Varanasi and the Classical Soul of India

This journey flows through the timeless heart of India, where art, spirituality, and everyday life blend naturally. From the remarkable temple carvings of Khajuraho to Varanasi, the eternal city on the banks of the Ganges, you experience traditions that have lived on for thousands of years. Morning prayers along the ghats, the glow of evening aarti, sacred chants, and moments of quiet reflection reveal India in its most authentic form.

Tour Experience –

– Traditional welcome with garland and a bottle of water at Delhi airport.

– Daily breakfast from the second day.

– Experience Delhi Metro train ride during the City tour.

– Visit one of the Gurudwara (Sikh temple) and witness the prayer ceremony.

– Enjoy 1 hour sharing a motorboat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur.

– Visit Jagdish Temple one of the old hindu temple in Udaipur.

– Witness the stone carving architecture in the Ranakpur temple complex.

– One lunch at the midway restaurant in Ranakpur

– Walking tour of the local spice and vegetable market in Jodhpur.

– See the majestic Mehrangarh Fort followed by Jaswant Thada (The Royal Chapel).

– Enjoy rickshaw ride through the colorful bazaar of Jaipur city.

– Brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) and Jal Mahal in Jaipur.

– Excursion to Amber Fort by jeep ride

– Experience the Saree tying for ladies and Turban tying for Gentlemens

– Experience the evening prayer ceremony with the locals at the Hindu temple in Jaipur.

– Discover the majestic Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of architecture and history.

– Visit the world famous Taj Mahal (Monument to Love) in Agra.

– Explore the magnificent Agra fort and see the private and public audiance hall.

– Experience the semi highspeed Indian train journey from Agra to Khajuraho

– See the ancient temple architectures at the iconic Khajuraho temple

– Witness evening aarti (prayer) ceremony with locals on the bank of river Ganges

– Early morning boat ride on river Ganges and see the river rituals and traditions.

– Excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.

Day 01                   Arrival in Delhi

Arrive Delhi by international flight. Traditional welcome with garland at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel.

Delhi, one of the oldest cities in the world, has a great atmosphere of an old city in Old Delhi and modern in New Delhi. The perfect blend of old and new worlds makes it a fascinating option to explore. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02                    In Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, private tour of Old Delhi. The tour includes a visit to the Jama Masjid, with its immense courtyard and marble domes. Stroll through the Red Fort and the Chandni Chowk area, formed by a maze of alleys. The Raj Ghat (Symbolic Tomb or Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi) will also be visited. Experience Delhi metro train ride with locals during the sightseeing tour of Old Delhi.

In the afternoon, private visit to New Delhi, modern part of the city built by the British in 1911 as administrative headquarters of the British Raj. The tour includes India Gate; Qutub Minar, drive through Rashtrapati Bhawan, the former residence of the viceroy and today the Presidential Palace, the Embassy area and its main streets and avenues. To conclude, you will visit the Sikh Temple, where you will be able to attend a religious ceremony. Later Back to hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 03                    Delhi – Udaipur (By flight)

Breakfast at the hotel.
In time transfer to airport to board flight for Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur transfer to hotel.

Udaipur is located in the desert state of Rajasthan. The city, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mewar ruled by the Sisodia dynasty, with its artificial lakes and connecting canals, appears as an oasis within the desert.

Later this afternoon, enjoy motorboat ride on Lake Pichoala offers unforgettable views of the hills surrounding Udaipur, as well as the palaces, temples and baths that make up this picturesque city.  Visit the palace of Jag Niwas Island and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04                   In Udaipur

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning visit to the City Palace built on the shore of Lake Pichola, by Maharana Udai Singh in 1570. The impressive multi-palace complex is a mix of Rajput and Mughul influences. Half of it is still occupied by the royal family, and part of it became a museum. Jagdish Temple (1651) was built by Maharana Jagat Singh. A good example of the style of temple architecture of Nagara. A bronze Garuda stands outside and stone elephants flank the entry steps inside and there is a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. Sahelion-ki Bari is an ornamental playground especially made for the ladies of the palace in the 18th century. It has beautiful fountains, trees and flowers.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05                Udaipur – Ranakpur – Jodhpur (approximately 5 hours’ Drive)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning drive to Jodhpur, en-route visit the famous Ranakpur Jain Temple complex.

A remarkable Jain temple complex built in white marble during the 15th century. The main temple, dedicated to Adinath, is the largest and finest Jain temple in India, featuring 29 halls and exquisitely carved pillars. After the visit, enjoy lunch on the way.

