Golden Triangle Tour and Varanasi

Everything in India is created out of love. The love for science and truth allows us to witness the Jantar Mantar Observatory in Jaipur today. Thanks to bhakti, the love for God, people have erected the temples of Vrindavan, the Lotus Temple, and Akshardham in Delhi. The love for wives led one ruler to build the magnificent Hawa Mahal palace – where the women of the harem lived. A classic example of love is responsible for our admiration of the Taj Mahal. In our case, it is the love for travel that usually initiates love for India.

 

Guaranteed Tour to India + free visa to India

Included in the price:

• 8 nights accommodation.
• 8 breakfasts and dinners.
• Air-conditioned transport along the route.
• Russian-speaking guide for the excursion program.
• Elephant ride in Jaipur.
• Boat ride on the Ganges.
• Aarti ceremony.
• Entrance tickets to architectural monuments.
• All taxes and fees.
  • Group transfer on arrival from Saturday 12:00 to 07:00 Sunday morning. If the client arrives at a different time, then it is necessary to book an individual transfer.
  • Group transfer on the day of the end of the excursion to the airport or to a hotel near the airport (if the client has purchased one more night of accommodation in Delhi). 

Not included in the price:

• Flights (including Delhi – Varanasi – Delhi from €200 per person).
• Personal expenses.
• Transportation on days without a program.
• Tips for the guide and driver.
• Medical insurance.
   

***Visa to India is provided as a gift.

Visited attractions:

• Delhi: India Gate, Presidential Palace, Lotus Temple (exterior), Qutub Minar minaret, Akshardham Temple.
• Samode: Samode Palace, Palace Garden, Camel Cart Ride.
• Jaipur: Amber Fort, Elephant Ride to the Fort, City Palace, Birla Temple, Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).
• Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb, Akbar's Tomb (Sikandra), Abhaneri (Stepwell), Temple of the Goddess of Happiness (Harshat Mata), and Fatehpur Sikri.
• Vrindavan: ISCON Temple and Prem Temple.
  Varanasi: Sarnath, boat cruise on the Ganges, and evening prayer (Aarti).

Program:

Day 1: Saturday. Departure to Delhi (International/domestic flight).

Arrival in Delhi on a regular flight from one of the international airlines. After completing formalities and collecting luggage at Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal-3), meet with our company representative. Traditional Indian welcome "Swagat" with a garland of flowers awaits you. After the welcome, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Short rest.

*Note: The hotel is confirmed from 12:00 on Saturday; the sightseeing program begins on Sunday.

 
Day 2: Sunday. Delhi.

At 09:00, after breakfast, a sightseeing tour of Delhi. Delhi - the capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers flourished on its royal land over the past three thousand years. Their legacy still lives on in many monuments, from the Lodi Kings' mausoleum of the 13th century to the buildings of the British Empire, such as the Parliament building or the Presidential Palace. The program includes a visit to India Gate, the Presidential Palace, and government buildings (exterior), the Lotus Temple (exterior), and Akshardham Temple, as well as the Qutub Minar minaret. The Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays) is one of the most amazing temples in India. Built in the shape of a lotus flower, it is the largest and most beautiful Baha'i temple, serving as a symbol for followers of this faith worldwide. Another iconic place is the 72-meter Qutub Minar minaret, built in the 12th-14th centuries, adorned with calligraphic patterns and a symbol of Muslim dominance in Delhi. Next, we visit Akshardham – one of the grandest Hindu temples in the world, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The palace's height is 42 m, width and length are 94 and 106 m. It is adorned with 234 columns, 9 majestic domes, 20 four-sided towers, and more than 20,000 statues. Around the building, there are figures of 148 elephants. The exterior of the temple is covered with pink stone, symbolizing love, while the interior is made of white marble, symbolizing purity and the Absolute. In fact, it's not just a temple but a whole complex with a light and music fountain, sculptures, and canals where you can boat. Night and dinner at the hotel in Delhi.
 

Day 3: Monday. Delhi – Samode – Jaipur (260 km – 6 hours)

In the morning after breakfast, we head to Samode, located 40 km from Jaipur. Samode is known for its palace, which has been inherited by the aristocratic Raval family for over 400 years. The palace has undergone several restorations. On the ground floor is a hall called Sultan Mahal - a hall with marble columns, tiles, and carved furniture brought from Nepal. We will stroll through the halls, see the Mirror and Durbar halls, stepping into the past, into a time loop.

Above the palace, on a hill, is the Samode Fort. Time has not spared it much, but the panoramic view from the fortress walls surpasses many other historical places. Then we ride camels through the dunes. The journey ends in the Samode Bagh garden, 3 km from the palace. Much effort and resources have been spent on restoring this garden.

After the tour, depart for Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan. Jaipur, the legendary "Pink City," is the capital of Rajasthan. Maharaja Jai Singh II built it in yellow, but in the mid-19th century, in honor of the arrival of the English Prince Albert, all buildings were repainted in pink – the traditional color of hospitality. Jaipur will give you many pleasant moments if you stroll along the pink stone streets, touch the developing brilliance of silk saris, pass through courtyards past narrow doors adorned with swastikas, bringing goodness and luck to an Indian home. Night and dinner at the Jaipur hotel.

