Golden triangle tour with Orchha Khajuraho and Varanasi 11N/12D

An 11-night, 12-day Golden Triangle tour with the addition of Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varanasi is an excellent choice for a deeper dive into India's historical, architectural, and spiritual heritage. This itinerary combines the classic Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) with the ancient temples of Khajuraho, the charming history of Orchha, and the spiritual allure of Varanasi.

Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for this tour is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. Summers (April to June) can be very hot, especially in Khajuraho and Varanasi:

 itinerary:Golden triangle tour with Orchha Khajuraho and Varanasi 11 Night / 12 Day

Days 1-2: Delhi - Capital's Grandeur (2 Nights)

 * Day 1: Arrival in Delhi. Arrive at Delhi International Airport. Meet and transfer to your hotel. Relax and settle in.

 * Day 2: Old & New Delhi Sightseeing.

   * Old Delhi: Explore the Jama Masjid, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, and view the Red Fort (exterior).

   * New Delhi: Visit Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) and Parliament House.

Days 3-4: Agra - The Iconic Taj Mahal (1 Night)

 * Day 3: Delhi to Agra (approx. 4-5 hours drive).

   * After breakfast, drive to Agra. Check into your hotel.

   * In the afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a magnificent Mughal fortress.

   * Optional: Explore local markets for marble inlay work.

 * Day 4: Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (approx. 5-6 hours drive).

   * Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise (closed on Fridays).

   * Return to the hotel for breakfast and check-out.

   * Drive to Jaipur, en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted Mughal city.

   * Arrive in Jaipur and check into your hotel.

Days 5-6: Jaipur - The Pink City (2 Nights)

 * Day 5: Jaipur Sightseeing.

   * Morning: Visit Amer Fort, enjoying an elephant ride up to the fort (or jeep ride).

   * Afternoon: Explore the City Palace, Jantar Mantar (observatory), and drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).

   * Evening: Enjoy shopping in the vibrant local bazaars of Jaipur.

 * Day 6: Jaipur to Orchha (Overnight Train or Flight to Khajuraho/Jhansi and then drive).

   * This is the longest travel day. You have a few options:

     * Option A (Recommended for time saving): Take a morning flight from Jaipur to Khajuraho (via Delhi usually), and then drive to Orchha (approx. 30-45 mins). This will be more expensive.

     * Option B (More common): Take a train from Jaipur to Jhansi (approx. 6-7 hours). From Jhansi, it's a short 30-minute drive to Orchha. You can take a day train or an overnight train if you prefer to save a night of hotel stay.

   * Arrive in Orchha and check into your hotel.

Day 7: Orchha - Hidden Gem of Bundelkhand (1 Night)

 * Day 7: Orchha Sightseeing & Drive to Khajuraho (approx. 3-4 hours).

   * Morning: Explore the charming town of Orchha. Visit the Orchha Fort complex (Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal), the Ram Raja Temple, and the Chaturbhuj Temple. Take a stroll by the Betwa River and see the Royal Chhatris (cenotaphs).

   * Afternoon: Drive to Khajuraho. Check into your hotel.

Day 8: Khajuraho - Temples of Love (1 Night)

 * Day 8: Khajuraho Temples & Flight to Varanasi.

   * Morning: Visit the famous Khajuraho Group of Monuments (Western Group of Temples), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite and erotic carvings. These temples showcase the pinnacle of Chandela architecture. You can also visit the Eastern Group if time permits.

   * Afternoon: Transfer to Khajuraho airport for your flight to Varanasi.

   * Upon arrival in Varanasi, transfer to your hotel.

   * Evening: Witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a deeply spiritual experience.

Days 9-11: Varanasi - The Spiritual Heart (2 Nights)

 * Day 9: Varanasi - Spiritual & Cultural Immersion.

   * Early Morning: Enjoy a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges to observe the bathing ghats and cremation rituals.

   * Return to the hotel for breakfast.

   * Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (subject to access and long queues), Bharat Mata Temple, and explore the narrow lanes of the old city.

   * Afternoon: Excursion to Sarnath (approx. 10 km from Varanasi), where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Sarnath Museum.

 * Day 10: Varanasi at Leisure / Cultural Activities.

   * You can use this day for a relaxed exploration of Varanasi. Options include:

     * Revisiting a favorite ghat.

     * Exploring local markets for silk products and handicrafts.

     * Taking a cooking class or a walking tour focused on food.

     * Visiting Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and the New Vishwanath Temple.

 * Day 11: Varanasi to Delhi (Flight or Overnight Train).

   * Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation.

   * Transfer to Varanasi airport for your flight back to Delhi.

   * Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to a hotel near the airport or within the city for your last night.

   * Alternatively, if you prefer, you can take an overnight train from Varanasi to Delhi on Day 11 evening to save time and accommodation costs.

Day 12: Departure from Delhi

 * After breakfast, transfer to Delhi International Airport for your onward flight.

Important Considerations:

 * Internal Travel:

   * Delhi-Agra-Jaipur: Private car with driver is the most convenient.

   * Jaipur to Orchha/Khajuraho: A combination of train to Jhansi + car, or flight to Khajuraho + car, is most practical given the distance.

   * Khajuraho to Varanasi: Flight is highly recommended due to significant distance and time constraints for a 12-day trip.

   * Varanasi to Delhi: Flight is generally preferred for comfort and time saving. Overnight train is a good budget-friendly option.

 * Accommodation: Book hotels in advance, especially during peak season. You can choose from various categories, including heritage properties in Jaipur.

 * Flexibility: This is a sample itinerary. You can adjust the pace and focus based on your interests. For example, if you want more relaxation, you might reduce sightseeing in one city.

 * Guides: Taj Club Holiday local guides at major monuments (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Amer Fort, Khajuraho Temples, Varanasi) can greatly enrich your understanding.

 * Culture & Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Be respectful of local customs.

 * Food: Savor the local cuisine in each region – Mughlai in Delhi/Agra, Rajasthani in Jaipur, Bundelkhandi in Orchha, and the street food and specialties of Varanasi.

This itinerary offers a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and spirituality, giving you a truly immersive experience of India.

This is a suggested itinerary. Taj Club Holiday can customize it further based on your interests, pace, and budget.

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