Temple and Taj
Facing the Taj Mahal at sunrise, then the sacred ghats of Varanasi where ancient hymns resonate.
Duration
12 days
From
€1,340/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
This remarkable twelve-day itinerary between Agra, Allahabad and Varanasi (Benares), gives us the opportunity to explore the culture and spirituality unique to Inde.
Our tour begins with a traditional welcome upon arrival in Delhi. The next day, we are on our way to Agra. Despite the flow of Western tourists, one feels blessed to be able to stand before the Taj Mahal. We continue our discovery, heading towards Khajuraho, stopping at historic landmarks, Gwalior and Orcha. The forts and temples of these two sites deserve a visit for their architecture at the crossroads of Mughal and Hindu cultures. The next visit, Khajuraho, takes place in two stages: the eastern temple group and the western temple group, or vice versa. The journey continues towards Allahabad, located at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Sarasvati, which has made it a pilgrimage site for centuries. A boat ride to the confluence "sangam", gives us the opportunity to observe devotees performing their ritual bathing. The atmosphere in Varanasi (Benares) along the Ghats leaves us fascinated. The two best times to visit the city of pilgrims are early in the morning during a boat ride and during the evening prayer ceremony when thousands of pilgrims sing hymns. Furthermore, an excursion to Sarnath helps us understand Buddhist culture. Our journey ends in Delhi.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Route to one of the seven wonders of the world
After breakfast, departure for Agra where we arrive after 4-5 hours of driving. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free to stroll through the market.
In the evening (6:30 PM), we attend the theatrical show entitled "Mohabbat Taj Show". In 80 minutes, it tells the love story between the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Visit to Agra
Today, we start our day very early to enjoy an incredible sunrise over the Taj Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj is a true masterpiece in white marble. A symbol of love, it stands on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was built by the 5th Mughal king Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to his fourteenth child.
In the afternoon, visit the Red Fort of Agra, a complex of semi-circular red sandstone forts richly decorated with double ramparts and monuments.
Gwalior Tour
After an excellent breakfast, departure for Gwalior, whose foundation dates back to the 8th century. An imposing fort, built on a hilltop, dominates the city. Check-in at the hotel. Our steps lead us towards the fort, a majestic structure that dominates the city like a vast monolith. Inside, we can admire a 9th century temple, the Teli Ka Mandir and the 15th century palace built by Raja Man Singh as well as the museum.
Path to Orchha with a stopover visiting Orchha and Datia
Today, travel to Orchha with a stop at Datia, famous for the seven-storey palace built on a hill in the 17th century by Raja Bir Singh Deo. Visit the temple of Shri Peetambra Peetha, with its many Mughal frescoes and finally the Temple of Gopeshwar. After the visit, we continue on to Orchha. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. In the late afternoon, visit the Raj Mahal and the Jahangir Mahal. The Raj Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal and the temple of Chaturbhuj are also worth visiting. It is also possible to see a large number of Chhatris (mausoleums) royal cenotaphs scattered along the banks of the Betna river. Night at the hotel.
Visit of the temple complex of west and east
The entire day is dedicated to discovering the temples. We start with the east temples: the Jain museum, or a circular gallery presents 24 tirthankaras (in Jainism, one who has managed to cross the ocean of rebirths). Parasvanath, the largest Jain temple on the site and also one of the most beautiful. Finally, the temple of Adinath, near the Parsvanath temple, partially restored. After lunch, visit the west temples, Lakkshana and Varaha. These two small buildings face the Lakshmana temple. The small Varaha sanctuary, dedicated to the boar, houses a gigantic boar sculpture dating back at least 900 years. The great Lakshmana temple, dedicated to Vishnu, in a style similar to that of the Kandariya Mahadev and Vishvanath temples, still sees daily worship taking place. Kandariya Mahadev is not only the largest temple of Khajuraho, but also the most decorated. Devi Jagadamba, the third temple of the group furthest to the west, features a three-part structure, also richly decorated. To complete this tour of the west temples, we admire the Vishvanath temple and that of Matangesvara and finally the ruins of the Chausath Yogini temples.
Route to Allahabad (confluence of three rivers)
After breakfast, drive to Allahabad. Check-in at the hotel and departure for Sangam, the point where three sacred rivers meet : the Ganges, the Yamuna and the Saraswati. Sangam, dominated by the ramparts of the fort, is a wide plain with muddy banks, where the waters spread out widely. At the precise point where the silty waters of the Ganges meet the clearer waters of the Yamuna, priests, perched on small platforms, perform pujas and assist devotees who have come to perform their ritual ablutions in the shallow waters. The beaches and steps of the Ghats are covered with hair that pilgrims have cut as offerings to their parents. You should also see the Hanuman temple and the Anand Bhavan museum, one of the finest museums in the country in memory of Jawahar Lal Nehru, great architect of Indian independence.
