Golden Triangle With Varanasi

• Day 1: Arrive Delhi

  Your Golden Triangle with Varanasi tour begins with your arrival at the Delhi International Airport. At the airport, you will be received by a Trans India Holidays representative and he will escort you to the hotel and help you with the check in formalities. The tour starts from the capital city of India, Delhi. This bustling city is a perfect combination of the age-old and the contemporary era. Delhi has two distinct parts – New Delhi, the city created in 1911 as the imperial capital of India by the British and the Old Delhi, the Muslim capital of India between the 17th and 19th centuries. In fact there have been at least eight cities on the site of modern Delhi - the earliest known settlements, Indraprashtha featured in the Epic Mahabharata cover 3000 years ago. Though not always the capital Delhi has always been an important city of the northern region of the sub-continent. Overnight stay in Delhi.

• Day 2: In Delhi

  After the breakfast, the tour guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you for a guided sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. This tour includes the following places: Red Fort: The term Red Fort is taken from a Hindi word Lal, which means red and Quila which means fort. The structure of the Red Fort is very uneven and it is placed in an octet shape along the Yamuna River. This fort is delimited by a wall of about 2.4 km in perimeter and is constructed of red sandstone. In 1638, Shah Jahan started building this huge fort and it was completed in 1648. The fort has a Diwan-e-Am (Hall for public audience), a Rang Mahal (a water- cooled apartment of royal ladies) and a Pearl Mosque, which was constructed with white marble. Red fort has two main entrances the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate, and both this gates face the renowned Chandni Chowk. Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid is one of the country’s major mosques where hundreds and thousands of Muslims offer their prayers even today. Jama Masjid was constructed by Shah Jahan as an architectural extravaganza in 1658. The wonders of construction in Jama Masjid are seen in the long stretches of stairs and the hefty courtyard. Chandni Chowk (Silver Street): Chandni Chowk is well-known for its colorful streets with the famous shopping spots of Old Delhi. It also has the country’s best known extensive market for textiles, electronic goods and watches. Entire Chandni Chowk was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s beloved daughter and was then populated by the well-to-do families of that time. The famous Paranthawale Gali, known for its mouthwatering paranthas is also located in Chandni Chowk. The famous gold market, Dariba Kalan is also situated here. Raj Ghat: An elementary square platform of black marble on the banks of Yamuna River, symbolizes the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated followed by his assassination in 1948. A dedicatory ritual takes place each Friday, in his memory. Birla Mandir: Birla Mandir is a major prayer site and comprises of idols of numerous divinities. It is situated close to Connaught Place. Birla Mandir was constructed in 1938, by an industrial Raja Baldev Birla. India Gate: India Gate is a free standing, 42 meter high arch. It was built in 1931 and was formerly called the All India War Memorial in the memory of the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The names of the warriors are engraved all along the walls of the arch. The eternal flame was lit here to honor the Amar Jawan (Immortal Soldier), in 1971. Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House): Rashtrapati Bhavan is the authorized residence of the President of the country. It was designed by Lutyens, and was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India. Humayun’s Tomb: Nine years after the death of Humayun, Haji Begum (widow of Humayun) built this tomb in 1565-66 in his memory. Qutub Minar: This outstanding building in the Southern part of the capital was built by the Muslim King; Qutab–ud–din Aibak in 1199 A.D. The Minar (tower) is 72.5 meters tall and its base is a mosque. Bahai’s Temple: It is a very new architectural marvel of the Bahai cult. This temple is visible from quite a lot of spots in South Delhi. This temple is moulded in the shape of a lotus and has precisely been given the name. Overnight stay in Delhi.

• Day 3: Fly Delhi-Varanasi

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check out formalities. You will then be escorted to the airport in time to board your flight to Varanasi, the next destination on your Golden Triangle with Varanasi tour. Varanasi: Varanasi the ‘eternal city’ is one of the major pilgrimage spots in India. Also known as Benares or Kashi it is located on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. Over 2000 years Varanasi has been a center of learning. Apart from being a pilgrimage spot in India, Varanasi is also considered as an auspicious place to die, establishing an instant route to heaven. Varanasi is a special place for the Sanskrit scholars and students from all over India are seen here. The ancient city of Varanasi is located along the West bank of the river Ganges. This city extends back from the riverbank ghats in a twisted collection of passageways. These passageways are too cramped for anything but walking. The city extends from Raj Ghat, near the bridge to Asi Ghat near the University. You will be met by our representative at the Varanasi Airport and he will escort you to the hotel and help you with the check in formalities. Later sightseeing of Sarnath. Sarnath: Located 12 km from the holy city of Varanasi, Sarnath is the most important pilgrimage site for the Buddhist. Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Between the 3rd and 11th century AD several Buddhist structures were constructed in Sarnath that makes it the most expansive ruins amongst different places on the Buddhist trail. Some of the most eminent Buddhist monuments at Sarnath are the Dhamekha stupa and the Chaukhandi stupa. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

