Welcome to Delhi (By International Flight)

On arrival at DELHI Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal 3), following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, as you exit the arrival terminal building, you will be welcomed by India Tours & Travels executive holding a placard in your name to greet you. After that you will be assisted with a transfer to your hotel and check-in.

Delhi, India’s capital territory, is also known for its people with happy hearts and dynamic nature. A symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present, Delhi is a city where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together and stands as one of the fastest developing cities in the world. The thriving cosmopolitan metro has a long history of empire successions from Delhi Sultanate to Mughals to British and still is the political capital of the nation.

Explore the sites of Old & New Delhi

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour at Old & New Delhi with your local English-speaking guide. Begin with Old Delhi which still has the influence of the Mughals with monuments, mosques, and forts all through the complicated streets. Take a drive past Red Fort and reach Jama Masjid, the country’s largest mosque with fine architectural extravagance. From here, we will take through the small lanes of the Chandni Chowk market by cycle rickshaws which have there been for more than three centuries. This ride will be most captivating as you get a first-hand view of the merchants, the little food and artefact stalls and the swarming population, busy in their daily activities. End your old Delhi sightseeing with a stop at the world-famous 200-year-old Attar shop (Closed on Sunday). For people who are not aware of what Attar is; it is a non-alcoholic perfume, directly squeezed from herbs, fruits, flowers and spices. One can choose Rose, Sandal, Musk, Amber, Lavender, Lotus and lots of other fragrances. In the afternoon, continue with New Delhi sightseeing starting with Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, dedicated to the 8 th Sikh guru Sri Harkishen Sahib, which is the most prominent Sikh shrine in New Delhi. On entering the premises, you can hear the magical chants and bhajan which relaxes the mind and the body. Make a visit to the pond (Sarovar), the main central hall and the famous community kitchen which prepares food for 40, 000 needy people every day. Then drive past the official buildings of New Delhi like the War Memorial Arch (India Gate), Parliament House, the official residence of the President of India and the Prime Minister’s house. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Qutub Minar, with five storeys and projecting balconies, the 73-meter-high tower is one of the most important landmarks of Delhi and a world heritage site.

Early morning train to Varanasi By Train: Departure Delhi at 06:00 hrs. / Arrival in Varanasi at 14:00 hrs. or similar (not operational on Thursday).

Early morning according to the train schedule, you will be assisted with a transfer (with Packed breakfast) to New Delhi railway station to board the train to Varanasi, which is thought to be the world's oldest known living city, breathes on the banks of the holy River Ganga. For centuries, the mystique of this place has drawn pilgrims from all over India and beyond. Varanasi is colourful and fascinating with ancient spires, maths, holy sanctuaries, priests, and narrow streets covered with shops. Being the oldest and the holiest city, one can see thrilling close rituals of birth and death being performed in parallel on the Ghats. Upon arrival at Varanasi railway station, you will be welcomed by our executive holding a placard in your name to greet you. After that, you will be assisted with a transfer to your hotel for check-in. Later in the evening, enjoy the sunset boat ride in the holy river Ganges and witness the Grand Aarti (prayer ceremony) on the ghats where dozens of oil lamps are lit and swayed in a semi-circle, in tandem by the priests to offer prayers, while singing of Vedic hymns and playing of the traditional instruments. Appreciate the beauty and significance of Varanasi's magnificent Ganga Arti and understand the culture and origins of spirituality. Feel the energy of holy rites close to the Ganges and get enchanted by Varanasi's vibrant and gratifying spiritual experience that will last a lifetime.

Explore the city of Varanasi.

Early morning (before sunrise), meet your local English-speaking guide in your hotel lobby and proceed to the Ghats to enjoy a sunrise boat ride on the river Ganges where mist obscures the silhouette of the sacred ghats, surrounding the holy places behind them in a mystical half-light. A rowing boat provides the best panoramic view for taking in the brilliance. As the sun comes up, the recitations, percussions, and ringing of the temple bells deepen, producing a magnificent glow on the divine steps and their landscape of sanctuary turrets, insignias, and parasols. Before you head back to the hotel for breakfast, visit Kashi Vishwanath temple, situated on the bank of the holy River Ganga. It is the most significant temple in Varanasi, devoted to Lord Shiva and it is one of just 12 in India. The remarkable golden dome makes it one of the city's most identifiable city icons (entry though is restricted for non-Hindus; visit would be from the outside). Later after breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Varanasi starting from Sankat Mochan Hanuman (Monkey God) Temple is a signifier of belief and courage. Having entered the temple, one can recognise the positive vibes. The temple is devoted to the great Hindu deity Hanuman, who is also recognised for being an impassioned devout follower of Lord Rama. Durga Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Durga. This 18th-century Hindu temple was built by a Bengali Queen. Conclude your Varanasi sightseeing with a visit to the unique Bharat Mata Mandir, dedicated to our country - Mother India. In the Afternoon, proceed for the excursion to Lallapura village, home to Banarasi weavers who have mastered the craft of fine silk and Zari work (embroidery in pure gold). Conclude your day with a visit to Sarnath (Closed on Friday) situated around 10 Km from Varanasi city, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon or in religious language, set in motion the Wheel of Law (Maha Dharmachakra Pravartan). It has been a leading centre for Buddhism and has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques. To name a few charms paying to the spiritual significance of Sarnath, are Ashoka's Pillar, Dharma Stupa built by Emperor Ashoka and many more.