Allahabad - Varanasi (Benares) via Chunnar
Today, we travel to Varanasi with a stop to visit the fort of Chunnar, located 25 km south of the holy city. This massive sandstone edifice stands on a promontory that overlooks the plain by 80 meters. Over 1000 years old, it contains numerous temples: Bhartri Nath's samadhi, Sonwa Mandap, and Warren Hastings' bungalow, first Governor General of Inde. We continue our journey to Varanasi, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free.
Visit of the Sacred Ghats
From a boat, we witness the ritual baths of Hindus on the Ghats (steps) that descend towards the sacred river.
Visit of temples and the ashram, then a stroll along the Bazaar to explore the city.
At the end of the day, return to Ghats to attend the evening ceremony on the banks of the Ganges. Every day, between 7000 and 8000 people gather there.
Sarnath Excursion and Overnight Train to Delhi
After a delicious breakfast, we head to Sarnath, one of the sacred places of Buddhism, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Emperor Ashoka had several monasteries and stupas built, one of which measures more than 100 meters high. Visit to the museum where several objects and sculptures discovered on the site are displayed. Return to Varanasi.
In the late afternoon, transfer to the railway station and boarding the overnight train to Delhi.
Visit of Delhi and transfer to Delhi International Airport
Arrival at Delhi railway station and transfer to the hotel.
After breakfast, we visit the fortified city of Old Delhi, with its crowded streets, buzzing with activity and still under the influence of the Mughal civilization that once ruled over the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort . We visit Jama Masjid Delhi- the largest 17th-century mosque in Inde -, Chandni Chowk - the typical Indian market always full of activity -, and Rajghat - the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi (also called the "Father of the Nation"). We visit notably New Delhi, and pass by the Presidential Palace, the Administrative Buildings and up to the impressive Gate of Inde.
Hotel check-out and transfer to the international airport to board the return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- The travel package indicated above is not valid during the period: From December 20, 2019 to January 10, 2020. There will be a supplement for Christmas and New Year's during this period.
- Indian visa fees
- Lunch and Dinner During the Trip
- Personal expenses, souvenirs and drinks
- The rights to use a camera or video camera at tourist sites
- Insurance for baggage loss and repatriation, as well as rescue costs insurance
- Tips for the driver and other staff
- Other services not included in the "the price includes" column
Included
- Accommodation for 11 nights in the hotels mentioned or similar in double room with breakfast
- A room for 04 participants would be available to refresh D: 12
- All land transport provided as part of the program in a private air-conditioned vehicle, with an English-speaking driver
- "Mohabbat Taj Show" Performance in Agra
- Boat ride in Varanasi
- Night train tickets in air-conditioned second class for the next leg: (Varanasi - Delhi)
- Entrance fees to the monuments mentioned in the itinerary
- English-speaking guides in cities as described in the itinerary (Up to 05 pax)
- The English-speaking guide throughout your trip to India (From 06 pax)
- Government taxes
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to India for a tourist stay. Entry rules may evolve, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter India, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist Visa – e-Visa (Tourist eVisa)
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must be in possession of a valid visa to enter India. There is no visa exemption for a tourist stay.
The most common solution is the Tourist eVisa, available online on the official Indian government portal. It is available for several durations:
Tourist eVisa 30 days (double entry),
Tourist eVisa 1 year (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit),
Tourist eVisa 5 years (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit).
The application must be submitted online at least 4 days before your arrival date and at most 120 days before. The eVisa is linked to your passport and is available only at certain designated airports and ports of entry.
Arrival and Immigration
When passing through immigration, Indian authorities may ask for:
confirmation of your eVisa (printed document or digital version),
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
the address of your first accommodation in India.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccine is officially mandatory to enter India from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada, except in the case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever (a yellow fever vaccination certificate will then be required).
As a preventive measure, health authorities generally recommend the following vaccinations:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
tetanus-poliomyelitis,
rabies (depending on planned activities),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on regions and length of stay).
Antimalarial treatment may be recommended depending on the regions you visit and the time of year. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport and their own eVisa covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the Indian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance policy, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims notification procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. The e-visa can be applied for online before departure (approximately 25 USD). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and you must have two blank pages available. We guide you through the process. Before booking, verify the specific conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and English-speaking guide. International flights (600-900 euros round trip) are additional. India offers incredible diversity of experiences at varying price points.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Golden Triangle
India's Thousand Faces Expert, based in New Delhi
India can surprise, disorient or amaze you all in one day. My role is to help travelers find their own pace to truly enjoy the country.
— Mandeep
