DAY 01 ARRIVE NEW DELHI

Welcome to India. After clearing immigration and custom formalities, a representative from Ariel Holiday Travels will greet you and assist you to your hotel.

DAY 02 NEW DELHI (Breakfast)

Delhi - the Capital of India consists of two distinguishable parts: Old Delhi, with its typically oriental city quarters, narrow alleys and bazaars, its temples, mosques and other historical monuments, and New Delhi, laid out symmetrically as a garden city by the British with wide stately streets, unspoilt gardens, widely scattered colonial-style summer houses and shady alleys.

In the morning your guide will take you on a combined tour of Old & New Delhi. The older part of the Capital takes you to the Red Fort with its Pearl Mosque and exquisite audience halls. The Jama Masjid Mosque with its marble domes and slender minarets, Raj Ghat (where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated); the Ashoka Pillar. After that hope you have some energy left to walk the mile long Chandni Chowk Bazaar where craftsmen sell their wares. The modern areas takes you on a drive along Rajpath, New Delhi’s broadest avenue and see the House of Parliament, The Diplomatic Enclave and the President's House - the royal residence of the former viceroys and now of the President of India. Also visit the India Gate, National Art Gallery and drive through Connaught Place, the main shopping center.

The Qutub Minar built in the 12th century and Humayun's Tomb.

DAY 03 NEW DELHI / AGRA (Breakfast)
Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World -The Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Moghul Empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th century. While its significance as a political centre ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map.

The 16th century Agra Fort, houses a number of exquisite buildings: the Moti Masjid (pearl mosque), Diwan-I-Am (hall of public audience), Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private Audience), Anguri Bagh (wine yard), Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors), and the Musamman Bhurj (Jasmine Tower) where Shah Jahan died as a prisoner of his own son. After the tour of the fort, you will be taken to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal it was erected by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Begun in 1631, 20,000 workmen took 22 years to complete it - a dream in white marble which lies in perfect proportion to the elegant garden of fountains. It has a forecourt and a majestic entrance. The main edifice is crowned with a cupola and flanked by minarets on all four sides. Deep underneath the main structure lies the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal & Shah Jahan. The marble shrine surrounding them is richly decorated with precious stones.

DAY 04 AGRA (Breakfast)
Full day at leisure.

DAY 05 AGRA / JAIPUR (Breakfast, Dinner)

In the morning, you will prepare for onward journey by road to Jaipur (200 kms - 4 hours). On route stop at the walled city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Akbar the Great to commemorate the birth of his son. The building of this capital was substantially completed in 1574 but 14 years later the city was abandoned, perhaps at the whim of an Imperial favorite, and the immense labour of building the "City of Victory" went for nothing. Visit the red stone mosques, courtyards and the palace where Akbar once played chess using slave girls as pawns. Continue driving to Jaipur, arriving at your hotel for a late lunch on your own.

Early evening get ready for an evening full of joy and entertainment. Visit Chokhi Dhani, a village resort hotel located on the outskirts of Jaipur. Although the drive is a little more than an hour but this ethnic village resort, with a blend of rustic environment, is worth the drive! Here you will see magic shows, folk dances, camel rides, snake charmers, athletic wonders by the rural folk, fortune tellers, puppet shows, and more. After dinner at Chokhi Dhani, return to your hotel.

DAY 06 JAIPUR (Breakfast)
Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The ancient heart of the "Pink City" still beats in its Fairy-Tale Palaces, Rugged Fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is also famous for woolen carpets and cotton rugs. Equally popular are the leather footwear, especially the embroidered 'Jutis'.

In the morning visit the Amber Fort, a spectacular fortress-palace protecting a complex of palaces, temples, exquisite marble, mirror-inlaid halls and apartments. The highlight of the tour is an elephant ride up the hill at the Fort like a Maharaja!

In the afternoon, visit the "pink city" so-called because a great deal of the older part is built of pink-colored stone. Visit the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), a high and intricately carved wall behind which women of the court were allowed to watch the processions without being seen by others. Also see the Observatory and the City Palace, which houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of Rajput weapons.

DAY 07 JAIPUR/DELHI (Breakfast)

After breakfast, the morning is at leisure to relax or indulge in any last minute shopping! In the afternoon, leave Jaipur for Delhi (260 kms - 5 hours) in time so that you can arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport well on schedule to check-in for your onward flight. (Check-in time for international flights is three hours prior and for domestic flights is one hour prior to the departure time of the flights).

BON VOYAGE
 

PER PERSON COST
	Deluxe	Superior
Golden Triangle (Single Person)	USD 1399	USD 1010
Golden Triangle (2 People)	USD 810	USD 586 (Twin Sharing)
Golden Triangle (4 People)	USD 695	USD 470 (Twin Sharing)
Golden Triangle (5-9 People)	USD 659	USD 444 (Twin Sharing)
Single Room Supplement	USD 444	USD 185
LIST OF HOTELS
City	Deluxe	Superior
Delhi	The Park/Nikko/Vasant Cont’l	Hotel Marina / The Qutub / Connought
Agra	Jaypee Palace/The Trident Hilton	Mansingh/Howard Park Plaza
Jaipur	Mansingh Tower/Park Plaza	Mansingh/Clarks/ Jaipur Palace

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS BEYOND GOLDEN TRIANGLE
(Available only in conjunction with Golden Triangle Tour)

JODHPUR AND UDAIPUR

DAY 07 JAIPUR / JODHPUR (Breakfast)
Drive to Jodhpur (285 kms - 5.5 hours). In the afternoon explore Jodhpur, once the capital of Marwar, situated in the heart of Thar Desert. Visit the massive Mehrangarh Fort, filled with courtyards, palaces and museums, constantly reminding you of the city's glorious past.

