Delhi - Jaipur - Agra - Lukhnow - Ayodhya - Varanasi
11 Nights / 12 Days
This special itinerary is created for those who want to experience the four fascinating things India is famous for – Food, Festivals, Spirituality, and Shopping. This 12-day itinerary takes you to the two “Golden Triangles” of India. The lesser-known but immensely spiritual Golden Triangle of Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Varanasi, the cradle of Indian civilization. And the other popular Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. The link between these two is the fascinating city of Lucknow.
At all locations, accommodation is in 5-star luxury hotels. What makes this tour even more special is that you will get to enjoy the festival of Holi in Jaipur, have a dip at the Holy Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, and see the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya all decked up, getting ready to celebrate Ram Navami.
The diversity of India is such that the cuisine of each of the 7 destinations of this tour is unique and so are the shopping opportunities. Begin your gastronomic adventure in Delhi, where the bustling streets are alive with the aroma of spices and the sizzle of street food. From savory chaat to mouth-watering parathas, Delhi is a great place for an introduction to North Indian cuisine.
In Jaipur, enjoy the traditional Dal-Baati Choorma, the spicy Laal Maas, and the decadent Ghevar desserts. We will dine in a palace and experience the opulent way of life fit for kings and queens. Agra is famous for its rich Mughlai cuisine and sweet delicacies like Petha. In Lucknow, enjoy the legendary Awadhi cuisine of succulent kebabs, fragrant biryanis, and rich curries. The meals in Ayodhya and Varanasi are likely to be authentic vegetarian but incredibly tasty food befitting the cultural and spiritual significance of the cities.
For those who love ethnic Indian shopping, you are in for a treat. Throughout this tour, there will be lots of opportunities to shop for clothes and collect unique treasures and souvenirs. Delhi is famous for the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, where you can haggle for intricate jewelry and aromatic spices. In Jaipur, visit the colorful markets of Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, where you’ll find everything from dazzling jewelry to handcrafted textiles. Agra is famous for leather shoes, handbags, and the intricate inlay work of marble artifacts. Continue your shopping adventure in Lucknow, where the bustling markets are filled with clothes of traditional chikankari embroidery, perfumes, and handicrafts. In Ayodhya, there are religious artifacts, colorful bangles, and delicious traditional sweets. And anyone who appreciates ethnic Indian attire will know the value and significance of the traditional Banarasi Sarees of Varanasi.
If that is not enough, we have reserved the last day in Delhi to visit one of the best malls in the city for some more shopping. You can indulge in high-end brands for yourself or gifts for loved ones in NZ. We suggest you travel light on your way to India or be prepared for excess baggage on the way back!
On arrival at Delhi airport, we will meet our local representative for transfer to our hotel. After checking in, take a few hours to rest and unwind from the long flight. That evening we will go to Akshardham which is arguably one of the best temples in India. Dinner is a special welcome dinner at our hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will go sightseeing. The contrast between Old Delhi and New Delhi, both with its distinct characteristics, history, and vibe is fascinating. We will also visit the Lotus Temple. This stunning structure, shaped like a blooming lotus flower, serves as the Bahá'í House of Worship. It is a symbol of unity, peace, and spirituality, welcoming people of all religions and backgrounds to come together in prayer and meditation. For dinner we will enjoy a special culinary experience at Haveli Dharampura, a UNESCO Awarded Heritage Haveli in Old Delhi. It is a cultural evening with classical dance, music and perhaps a session of kite flying on the roof top while watching the sunset.
Today is Holi, the festival of colours. After an early breakfast we will check out from our hotel and drive to Jaipur, the Pink City. On arrival, check in at the hotel followed by a special lunch to celebrate the festival of Holi. It will be a private celebration with friends and family in the comfort of your hotel… lots of colours., flowers, music and tasty food. Dinner is a cultural experience with authentic Rajasthani food.
After breakfast we will leave for a sightseeing tour of Jaipur, including an excursion to Amber Fort with an Elephant ride to ascend the fort. For lunch you can explore the vibrant markets and enjoy some tasty street food. Later in the afternoon visit the City Palace, the royal residence for the Maharaja of Jaipur. Dinner is a Rajasthani Thali at one of the most iconic restaurants in Jaipur.
