Best of India with Ganges

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 - Varanasi, Aarti Ceremony in the Evening

  After breakfast, fly to the holy city of Varanasi.

  After arriving, check into the hotel and take some time to rest. 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 4: 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 Deer Park, where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dhamma, and then explore the Sarnath Museum.

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  • Varanasi

• Day 5: Varanasi - Delhi - Agra

  Fly back to Delhi in the morning and then transfer into a vehicle toward Agra. After reaching in about four hours later, settle into your hotel and have a rest.

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  • Agra

• Day 6: Agra, Taj Mahal at Sunrise

  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 7: Agra - Jaipur, Visit Fatehpur Sikri En-route

  Head for the pink city of Jaipur today, which will take about six hours. 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. 

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  • Jaipur

• Day 8: Jaipur, Discover Pink City's Highlights

  The magnificent Amber Fort is your first stop today. 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. 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. 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. End the day with a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, a honeycomb-shaped structure with 953 windows on the outside walls.

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  • Jaipur

• Day 9: Jaipur - Delhi, Departure

  Have a leisurely morning before driving back to Delhi, about six hours. Say goodbye to India and board your international flight.

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