Varanasi or Kashi, formerly known as Banaras, is one of the oldest Hindu cities located by the sacred River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. According to the legends, Varanasi is said to have been founded by the God himself Lord Shiva in several thousand years ago. The city has got its name from two sacred rivers Varuna and Assi. Apart from being just called a sacred Hindu city, Varanasi is renowned for its Silk Sarees and Brassware all over the world.
The lives of people of Varanasi revolve around the river Ganges and its Ghats. People from all walks of life visit the holy river Ganges for performing various Hindu rituals on a daily basis. Ghats of Varanasi are very vibrant and lively in terms of daily activities related to Hindu rituals and customs, which can be seen on the Ghats every day. By combining Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Haridwar, Rishikesh with India’s historically significant cities like Delhi, Agra and Jaipur form an incredible tourist circuit.
Region: North India.
Duration: 10 Nights & 11 Days.
Destination Covered: Delhi – Varanasi – Agra – Jaipur – Haridwra – Rishikesh
Every day tour Departure: Minimum require group Size: 02
ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive in Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport our representative having a placard displaying your name will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.
Day 2 – Delhi – Varanasi (overnight train) 12 hours
After breakfast visit of New Delhi. First of all you will visit India Gate, President House (Rashtrapati Bhawan) and Parliament house. Later you will visit Qutab Minar and Humayun Tomb. In the afternoon visit of Old Delhi covering Jama mosque and Red fort. Take a stroll in busy Chandni chowk market. Enjoy a Cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi area. Also stop to see Shishganj Sikh temple in Chandni chowk area. In the evening transfer to New Delhi railway station to board the train for Varanasi. We will book AC 2nd class sleeper. You will be provided with a pillow, a blanket and bed sheet. Enjoy the India train experience and overnight on board in the train. (Train departs 18:55 from New Delhi station – Arrives at Varanasi next day 07:30 in the morning – travelling time is 12 hours and 35 minutes).
Day 03: Varanasi
On arrival at Varanasi Junction Railway Station, our representative from Varanasi office will come and meet you just near to your coach. Do not proceed towards exit gate as our representative will meet you right next to your coach at the platform. Transfer to your hotel (check in time is 12 noon). Breakfast at the hotel, then later visit the holy city of Varanasi.
Varanasi, or Benaras (also known as Kashi), is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi’s prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivalled. Varanasi is famous for spiritualism, mysticism, Indian philosophy and Hinduism. All these are reflected in numerous sects, temples, ashrams and ghats. You will visit the ghats (steps leading to rivier Ganga), Kashi Vishwanath temple, Bharat Mata temple and Banaras Hindu University.
Later in the afternoon excursion to Sarnath (Sarnath is closed on Fridays). It is located ten kilometres from the center of Varanasi. It symbolizes the birth of Buddhism, since it was here that Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. Visit the museum at Sarnath which is amongst the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles: archaic, the Mathura School, Gupta, past Gupta and Medieval, covering work of sculptors from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. Return to Varanasi city for an overnight stay.
Day 4 – Varanasi – Agra (overnight train) 12 hours
Early morning at dawn enjoy a boat ride at river Ganga. Observe the life of people who come to take a holy bath in river Ganga. Day is free to explore the Old city at your own leisure. Stroll around the ghats and visit the markets.
In the evening transfer to Varanasi Junction Railway Station and board an overnight train for Agra. We will book AC 2nd class sleeper. You will be provided with a pillow, a blanket and bed sheet. Enjoy the India train experience and overnight on board in the train. (Train departs 17:20 from Varanasi Junction Station – Arrives at Agra Fort next day 05:55 in the morning- travelling time is 12 hours and 35 minutes). Early morning visit the Taj Mahal
Day 05: Agra
On arrival at Agra fort railway station, our representative from Agra office will come and meet you just near to your coach. Do not proceed towards exit gate as our representative will meet you right next to your coach at the platform. Transfer to your hotel (check in time is 12 noon). Breakfast at the hotel, then later visit Agra city. First of all you will visit the Taj Mahal. From parking you will take a battery bus which will drop you near the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal.
Later visit Agra fort. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and it was to be predominantly a military structure until his grandson, Shah Jahan, added more palatial accommodations. There are a number of exquisite buildings within its portals, such as Samman Burj, where Shah Jahan was held captive by his son, Moti Masjid, a white marble mosque, Diwan – e – Am, Diwan – e – Khas, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal. Rest of the day is free at leisure or visit the city markets.
Day 06: Agra – Jaipur 235km / 5 hours
Drive to Jaipur. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri. Mughal emperor Akbar shifted his capital from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri in 1571, Akbar commenced the construction of a planned walled city which took the next fifteen years in planning and construction of a series royal palaces, harem, courts, a mosque, private quarters and other utility buildings.
He named the city, Fatehabad, with Fateh, a word of Arabic origin in Persian, meaning “victory”, it was later called Fatehpur Sikri. Continue drive towards Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Evening free at leisure in your hotel.
Day 07: Jaipur
After breakfast drive to the Amber fort located 11km from Jaipur city. The Amber fort was ancient capital of Jaipur state. Here you can enjoy an elephant ride up to the palace. Visit various palaces inside the palace complex notably mirror place (Sheesh Mahal). Return to Jaipur city and visit the observatory and City Palace.
It is located in the heart of the walled city. It is an imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture with a vast palace complex. Here you will visit a museum housing an extensive collection of art, carpets, clothes and old weapons. Drive past Hawa Mahal (or Palace of winds) built by Maharaja Sawaj Pratap Singh in 1799, one of Jaipur’s major landmarks, the facade of which is all pink windows and filigree screens. It was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. Evening free at your leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Jaipur.
Day 08: Jaipur to Haridwar by Train
Today you will be transferred to Jaipur railway station to board the train to Haridwar. Overnight in Train.
Day 09: Arrive Haridwar & transfer to Rishikesh
On arrival at Haridwar railways station, our representative will meet you and transferred by road to Rishikesh at your hotel. This afternoon visit the famous Ashrams, Laxman Jhula and the grand viewing of Ganges. Rest of the evening is at leisure. Stay overnight at hotel in Rishikesh.
Day 10: Rishikesh to Haridwar-The Holy City of Temples
This morning after breakfast you will drive to Haridwar. On arrival check into your hotel. This afternoon visit Daksh Prajapati Temple, Ananand Mai Ashram, Parad (Mercury) Shivling in Kankhal Region, Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi (both by ropeway), Bharat Mata Mandir, etc . By evening visit Har Ki Pauri to view the holy Ganges Aarti. Overnight at hotel in Haridwar.
Day 11: Haridwar to Delhi (230 Kms drive by car – 6 Hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive to Delhi, reach and you will be transferred to Airport.