After breakfast we set off on a road trip to Agra. It is a 5-hour drive, but on the way, we will have a few stops to break the journey and take in some local sights such as one of the oldest stepwells that dates to the 8 th century and is 13 floors deep. And Fatehpur Sikri, a historical complex that was commissioned by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. After checking in, we will proceed to see the Taj Mahal, arguably the most iconic building in India and one of the Seven wonders of the World. Later we will visit the Agra Fort and enjoy a light and sound show about the history and love story behind the Taj Mahal. Immerse yourself in the lights and be transported to a time where horses come galloping at an Emperor’s command! Dinner is authentic Mughlai food with a Mughal theme.
We will leave for the train station early today morning with a packed breakfast. On arrival check in at the hotel and later in the afternoon proceed for a half day sightseeing of Lucknow. In the evening explore some of the local markets for clothes and jewelry shopping. Dinner is authentic Awadhi cuisine at one of the most popular local restaurants in Lucknow.
After breakfast we start our drive to Ayodhya. After checking in at the hotel we will see some places of significance in Ayodhya such as Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Sita Rasoi, Kanak Bhawan, etc. In the evening visit some of the local markets to buy religious artefacts, colourful bangles, handicrafts, souvenirs and sweets. Later you can participate in Ram Arti on the Bank of Sarayu River. Dinner for the 2 nights in Ayodhya is local delights of vegetarian Awadhi cuisine.
Perhaps for some of you this is the day that you are joining us on this tour. After breakfast we will proceed to the Ram Mandir to seek blessings of “Bhagwan Shri Ram” in his child avatar known as “Ramlala”. Ram Navami is around the corner and the temple will be decorated in all its glory to celebrate this auspicious day. After the ‘Darshan’ the rest of the day is at leisure to explore this divine city which has experienced a huge facelift after the construction of the Ram Mandir. The entire day is dedicated to embracing the divinity of Ayodhya.
After breakfast we drive to Prayagraj (former Allahabad), Positioned along the sacred confluence (Sangam) of three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The history of the Triveni Sangam is rooted in Hindu mythology, where Lord Brahma is believed to have performed a grand yagna at the confluence. The river Saraswati, considered mythical, is believed to flow underground and join the Ganga and Yamuna here. Prayagraj is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus. It is one of the four holy cities that play host to the Kumbh Mela, probably the largest human congregation in the world and attracts millions of people. A dip at the Triveni Sangam is said to wash away all sins. Later that evening we will drive to Varanasi, the Eternal city. Dinner will be at our hotel in Varanasi.
After breakfast we will explore the city of Varanasi, often referred to as the spiritual capital of India. Varanasi also known as Banaras or Kashi embodies the essence of Hinduism, spirituality, and ancient traditions. Situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganga, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that dates to the 11th century BC. The city is dotted with over 2,000 temples, including the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which attracts millions of pilgrims and devotees each year. The ghats, or the steps along the riverfront are integral to Varanasi's spirituality, where devotees perform rituals, last rites, offer prayers, and take holy dips to cleanse their sins. We will visit Sarnath where Gautam Buddha had given the first sermon after attaining Nirvana. It is a world heritage site and the inspiration behind India’s national emblem. Later in the evening witness the sunset Aarti ceremony on the Ghat, a mesmerizing spectacle of light, color, and devotion, where priests offer prayers to the river goddess Ganga amidst chanting, incense, and the glow of oil lamps. It is a sight to behold. There will be enough time to enjoy the culinary delicacies of Varanasi. From street food stalls serving savory chaat, crispy kachoris, and sweet jalebis to traditional eateries offering delectable Banarasi thalis and luscious sweets, the city is a paradise for food lovers. If you want to buy authentic Banarasi sarees, we will suggest the best place for shopping.
Early in the morning we will enjoy the serene sight of sunrise on the river Ganga. Later, after breakfast at the hotel, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, check in at the hotel close to the airport. There will be transport available to take you to one of the best shopping malls in Delhi. Our last dinner together of this tour together will be the culinary highlight of the tour. It is a sensory experience like no other.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight back to NZ. If your flight is later in the day we can arrange transport for some more shopping. Alternatively talk to us about extending your tour to spend some more nights in Delhi, enjoy the sunshine on the golden beaches of Goa or extend your spiritual journey with a Char Dham Yatra.
12 days
13 days
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