Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi – 7 Nights / 8 Days
Experience the perfect introduction to India with this carefully designed Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi covering Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi.
This journey combines India’s rich history, royal palaces, Mughal architecture, colorful bazaars and spiritual traditions. From riding a rickshaw through Old Delhi to witnessing the sacred Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi, this tour offers authentic local experiences along with India’s most famous monuments.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Old and New Delhi with a local guide
- Rickshaw ride through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk
- Visit the world-famous Taj Mahal
- Discover royal forts and palaces in Jaipur
- Experience sunrise boat ride on the River Ganga in Varanasi
- Witness the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at the ghats
- Visit important Hindu and Buddhist religious sites
- Private guided sightseeing with driver assistance throughout the tour
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
Your tour begins in Delhi, the capital city of India. Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, your driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After some rest, begin exploring the historic side of Delhi with your local guide.
Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most important Sikh temples in India, famous for its peaceful atmosphere and community kitchen serving free meals to thousands of visitors daily.
Continue to Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Walk through the lively streets of Chandni Chowk on a traditional rickshaw ride where you will experience local markets, street food and the everyday life of Old Delhi.
Drive past the impressive Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the Mughal era.
Day 2 – Delhi Sightseeing
Today explore the highlights of New Delhi. Begin with a visit to India Gate, a war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers.
Visit the beautiful Lotus Temple, known for its unique lotus-shaped architecture and peaceful meditation hall open to people of all religions.
Continue to Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 12th century.
Later visit Humayun’s Tomb, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture that inspired the design of the Taj Mahal.
End the day at Swaminarayan Akshardham, a massive Hindu temple complex famous for its detailed carvings, exhibitions and evening water show.
Day 3 – Delhi to Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City of India. After hotel check-in and some rest, begin your sightseeing tour.
Visit Albert Hall Museum, the oldest museum in Rajasthan displaying royal costumes, paintings, carpets and ancient artifacts.
Later explore Jaigarh Fort, famous for housing one of the world’s largest cannons on wheels and offering panoramic views of Jaipur.
Continue to Nahargarh Fort, located on the Aravalli Hills and known for its sunset views over the city.
Day 4 – Jaipur Sightseeing
Start the day with a visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, a hilltop fort known for its courtyards, mirror work and royal halls.
Continue to City Palace Jaipur, still home to Jaipur’s royal family and filled with museums, courtyards and royal collections.
Stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal, also called the Palace of Winds, famous for its pink sandstone windows designed for royal women to observe street festivals.
Visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory and UNESCO site featuring giant scientific instruments used to study time and stars.
You will also see Jal Mahal, a beautiful palace located in the middle of a lake, along with the ancient stepwell Panna Meena ka Kund.
Day 5 – Jaipur to Agra
Travel to Agra and visit the world-famous Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This white marble monument is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the highlight of many trips to India.
Continue to Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone fort where Mughal emperors once lived and ruled India.
In the evening, board your overnight train to Varanasi in an air-conditioned coach.
Day 6 – Arrival in Varanasi
Arrive in Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities and the spiritual capital of India.
After some rest, begin a walking tour through the narrow lanes of Old Banaras. Experience local flower markets, traditional shops and hidden temples while learning about the culture and traditions of the city.
Visit Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat where Hindu funeral ceremonies take place continuously throughout the day.
In the evening witness the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat where priests perform synchronized rituals with fire lamps, chanting and music beside the River Ganga.
Day 7 – Varanasi Sightseeing
Start early with a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganga. This is one of the most memorable experiences in India as you watch pilgrims performing morning prayers and rituals along the ghats while the sun rises over the river.
After breakfast visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Continue to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Later visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Durga Temple before returning to your hotel.
Day 8 – Departure to Delhi
Today return to Delhi by flight or train for your onward journey. Your memorable Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi comes to an end with unforgettable experiences of India’s history, culture and spirituality.
Important Information
Hotel check-in is generally after 1 PM and check-out around 10 AM
Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays
Some monuments in Delhi remain closed on Mondays
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Modest clothing is advised for temples and religious sites
Carry your original passport and visa during the trip