Travel to Lucknow.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, it's time to check out and embark on a scenic drive to Lucknow (Approx. 05 to 06 hrs. drive), a city renowned as "The City of Nawabs". This vibrant city is known for its exquisite splendour and warm hospitality. From the narrow by-lanes that tell tales of history to the cosmopolitan areas that blend tradition with modernity, Lucknow captivates visitors with its charm. As you traverse through the city, you'll be immersed in the rich heritage and architectural wonders that seem like imagery out of a mesmerizing piece of Urdu poetry. The influence of Lucknow can be traced back to ancient times, from the era of the Indian epic Ramayana to India's struggle for independence. Upon reaching Lucknow, check- in at your hotel and take some time to relax and unwind. You have the rest of the day at leisure to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. Whether you choose to wander through its historic monuments or indulge in its famous cuisine, Lucknow will leave an indelible mark on your journey through Northern India.

City of Nawabs, Lucknow

After breakfast, meet your local English-speaking guide in your hotel lobby and enjoy the sightseeing of Lucknow starting with Bara Imambara, an architectural delight, the Imambara comprises majestic gateways and the structure is built out of special Lakhnavi bricks. The middle hall is one of the most massive arched halls in the world. Chota Imambara, decorated with exquisite chandeliers imported from Belgium, the Imambara is a ravishing mausoleum. Golden spires, vivid colours and Islamic verses written in aesthetically pleasing Urdu calligraphy add to the glory of this monument. Asfi Mosque, named after the Nawab of Lucknow, Asaf-ud-Daulah. It holds significance as a major place of religious gathering for the Muslims, specifically at the time of Muharram. Bhool Bhulaiya, is a labyrinth of corridors, in the form of a maze (Bhool Bhulaiya) on the superior floor. The most striking feature of the maze is that one can enter it using any of 1024 ways but there are only 2 ways for coming out of it. Summer Palace was originally built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. Also referred to as the ‘Palace of Mourning’. With the advent of colonial domination, the palace was later used as a British court for petitions. Government Museum, the oldest and most sizable museum ranging artefacts from the ancient era to modern times hailing from the Harappan Civilisation, Egyptian antiquities, paintings, numismatic evidence, manuscripts etc. can be found in the galleries. British Residency, a gut- wrenching piece of history incorporating the ruins of the Revolt of 1857, the first war of Indian independence. What was once an elaborate and sturdy monument overlooking the Gomti River surrounded by lush greens was originally built for the British residents. Presently, the adjacent church’s cemetery is the resting place for over 2000 deceased individuals who had lost their lives owing to the siege. Spend the rest of the afternoon in Aminabad Market for some last-minute shopping. This market has been in vogue since the time of the Nawabs, and it is still today that Lucknowi weddings are considered incomplete without long visits to the Aminabad market. With an abundance of graceful articles from glass bangles, artificial junk jewellery, handcrafted footwear, and khadi to a whole plethora of make-up products, Aminabad has it all. Book lovers can visit some amazing vintage bookstores that have served as essential destinations for the students and bookworms of Lucknow.

Travel to Agra

This morning, after enjoying a delicious breakfast, it's time to check out from your hotel in Lucknow and embark on a scenic drive to Agra (Approx. 04 to 05 hrs. drive), the city that needs no introduction, as it is home to the iconic Taj Mahal - one of the most famous and stunning architectural masterpieces in the world. As you arrive in Agra, check-in at your hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure. You can explore the local markets for souvenirs or indulge in some delicious street food.

Farewell to India

Start your day by meeting your local English- speaking guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a memorable sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday). This architectural masterpiece, known as one of the seven wonders of the world, is a symbol of Mughal architecture. It took seventeen years to build and is adorned with intricate inlay work. As you witness the sunrise over this stunning monument, you will be awestruck by its beauty and grandeur (please note that a sunrise visit is subject to weather conditions). Afterwards, return to the hotel for a delicious breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead. Once you're ready, continue your exploration with a visit to Agra Fort. Originally built as a military structure, this semi-circular fort is replete with underground structures and intricate mazes that offer insight into its historical significance. In the afternoon, your tour concludes with a direct transfer to Delhi International or Domestic Airport (Approx. 04 to 05 hrs. drive) to board your onward flight.

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