India10 days
India's Golden Triangle with Varanasi, Khajuraho & Orchha — 10 Days
Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur extended to Varanasi's ghats, Khajuraho's temples, and Orchha's palaces
This ten-day itinerary moves through India's three foundational cities—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—then extends eastward to encompass four additional destinations that deepen the cultural and spiritual scope. The route begins in Delhi with Mughal monuments and colonial architecture, proceeds to Agra for the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, and reaches Jaipur's eighteenth-century grid and palace complex. From there, the journey turns toward Fatehpur Sikri, the sixteenth-century abandoned capital; Orchha, a riverside town of Bundela-era temples and palaces; Khajuraho, home to a tenth-century UNESCO-listed temple group; and finally Varanasi, where the Ganges and Hindu ritual life converge. The itinerary includes guided sightseeing in each city, overland and rail transfers, and accommodation throughout. An English-speaking guide accompanies the group; other languages are available on request.
Highlights
- Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, and Red Fort in Delhi
- Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra
- Amer Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur
- Fatehpur Sikri, the sixteenth-century Mughal city
- Jahangir Mahal and Ram Raja Temple in Orchha
- Khajuraho Group of Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges in Varanasi
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath in Varanasi
- Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi · Delhi Airport or Railway Station · nearby markets
Arrival at Delhi Airport or Railway Station is met by a tour representative and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled, allowing time to rest or wander nearby markets. Overnight in Delhi.
2Delhi Monuments and Drive to JaipurIndia Gate · Qutub Minar · Humayun's Tomb · Raj Ghat · Red Fort · Parliament House · President House · Delhi to Jaipur
The day begins with a guided tour of central Delhi, visiting India Gate, Qutub Minar (a twelfth-century minaret), Humayun's Tomb, Raj Ghat, and Red Fort. The route includes a drive past Parliament House and President House. In the afternoon, a five-hour drive leads to Jaipur. Overnight in Jaipur.
3Jaipur's Pink City and BazaarsJaipur · Amer Fort · City Palace · Jantar Mantar · Hawa Mahal · Local bazaars
Guided sightseeing covers Amer Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal. Local bazaars are included. A traditional Rajasthani dinner concludes the day. Overnight in Jaipur.
4Fatehpur Sikri and Drive to AgraFatehpur Sikri · Agra · Buland Darwaza · Jama Masjid · Tomb of Salim Chishti
The drive to Agra includes a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the sixteenth-century Mughal capital abandoned after fourteen years. Visits include Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and the Tomb of Salim Chishti. The journey continues to Agra. Overnight in Agra.
5Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Train to OrchhaTaj Mahal · Agra Fort · Orchha · Jhansi · Jhansi to Orchha
A sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal is followed by a tour of Agra Fort. After lunch, a train departs for Jhansi, with a thirty-minute drive to Orchha upon arrival. Overnight in Orchha.
6Orchha Temples and Palaces, Drive to KhajurahoKhajuraho · Jahangir Mahal · Ram Raja Temple · Chaturbhuj Temple · Orchha to Khajuraho
Guided sightseeing includes Jahangir Mahal, Ram Raja Temple, and Chaturbhuj Temple. A four-hour drive follows to Khajuraho. Overnight in Khajuraho.
7Khajuraho Temples and Flight to VaranasiKhajuraho · Varanasi · UNESCO World Heritage Group of Temples
The UNESCO World Heritage Group of Temples is visited, including Kandariya Mahadev and Lakshmana Temple. A flight departs for Varanasi in the afternoon, with hotel check-in and rest to follow. Overnight in Varanasi.
8Varanasi: Ganges, Temples, and Ghat CeremonyGanges · Kashi Vishwanath Temple · Sarnath · Banaras Hindu University · Dashashwamedh Ghat
An early morning boat ride on the Ganges observes sunrise and ritual activity. The day includes visits to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, and Banaras Hindu University. In the evening, the Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Overnight in Varanasi.
9Varanasi at Leisure or Optional Walking TourVaranasi · Varanasi's older streets
The day is unscheduled. An optional walking tour through Varanasi's older streets and local food establishments is available. Overnight in Varanasi.
10Departure from VaranasiVaranasi Airport or Railway Station
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Varanasi Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey, concluding your time with Creative India Journey.
Where you go
- 1Delhi
- 2Red Fort
- 3Jaipur
- 4City Palace
- 5Jantar Mantar
- 6Hawa Mahal
- 7Fatehpur Sikri
- 8Agra
- 9Taj Mahal
- 10Agra Fort
- 11Orchha
- 12Khajuraho
- 13Varanasi
- 14Ganges
- 15Sarnath
- 16Dashashwamedh Ghat
- 17Varanasi
Included
- Preferred Accommodations as Per Package.
- Air Condition Vehicle for All Airport Transfers, Tours and Intercity Travel as Per Itinerary.
- Private English-Speaking Guide,Approved by Ministry of Tourism (Other language guides also available upon request).
- Daily Breakfast at hotel.
- Toll Taxes, Parking, Driver Allowance, Fuel and all applicable taxes.
- Assistance by a dedicated tour manager and associates throughout the tour.