10 Days Golden Triangle with Khajuraho & Varanasi

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Khajuraho: Kandariya Mahadeo tempel (westelijke tempelgroep)

Visit one of the 2000 temples in Varanasi

Overview

The great northern plains of India, watered by the Ganges and Yamuna, have been the cradle of mighty empires for more than two thousand years – from the Mauryas, who reached their zenith under Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, to the Mughals, whose forts, palaces and tombs still dazzle. The 10 Days Golden Triangle with Khajuraho & Varanasi (9 nights / 10 days) adds the spiritual heart of India to the classic Delhi–Agra–Jaipur circuit: holy Varanasi on the Ganges, the Buddhist site of Sarnath, the sculpted temples of Khajuraho and the medieval town of Orchha. Hotels with daily breakfast, air-conditioned transport, English-speaking local guides, monument entrance fees, an elephant ride at Amber Fort, a rickshaw ride in Old Delhi and a cultural evening in Jaipur are included.

After a garland welcome in Delhi you visit Akshardham and the Lotus Temple, then explore Old and New Delhi – Jama Masjid, a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate and Raj Ghat. A flight takes you to Varanasi: visit Sarnath, where the Buddha preached his first sermon, watch the fire-lit Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and take a sunrise boat ride past the bathing ghats and burning ghats before walking the lanes to the golden Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

From Khajuraho, famous for its Chandela temples and their exquisite carvings, you drive to Orchha, with the Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal, the evening aarti at Ram Raja Temple and the riverside cenotaphs at sunset. Then come the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and the Pink City of Jaipur – Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal – before returning to Delhi.

Why choose this tour?

The Golden Triangle plus Varanasi, Sarnath, Khajuraho and Orchha.
Ganga Aarti and a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.
Hotels, transport, guides, entrance fees and special experiences included.

Who is it for?

Travellers who want a deeper first journey through North India, culture lovers and photographers. The grade is easy. Best from October to March.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF WITH LOCATION MAP

Trip Facts

Tour Code: PTT-IN-003
Duration: 10 Days
Program Type: Multidays Tour Program
Maximum Altitude: 431 m
Minimum Pax: 1
Mode of Travel: Land Transport
Start Trip: Delhi
End Trip: Delhi
Program Grading: Easy

Trip at a Glance

Day 01: Arrive in Delhi – garland welcome – Akshardham Temple and Lotus Temple at sunset
Day 02: Old and New Delhi: Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate and Raj Ghat
Day 03: Fly Delhi – Varanasi – Sarnath – evening Ganga Aarti
Day 04: Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges – old city lanes and Kashi Vishwanath – free afternoon
Day 05: Fly Varanasi – Khajuraho – Western Group of temples and sound-and-light show
Day 06: Drive Khajuraho – Orchha (about 180 km, 4 hours) – palaces, Ram Raja aarti and cenotaphs
Day 07: Drive Orchha – Agra (about 250 km, 4–5 hours) or train from Jhansi – Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
Day 08: Drive Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (about 240 km, 5 hours) – evening aarti at Birla Temple
Day 09: Jaipur: Amber Fort (elephant ride), City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal – cultural evening
Day 10: Drive Jaipur – Delhi (about 280 km, 5–6 hours) – departure

Trip Highlights

Old and New Delhi with a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk
Ganga Aarti and a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges in Varanasi
Sarnath, where the Buddha preached his first sermon
Temples of Khajuraho and the palaces of Orchha
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri
Amber Fort elephant ride and the Pink City of Jaipur

Itinerary in Details

Day 01Arrive in Delhi – garland welcome – Akshardham Temple and Lotus Temple at sunset
Overnight: Delhi

Arrive at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, where our representative welcomes you with fresh flower garlands and transfers you to your hotel. After rest and lunch, visit the Akshardham Temple (closed Monday), whose architecture depicts the richness of Indian culture, and the Lotus Temple at sunset.
- OvernightDelhi
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeDrive: 30 km / 1 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedDelhi, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple
Day 02Old and New Delhi: Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate and Raj Ghat
Full-day sightseeing | Overnight: Delhi

In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid, Shah Jahan's immense mosque with a courtyard for 25,000 worshippers, and enjoy an exhilarating cycle-rickshaw ride through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk, past the Red Fort. In New Delhi see the Qutub Minar, India Gate and Raj Ghat.
- OvernightDelhi
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeDrive: 40 km / 2 hr
- Places VisitedJama Masjid Delhi, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Raj Ghat
- MealsBreakfast
Day 03Fly Delhi – Varanasi – Sarnath – evening Ganga Aarti
Flight about 1.5 hours | Overnight: Varanasi