DAY 08 JODHPUR / UDAIPUR (Breakfast, Lunch)
Continue to the Lake City of Udaipur (260 kms - 6 hours). Along the way stop at the Ranakpur Jain Temple, one of the biggest and most important ancient Jain sect temple complexes in India. Built in 1439 it has 29 marble halls supported by 1444 carved pillars, none of which are alike. Enjoy hot lunch at Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat before proceeding for Udaipur.

DAY 09 UDAIPUR (Breakfast)
Begin your day with a visit to the vast and exquisite City Palace and its museum, followed by Jagdish Temple and Sahelion Ki Bari. Later in the evening enjoy a scenic sunset cruise on Lake Pichola as you pass by numerous island palaces, gleaming in the sun, reflecting an era of pomp and glory.

DAY 10 UDAIPUR / DELHI (Breakfast)
In the morning take an excursion to Eklingji, a beautiful white marble Shiva temple, and Nagda, the site of two eleventh century temples ornamented with beautiful carvings.
Its now time to bid farewell to this romantic city as you board your flight in the evening for New Delhi.

On arrival you will be assisted to the international terminal for your onward flight.

KHAJURAHO AND VARANASI

DAY 07 AGRA / KHAJURAHO (Breakfast)
In the morning fly to Khajuraho, the religious and political capital of the Chandela dynasty during 9th to 13th century. Visit the principal temples in the afternoon noted for their erotic carvings. Every square inch of these temples are covered with sculptures depicting human and divine forms in every aspect of life.

The Khajuraho temples were built over a span of a hundred years, from 950 to 1050.

DAY 08 KHAJURAHO / VARANASI (Breakfast)
Fly to the holy city of Varanasi, The capital of the Hindu faith since the dawn of history. In the afternoon drive to Sarnath, centre of the Buddhist world, where Buddha preached his first sermon 2500 years ago.

DAY 09 VARANASI (Breakfast)
Early morning visit the "ghats" at sunrise for a boat ride that takes you past incredible scene of multitudes coming to pay homage. Thereafter walk through a maze of narrow streets and alleys visiting numerous temples dedicated to various deities. Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Benaras, is the cultural capital of India. Considered as the abode of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is situated on the banks of River Ganges, which is believed to have the power of washing away all of one's sins.

DAY 10 VARANASI / NEW DELHI (Breakfast)
Morning at leisure. Its now time to bid farewell to one of the oldest cities in the world as you board your flight in the evening for New Delhi. on arrival in Delhi, you will be assisted to the international terminal for your onward flight.

BON VOYAGE

VARANASI AND KATHMANDU

DAY 07 AGRA / VARANASI (Breakfast)
In the morning Fly to the Holy City of Varanasi, the capital of the Hindu faith since the dawn of history. In the afternoon drive to Sarnath, centre of the Buddhist world, where Buddha preached his first sermon some 2500 years ago.

DAY 08 VARANASI (Breakfast)
Early morning visit the "ghats" at sunrise for a boat ride that takes you past incredible scene of multitudes coming to pay homage. Thereafter walk through a maze of narrow streets and alleys visiting numerous temples dedicated to various deities.

DAY 09 VARANASI / KATHMANDU (Breakfast, Dinner)
Fly to Kathmandu, capital of the kingdom of Nepal - an isolated world where people live in the same way as they have for 1200 years. As you approach, see a breath taking view of terraced hilltops set against the back drop of the Himalayas. After immigration and custom formalities, our representative will greet you and assist you to your hotel.

In the evening enjoy authentic Newari dinner followed by a pleasant rickshaw ride (Tricycle ride) through the "Freak streets" of the older part of the city.

DAY 10 KATHMANDU (Breakfast)
Kathmandu is a rare combination of the old and new in art, culture and civilization. The pagoda- style architecture scattered throughout the city, the amazing temples dedicated to various deities, the breathtaking sculptures and carvings, the ageless monuments…all combine to make Kathmandu a priceless museum beneath the blue dome of the sky. Besides Kathmandu, the only large cities of Nepal are its suburbs, Patan and Bhadgaon. Patan is the circular "city of beauty", with its many palaces and temples embellished with intricately carved gods and goddesses in erotic poses. The art and architecture show an interesting mixture of Hindu and Buddhist influence. Visit the Royal Residential Palace and the Durbar Square. You will find more examples of Nepalese architecture in Bhadgaon. See Bodhnath, the largest Buddhist stupa in the world; Pashupatinath, is regarded as the most sacred temple of Lord Shiva on the holy River Bagmati.Also visit Swayambhunath also known as the “Monkey Temple” after the large tribe of monkeys which guard the hill. The painted eyes on all four sides of the Stupa symbolizes the all-seeing eyes of Buddha.

BON VOYAGE
 

PER PERSON COST
	Deluxe	Superior
Varanasi /Kathmandu (Single person)	USD 815	USD 578
Varanasi /Kathmandu (2-4 People)	USD 460	USD 355
Varanasi /Kathmandu (5-9 People)	USD 422	USD 305
Varanasi /Kathmandu (10-14 People)	USD 375	USD 278
Single Room Supplement	USD 204	USD 91
Air Fare	USD 210 Per Person
LIST OF HOTELS
City	Deluxe	Superior
Khajuraho	Hotel Jass	Clarks/Holiday Inn
Varanasi	Clarks Varanasi	Hotel Hindustan Int’l
Kathmandu	Hotel Radisson	Hotel Grand/Gangjong

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