interests, you could spend more time there. 

  Return to the hotel for breakfast before continuing your tour of Agra Fort. This historical red sandstone fortress was once the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638 when the capital was moved from Agra to Delhi. Finish the day with the Itmad-ud-Daulah, which is often considered a rough draft of the Taj.

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  • Agra

• Day 5: Agra - Jaipur

  Head for Jaipur today, it will take about five hours drive. You will stop in Fatehpur Sikri on the way. Founded as the Mughal Empire's capital in 1571 and abandoned due to a lack of water in 1582, it preserved the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its peak. It's a nice place to explore on your own and take photos. 

  A stop at the Abhaneri Step Well is also available if you are interested in Indian stepwells.

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  • Jaipur

• Day 6: Jaipur, Discover Pink City's Highlights

  Jaipur, also known as the pink city due to the color of its walls, has its own distinct charm that you should explore. The magnificent Amber Fort is your first stop. You'll take a jeep up the hill to the entrance. Passing through the entry gates with beautiful Rajput structures, you will enter the glorious era of Rajput kings and gain an understanding of the luxurious lifestyle they led. You will be escorted by your guide to the Sheesh Mahal and other palaces, where you will learn about the fascinating stories surrounding them. 

  Before returning to the city, take in the view from the nearby Nahargarh Fort. Stop for photos at the Hawa Mahal, a honeycomb-shaped structure with 953 windows on the outside walls. After that, pay a visit to the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar. These two attractions may not be as well-known as others, but you will have a good time seeing the fancy collections and astronomical instruments from the past.

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  • Jaipur

• Day 7: Jaipur - Varanasi

  You will have a little bit of free time before your flight to the holy city of Varanasi. After arriving, check into the hotel and take some time to rest.

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  • Varanasi

• Day 8: Varanasi, Get Close to the Ganges

  Begin your day with a sunrise boat ride on the holy Ganges River. Witness the locals bathing and worshiping in the waters, the clamor and commotion at the riverside steps from the water, and the breathtaking views as the sun cast a red glow on the riverbanks. Return to the hotel for breakfast, followed by a brief city tour of Banaras Hindu University and Bharat Mata Temple.

  In the afternoon, visit Sarnath's Deer Park, where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dhamma, and then the Sarnath Museum.

  As night falls, witness the Aarti Ceremony on the Ganges River's banks. The priests will chant and dance while lighting a large lamp to honor the River Goddess Ganga. Several diyas, chants, incense, flowers, and musical instruments create an atmosphere of divine bliss.

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  • Varanasi

• Day 9: Varanasi - Delhi, Departure

  Spend the morning at leisure before flying from Varanasi to Delhi in the afternoon. You will have time to walk around after you arrive before heading to the airport for your return flight.

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