Fly to Varanasi and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon visit Sarnath, the deer park where the Buddha, after his enlightenment, held his first sermon, the Dharmachakra – turning of the wheel of law. In the evening watch the spectacular Ganga Aarti of lamps, bells and chanting at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- OvernightVaranasi
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeFly (Delhi to Varanasi): 90 min · Drive: 25 km / 1 hr
- Places VisitedVaranasi, Sarnath, Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- MealsBreakfast
Day 04Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges – old city lanes and Kashi Vishwanath – free afternoon
Sightseeing | Overnight: Varanasi

At dawn take a boat ride along the ghats, watching pilgrims bathe, pray and make offerings to the rising sun as the city wakes. Walk through the narrow lanes of the old city to the golden Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The afternoon is free.
- OvernightVaranasi
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeBoat: 3 km / 1 hr / 30 min · Drive: 10 km / 30 min
- Places VisitedKashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
- MealsBreakfast
Day 05Fly Varanasi – Khajuraho – Western Group of temples and sound-and-light show
Flight about 1 hour | Overnight: Khajuraho

Fly to Khajuraho, where the Chandela kings built some 85 temples between 950 and 1050 AD, of which about 22 survive. Explore the Western Group, whose sculptures of gods, dancers, musicians and lovers are among the finest in India, followed by the evening sound-and-light show.
- OvernightKhajuraho
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeFly (Varanasi to Khajuraho): 60 min
- Places VisitedKhajuraho
- MealsBreakfast
Day 06Drive Khajuraho – Orchha (about 180 km, 4 hours) – palaces, Ram Raja aarti and cenotaphs
Drive about 4 hours | Overnight: Orchha

Drive to Orchha, capital of the Bundela rajas on the Betwa River. Visit the Jahangir Mahal and Raj Mahal, attend the evening aarti at the Ram Raja Temple – the only temple where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king – and watch the sunset over the riverside royal cenotaphs.
- OvernightOrchha
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeDrive: 180 km / 4 hr
- Places VisitedOrchha
- MealsBreakfast
Day 07Drive Orchha – Agra (about 250 km, 4–5 hours) or train from Jhansi – Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
Drive 4–5 hours | Overnight: Agra

Drive (or take the train from Jhansi) to Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal (closed Friday) – the battery bus from the parking is included – and the red sandstone Agra Fort.
- OvernightAgra
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeDrive: 250 km / 4 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedAgra, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort
- MealsBreakfast
Day 08Drive Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (about 240 km, 5 hours) – evening aarti at Birla Temple
Drive about 5 hours | Overnight: Jaipur

Drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's abandoned red sandstone capital. In the evening attend the aarti at the white marble Birla Temple.
- OvernightJaipur
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeDrive: 240 km / 5 hr
- Places VisitedFatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Birla Temple Jaipur
- MealsBreakfast
Day 09Jaipur: Amber Fort (elephant ride), City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal – cultural evening
Full-day sightseeing | Overnight: Jaipur

Ride an elephant up to Amber Fort and drive down by jeep. Visit the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the Hawa Mahal, then shop in the colourful bazaars. In the evening enjoy a cultural programme at an ethnic village resort.
- OvernightJaipur
- CountryIndia
- Highest PointAmber Fort
- Altitude430m / 1,411ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 30 km / 2 hr
- Places VisitedAmber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar Jaipur, Hawa Mahal
- MealsBreakfast
Day 10Drive Jaipur – Delhi (about 280 km, 5–6 hours) – departure
Drive 5–6 hours | End of tour

Drive back to Delhi for a farewell dinner with a classical dance show (optional) and your transfer to the airport.
- CountryIndia
- Travel ModeDrive: 280 km / 5 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedDelhi
- MealsBreakfast

Altitude Chart of 10 Days Golden Triangle with Khajuraho & Varanasi

Total Driving Time: 14h 30m Total Flying Time: 2h 30m Total Travel Distance: 695 km

Driving distance & time shown here are approximate — for city tours the exact distance/duration can vary and isn't always measurable.

