Temples, Thrones & Holy Ghats

Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, you will be warmly received by our representative and assisted with luggage and travel documents before being transferred to your hotel for a seamless check-in, leaving the rest of the day at your leisure. Depending on your arrival time and jet lag recovery, relaxed afternoon or evening activities can easily be arranged, such as exploring the magnificent art and architecture of the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple complex or taking a short drive to India Gate to honour the legacy of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.

Experience a refreshing morning like a local by starting your day in the verdant Lodhi Garden, a peaceful sanctuary where history and nature thrive. Afterward, drive past the landmark sites along Kartavya Path "” such as Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Parliament House "” before exploring the magnificent Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. Dive into the captivating chaos of Chandni Chowk with a walking tour covering Khari Baoli, Dariba Kalan and Kinari Bazaar. Following a delicious local lunch, pay your respects at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat and visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to experience its remarkable community kitchen. Conclude your evening at Khan Market, enjoying its premium shopping, world-class dining and relaxed urban atmosphere.

Following breakfast, journey toward the glorious Pink City of Jaipur, stopping en route for lunch at the 16th-century Samode Palace, renowned for its Rajput-Mughal architecture and royal elegance. Upon arrival, participate in an evening Aarti ceremony at the striking white marble Birla Temple, followed by a visit to Jaipur's iconic entry gateways, Patrika Gate and Toran Dwar. Conclude your day with a scenic drive through the city streets to view its major monuments illuminated by colourful lights.

Immerse yourself fully in the authentic heartbeat of the Pink City with a morning walking tour blending local life, heritage, spirituality and breakfast, followed by a journey to Amber Town for an enchanting tour of the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort and Palace. On your return, stop by the picturesque Jal Mahal in Man Sagar Lake before enjoying a delicious local lunch at a handpicked restaurant. Spend your afternoon shopping for traditional crafts "” such as block-printed textiles and blue pottery "” and continue exploring the heart of the city through the multi-layered courtyards and halls of the City Palace Complex and the astronomical instruments of Jantar Mantar. Conclude your evening either by preparing and sharing a home-cooked dinner with a local Indian family or by embarking on a scenic 4×4 night tour through the illuminated city.

Following the breakfast and check-out, journey toward Bharatpur, stopping en route to explore the natural rocky landscapes and sacred ponds of Galta Ji (Monkey Temple), followed by the 9th-century stepwell of Chand Baori in Abhaneri "” one of the deepest and most geometrically perfect stepwells in the world. Upon arrival and lunch in Bharatpur, spend your afternoon on a sunset safari exploring the rich birdlife and diverse grasslands of the UNESCO-listed Keoladeo Ghana National Park "” a premier sanctuary for over 370 bird species.

Following a morning safari in Keoladeo National Park, journey toward Agra "” a city etched in global romance and imperial legacy "” stopping en route to explore the residential, administrative and religious architectural masterpieces of Fatehpur Sikri. Upon check-in at your hotel, head out to explore the powerful and resilient imperial architecture of Agra Fort. Post-lunch, drive before dusk to the serene Charbagh gardens of Mehtab Bagh to admire the Taj Mahal in all its majesty away from the crowds. Conclude your evening by attending the cultural show "Taj-e-Mohabbat".

Experience an unforgettable sunrise visit to the iconic Taj Mahal before checking out and boarding the fastest train to the historic 16th-century town of Orchha along the banks of the Betwa River. Explore the magnificent Bundela architecture of the Orchha Fort complex "” including Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal and Raj Praveen Mahal "” followed by a visit to the revered Raja Ram Temple, where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king. Following lunch, journey onward to Khajuraho to explore its ancient, UNESCO-listed temples renowned for their exquisite Nagara-style architecture and intricate mythological sculptures.

Following breakfast, marvel at the extraordinary architecture and exquisite carvings of the Western Group of Monuments at Khajuraho "” including the iconic Lakshmana, Kandariya Mahadev and Vishwanatha temples "” representing centuries of rich artistic heritage. Khajuraho was a flourished capital of the Chandela Dynasty until the 12th century, where they built 85 staggering Hindu and Jain temples, of which only 20 have withstood the passage of time spanning six square kilometres. Return to your hotel for lunch and relaxation, followed by a spa session before enjoying a mesmerising evening sound and light show set against the illuminated temple complex.

Following breakfast, fly to Varanasi "” one of the oldest living cities and a deeply revered spiritual destination known as the abode of Lord Shiva. Upon arrival and check-in at your hotel, set out after lunch to explore Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, and view its rich collection of ancient antiquities and the Dhamekh Stupa. Conclude your day back in Varanasi by witnessing the grand and mesmerising evening Aarti ceremony along the banks of the River Ganges at Dashashwamedh Ghat "” a spectacle of conch shells, oil lamps, incense and devotional music.

Witness Varanasi awakened at dawn during a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, observing devotees, daily rituals and pilgrims along the holy riverbanks before strolling through the vibrant, living heritage of the city's ancient lanes. Explore the region's renowned artisanal traditions "” highlighted by GI-protected Banarasi silk weaving "” before taking an afternoon flight back to New Delhi for your onward journey home.