Your Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi adventure begins on arrival in Delhi, where a member of our team will welcome you at the airport. From here, we’ll chauffeur you to The Imperial hotel. Centrally located in the heart of New Delhi, this landmark hotel was built in 1934 and designed by Lutyen’s assistant, Bromfield. It evokes the days of the British Raj and exudes style and elegance. Other properties to consider as your base in the capital include The Oberoi, The Leela Palace, and The Lodhi. Hotels are a personal choice, and we’ll discuss the options with you to find those best suited to your taste and budget.

Take it easy this afternoon to relax, settle in, and recuperate from your international journey. Depending on how early in the day you arrive, you can let us know anytime if you’d like to begin exploring this afternoon. Your chauffeur is always on hand, and we’re only a quick message away on our dedicated WhatsApp group.

A guided tour of both Old and New Delhi today will introduce you to the highlights, including a rickshaw ride through bustling Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi and a visit to Humayun’s Tomb. The Sikh temple is not to be missed, either – the kitchens run by volunteers where thousands of free meals are served every day are fascinating. Other stops include India Gate, the Qutab Minar, and Jama Masjid. There is loads to see and do in Delhi, however, and this is merely a suggestion. We’ll discuss the sights best suited to your interests, and you’re also welcome to tweak things on the day with your guide.

If you’d like to dine out this evening, we recommend the award-winning Indian Accent or Bukhara (a reservation is highly recommended. This is just one example of the finer details we’ll take care of when you entrust Indian Excursions Co with your holiday arrangements).

Board a direct flight to Varanasi this morning for a two-night stay at BrijRama Palace. Resting on the banks of the holy river Ganges on one of Varanasi’s 87 ghats, BrijRama Palace is a luxury hotel with character; perfect for those who want to be close to the heart and soul of this deeply spiritual city. There are few places on earth quite like Varanasi, so make sure you set aside some time to head to the rooftop and soak up its incredible and unique atmosphere. Some of our guests appreciate and prefer the peace and tranquillity of the Taj Nadesar Palace. It’s away from the river, amongst beautiful gardens.

Later today, you’ll be met by your experienced local guide for a tour of the Ganges and its ghats by boat, culminating with the evening Aarti ceremony. A highlight of our Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi, these aged ceremonies have changed very little over hundreds and hundreds of years. The smell of sandalwood and incense swirls around while the sounds of prayer chanting and clashing symbols rise to a crescendo. Hundreds of little oil lamps twinkling on the river are a pretty sight.

Rise early and return to the Ganges this morning for a sunrise boat ride. A sunrise boat ride is the highlight of a trip to Varanasi when a soft light bathes the temples along the riverfront. The people of Varanasi trickle out of the tangled alleys and head for the ghats at dawn. Later, visit Sarnath (where Buddha taught his first sermon after enlightenment) and the old city – a labyrinth of streets packed with derelict palaces, homes, and hundreds of temples and shrines. Here you’ll see funeral processions, cows and goats munching on whatever they can find! You’ll also explore a winding lane known as Vishwanath Gali, lined with many shops selling all manner of religious objects. It leads to the city’s principal shrine, the Vishwanath Temple.

Board a morning flight back to Delhi, from where you’ll be chauffeured straight to Agra (about 3 hours). This is currently the best way of connecting the dots, though there is a train (3:20 pm – 10:20 pm) should you prefer. Either way, check into the ITC Mughal on arrival and the rest of the day is at leisure. Nestled within 35 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and just moments away from the Taj Mahal, this luxury collection hotel offers 233 elegant rooms and expansive suites. A true architectural gem, it is the only hotel in India to have received the prestigious Aga Khan Award, recognised for its stunning portrayal of Mughal design. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider upgrading to The Oberoi Amarvilās. We’ll carefully select hotels together to suit you perfectly.

Rise early and start your day with a guided viewing of the Taj Mahal at sunrise. It’s a beautiful time to visit, with the marble taking on a stunning pearlescent pink hue. After heading back to your hotel for breakfast and a bit of a rest, reunite with your guide to explore Agra further, taking in sights such as Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah. Optionally, catch the Taj Mahal at sunset from Mehtab Bagh, a quaint little garden at the rear of the monument, which offers spectacular views.

After breakfast, we’ll chauffeur you to the last destination on your Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi – Jaipur. Along the way, a stop at your choice of Fatehpur Sikri (a 16th-century Mughal fort-palace built by Emperor Akbar and abandoned after just 14 years) or Chand Baori (an impressive stepwell in the small village of Abhaneri, dating back over a thousand years). It makes for an interesting place to stretch your legs.

Your base for the next three nights in Jaipur is RAAS Rajmahal Palace. It’s one of the most exciting hotel openings in India in recent years. Still, we’d be wrong to call it new: dating back to 1729, it was formerly the royal residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and boasts a colourful history. Leading Indian designer Adil Ahmad recently renovated the palace. It’s bursting with striking colour and bespoke decor. Forty-six types of custom-made wallpaper adorn the walls. Former guests inspire the 14 rooms and suites, from Queen Elizabeth II to Lord Mountbatten and Jackie Kennedy. If the Rajmahal Palace is not your cup of tea, our other favourites in Jaipur include The Oberoi Rajvilas and Taj Rambagh Palace. Or for something more modest, Samode Haveli.

With an early start this morning, you’ll head to the markets with your guide to experience the flurry of activity here as the Pink City wakes up. Stops will include the fragrant flower market, the wholesale milk market, the vegetable market, and the Govind Dev Ji temple finished off with a delicious cup of chai (tea) from a famous but inconspicuous chai stall. There’ll be the opportunity to return to the hotel for breakfast and a little time at rest, after which you’ll reconnect with your guide to explore the old walled area of Jaipur. It includes the City Palace and its little-known private rooms, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the elegant Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).

This morning, you’ll be reunited with your guide to explore the 16th-century Amber Fort and the enchanting Jal Mahal. There’ll be time at leisure to do your own thing in the afternoon (or a spot of shopping in Jaipur, should you fancy!).

To end the day, continue to Dera Amer to enjoy a memorable evening with elephants. It’s a magical place on the outskirts of the city, where you can spend time up close with elehants Lakshmi and Rangmala. Help to feed and gently bathe them, before taking a gentle walk together through the surrounding forest at sunset. If meeting elephants isn’t your thing, this can certainly be removed or replaced. Perhaps with a private cooking class or a special dinner recommendation. Dera Amer is a fantastic and ethical place to do it for those interested in spending time with elephants.

After a leisurely morning, we’ll chauffeur you back to Delhi Airport this afternoon in time for your overnight departure. Of course, we can always include accommodation tonight should you be taking off on a morning flight.

To end your time in India on a truly relaxed note and to experience the slow pace of life in rural Rajasthan, you may like to consider slotting in a night or two at the beautiful Amanbagh on your way back to Delhi. It can be a lovely change of pace from the thronging cities. Or fly to the fairy-tale-like city of Udaipur for a couple of nights at the iconic Taj Lake Palace.