Jewels of India: The Golden Triangle with a difference
The Golden Triangle circuit (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) is, with good reason, one of the most well-travelled routes in the country. Added to the mix here are the cities of Varanasi, Khajuraho, Orchha, Gwalior and Udaipur. This is a 14 day itinerary that takes you through a broad spectrum of Indian life, celebrating its diversity and cultural wealth. Another one of our best sellers, the 'Jewels of India' tour is specially designed for one purpose: to give you an Indian experience that will sweep you off your feet.
ITINERARY (13 nights)
Day 1: Delhi
Arrive into Delhi, the political and historical capital of India. Check in at your hotel and take a half-day city tour of New Delhi. Overnight Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi
Visit Old Delhi, including the bustling bazaars of Chandni Chowk and India's oldest mosque- the Jama Masjid. Also Visit the Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Later in the evening visit the Red Fort for the sound and light show. Overnight Delhi.
Day 3: Delhi - Varanasi
Take your morning flight from Delhi to Varanasi. This is the most revered city of the Hindus, through which runs the holy Ganges. Check in at your hotel, then set out on a tour of this city thronging with the devout whose chants reverberate in every temple. Overnight Varanasi.
Day 4: Varanasi
Early in the morning, head for the ghats on the banks of the Ganges and take a boat ride on the river. Later, take an excursion to Sarnath and see the gigantic stupa. This is a holy site for Buddhists, as it's where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Overnight Varanasi.
Day 5: Varanasi - Khajuraho
Take your morning flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho, renowned for its ancient erotic temple sculptures that remain in a very fine state of preservation. Check into your hotel, freshen up and visit the temple complex. The most famous temples are the Lakshmana Temple, Kandaria Mahadev Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, Chandragupta Temple and Parvati Temple in the western complex. The Vamana Temple and the Adinath Temple are the most well-known in the Jain group of temples in the eastern complex. Overnight Khajuraho.
Day 6: Khajuraho
Full day sightseeing of the huge temple complex. Later in the evening, catch the sound and light show held in the western complex. Overnight Khajuraho.
Day 7: Khajuraho - Orchha
After breakfast, drive about 180 km from Khajuraho to Orchha- a town founded in the 15th century that has an alluring old-world charm. Check into your hotel. Visit the Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and Rai Parveen Mahal. Beautiful murals adorn the walls of these palaces. Visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple. Relax at the Phool Bagh gardens. Overnight Orchha.
Day 8: Orchha - Gwalior
Drive 120 km from Orchha to Gwalior. Gwalior is another ancient town, dating as far back as the 8th century. It was- and continues to be- a major cultural centre, especially for Indian classical music. Check into your hotel and then visit the Gwalior Fort and the various temples, including the Surya Temple, which is a replica of the famous Sun Temple of Konark in Puri. Overnight Gwalior.
Day 9: Gwalior - Agra
Drive from Gwalior to Agra, 120 km. Check into your hotel and then visit one of the famous wonders of the world- the Taj Mahal. Overnight Agra.
Day 10: Agra - Jaipur
Drive from Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri, the splendid 16th century palace complex built in pink stone. In Jaipur, check into your hotel and take a half-day tour of the Pink City. Visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal. Overnight Jaipur.
Day 11: Jaipur
After breakfast, take a full day tour, beginning with the magnificent Amber Fort. You can ride an elephant to the ramparts of the fort. Then visit the bustling bazaars of Jaipur. After dinner, board your overnight train for Udaipur at 10:15 pm.
Day 12: Udaipur
Arrive early morning (06:00 am) into Udaipur, the city of lakes. Check in and freshen up at your hotel. Then take a city tour. In the evening, take a boat ride on lake Pichola. Overnight Udaipur.
Day 13: Udaipur - Ranakpur & Kumbhalgarh
After breakfast, visit the famous Ranakpur Temples and the imposing Kumbhalgarh Fort 100 km from the city. Return to your hotel for the night. Overnight Udaipur.
Day 14: Udaipur & onward
Transfer to Udaipur airport to catch your flight to your next destination.
RELATED TOURS
Rajasthan Rover
Sariska Tiger Reserve
Tour cost
Prices start from 2250$ per person on twin sharing basis
Booking & Cancellation Policy
What's included
Meet and assist at arrival and departure
13 nights' accommodation with breakfast and taxes
All surface transport by private a/c car with driver, fuel, tolls and taxes.
Guided city tours
Boat rides at Varanasi and Udaipur
A/c sleeper train tickets from Jaipur to Udaipur
Elephant ride at Amber Fort
What's not
Domestic airfares
Meals other than breakfast
Personal expenses like telephone calls, laundry, beverages, etc
Entrances and camera fees at monuments
Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides and hotel staff
GST @ 5%
DESTINATION GUIDE
Visiting the town of Orchha is like taking a trip back in time. The charm of the place lies in walking through its ancient temples and forts, in varying degrees of ruination. The experience is a little eerie and very beautiful. While Khajuraho is world-famous for its intricate sandstone temples and erotic carvings from a thousand years ago.
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