Classic India Tour
DELHI · JAIPUR · AGRA · KHAJURAHO · VARANASI · PRAYAGRAJ · AYODHYA
About this trip
A fascinating journey through the heart of North India, combining the magnificent monuments of Delhi and Agra, the royal heritage of Jaipur, the extraordinary temples of Khajuraho, the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi, the sacred city of Prayagraj and the holy birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya.
- New & Old Delhi sightseeing
- Royal Jaipur & Amber Fort
- Fatehpur Sikri & the Taj Mahal
- UNESCO World Heritage temples of Khajuraho
- Sunrise boat ride & evening Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
- Sarnath’s Buddhist heritage
- Holy Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj
- Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi & Kanak Bhawan in Ayodhya
Day-by-day plan
Arrival in New Delhi
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, where you will be met by our representative and assisted with your transfer to the hotel.
Upon arrival, complete the check-in formalities and relax after your journey. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Delhi · Meals: —
Old & New Delhi City Tour
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi. Begin with Humayun’s Tomb, an impressive Mughal monument and an important example of early Mughal architecture, then continue to the Qutub Minar, the magnificent 12th-century monument complex.
Drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, the Government Secretariat buildings and the diplomatic and central government areas. You may also visit the Lakshminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir), subject to opening hours and local conditions.
In the afternoon, explore historic Old Delhi — the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat (the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi) and Chandni Chowk. Take a walk or rickshaw ride through its colourful lanes and experience the atmosphere of this historic walled city. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Overnight: Delhi · Meals: Breakfast
Delhi to Jaipur
After an early breakfast, depart by road for Jaipur, the famous Pink City of Rajasthan (approx. 270 km, 5–6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions). On arrival, transfer to your hotel and complete check-in.
After lunch and some rest, proceed for an afternoon sightseeing tour: the magnificent City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture housing museums of royal costumes, manuscripts, weapons, carpets and paintings; Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II; and the famous Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. Return to your hotel after sightseeing.
Overnight: Jaipur · Meals: Breakfast
Jaipur — Amber Fort — Fatehpur Sikri — Agra
After breakfast, proceed to Amber Fort, about 11 km from Jaipur, and explore this spectacular hilltop fort known for its Rajput architecture, courtyards, palaces and artistic mirror work. A traditional elephant ride may be available subject to government regulations, weather, animal-welfare rules and availability; alternatively, travel up by jeep or car.
Continue towards Agra, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, the historic red sandstone city built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Explore its architectural complex, including the Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal and Jodha Bai’s Palace. Continue to Agra and check in to your hotel.
Overnight: Agra · Meals: Breakfast
Agra — Taj Mahal — Agra Fort — Khajuraho
Start the day with a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most celebrated monuments, with time to explore the monument and its surrounding gardens.
After breakfast, continue your Agra sightseeing with a visit to the impressive Agra Fort, a vast Mughal fortress containing palaces, audience halls and historic royal residences. Later, transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey to Khajuraho, subject to the available flight or train schedule. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
The Taj Mahal is generally closed to visitors on Fridays.
Overnight: Khajuraho · Meals: Breakfast
Khajuraho — Western & Eastern Temple Groups
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of the magnificent Khajuraho Temples, built primarily during the Chandela period between approximately the 10th and 12th centuries and famed for their extraordinary stone carvings.
Visit the Western Group of Temples — including Kandariya Mahadeva, Lakshmana, Devi Jagadambi, Chitragupta, Vishvanatha and Varaha — and explore the beautifully carved sculptures of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later, visit the Eastern Group of Temples, including Parsvanatha, Ghantai, Adinatha, Vamana and Javari. Return to your hotel in the evening.
Overnight: Khajuraho · Meals: Breakfast
Khajuraho to Varanasi
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the morning at leisure. Later, transfer to Khajuraho Airport for your flight to Varanasi, subject to the current flight schedule. On arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.
In the evening, proceed to the River Ganges ghats to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti — an evening ceremony of lamps, prayers and devotional music along the river, offering a memorable introduction to the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi. Return to the hotel.
Overnight: Varanasi · Meals: Breakfast
Ganges Boat Ride — City Tour — Sarnath
Start very early with a boat ride on the sacred River Ganges. As the sun rises, observe the traditional activities along the riverfront, including devotees performing rituals and prayers at the ghats. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Continue with a sightseeing tour of the city, exploring the surroundings of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple area, Durga Temple, the Banaras Hindu University area, and the traditional markets and lanes of Varanasi (temple entry subject to current security and access regulations).
In the afternoon, drive approximately 10 km to Sarnath, one of the most important Buddhist sites in India, where Gautama Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, the Sarnath archaeological area and the Sarnath Museum (subject to opening days). Return to Varanasi in the evening.
Overnight: Varanasi · Meals: Breakfast
Varanasi to Prayagraj
After breakfast, depart by road for Prayagraj, one of India’s most important sacred cities (approx. 120 km, 3–4 hours depending on traffic). On arrival, check in to your hotel.
After lunch, proceed for a sightseeing tour: the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence traditionally associated with the meeting of the Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati (a boat ride can be arranged subject to weather and river conditions), along with, time permitting, the Allahabad Fort's accessible areas, Anand Bhavan, Swaraj Bhavan and Khusro Bagh. Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Prayagraj · Meals: Breakfast
Prayagraj to Ayodhya
After breakfast, check out and proceed by road to Ayodhya, one of India’s most important pilgrimage destinations (approx. 170 km, 4–5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions). On arrival, check in to your hotel and have lunch.
Later, begin your Ayodhya sightseeing: the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple complex (subject to prevailing visitor-entry, security and booking regulations), Hanuman Garhi, one of Ayodhya’s prominent temples, and Kanak Bhawan, known for its beautiful temple architecture.
In the evening, visit the Saryu River and Ram Ki Paidi, where, depending on the day and local schedule, you may witness the evening Saryu Aarti. Return to the hotel.
Overnight: Ayodhya · Meals: Breakfast
Ayodhya to Delhi & Departure
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, transfer to Ayodhya Airport / Railway Station, or travel by road to Delhi. For guests flying from Delhi, an onward flight or train connection can be arranged according to the departure schedule.
The memorable Classic India Tour comes to an end with wonderful experiences of India’s heritage, architecture, spirituality and culture.
Overnight: — · Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & exclusions
What's included
- 10 nights’ accommodation across Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Prayagraj & Ayodhya
- Daily breakfast
- Airport/railway station pick-up & drop as per itinerary
- Private vehicle with driver for road transfers & sightseeing
- Domestic flights/train connections between Agra–Khajuraho and Khajuraho–Varanasi, as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide for sightseeing days
- All applicable hotel and toll taxes
What's not included
- International airfare
- Lunches, dinners and any meals not mentioned
- Monument, temple & museum entry fees
- Elephant ride at Amber Fort & boat rides at the Sangam/Ganges (where not included)
- Camera fees, tips and travel insurance
- Anything of a personal nature