9 Days • 8 Nights
Varanasi & the Ganges with the Golden Triangle
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll explore Delhi, watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, discover the palaces of Jaipur, then fly to Varanasi to witness the extraordinary river life — pilgrims bathing in the Ganges at dawn, the mesmerising evening aarti ceremony of fire and chanting, and the nearby birthplace of Buddhism at Sarnath.
With hand-picked hotels, a private guide and chauffeur, and the key experiences arranged, it is India at its most moving and memorable.
Trip Highlights
- Old and New Delhi's great monuments
- Sunrise at the incomparable Taj Mahal
- The forts and palaces of Jaipur
- A dawn boat ride on the sacred Ganges
- The mesmerising evening Ganga aarti ceremony
- The temples and ghats of Varanasi
- Sarnath, where the Buddha first taught
- A private guide and chauffeur throughout
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Arrive in the capital and settle in, with a welcome dinner.
The Red Fort, Jama Masjid and a Chandni Chowk rickshaw ride, then India Gate, Humayun's Tomb and the Qutub Minar.
Drive to Agra for the mighty Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal in the afternoon light.
The Taj Mahal at sunrise, then drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri.
The hilltop Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the Hawa Mahal, with time in the bazaars.
Fly to the holy city of Varanasi on the Ganges. This evening, witness the mesmerising Ganga aarti — a ceremony of fire, bells and chanting on the riverbank.
A dawn boat ride on the Ganges as pilgrims bathe and pray along the ghats, then explore the old city, and in the afternoon Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon.
Fly back to Delhi for a final evening, with time for last-minute shopping.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Delhi airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private guide and chauffeur throughout
- 2N Delhi, 1N Agra, 2N Jaipur, 2N Varanasi, 1N Delhi
- Daily breakfast and a welcome dinner
- A full Delhi tour and a sunrise Taj Mahal and Agra Fort visit
- Fatehpur Sikri and the Amber Fort and palaces of Jaipur
- A dawn Ganges boat ride and the evening aarti ceremony in Varanasi
- A visit to Sarnath, the birthplace of Buddhism
- Domestic flights Jaipur-Varanasi-Delhi and all monument fees
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from India
- India e-Visa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Additional domestic flights beyond those stated
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Camera and video fees at monuments where not stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need an India e-Visa, applied for online before you travel, with a passport valid at least six months. We can point you to the official portal
- Currency: The currency is the Indian Rupee. Cards are accepted in cities and hotels, and ATMs are widespread, but carry cash for markets, tips and smaller towns
- Best season: October to March is ideal for most of India; the Himalayas (Ladakh) are best June to September; April to June is very hot and July to September brings the monsoon
- Food & water: Drink only bottled or filtered water, and enjoy freshly cooked, hot food from busy places. A little care avoids an upset stomach; carry any usual medication
- Culture & dress: Dress modestly, especially at temples and religious sites — cover shoulders and knees, remove your shoes, and cover your head at Sikh gurdwaras. Women should dress conservatively
- The Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, and sunrise is the most magical (and coolest) time to visit; your itinerary is arranged around this
- Health: Consult a travel clinic about recommended vaccinations and anti-malarial advice for your route. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential
- The pace of India: India is intense, colourful and can be overwhelming — expect crowds, noise and contrast. A private guide and driver make it wonderfully smooth and rewarding
- Tipping: Tipping (baksheesh) is customary for guides, drivers and hotel staff; small amounts are appreciated and we can advise on norms
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM requires registration, so an eSIM is often easier. Power is 230V with type C/D/M plugs, so bring a universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary (and all meals on the Kerala houseboat). Other meals are left free so you can explore India's incredible regional cuisines.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own private guide and chauffeur-driven car in each region, which makes travelling India wonderfully smooth and comfortable.
Do I need a visa for India?
Most visitors need an India e-Visa, applied for online before travel. We guide you to the official portal and the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
October to March is ideal for most of India, with pleasant days and cool nights. The Himalayas are best in summer (June-September); April to June is very hot and the monsoon runs July to September.
Is it safe and easy to travel in India?
Yes — with a private guide and driver, India is smooth, safe and deeply rewarding. Take normal care with food and water, dress modestly at sites, and let the colour and warmth of the country win you over.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, cities, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a tiger safari, Varanasi, Kerala, Ladakh or the palaces of Rajasthan. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between cities?
By chauffeur-driven car for shorter legs and by domestic flight or train for longer ones — all included and arranged, with a private guide in each destination.
What is the Ganga aarti?
The Ganga aarti is a nightly Hindu ceremony on the Varanasi riverbank, where priests offer fire, incense and chanting to the sacred river in a mesmerising spectacle of devotion — a highlight of any visit to India.
Is Varanasi intense?
Varanasi is India at its most raw and spiritual, with crowded ghats, cremations by the river and profound devotion. It is deeply moving and unforgettable; a private guide helps you experience it respectfully and comfortably.
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