Itinerary Details

Namaste and welcome to Aurangabad! This city laid low through most of the tumultuous history of medieval India and only hit the spotlight when the last Mughal emperor made the city his capital. Aurangabad houses some interesting Mughal relics of monuments. But the real reason for traipsing to this town is because it is an excellent base for exploring the World Heritage Sites of Ellora and Ajanta.

On arrival in Aurangabad by domestic flight, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is at leisure. The car will remain at disposal within city limits.

Overnight:Lemon Tree, Aurangabad

Aurangabad

Itinerary Details

Today your guide will take you on a day exploration of the famous Ellora caves. They say, give a man a hammer and chisel and he’ll create art for posterity. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a set of cave temples, located about 30 kms from Aurangabad, is the epitome of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. These caves were chipped out laboriously over five centuries by generations of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks. Monasteries, chapels, temples – the caves served every purpose and they were stylishly embellished with a profusion of remarkably detailed sculptures.

Following this excursion, you will be driven back to the hotel to rest and unwind.

Overnight:Lemon Tree, Aurangabad

Aurangabad

Itinerary Details

Today the day is to stroll through the various temples at Ajanta Caves. With your guide, explore these superbly set temples in a remote river valley, nearly 105 kms outside of Aurangabad. The remarkable cave temples of Ajanta are this region’s second World Heritage Site. Much older than Ellora, these secluded caves date from around the 6th century AD and were among the earliest monastic institutions to be constructed in the country.

Your guide will share various tales from the Buddhist era while taking you around these temples.

Following the day visit, return to the hotel for a free evening.

Overnight : Lemon tree, Aurangabad

Aurangabad

Itinerary Details

Your onward journey takes you to Varanasi by flight.

Varanasi could very well be the India of one’s imagination. Considered to be one of the most colourful and fascinating places on earth, surprises abound around every corner in Varanasi. This is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, and one of the holiest in Hinduism. Pilgrims come to the ghats lining the Ganges to wash away sins in the sacred waters or to cremate their loved ones.

On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Later in the evening, your guide will take you to the bank of the holy river Ganges for a boat ride on the river. As the sun sets, experience the beauty of the Hindu ritual of Aarti where deities are regaled with offerings and religious chants. Watch the beauty of lamps as they are swayed in synchrony while prayers are being offered. Learn why locals say this city liberates the soul from the human body during this once in a lifetime cultural experience.

Overnight :Ganges View, Varanasi

Varanasi

Itinerary Details

Early this morning, head out to the banks of Ganges one more time to experience the opening of the day ceremonies on the river. During boat ride at dawn one can observe the way of life on the banks. There are a number of Ghats alongside Ganges river in Varanasi where one can see births being celebrated and final rituals of cremation as well.

Your guide will also take you to the old quarters of this ancient city, where you can see the remnants of its glorious past. Walk through the lanes and by-lanes and witness the change that the city has undergone. You will also have the opportunity to observe the local form of wrestling in an Akhada (local fight club).

Overnight :Ganges View, Varanasi

Varanasi

Itinerary Details

Begin with a relaxed start today. Your guide will take you on a visit to the Benaras Hindu University. You will also have the opportunity to meet with students here and gain an understanding of the educational system, traditions, mythology and the religious beliefs prominent in the city.

Return to the hotel after this visit. Later, the journey continues to as you experience the gentle vibe of the holy premises of Sarnath, approximately 10 km from Varanasi City. Sarnath is where Lord Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon. It makes the site one of the most venerated Buddhist places. There are many Buddhist monuments and edifices at Sarnath.

Overnight :Ganges View, Varanasi

Varanasi

Itinerary Details

You will be driven to Varanasi airport to board your flight to Khajuraho. On arrival in Khajuraho, you will be met and assisted with check in at the hotel.

Following some rest, proceed on an excursion to Raneh Falls, a pocket of calm in the arms of nature near to this city. Enjoy the scenic beauty at the Falls, 20 kms outside of Khajuraho, situated on Ken river on the periphery of the National park.

Return to the hotel for a restful evening.

Overnight : Ramada, Khajuraho

Khajuraho

Itinerary Details

Rise early this morning for an excursion to Panna National Park for a safari into the jungle. Tigers are making a comeback after being reintroduced in 2009 to Panna Tiger Reserve from other Madhya Pradesh reserves; there are now thought to be more than 35 tigers here. There’s a fair chance of seeing leopards, sloth bears or tigers while on safari, but what this park really excels at is birdlife, with over 200 species recorded, including many water-birds not easily seen in other parks.

Return to the hotel for a late breakfast. You will then be driven to Khajuraho airport in time to board your flight. On arrival in Delhi, your journey of the Golden triangle begins.