India’s Golden Triangle and Varanasi

Unearth Delhi’s rich history with this half day tour. Discover the colonial buildings of Lutyens’ Delhi, designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens. Drive by the historic President’s house and Parliament Museum, and discover the treasures stored within the national museum too. Right in the heart of Connaught Place, you will find the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. This was the haveli (private mansion) of Mirza Raja Jai Singh, an important military leader for Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor. Discover India Gate, the prominent landmark in Delhi that commemorates the 90,000 soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. Pay homage to a leader of the Indian Independence movement, Mahatma Gandhi, at Raj Ghat where a black marble platform marks the place of his cremation. Left open to the sky, it’s here that you will find the eternal flame that burns in his memory. (Half Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy.National Museum closed on Mondays)

Explore the myriad charms of Old Delhi on this walking tour! A seamless blend between historic buildings and modern socio-cultural customs and mores, each corner of the old city pays homage to its glorious, vibrant heritage. Stroll down the long, winding alleys of the 17th century Walled City, called so because it was fortified on all four sides by a wall built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when he declared Delhi the capital of India. Admire the magnificent havelis or Indian traditional mansions with impressive doorways that will take you back in time. Bask in the rich heritage of Shahjahanabad that has endured over the ages. Listen to anecdotes and tales of the past and return with a keen understanding of the city’s and the country’s cultural heritage. (Half day, Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate)

Head out on a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges before you explore the colorful, bustling maze of ghats and temples lining the this holy river. As a meeting place between the physical and spiritual worlds, this can be an intense experience as you witness life and death come together. After a short breakfast, discover architectural relics and artwork at Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum. Venture to a nearby hamlet and observe daily village life, and experience Ramnagar Fort, an 18th century Mughal Fort. On every day except Fridays, you can visit the ancient seat of wisdom Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first lecture after attaining enlightenment.(Half Day, Private Morning Activity & Transfer; Time: 0530 hrs – 1300 hrs; Fitness Level: Easy; Sarnath Museum closed on Fridays)

Witness the timeless passage of humanity on your walk to Varanasi’s ancient ghats. As the evening spreads across the sky, set off in the company of your local expert towards the River Ganges. Pass by chirpy flower sellers, sadhus in saffron and pilgrims from far-flung parts of the country. Join hundreds of worshippers in floating beautiful diyas or oil lamps on the holy river as a token of gratitude for the light of the sun and the gift of life. Marvel at the splendid religious performance of the Aarti or the ritualistic worship of gods accompanied by sonorous chanting, ringing bells and fervent singing. Admire the holy Ganges glowing in the light of a thousand floating lamps as you head back to your hotel after an intense spiritual experience. (Private Activity; Duration: 2-3 hrs; Time: 1600 hrs; Fitness level: Moderate; Please note that the walking route will take you through narrow streets).

Discover the majesty of Mughal architecture during your tour of Agra’s most famous monuments. Set off for the red sandstone ramparts of Agra Fort that sits on the banks of the River Yamuna. Explore exquisitely designed palaces, mosques, and audience halls that still stand witness to the grandeur of Mughal craftsmanship. Feel the longing of the imprisoned emperor, Shah Jahan, as you gaze across the river to the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum of his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Witness next the fabled beauty of this marble homage to love that inevitably figures on any list of the World’s Wonders. Take in the breathtaking beauty of its dimensions, the intricacy of its engineering, and the ornate wall carvings that were once inlaid with precious stones. Finally, make your way to the delicately laid out Mehtab Bagh which offers one of the most scenic vantage points for the iconic Taj. (Taj Mahal closed on Fridays; Private Activity & Transfer; Duration: 3 hrs; Fitness level: Easy)

Discover the former Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri that was built and founded in the 1500s by the third Mughal Emperor, Akbar. This was a planned imperial city that would bring leaders of many religions together as Akbar held ideals of a syncretistic faith. Unfortunately just ten years after completion the city was deserted due to drought and water shortages. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, this half day tour is a very popular stop en route from Agra to Jaipur. (Duration: 1.5 hrs; Private En route Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy; Please note that guests will need to travel from the car parking area to the main entrance – a distance of 1 km – by boarding the Government owned battery operated bus)

Discover the interesting sights, sounds and flavors of Jaipur, located in northwestern India. Accompanied by your local guide, navigate the colorful streets and lively narrow by-lanes of the walled city on foot. Pass by heritage buildings, palaces, and historical landmarks that make up the beautiful ‘Pink City’. Drop by local markets that feature spices, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, getting a glimpse of Indian food and culture. Visit a handful of legendary, age-old stalls, learning about quaint family-run establishments. Sample the fascinating local cuisine that offers choices of vegetarian and meat dishes. Try an assortment of traditional sweets and savories made from recipes that have been passed down for generations. Savor delicious preparations, soaking in the flavors and aromas of the region’s royal heritage. Sip on the ubiquitous ‘masala chai’ tea while mingling with locals at street corners. Chew on paan (flavored betel leaf), an after-dinner specialty, ending your tour with a stimulating mouthful! ( Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 1600 hrs, Private Activity & Transfer; Meal included: Yes; Fitness level: Moderate; Please note that this this activity is not available during national/public holidays and festivals.)

Wander into regality during your full day tour! Explore Amber Fort, a fabulous sandstone fort complex that overlooks the city. Visit Albert Hall, the state museum of Rajasthan with its vast collection of interesting regional Indian artifacts. Observe the aesthetically beautiful honeycombed façade of Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal). Discover the architecturally rich City Palace with its many regal courtyards, temples and pavilions, and Govind Devji Temple, dedicated to Hindu God Krishna, situated in the heart of the old city. Head to the world’s largest stone observatory – the Jantar Mantar. Visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, which acts to preserve the traditional Indian technique of hand block textile printing and boasts numerous beautiful examples. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)