ADDITIONALLY (optional):

• Dinner with a traditional dance show and an introduction to Jaipur by night.
• Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Jaipur by going to one of Jaipur's renowned hotels for the evening program. Enjoy the mesmerizing views of famous architectural monuments, which are especially impressive under the evening lights.
• You will be able to admire the breathtaking views of the facades of Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and Albert Hall (all viewed from the outside).
• After the walk, you will have dinner in one of the best restaurants in Jaipur, where you can enjoy a performance with traditional Rajasthan dances.
• Cost: $70 per person.

Day 4: Tuesday. Jaipur.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, a tour of Amber Fort. Amber Fort is located 11 km north of Jaipur. It was once the ancient capital of the state of Jaipur, situated on the Aravalli hills. The construction of this magnificent fort-palace began in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh. The fort is a grand complex of palaces, pavilions, gardens, and temples. Rising above all of this is the whimsical honey-colored palace-fortress. You can feel the magic of bygone times by ascending to the top of the fort on elephant backs, with musicians enchanting your hearing along the way. From the Maharaja's apartments at the top, there is a breathtaking view of the narrow gorge. In the second half of the day, a city tour with a visit to the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory, a majestic structure built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728, where the world's largest sundials are kept. Also, a visit to the City Palace, where museums display beautiful collections of Mughal costumes, weapons, and miniature paintings. Observing the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) from the outside. This five-story building made of pink stone, adorned with columns and balconies, was built in 1799. The intricate relief of the palace with a thousand lattice windows on the carved facade is considered a symbol of Jaipur.

Jaipur is renowned for its textiles and is also the main jewelry center in India. Not surprisingly, the annual international exhibition of precious stones and jewelry is held here. You can appreciate the elegance of local jewelry by visiting a jewelry workshop. You will also visit a textile factory, where you will be delighted by the magical art of Indian fabric printing. Ladies can try on authentic Indian sarees, and gentlemen traditional Indian attire - kurta.

In the evening in Jaipur, we will visit the Birla Temple. The Lakshmi-Narayana Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is a modern architectural wonder. The magnificent temple is located at the foothill of Moti Dungri in Jaipur. Built entirely of high-quality white marble, the temple is surrounded by carved sculptures and statues of gods. It is dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi and God Narayana. The three main domes of the temple represent a clear representation of secular India, depicting various approaches to different religions in the nation. The temple has several beautifully crafted statues of Ganesha and other Hindu gods. Alongside the statues of gods, you can also find statues of great thinkers and philosophers, such as Buddha and Socrates. Night and dinner at the hotel in Jaipur.
 

Day 5: Wednesday. Jaipur – Galta Ji – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (250 km – 6 hours)

After an early breakfast, check-out from the hotel. The final destination of today's journey is the city of Agra. However, the first stop is at the temple complex of Galta Ji, also known as the Monkey Temple, located 10 km from Jaipur. It is notable for its unusual architecture, sacred springs, and a population of monkeys. The temple complex consists of the main temple and the Sun Temple, as well as a series of sacred pools where pilgrims from all over India come to take a dip. Galta Ji is a real kingdom of monkeys who feel like true masters here.

In Abhaneri, you will encounter the stepwell called Chand Baori, built in the 7th century. The view of Chand Baori is astonishing – such stepwells were only built in India, so you can see a similar architecture only here. Chand Baori, in addition to everything else, is the deepest stepwell of its kind. This remarkable structure, consisting of thousands of steps leading down to the water, is challenging to believe as a colossal and ingenious structure designed for a single purpose – to provide people with water. You will see the Temple of Harshat Mata (Goddess of Happiness) with medieval Indian architecture, and you will also enter the "ghost town" Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is a city built in a barren place from red sandstone by Emperor Akbar, only a glimpse of its magnificent past. It was the capital of the Great Mughals for a very short time, after which the inhabitants abandoned it due to a lack of water. Perhaps, thanks to this circumstance, we can see it today in its pristine beauty. Arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel, dinner at the Agra hotel.

Day 6: Thursday. Agra.

