3-Night Private Tour to The Taj Mahal and Agra with Varanasi from Delhi

Overview

See the highlights of Agra and Varanasi with your own private guide on a 3-day tour from Delhi. Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, then continue by overnight train to Varanasi. There, visit several Hindu temples and the Buddhist sacred site Sarnath, experience a morning boat cruise on the Ganges River, watch the evening aarti ceremony, and ride in a rickshaw. Includes train tickets, one night of hotel accommodation, private guide and vehicle, entrance fees, some meals, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

  • Private 3-night Agra and Varanasi tour from Delhi
  • Go to several World Heritage sites including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Sarnath
  • Cruise along the Ganges River at sunrise and watch the aarti ceremony on the riverbank in the evening
  • Ride in a rickshaw through the bustling streets of Varanasi
  • Includes train tickets, one night of accommodation, private guide and vehicle, entrance fees, some meals, and hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

New Delhi

7am – Early this morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Delhi and NCR. Your drive to Agra via Yamuna Express Highway will be about 3 hours.

Taj Mahal

After arriving in Agra visit the magnificent Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays), a UNESCO World Heritage Site one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan’s beloved wife. It’s a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone – « undoubtedly the highlight of the tour » You will break for lunch which will be provided at a great local restaurant.

Agra Fort

Next, visit the Imposing Agra Fort (A UNESCO World Heritage Site), built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. This huge fort is made of red sandstone, and its interior reflects an interesting synthesis of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. The maze of the courtyards, mosques and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire.

Gems

Later, you may wish to enjoy shopping in Agra which is known for its fabulous handicrafts, made of marble and softstone inlay work. The Mughals were great patrons of arts and crafts. Agra’s major handicraft products besides inlay work are leatherware, brassware, carpets, jewelry and embroidery work.

Agra

During the evening, board an overnight train to Varanasi from Agra Fort / Tundla Railway Station.

Railway Station

The following morning arrive at Varanasi Railway Station and drive to your hotel. Hotel Check in time is around noon. Take a lunch break at a great local restaurant.

Bharat Mata Temple

After lunch, visit the Bharat Mata temple which features a big relief map of India in marble. The next stop is the Durga Temple and the Tulsi Manas Mandir.

Ganga Aarti

Later in the evening enjoy rickshaw ride passing through the busy streets and bazaars of Varanasi takes to the holy river Ganges where you cruise to witness the ’Aarti’ ceremonies amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings.

Varanasi Boat Ride

Early on this morning you will take a boat cruise at the river Ganges to observe the pilgrims’ way of life by the Ghats (stairs that get you to the river). You will rise before dawn and step gingerly onto a rustic boat as the wizened boatman casts off. The sound of conches and temple bells will ring in the delicate pink fabric of dawn. During the afternoon, break for lunch, which is provided at a local restaurant.

Sarnath

Later, visit Sarnath, an important pilgrimage center for Buddhists. This is where the Buddha preached his first sermon after reaching enlightenment. The Sarnath temple and Archaeological Museum are full of Buddhist art treasures.

Varanasi

After the Varanasi Sightseeing this evening you will board and overnight train from Varanasi to New Delhi.

New Delhi Railway 

Arrive early on this morning at New Delhi Railway Station and depart to your Hotel / Airport in New Delhi.