Taj & Temples Extensions - Best Cultural Tours in India
04 Nights / 05 Days
Trip Highlights & Overview
Taj & Temples Extension Tour in India
No journey is complete without a sojourn to the holy sites of Varanasi and the magnetic Taj Mahal of Agra. India provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant ceremonies on the banks of the Ganges river.
It has been one of the spiritual centres for the devotees of the Hindu religion for several thousand years, while the iconic Taj Mahal is considered as one of the finest architectural achievements of the Mughal dynasty. A true testament to the symbol of love, one should not leave India having set their eyes on the marvel of this white mausoleum. Take this extension along with a mesmerising Tiger Safari in India.
➤ Witness the sun kissed Taj Mahal, A UNESCO world Heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the world on this tiger safari extension tour.
➤ Experience the expanse and navigate the red sandstone corridors of Agra Fort.
➤ Immerse yourself in the Ganga Aarti at Varanasi, and witness a sea of worshippers’ surrender to the tradition at the Ghats of the Ganges.
➤ Discover the ‘city of temples’ and the unique cultures Varanasi presents.
- Outline Itinerary
- Day 01 : New Delhi – Agra (by road, 220 kms/4 hrs drive)
- Day 02 : Agra – New Delhi (by road, 220 kms/4 hrs drive)
- Day 03 : New Delhi – Varanasi (by flight)
- Day 04 : Varanasi
- Day 05 : Varanasi – New Delhi (275 kms/5 hrs drive)
Most trusted name in Indian Wildlife for the last 30 Years
Detailed Itinerary
Taj & Temples Extension Tour in India
Day 1 : New Delhi – Agra (by road, 220 kms/4 hrs drive)
After a relaxed breakfast drive to Agra for (220 Kms, 4-hour). On arrival, check in at the hotel. Evening at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.
Accommodation: Taj View Agra or similar
Day 2 : Agra – New Delhi (by road, 220 kms/4 hrs drive)
At sunrise, proceed to visit the famous white marble mausoleum, The Taj Mahal, which was built in the middle of the 17th century by the Moghul emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 laborers worked extensively for 17 years to build this edifice.
After a relaxed breakfast, visit the red sandstone AGRA FORT which stands like a crescent on the banks of Yamuna River, enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12- meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors – Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan – helped create this massive structure which contains Indo-Islamic architecture. Check out from the hotel.
After lunch, drive to New Delhi (220 kms/4-hour). On arrival, transfer to your hotel and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Roseate House or similar
Day 3 : New Delhi – Varanasi (by flight)
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Varanasi. Leave New Delhi for Varanasi by AI 406 (0900 / 1020 hrs). Meeting and assistance on arrival at Varanasi airport and then proceed to the hotel.
Varanasi is one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus. Known also as Kashi and Benaras, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest living cities, and has been a center of learning and culture for well over 2000 years.
Evening: Visit the “Ghats” or bank of the Ganga River. This is a fascinating walk as you can experience the cultural ethos that guides the life of the pious. See the rituals that takes place to the setting sun and the ablutions that are performed in the river. As boats float down-stream, some carry goods, fruits and vegetables, while others carry the pious who perform ceremonies along the river.
On the banks or “ghats”, you can see some devotees absorbed in prayer and in the chanting of hymns, and others engaged in commerce and yet day to day activities like hair-cutting, massaging and even ear cleaning! Walk across to the Manikarnika Ghat, where you can see cremations performed with intense ritual – the process of sending the departed soul to the heavens. Hindus believe that the gateway to the Heavens and for the Re-incarnation of the Soul `in a better state’, is possible when life’s last journey is from Varanasi.
Overnight in Varanasi.
Accommodation: Taj Ganges or similar
Day 4 : Varanasi
Early morning, take a boat ride at dawn down India’s most sacred river, The Ganges. Sun rise at the holy river is a truly tranquil and breath taking sight with pilgrims standing waist-deep in water, praying to the rising Sun. See the famous Vishwanath temple with its spires covered with gold, dedicated to Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Return to the hotel for Breakfast
Also visit Sarnath, a city located 13 kilometers north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Gomati rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Singhpur, a village approximately one km away from the site, was the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism, and a temple dedicated to him.
Accommodation: Taj Ganges or similar
Day 5 : Varanasi – New Delhi (275 kms/5 hrs drive)
Trip Inclusions
- Accommodation in New Delhi, Varanasi, Agra on bed and breakfast basis.
- Guide charges for exclusive sightseeing in Varanasi and Agra
- Monument entrance fee in Varanasi, and Agra.
- Boat ride at Varanasi.
- Assistance at airport and hotels.
- All land transfers in air-conditioned Toyota Innova car / Crysta.
- All currently applicable taxes.
Trip Exclusions
- Still / video camera fee in monuments.
