Golden Triangle with Varanasi & Ayodhya

Duration: 10 Nights & 11 Days
Destinations: Delhi (2N) – Agra (1N)– Jaipur (2N)– Varanasi (2N)– Ayodhya (2N)- Delhi (1N)

Mystic Rivers

To experience India is to bathe deep in the essence and soul of the country, its rivers. This itinerary will explore the heritage, histories, palaces, forts, food, and cultures that is Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur and extend to fascinating Varanasi and Ayodhya, where you immerse in its people, soul, and spirituality of India. Delhi is the capital city of India, rich with cultural heritage and history that represents the country. Agra is home to the most famous of the Seven Wonders of the World, the TajMahal, a testament of a King’s everlasting love.
Jaipur, also known as “The Pink City”, this flamboyant state capital, with its magnificent forts and palaces, is the jewel of Rajasthan. Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities, and one of the holiest cities in India, where the Ganges frees your soul on the last stop before Nirvana. Ayodhya, located at the bank of the Sarayu River is a vital part of Hindu’s mythology, is the Hindu’s ‘Vatican’. This intriguing land is where chaos, diversity, and devotion, harmonised in its beauty.

Tour Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 01 – ARRIVE in DELHI:
Upon arrival, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) ceremony, Caper Travel's representative will assist you at Delhi Airport & transfer you to the hotel for check in.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi

DAY 02 – DELHI:
After breakfast we proceed for a guided city tour. Old Delhi is the historic part of the metropolis Delhi. This walled city of Shahjahanabad was built in the 17th century.

• Visit the great Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Built by Shah Jahan in the year 1656 AD, it served as the imperial mosque of the Mughal emperors until the demise of the empire in 1857. It remains as one of Delhi’s most beautiful architectures.
• Explore Chandni Chowk, also known as the Moonlight Square. Designed by Princess Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter, in 1650 CE, originally containing 1,560 shops, the bazaar was 40 yards wide by 1,520 yards long. The market was once divided by canals to reflect moonlight now remains one of India's largest wholesale markets, filled with vibrant culture, and mouth-watering street foods.
• Visit the Red Fort, built in the year 1648 as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad, the new capital of the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, it showcases the zenith of Mughal creativity.

New Delhi is the capital of India and has significant importance in commercial, historical, as well as being the cultural and political hub of India.

• Visit the Raj Ghat, a memorial samadhi dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi where it marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948.
• Drive by India Gate, a monumental arch built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the WW1& the Afghan Wars.
• President's House, Rashtrapati Bhavan or until 1950s was known as Viceroy's House. Built in the year 1931 it served as the residence of the Governor General of British India and currently is the official residence of the President of India.
• Visit the Humayun's Tomb, a grand dynastic mausoleum built in the year 1562. The landmark is a World Heritage Site and a monument of Mughal architecture in India.
• Stopover the Qutub Minar, built in 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek, it’s the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specimen of Indo-Islamic architecture, symbolizes India's rich cultural and religious history.

Overnight Hotel - Delhi (Breakfast)

DAY 03 – DELHI to AGRA (Car/Coach: 265 km / 5 hrs):

• After breakfast we’ll begin our journey to Agra. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, the city is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World’, the Taj Mahal and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort. A must visit destination of India, Agra preserves and reflect the legacy of the golden age of the Mughals empire from 1526 to 1628. It breathes history, culture, and everlasting romance.

Overnight Hotel - Agra (Breakfast)

DAY 4 – AGRA to JAIPUR (Car/Coach: 240 km / 5 hrs):
“A Tear on the Face of Eternity” - Rabindranath Tagore wrote about the Taj Mahal.

• After breakfast, we explore the city of Agra and grasp the beauty of Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) in the first ray of the morning light, when this majestic monument bathe in its warm glow. This greatest architectural achievement was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their child. Grieving after his beloved wife he illustrated his love as the inspiration of this iconic shrine, at unprecedented scale and cost. Thousands of elephants carried dazzling white marble over 300km. Semi-precious stones were brought in from Tibet, Persia and as far as Russia. Floral ornaments made of jasper, agate, malachite, opal, and mother-of-pearl was skillfully inscribed in perfect symmetry on the snow-white building, bequeathing a feeling of weightlessness. The main gateway was decorated with 22 white towers representing the number of years it took to build it, and a concluding passage in Arabic reading “Enter my paradise”.
• Next, we will visit the Agra Fort. Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar the Great, it housed Sheesh Mahal and Khas Malah, Shah Jahan’s residence when he was imprisoned by his son. A combination of Islamic, Persian, Turkish and South-Asian architecture, this fortified city was doubly enforced with crocodiles in the wet moat of the outer wall, whilst the dry moat of the inner wall was populated with tigers.
• A picturesque drive to the city of Jaipur, popularly known as ‘The Pink City’, this colorful city is the capital of Rajasthan and the most important city of heritage in India.
• En route we will visit Chand Baori, known as one of the largest and the most beautiful Step wells in the world. It consists of 3,500 narrow steps over 13 storeys, and it extends approximately 30m (100 ft) into the ground.

Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (Breakfast)

DAY 05 – JAIPUR:

• Take a trip to the magnificent Amber Fort. Overlooking the Maota Lake, this palace was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh. It is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site along with five other remarkable 'Hill Forts of Rajasthan’.

**As a responsible travel company, we don’t include or encourage Elephant rides to the Fort’s palace entrance due to the ethical concerns over animal welfare. Return transfer to the palace entrance will be made via a jeep**

• In the Afternoon, we’ll visit the City Palace which remains one of the finest, most opulent, and well-maintained palaces. Occupying its centre is a seven-storeys citadel called Chandra Palace, with its unrivalled picturesque view of Jaipur.
• Visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), an iconic five-storeys structure of pink sandstone built in the year 1799 for royal ladies to peer down the street market through its 593 stone Jharokas (mini windows), unseen by the world.

Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (Breakfast)

DAY 6 – JAIPUR (via DELHI) to VARANASI (FLIGHTS):

• After breakfast board a connecting Flight via Delhi (FLIGHT: 6E-7482 @ 1310hr – 1440hr )to Varanasi (FLIGHT:6E-7741 @ 1840hr – 1935hr)
• Upon arrival at Varanasi, our representation will meet you to drive you to your hotel to check-in. Spend the free evening at your leisure or enjoy exploring the city.

Overnight Hotel -Varanasi (Breakfast)

DAY 7 –VARANASI:

• Start our tour today with a boat ride on the mighty river Ganges at sunrise. See the ancient city of Varanasi come to life as we make our way down the river, observing Hindus practicing their morning rituals as the sun comes up along the banks and the air slowly filled with the sound of conches & temple bells and ancient hymns.
• Go back to hotel for breakfast and later we take an excursion to Sarnath, to revel in rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics on display at the Archaeological Museum.
• Experience the mesmerising Evening Ganga Aarti from a boat on Holy River Ganges. This Hindu ritual where light is offered up to deities and religious songs sung out into the night is once in a lifetime cultural experience.

Overnight Hotel -Varanasi (Breakfast)

DAY 8 – VARANASI to AYODHYA (Car/Coach: 225 km / 4 hrs):

• Today we drive to Ayodhya, this ancient city of India the birthplace of Bhagwan Shri Ram and setting of the great epic Ramayana.
• Upon arrival, spend your day at leisure or exploring the holy city.

Overnight Hotel -Ayodhya (Breakfast)

DAY 9 –AYODHYA:

• Visit Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, a museum dedicated to the famous poet Tulsidas.
• Explore Ram Janmabhoomi, a Hindu temple believed to be the mythical birthplace of Lord Rama.
• Next, we climb the 76 steps to reach the hilltop temple Hanuman Garhi and at the same time enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• The finest and famous temples in Ayodhya, Kanak Bhawan is not to be missed. This magnificent ornate architecture is known for its golden idols of Lord Rama and Sita.
• Later we stop at Ayodhya Shodh Sansthan research institute to learn more about Ayodhya's  history, culture, and ancient literature.
• Stop by at Nageshwarnath. This ancient Shiva temple is known for its rich history and cultural significance. 
• In the evening, head to the ghats of the Sarayu River to witness the mesmerizing Aarti Hindu Prayer Ritual.

Overnight Hotel -Ayodhya (Breakfast)

DAY 10 –AYODHYA to DELHI (FLIGHT: 6E-2702 @ 1525hr – 1650hr):
Transfer to airport to board a flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and spend the free evening at your leisure.
Overnight Hotel –Delhi (Breakfast)

DAY 10 – DELHI:
After Breakfast, we will transfer you to Delhi International Airport to board your flight and conclude your tour. We Thank you for travelling with Caper Travel and letting us be part of your journey. We hope to see you again soon!
Departure (Breakfast)

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 10 x Nights’ Accommodation.
• Total of 10 x Breakfasts pp (one/day at each hotel – excluding arrival day)
• Entry fee (Single visit) to all Monuments will be visited in the itineraries.
• Transportation – Air condition Toyota Crysta car (min 2 pax) OR an Air condition 9seaters Mini coach (min 4-6 pax) with driver.
• Services of an English-speaking guide (excluding ‘leisure’ intervals).
• Additional transportation –40mins Rickshaw ride at Chandni  Chowk Old Delhi Tour Day2&Return Jeep transfers at Amber Fort, Boat ride on River Ganges.

PACKAGE EXCLUDES:

• Flights (local or international) or any mode of transportation not mentioned in the package.
• Any personal expenses e.g: alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, laundry, telephones, tips, meal not stated as ‘included’, Camera fee, etc.
• Any items/destinations/tours not stated as ‘included’ in this package.
• Additional Experiences Tours are priced separately and will be charged accordingly.

HOTELS UTILISED:

*subject to availability and changes to a similar category*: