Compare India in 15 days - Palaces of Rajasthan & Ganges of Varanasi - LUXURY by Exoticca vs 8 Days Private Golden Triangle with Varanasi by Varanasi Excursion

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight * to Delhi. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Delhi

Arrive in India’s capital and transfer to the hotel. Delhi is a city with a wonderful architectural legacy from its Islamic conquerors together with its spectacular historic city center. The rest of the day free to start to get to know this fascinating city. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi - Mandawa

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road to Mandawa. En-route, pass through authentic villages and start to enter some of the most rural parts of India. On arrival in Mandawa, enjoy a walking tour through the streets of the city. See the amazing Havelis - mansions noted for their frescoes depicting images of British colonial rule. Overnight stay in Mandawa.

Day 4: Mandawa - Bikaner

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road through the arid lands leading to the Bikaner Desert Kingdom - a major center of trade during the 16th century. In the afternoon visit the spectacular Junagarh Fort, with its impressively decorated interiors. End the day with a memorable Tuk-Tuk ride from the ancient city bazaar. Overnight stay in Bikaner.

Day 5: Bikaner - Jaisalmer

Breakfast at the hotel. Enter the Thar Desert by road on your way to the city of Jaisalmer. This was an important trading center for many centuries and presently one of the few forts that are still inhabited. Transfer to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free for more discovery of this city. Perhaps visit the Thar Heritage Museum or the Maharaja's Palace for a taste of kingly splendor. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

Day 6: Jaisalmer

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a tour of the golden city of Jaisalmer. Discover the magical Gadisar Lake and the magnificent Golden Fort. Walkthrough the narrow streets of the city, to visit the famous palatial houses characteristic of the city such as Nathmal and Patwon. In the afternoon, take an excursion to Sam to see the dunes in the beautiful sunset light. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the trip towards Jodhpur, known as The Blue City and enjoy a visit to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort with its bird’s eye view of the old city. Later continue to Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph. Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

Day 8: Jodhpur - Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by road to Jaipur. Arrive at your hotel and the rest of the day is free to start to get to know the Rose-Pink City of India. We recommend a wander through some of the markets in the area to see the unique handicrafts and jewelry on offer. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 9: Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Amber Fort - The Old Capital of Thunder. En-route, take a brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal, The Palace of Winds. Arrive at Amber Fort by Jeep. Once inside, visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. In the afternoon, take a city tour, beginning with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace. Later, visit the Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 10: Jaipur - Fathepur Sikri - Agra

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Agra, and on the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive ghost town, where the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, is located. Arrive in Agra, capital of sultans and great Mughal emperors. Enjoy an unforgettable tour of the famous and spectacular Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 11: Agra - Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, return by road to Delhi and once you have arrived, visit the Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Afterward, transfer to the Gateway of India, the residence of the country's president, and visit the impressive Humayun's Tomb, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1993. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 12: Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day free to visit this fascinating city. We recommend an optional excursion to discover Delhi's most iconic temples.* Overnight stay in Delhi. * Optional Full-Day Delhi Temples Tour: Explore Delhi's most iconic temples. Experience the peace and tranquillity of the Lotus Temple, dedicated to the Baha'i faith and discover the extraordinary architecture of Akshardham Temple, dedicated to 10,000 years of Hindu culture. See the huge Jama Mosque and the downtown Sikh Temple with its golden dome before ending the tour at Lakshmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu.

Day 13: Delhi - Varanasi

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Varanasi. Arrive in Varanasi, a place of immense spiritual significance to Hindu's, and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, savor the rare opportunity to witness an Aarti ceremony, ­a Hindu ritual of light and fire, which takes place on the banks of the Ganges every day at sunset. The air is filled with incense as Hindu priests begin their rituals and devotees place lamps laden with flowers on the illuminated waters of the river. Soak up the atmosphere of this unforgettable experience. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 14: Varanasi

Take an early morning boat excursion on the sacred River Ganges to see the bathing Ghats and the haunting cremation site. Later on, take a walking tour of Old Varanasi before heading back to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, about 10 km from the holy city of Varanasi, and the place where it is believed that Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. Hundreds of pilgrims come here every year and there are numerous Buddhist temples in the area. Visit the nearby Ashoka column, with its four lions, the current symbol of India, the ruins of the stupa Dhamarajika and the citadel of Ashoka. Return to Varanasi and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 15: Varanasi - Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight back to Delhi. Arrive, transfer to the airport, and spend the remainder of the day exploring or relaxing at your leisure, absorbing the colors, atmosphere, and culture on your final evening in the 'Land of a Thousand Colors.' Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 16: Delhi - US

Breakfast * at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * If your return flight departs early in the morning, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Day 1: (New Delhi to Varanasi by flight) VARANASI ARRIVAL EMBARK SIGHTSEEING

Arrive at Varanasi Airport and transfer to hotel Overnight stay at Varanasi.

Day 2: VARANASI SIGHTSEEING

Early morning visit the 'Temple Tour' most religious Kashi Vishwanath temple, Annapurna Temple, the Bharat Mata temple, Sankat Mochan (Hanuman temple), Manas Mandir, BHU. At evening, get ready to experience one of the most memorable moments of your life, as you will be taken to River Ganges. Enjoy Ganga Aarti. Get a glimpse of the spiritualism at the Ganga Ghats (river front). Can enjoy the Ganga Aarti on Boat (optional and by own cost). After all you can retire for the night, Overnight stay at Hotel in Varanasi.

Day 3: VARANASI ENJOY BOAT RIDE & SARNATH - JAIPUR (BY FLIGHT)

Early morning, we will be taken for a boat ride on the Ganges. It is a mystical and spiritual experience as you watch people offering water to the Sun God and devotees taking holy dip in the Ganges. We will visit all the famous Ghats of Varanasi via boat, come back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, check out from the hotel, (if time remains) In noon we will be taken for an excursion to Sarnath. Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples. The attractions at Sarnath are the Buddha temples, the Dhamekha stupa, Chaukhandi stupa and the archaeological museum. Later drop to Varanasi Airport for onward journey to Jaipur with a pleasant memory of the trip. This city is dedicated to traditional arts & crafts e.g. buildings made up of sandstone, vibrant famous handicraft & jwellery markets, this city will definitely make you feel ancient kingdom (rajputana). On arrival hotel check in rest overnight in Jaipur.

Day 4: JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING

Morning after having your delightful breakfast, visit to the Amer Fort, riding an elephant’s back. In the afternoon, you will go for sightseeing to the City Palace and museum along with an expert guide. The sightseeing tour will also cover Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. The Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), The Jag Mandir (the Hall of Victory), Jal Mahal and the Kali Temple are the must to visit places. Comfortable overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5: JAIPUR FULL DAY

Relish delicious breakfast in the morning later explore Jaipur by yourself, Driver will be with you if needed. Rest overnight in Jaipur Hotel.

Day 6: JAIPUR - AGRA

Relish breakfast in the morning later drive to Agra known for home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built for the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal (who died in childbirth in 1631) is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and it is a famous destination for tourist because of the magnificent Mughal Infrastructure, arts & culture. On arrival get assistance transfer to hotel check in, fresh n up yourself start to Agra sightseeing visit Agra fort, The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent tourist site after Taj Mahal, Itmad ud Daulah (Baby Taj mahal), Mehtab bagh. Evening enjoy tonga ride & visit World famous Love monument Taj mahal at sunset, you will be dropped at hotel overnight in Agra.

Day 7: AGRA – DELHI

Morning visit World famous Love monument Taj mahal at sun rise, Red Fort and drive to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi check inti hotel, Visit city tour of exciting capital of India is awash with sights. start to Delhi sightseeing visit Jama Masjid - largest Mosque in India Chandni Chowk oldest, biggest street super market of Old Delhi. Later, walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid and try out a rickshaw ride for Red Fort, Rajghat would be our next stoppage where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated Humayun Tomb - first garden-style tomb of India inspired by Persian architecture. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan - residence of the President of India and India Gate - subjected in respect to honor the soldiers who in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutabud- din Aibak. Return to hotel. Retire for the night at hotel in Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 8: DEPARTURE FROM NEW DELHI

Carry out your activities in the morning move towards Delhi Airport to board a flight for onward journey to home destination.

Tour ends here with sweet memories. (Tour ends here with sweet memories)