- Expenses of personal nature like Tips, Mineral water, soft drink, smokes, liquor, laundry and telephone calls.
- International airfare and domestic.
- Travel insurance.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Please note that any changes in entrance fees or government taxes will be payable extra and the same will be advised to you if applicable.
Festival Extensions Options
Day 4: Taj Mahotsav Agra
The Taj Mahotsav, an extravagant 10-day celebration, brings the rich tapestry of Indian cultural diversity, history, and mythology to life. Held annually starting February 18th and organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department at Shilpgram, near the iconic Taj Mahal, this festival is a vibrant showcase of India’s artistic and cultural heritage.
The Mahotsav is a kaleidoscope of performances, offering glimpses into India’s historical grandeur and diverse cultural significance. It’s a not-to-be-missed event where visitors can enjoy the pinnacle of Indian arts, crafts, cuisine, dance, and music. Featuring an impressive lineup of 400 Indian musicians, folk artists, and dramatists, the festival captivates both connoisseurs of folk and classical arts and casual observers with memorable performances.
Beyond the cultural feast, the Taj Mahotsav is also a shopper’s paradise, offering an array of antiques, handicrafts, and exquisite wood and ivory work amidst a backdrop of delightful cuisines. From folk music and dance performances to camel and elephant rides, the festival is a cherished experience for both Indian and international tourists, making it a highlight attraction in Agra. Each year, the Mahotsav embraces a unique theme, delivering a universal message and enriching the cultural fabric of the event.
You have the flexibility to customize your schedule for the Taj Mahotsav, as this program spans 10 days.
Day 4: Holi, Mathura & Vrindavan (Drive 60 Kms/ 1 hour 30 minutes)
After early breakfast drive to Mathura and Vrindavan to experience their world-famous Holi celebration
Mathura and Vrindavan are famous for their distinctive Holi celebrations, inspired by the playful legends of Lord Krishna and Radha. The tradition, known as Braj ki Holi, originates from Krishna’s playful suggestion to apply colors on Radha to overcome his concern about their contrasting skin tones. This gave rise to various forms of Holi celebrated in these regions, including the spirited Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon, where festivities involve sticks and dancing, and Phoolon wali Holi, celebrated with flowers and Ras Leela performances near Govardhan Hill.
Vrindavan’s Widow’s Holi marks a poignant celebration, allowing widows to partake in the festivities by smearing colors on each other, breaking past taboos. The Banke Bihari Temple’s Holi, where priests and devotees engage in a colorful revelry, drawing parallels with Krishna’s own playful acts, is a major draw for visitors. Similarly, the energetic celebrations at Dwarkadhish Temple and the unique Harunga festivities at Dauji Temple, with playful color drenching and mock skirmishes, highlight the region’s rich cultural tapestry. These vibrant celebrations not only showcase the area’s deep-rooted traditions but also offer an immersive experience into India’s festive and spiritual heritage.
Day 3: Ganga Mahotsav and Dev Deepawali
Evening: Visit the “Ghats” or bank of the Ganga River on the occasion of Dev Deepawali. This is a fascinating walk as you can experience the cultural ethos that guides the life of the pious.
Dev Deepavali, celebrated on Kartik Poornima, arrives 15 days after Diwali, extending the festivity of India’s grandest festival. Varanasi, a dreamlike destination for many travelers, hosts this traditional spectacle with great fervor. The celebration begins with prayers to Lord Ganesha, followed by the ritual of deepdaan, where devotees light earthen lamps (diyas) at the city’s ghats against a backdrop of Vedic mantras being chanted by priests. The event is a breathtaking sight that mesmerizes visitors.
This day also marks the celebration of Tulsi Vivah, commemorating the birth of Matsya, Lord Vishnu’s fish avatar, and Vrinda, symbolized by the tulsi plant. The Ganga Aarti on Dev Deepavali stands out as the year’s most grandiose performance. Devotees partake in a holy dip in the Ganges, believed to purify sins, amidst the serene chants and prayers. The ghats come alive with the gentle glow of floating diyas and the dazzling display of fireworks in the sky, creating a divine spectacle that leaves an indelible mark on all who witness it.
Experiencing Dev Deepavali in Varanasi is an unforgettable journey into the heart of culture, tradition, spirituality, and inner peace, offering a unique insight into the city’s profound beauty and sacred rituals.
Get a free quote!
Feel free to get in touch with our team of wildlife experts and receive a free quote for your next tiger safari holiday! You could also use this channel to request for a custom wildlife holiday package in India!
Guest Testimonials
Our guests have been valuable in aiding our growth as a company. Their true testimonies of travel with our team, along with consistent trust in our planning process helped us come a long way. Our in house team thrives on receiving such feedback and improving their services with each passing day. You can read what our guests have to say about us below or even on our TripAdvisor page.
Why Travel with us?
Taj & Temples Extension Tour in India