Highest point: 1,411 ft / 430 m — Day 09 · Jaipur: Amber Fort (elephant ride), City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal – cultural evening

Services Included

Accommodation on twin sharing basis including all applicable hotel taxes.
Daily American breakfast in the hotel of stay.
Transfers and sightseeing’s by air-conditioned vehicle as per tour itinerary.
Up to 06 Pax all sightseeing’s with English speaking local Guides.
For 07 & above pax accompanied English speaking guide/escort throughout.
Entrance Fees of all monuments/museums mentioned in the itinerary.
Elephant ride to ascend the hilltop Amber Fort in the royal city of Jaipur.
Jeeps at Amber Fort in Jaipur to drive down from hilltop fort.
Battery bus ride at Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri from parking till monument.
Cultural evening in a famous ethnic village resort in Jaipur.
A rickshaw (Tricycle) ride through the busy streets and bazaars of Delhi.
A rickshaw (Tricycle) ride through the busy streets and bazaars of Varanasi.
Sound & Light show in the famous temples of Khajuraho.
Sunset and Sunrise boat cruise on the Ganges River in Varanasi.
Farewell dinner & Indian Classical Dances program in Delhi. (Dance program is
subject to availability).
01 Tour Leader FOC with minimum 15 paying pax group.
All government taxes and service charges.
Our Personal care and attention.

Services Excluded

Any Visa Charges.
Any Int’l flights.
Porterage
Any camera fees at monuments.
Any airport Tax
Any meals except those mentioned.
Tips to Drivers, Guides, at restaurants etc.
Items of personal nature telephone calls, telegrams, table drinks, laundry etc.
Anything not mentioned in the ‘Price Include’ head.

Trip Notes

Notes for this tour

Visa: most foreign nationals need an Indian e-Visa, applied for online before travel (not included). Nepali citizens do not need a visa; Bhutanese and some others have special rules.
Closing days: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; Akshardham and the Lotus Temple are closed on Mondays. The order of visits is adjusted accordingly.
Dress and etiquette: dress modestly at temples, mosques and Gurdwaras – cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes, and women may need a scarf. Ask before photographing people.
Health and comfort: drink only bottled or filtered water, carry hand sanitiser and sunscreen, and expect busy roads and crowds. Summers (April–June) are very hot; October–March is the best season.
Flights: Delhi–Varanasi and Varanasi–Khajuraho flights are included only if listed in the Includes section.
Vehicles: air-conditioned sedan for 1–2 travellers, Toyota Innova for 3–5, Tempo Traveller for larger groups, with an experienced driver.

Important Notes :

* In case of non-availability of accommodation in any of the above mentioned hotels during the required dates similar category of hotels will be provided.
* If there is any change in the airfare or flight schedule by the airline during the travel period than the same would be applicable.
* We suggest that the passengers should be covered by Travel, medical, health and other types of insurance. These cannot be obtained in India.

FAQ

10 days. It starts in Delhi and ends there. Overnight stops: Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Orchha, Agra, Jaipur. The day-by-day itinerary above shows travel times, places visited and meals for each day.

Please see the overview for the best season for this destination – we can advise on weather, festivals and peak periods for your travel dates.

The grade is easy, with a maximum altitude of about 431 m. It is suitable for most travellers, including families with children and seniors; walking is mostly short and on paved paths or easy trails.

Dress modestly at temples, monasteries, mosques and other holy places: cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes (and hats) where asked, and walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels in Buddhist sites. Ask before photographing people, monks or rituals, and note that photography is not allowed inside some shrines.

Accommodation on twin sharing basis including all applicable hotel taxes; Daily American breakfast in the hotel of stay; Transfers and sightseeing’s by air-conditioned vehicle as per tour itinerary; Up to 06 Pax all sightseeing’s with English speaking local Guides; For 07 & above pax accompanied English speaking guide/escort throughout; Entrance Fees of all monuments/museums mentioned in the itinerary; Elephant ride to ascend the hilltop Amber Fort in the royal city of Jaipur; Jeeps at Amber Fort in Jaipur to drive down from hilltop fort; and more – see the full Includes list.

Any Visa Charges; Any Int’l flights; Porterage; Any camera fees at monuments; Any airport Tax; Any meals except those mentioned.

This package includes 9 breakfasts, as marked on each day of the itinerary. Other meals are at your own cost; your guide will recommend good local restaurants, and vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs can be catered for.

Yes. We run this tour privately for your group on the dates you choose, and we can tailor it – add extra nights, change or upgrade hotels, add activities, flights or a guide in your language (Russian, German, French, Spanish, Chinese or Hindi on request). Just send us your wishes.

* Before 60 days – No cancellation charge. * From 60 days to 45 days – 10% of the total tour / service cost. * From 45 days to 15 days – 15% of the total tour / service cost. * From 15 days to 07 days – 25% of the total tour / service cost. * From 07 days to 02 days (48 hrs) – 50% of the total tour / service cost. * From 48 hours to arrival or NO SHOW – NO REFUND. Please see the Cancellation Policy section for full details.