• Day 4: In Varanasi

  The day begins early with a Dawn Boat Ride on the holy river Ganges. The guide will pick you up from hotel and will take you to the river Ganges. The city and the river Ganges comes alive at dawn, when hundreds and thousands of devotees come to the river to worship the Sun God. The edge of the river looks amazing from a boat at sunrise and this sight is spiritually uplifting. Hinduism is deep and magical; it is everywhere, in the sight of a sparkling temple, in the sound of a sacred bell, in the prayer chants of the priests and in the smell of the flowers. After breakfast you will be picked up for a guided sightseeing tour of Varanasi. The tour includes visit to the following places of interests: Asi Ghat: Asi Ghat is one of the five extraordinary ghats in India; where the pilgrims are supposed to bathe in all the ghats on the same day and in order. The order is Asi, Dasaswamedh, Barnasangam, Panchganga and finally Manikarnika. Durga Temple: Durga Temple was constructed in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani. This temple is commonly known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ as many monkeys have made it their home. The construction of this temple is in Nagara style (North Indian style). The temple has a Durga Kund (Kund means Pond or pool). The temple has multi-tiered shikharas and is stained red with ochre, which represents the color of Durga. This temple is closed for non-Hindus. Kashi-Vishwanath Or Golden Temple: The Kashi-Vishwanath or the Golden Temple is devoted to lord Shiva as the Lord of the Universe. The original Temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb and he constructed a mosque over it. The New temple is constructed in 1776 by Ahalya Bai of Indore and the Gold plating on the towers of the temples was contributed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore. The new temple is located right across the road from its original position. Next to the temple is the Gyan Kupor Well, a.k.a. the well of knowledge. In this temple also the non-Hindus are not allowed. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

• Day 5: Train Varanasi – Agra

  After a relaxing breakfast you will be met by our representative who will assist you with the check out formalities. You will then be escorted to the Varanasi railway station to board a train to Agra, the next destination on your Golden Triangle with Varanasi tour. Arrive Agra at 1850 hrs. You will be met by our representative at the Agra Railway Station and will be escorted to the hotel where he will assist you with the check in formalities. Overnight in Agra.

• Day 6: Drive Agra-Jaipur (250 kms/ 05 hrs)

  The day begins early with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and will take you to the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal: Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Taj Mahal in the memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal who died during the birth of their child in 1631. The construction of this famous monument is said to have taken 22 years, starting from 1631.Over 20,000 artisans were working day and night for the construction of this landmark. The visit to the Taj Mahal will long be remembered by you as the highlight of your Splendors of North India Tour. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, you will be picked up again for the guided tour of Agra Fort. Agra Fort: Emperor Akbar started the construction of this huge red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of Yamuna River in 1565. It was mainly constructed for the soldiers until his grandson, Shah Jahan, added more opulent accommodations. There are a number of attractive buildings within its porches such as SammanBurj, where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Moti Masjid, a white marble mosque, Diwan–e–Am, Diwan–e–Khas, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Later, you will be met by our representative and will be assisted with the check-out formalities at the hotel. You will then start your drive to Jaipur, your next destination on the Golden Triangle with Varanasi tour, en-route stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, for a guided tour of this ancient capital. Fatehpur Sikri: The deserted capital of Emperor Akbar roughly 35 kms outside Agra, this city was built in the 16th century, and was abandoned for 12 years due to the paucity of water. The entire city is still intact, and a sight of this city is worth remembering. The Buland Darwaza is the main entrance to this city, which is 54 m tall and this gate was built in the honor of Akbar’s victory in Gujarat. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, continue your drive to Jaipur. Jaipur: The capital of Rajasthan and known as the “Pink City” because of the pink tinted constructions in the old city, it is one of the proposed UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. It is situated on a dry lake bed, bordered by barren hills vanquished by forts and broken walls. The city was found in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who wanted to be in the good books of the then ruling Mughals. He positioned the city with rectangular blocks according to early Hindu architecture. It is a great city for shopping. On your arrival at the hotel in Jaipur, you will again be met by our representative and he will assist you with the check in formalities. The rest of the day is free for you. You can either relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel or explore the city at your own. Overnight in Jaipur.

• Day 7: In Jaipur

  After a relaxing breakfast, you will be picked up by the guide from the hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Jaipur and Amber. Sightseeing in Jaipur includes: Hawa Mahal (Palace Of Winds): Constructed by Maharaja Sawaj Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is one of the Jaipur’s main landmarks; the front of the Mahal has pink windows and latticework screens. This Mahal was initially constructed for the ladies of the imperial household to watch the ordinary life and parades of the city. City Palace: The City Palace is still the dwelling of the former royalty H.H Bhawani Singh Ji of Jaipur. This Palace still has an extensive collection of art, carpets and old weapons. Jantar Mantar (Observatory): It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728. Jantar Mantar appears to be an inquisitive collection of sculptures but in fact each construction has a detailed purpose such as measuring the positions of stars, altitudes and azimuths, and calculating eclipses. The most striking instrument is the sundial which is 27 meter tall gnomon. The shadow this casts moves up to 4 meters an hour. Amber Fort: The Amber Fort is located 11 km away from Jaipur. Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur. The Fort is an excellent illustration of Rajput architecture, impressively situated on a hillside facing a lake, which reflects its walkways and walls. Overnight in Jaipur.

• Day 8: Drive Jaipur - Delhi (250 kms/05 hrs)

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by our representative and will be assisted with the check out formalities. You will then start your drive to Delhi. On your arrival at the hotel in Delhi you will be met by one of our representative and will be assisted with the check in formalities. Overnight in Delhi.

• Day 9: Depart Delhi

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by our representative and will be assisted with the check out formalities. You will then start your drive to Delhi's International Airport in time for your flight back home.

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