Continue the journey to Jodhpur, a city founded in the 15th century and popularly known as the “Blue City” due to the many houses painted in striking indigo tones. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Later this afternoon take a walking tour through the spice market of Jodhpur. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06             Jodhpur – Jaipur (approximately 5 hours’ Drive)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most formidable forts in India, built on a rocky hill that made it nearly impregnable. Inside the fort are the royal palaces, adorned with priceless jewelry, intricate carvings, and an impressive collection of weapons. The visit continues to Jaswant Thada, a beautiful white marble cenotaph built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. 

This afternoon drive to Jaipur, upon arrival check-in at the hotel.

Jaipur, capital of the state of Rajasthan, was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. Its booming trade and weaving and jewelry industries, among others, make Jaipur a thriving city. Continuation to Jaipur, called the “Pink City” because of the color of its houses.

This evening visit one of the Hindu temple and witness prayer ceremony with locals. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07       In Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning excursion to Fort Amer (Amber) by Jeep. Amber is a classic and romantic palace of the fort of Rajasthani. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the inside is a virtual paradise. The miniatures painted on the walls depict scenes of hunting and war, as well as festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded in the plaster. Inside the Fort, visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famous Sheesh Mahal, a room with the four walls and ceiling completely encrusted with shiny mirror pieces, which were especially imported from Belgium during that period. On the way to Amber Fort, you will have a short photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of the Winds.

Then, the tour of the city begins with a visit to the City Palace of Maharaja, the former royal residence, part of which became a museum. A small portion is still used by the royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified enclosure, the palace occupies almost a seventh of the city’s surface. One of its main attractions is the part known as the Armory Museum, which houses an impressive arsenal of weapons: pistols, buses, flintstones, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur used most of the these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest observatory of stone and marble in the world. Located near the city palace gate, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of which are still in operation. Enjoy bi-cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes and colourful bazaar of Jaipur.

The Way to the hotel, visit one of the emporiums and experience the saree tying for ladies and turban tying for the gentlemen (part of traditional Indian attire). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08       Jaipur – Fatehpur sikri – Agra (approximately 4 Hours’ Drive)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning drive to Agra en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akber in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to water shortage. Visit the elegant and remarkably well-preserved buildings within the “Ghost City”, including the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the greatness and splendor of the Mughal empire at the peak of its power.

Continue drive to Agra, upon arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09             In Agra

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, visit the famous Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, to enshrine her remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece made of white marble, a testament to the skill of 20,000 artisans from Persia, Turkey, France, and Italy, who took 17 years to complete this ‘Poem of Love in Marble’. (The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.)

Later this afternoon, visit Agra Fort and see the public and private audience halls. You can also catch glimpses of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River from Agra Fort. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10                  Agra – Khajuraho (By train – train does not operate on Monday)

In time transfer to Agra railway station to board your train for Khajuraho. Breakfast will be served onboard. Upon arrival in Khauraho transfer to your and take a short rest.

This afternoon visit to Eastern and Western Group of Temples. Visit the Western Group of temples, the most important temple being the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple-dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest and most typical of the Khajuraho temples. Visit the Chaunsat Yogini Jain Temple-dedicated to the 64 “Yoginis” or attendants of Goddess Kali. This temple stands apart from the rest. Also seethe Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his 11-headed form. The sculptures that adorn the temples, carved in stone depict gods, goddesses and amorous couples.

Later visit the Eastern Group of temples including the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple dedicated to the “Vamana” or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Javari Temple. There are also three Jain Temples with beautiful carvings and non-erotic sculptures. Although these are Jain temples, they also contain numerous Vaishnav deities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11                  Khajuraho – Varanasi (By train – train does not operate on Thursday)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning at leisure and explore Khajuraho town by walking tour.

In time transfer to Khajuraho railway station to board the train for Varanasi. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12          In Varanasi

An early morning enjoy boat ride on the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Hindu traditions. As the sun rises, witness the profound morning rituals, from meditative chanting to sacred immersions in the river. It is a rare and unforgettable experience that immerses you in the spiritual essence of India.

On the way back to the hotel, enjoy a walking tour through the narrow alleyways of old Varanasi, passing numerous Hindu temples. Breakfast at the hotel.

Later this morning drive around the campus of Benares Hindu University, followed by excursion to Sarnath.

Sarnath, the revered Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the famous Buddha temple complex and spend some quiet time there. 

This afternoon visit on the bank of river Ganges and witness the Ganges Aarti at sunset on the Ghats of Varanasi is a truly divine experience. At sunset, priests perform a mesmerizing ritual with rhythmic chanting, lit lamps, and fragrant incense, in honor of the sacred river. The air is filled with spiritual energy, leaving visitors with a profound sense of peace and connection to ancient Indian traditions.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13     Varanasi – Delhi (By Flight)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Hotel check-out time 11:00 hour. This afternoon in time transfer to Varanasi Airport to board flight for Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi airport transfer to Delhi International airport (T3) to connect your flight for onward destination.

Day 14     Departure from Delhi