Cancellation Policy

Policy Regarding Cancellation / NO SHOW / EARLY DEPARTURE
In the event of cancellation of tour / travel services – due to any avoidable / unavoidable reason, we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive advice in writing and cancellation charges would be as follow-

* Before 60 days – No cancellation charge.
* From 60 days to 45 days – 10% of the total tour / service cost
* From 45 days to 15 days – 15% of the total tour / service cost
* From 15 days to 07 days – 25% of the total tour / service cost
* From 07 days to 02 days (48 hrs) – 50% of the total tour / service cost
* From 48 hours to arrival or NO SHOW – NO REFUND

In case of Special Train Journey and peak season hotel bookings a separate cancellation policy is applicable (which would be advised as and when required).

In case you cancel the trip after commencement, refund would be restricted to a limited amount, which too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers/contractors we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation & missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.

Booking Policy

A deposit of 20–30% is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due before arrival. Peak-season bookings (October–March) are recommended well in advance due to high demand.

Child Policy

Children under 5 travel free, sharing with parents. Children aged 5–11 receive a discounted rate. Children 12 and above are charged the full adult rate.

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Based on 30 reviews

Pigeon Travel is easily one of the best travel companies I have dealt with! I don’t know how busy Mr Min Katri is, but i think he has many clients on the go, but he made me feel like I was his only customer. He was so conscientious. The guides he organised for my travels in Nepal: Pokhara, Kathmandu, and the Everest flight, Lumbini and then in India at Kushinara for a few days, was well organised with excellent guides, good drivers and cars and a good choice of hotels. They accommodated me with the places I wanted to visit and were very flexible and everything went smoothly, including navigating across the Sunoli border to India, which is chaos at another level. These guys are really excellent. Totally recommend Pigeon Travel. 👍👍

Amal Karunaratna

We spent 4 days in Nepal, visiting different places with the Pingeon Travel Agency, Mr. Min Khatri was very friendly, helpful and was attentive to us at all times, with 24-hour service. for anything we needed and was attentive to us via WhatsApp every day. We booked everything from Spain, they picked us up at the airport and at the end they took us, including a driver, guide in Spanish, visits and hotels, and we had no problem, they complied with everything agreed and we were able to visit everything. The driver (Mr. Pawan) is a very good driver, friendly and kind, and the guide (Mr. Giri) is friendly and helpful. Punctual, helpful and attentive. We were in 2 different hotels, and both were very good, highlighting the one in Kathmandu, Hotel Hyatt Place Kathmandu, a new hotel, excellent service and very friendly. The Pingeon Travel agency is highly recommended and they have everything from tours to complete packages. We were happy with the services.

Maite Sanchez

Fantastic

JagdishMan Rajbhandari

Pigeon Travel has been an exceptional ressource for me in both travel support to and from Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Min Katri is simply always there onnecway or another, checking fright and other arrangements, hotel schedules and in Bhutan excellent ( required) tour guides. As well, he and Pigeon Travel are exceptional in meeting last minute changes to my plans and really are “there” 24/7. I thinking now about next trips and highly recommend Min and Pigeon travel for your trips— as in planning my next trip to India and Nepal and am using Pigeon Travel the whole way. Highly recommend!

Jay Luboff

Wonderful tour with brilliant and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended!

Frances Wingate

Min is very trustworthy and very easy to speak to. Tour guide and drivers are great and finally arrangement for Everest flight and Nagarkot Mountain View stay didn’t disappoint and we had wonderful time

Chip Yi

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Krishna Giri

It was a well organised trip. The guides were very hospitable and cooperative.Overall it was a wonderful and memorable trip.

puneetha Kunimbedu

It was a memorable trip to Nepal. Thanks to pigeon travels. The hospitality is great and they took good care of us. I would highly recommend this to my mates.

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10 Days Golden Triangle with Khajuraho & Varanasi

Overview

Why choose this tour?

Who is it for?

Trip Highlights

Itinerary in Details

Altitude Chart of 10 Days Golden Triangle with Khajuraho & Varanasi

Services Included

Services Excluded

Trip Notes

FAQ

Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

Child Policy

Vehicle We Use

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10 Days Golden Triangle with Khajuraho & Varanasi

Overview

Why choose this tour?

Who is it for?

Trip Highlights

Itinerary in Details

Altitude Chart of 10 Days Golden Triangle with Khajuraho & Varanasi

Services Included

Services Excluded

Trip Notes

FAQ

1. How long is the 10 Days Golden Triangle with Khajuraho & Varanasi and where does it start and end?

2. When is the best time to do this tour?

3. How difficult is it, and is it suitable for children or seniors?

4. What should I wear when visiting temples and monasteries?

5. What is included in the price?

6. What is not included?

7. Which meals are included?

8. Is this a private tour? Can I customise it?

9. What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

Child Policy

Vehicle We Use

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