After breakfast, a tour of Agra, the majestic city, the capital of the Great Mughal Empire. Agra still attracts beauty seekers from all over the world, to enjoy the unforgettable Taj Mahal. The great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The palace was constructed by 20,000 craftsmen over 22 years. White marble was transported to the construction site by a thousand elephants. Merchants from Tibet, Persia, and Russia sent gemstones for its decoration. The floral ornamentation of jade, agate, malachite, opal, obsidian, and mother-of-pearl, skillfully integrated into the perfect symmetry of the snowy palace, leaves a sense of lightness and weightlessness. Next, a trip to Agra Fort, built as a military fortress in 1565 by Emperor Akbar. Here, Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life in captivity, gazing from the window of his room at the white Taj Mahal. The huge walls of the fort conceal magnificent architectural structures – masterpieces of Indian and Muslim craftsmen. In the second half of the day, a visit to another grand monument of Mughal architecture, the tomb of Emperor Akbar in Sikandra. Then, a visit to Itimad-ud-Daulah - a small and elegant park mausoleum. Itimad-ud-Daulah, the treasurer of the emperors, was built by his daughter Nur Jahan, the beloved wife of Emperor Jahangir. Construction began in 1622 and lasted for six years. The tomb combines white marble, colored mosaic, stone inlay, and lattice work. Stylistically, it is the most innovative Mughal construction of the 15th century, exhibiting the transition from the massive structures of Akbar's era to the sensual and refined buildings of Shah Jahan's time (Taj Mahal). After a rich sightseeing program, you can visit a marble workshop, where furniture and souvenirs are crafted from marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. This is a unique opportunity to observe the work of craftsmen whose skills have been passed down through generations. Return to the hotel. Night and dinner at the hotel in Agra.
 

Additional: Theatrical show in Agra

 

"Mohabbat De Taj" is a beautiful saga of love. The performance tells the legendary love story of a royal couple, with vibrant costumes, enchanting songs, and dances, and features the world's largest replica of the Taj Mahal on stage. The show narrates the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, as well as the history of the creation of the Taj Mahal. The ticket includes an audio translator in Russian. Duration of the show: 80 minutes. Cost: 60 USD per person (Gold class tickets).

 

Day 7: Friday. Agra – Vrindavan – Delhi (220 km – 5 hours)

After breakfast, free time. In the second half of the day, transfer to Delhi, with a visit to the city of Vrindavan on the way, known as the "city of five thousand temples." Vrindavan is a sacred pilgrimage site for followers of Vaishnavism, associated with the birth and childhood of Lord Krishna (temples are closed between 12:00 and 16:00). We will visit the spiritual complex of Prem Mandir and the Temple of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

At the end of the program (if time permits), you will visit Bangla Sahib, the famous Sikh gurdwara (temple), known for its connection with the eighth Sikh guru, Guru Har Krishan. Inside the complex is a large pond known as "Sarovar," the water of which is considered sacred by Sikhs and is known as "amrit" (nectar). The gurdwara was built by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, along with nine other Sikh temples constructed during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam. Night and dinner at the hotel in Delhi.
 

Day 8: Saturday. Delhi – Varanasi (flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Varanasi. Arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Varanasi, the "eternal city of India," with a history of more than three thousand years. Varanasi is located on the banks of the Ganges River and is one of the most important Hindu centers in the world, the "holiest of the holy" pilgrimage centers for millions of Hindus. In the morning after breakfast, a city tour visiting the Vishwanath and Hanuman temples, the Banaras Hindu University, and the Jantar Mantar observatory. Next, departure to Sarnath (12 km from Varanasi), where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment and set in motion the Wheel of Law. It was here that he proclaimed the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The remains of monasteries, dating back to the third century BCE to the first century CE, speak of a once-thriving monastic order. Visit the enormous Dhamek Stupa and the Mahabodhi Temple. In the evening, visit the Ganges River bank, where the captivating Indian ritual "Aarti" takes place. Night and dinner at the hotel in Varanasi.

Day 9: Sunday. Varanasi – Delhi (flight)

Early in the morning, before dawn, around 05:00, a boat cruise on the Ganges River. Witness the solemn sunrise over the horizon. The gently pink stripe of dawn is accompanied by the sound of bells and conch shells from nearby temples. Initially, the quiet murmuring of Sanskrit shlokas gains strength, merging into one voice, offering a sense of unparalleled piety and enjoyment. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Free time for independent exploration of the city. Later, transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, departure on the international flight. (Accommodation in a hotel is not included).
 

Day 10: Monday. Departure from Delhi (International flight)

The price is for 1 person in a DBL room.

• Price for SGL - 1484 €. Departure 09.11.2024 - 1554 €. Until 21.09.2024 - 1219 €.
• Extra bed - 934 €. Departure 09.11.2024 - 1004 €. Until 21.09.2024 - 819 €.

Additional night stay in Delhi (Option):

• Single Room - €95.
• DBL/Twin Room - €100.
• Additional bed - €25.
• Additional dinner at the hotel - €18.
• Additional transfer - €35 per car for up to 2 people / €45 per car for up to 4 people.
• Mandatory supplement for Christmas Dinner on 24.12.2023: €95 per person.
• Mandatory supplement for New Year's Dinner on 31.12.2023: €120 per person.

Proposed hotels for the program

• Delhi - Golden Tulip Suites or similar.
• Jaipur - Rudra Vilas / Park Ocean / Zone by Park or similar.
• Agra - Royal Regent / Howard Fern or similar.
• Varanasi - Costa River or similar.
   

The company reserves the right to change hotels, taking into account their compliance with standards, in case the specified hotels are fully booked. Standard check-in time at hotels is 13:00, and check-out time is 12:00. The travel times are indicative and may change depending on traffic.