9 Days Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi

Enter the courtyard of one of India's biggest mosques, where red sandstone and white marble domes rise above the bustle of Old Delhi. Dress modestly and take off your footwear before going in.

Hop on a rickshaw and thread through the crowded alleys of Chandni Chowk, then stroll through the aromatic Khari Baoli spice market at the heart of the old city.

Glide by this UNESCO-listed Mughal fortress and step out for photos near its walls, as long as traffic and security allow.

Descend the stone steps of this ancient stepwell, a calm historic corner tucked behind the glass towers of central Delhi.

Roll along the broad avenues of New Delhi's ceremonial district and admire the stately government buildings through your window.

Pause at this towering memorial arch for photographs while your guide explains why it was built and who it honours.

Wander through the UNESCO-listed Qutub complex, where a tall medieval tower and richly carved stone walls tell the story of early Delhi.

Slow down at this petal-shaped Baha'i House of Worship, where the hush inside is as memorable as the architecture. The temple stays closed every Monday.

Stroll the garden grounds of this graceful Mughal mausoleum, whose design set the pattern later seen in the Taj Mahal.

Return to the hotel when the day's sightseeing ends.

Take the Yamuna Expressway toward Agra. Expect roughly three to four hours on the road, depending on traffic and conditions.

Check in at your Agra hotel when you arrive and unwind.

Stand before the Taj Mahal as the morning light warms its marble, while your guide shares its history, craftsmanship and delicate inlay. Note that the monument is closed every Friday.

Explore the massive red-sandstone walls of this Mughal fort, with its royal palaces, ceremonial halls and long views across to the Taj Mahal.

See this refined marble tomb on the riverbank, praised for its intricate inlay, balanced gardens and quiet setting.

Drive on in your private vehicle to Fatehpur Sikri, the Mughal capital of an earlier age.

Roam this UNESCO-listed complex of royal palaces, open courtyards and grand gateways built during Akbar's rule.

Resume the drive to Jaipur in your private air-conditioned vehicle, then check in and relax at your hotel.

Climb to this grand hillside fort and explore its courtyards, carved gateways, mirror-lined chambers and wide views over the valley.

Pause at this old stepwell near Amber Fort, famous for its symmetrical flights of steps that form a neat geometric pattern.

Admire the ornate royal cenotaphs of Jaipur's past rulers in a quiet valley setting.

Stop on the shore of Man Sagar Lake to view and photograph the Water Palace from outside.

Gaze up at the honeycomb-patterned face of the Palace of Winds from the street and capture your photos.

Tour the royal palace complex, moving through its courtyards, gateways, museums and heirloom collections.

Discover this UNESCO-listed observatory and its remarkable stone instruments built for studying the sky.

Head back to the hotel after sightseeing.

Catch a scheduled commercial connecting flight from Jaipur to Varanasi. Airline timetables decide the connection city, departure time and arrival time, and all of these are confirmed after booking.

When you arrive, meet your private driver and ride to your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

Check in at your Varanasi hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Watch Varanasi wake up from the middle of the river, with ghats, temples, pilgrims and morning rituals passing by your private boat. The ride depends on weather, river level and instructions from local authorities.

Stop at this key southern ghat where the Assi stream joins the Ganges, a place known for its spiritual feel and lively mornings.

Pay a visit to one of India's holiest Shiva temples. Temple rules and security procedures set the entry, queue time and access, so carry the required identification and leave prohibited items behind.

Walk across the historic campus and learn how this university has shaped modern education, culture and intellectual life in Varanasi.

Drop in at this old red-painted temple devoted to Goddess Durga, and follow its guidelines on dress, footwear and photography.

Drop by a traditional school to see how the gurukul system approaches religious, cultural or Sanskrit learning. Prior permission, school hours and local availability decide whether the visit goes ahead.

Reach the Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, and look around the Dhamek Stupa, monastic ruins and other ancient remains. The museum opens only on certain days and hours.

Stroll the winding lanes of the old city, past neighbourhood homes, small shrines and traditional shops. Crowds and access conditions may change the route.

Arrive at one of Varanasi's best-known ghats and watch the riverbank get ready for the evening ceremony.

Join the crowd by the river as lamps, chants, bells and devotional rituals light up the Ganga Aarti. Season, crowd levels and local instructions decide the seating and timing.

Go back to the hotel after the ceremony.

Fly to Delhi on a scheduled commercial connecting flight from Varanasi. Airline schedules determine the connection city, departure time and arrival time, which are confirmed after booking.

When you land in Delhi, your private driver takes you to your hotel in Delhi, Noida or Gurugram. Check in and relax. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Check out and meet your private driver for the ride to Delhi Airport, a railway station or another requested location in Delhi, Noida or Gurugram.

Your nine-day Golden Triangle and Varanasi journey ends with the departure transfer.