Asia Escapes · Signature Luxury Journey

Luxury India Golden Triangle, Udaipur & Varanasi Tour 12 Days

Experience the ultimate grand tour of India combining the classic Golden Triangle with the romantic lakes of Udaipur and the spiritual soul of Varanasi.

DestinationIndia

Duration11 Nights / 12 Days

Best ForGolden Triangle • Udaipur Lakes • Varanasi Ghats • Heritage & Spirituality

Private Luxury Journey

Journey Route

Arrive in Delhi

→

Delhi to Udaipur

→

Udaipur to Jaipur

→

Jaipur to Agra

→

Agra to Varanasi

→

Varanasi to Delhi

Journey Highlights in Pictures

Your Journey

Day 1 – Arrive in Delhi

Arrive in New Delhi on your international flight, where you will be met by your local representative and transferred privately to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey and enjoy the facilities of your luxury hotel. A traditional welcome begins your introduction to India. Overnight: Delhi Meals: Breakfast.

Day 2 – Delhi: Old & New Delhi

After breakfast, begin exploring India's fascinating capital. Start in Old Delhi, walking through the historic area around Chandni Chowk and passing the imposing Red Fort. Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial marking the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, giving you a close-up view of the busy streets, markets and everyday life of the old city. Continue to New Delhi to see the government district, India Gate, the Parliament area and the President's residence. Later, visit Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, an important Sikh place of worship in the heart of the city and a welcoming place visited by people from many different backgrounds. Return to your hotel for the evening. Overnight: Delhi Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3 – Delhi to Udaipur

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. On arrival, transfer to your luxury hotel and enjoy a more relaxed afternoon. This is your opportunity to make the most of the hotel's surroundings and settle into the slower pace of the City of Lakes. Later, enjoy a private meditation session with an experienced meditation guru, introducing practical techniques that can be incorporated into everyday life. Udaipur is famous for its lakes, palaces and romantic setting among the surrounding hills. Overnight: Udaipur Meals: Breakfast.

Day 4 – Udaipur: City Palace, Lakes & Local Life

Begin the day with a yoga session at your hotel. After breakfast, explore Udaipur, starting with the magnificent City Palace, one of Rajasthan's finest examples of Rajput architecture. The palace museum houses an impressive collection including miniature paintings, porcelain and objects connected with the city's royal history. Continue to Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Garden of the Maidens, known for its fountains, marble features, ponds and peaceful gardens. Visit Jagdish Temple, one of Udaipur's best-known Hindu temples and an important part of the city's daily life. Later, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, taking in the views of Udaipur's palaces, islands and lakeside scenery. The day also includes an Indian gastronomy experience, providing an opportunity to discover some of the flavours and culinary traditions of the region. Overnight: Udaipur Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5 – Udaipur to Jaipur

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Jaipur, the famous Pink City of Rajasthan. On arrival, begin your sightseeing with a visit to Amber Fort, dramatically positioned on the hillside overlooking the surrounding landscape. After the visit, continue to your luxury hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight: Jaipur Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – Jaipur: Royal Heritage

After breakfast, explore Jaipur's royal and architectural heritage. Visit the City Palace, former residence of the Jaipur royal family and a fascinating complex of courtyards, gardens and palace buildings. The museum contains royal textiles, weapons, miniature paintings, decorative objects and other treasures. Continue to Jantar Mantar, the remarkable astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its monumental instruments demonstrate the sophisticated astronomical knowledge of the period. Finish with Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, one of Jaipur's most recognisable landmarks. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight: Jaipur Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7 – Jaipur to Agra via Abhaneri

After breakfast, leave Jaipur by road for Agra. En route, stop at Abhaneri to see the extraordinary Chand Baori stepwell, one of Rajasthan's most striking historic structures. Its remarkable geometric arrangement of steps creates a dramatic pattern descending towards the water. Continue to Agra and check in to your luxury hotel. The evening is free to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Overnight: Agra Meals: Breakfast.

Day 8 – Agra: Taj Mahal at Sunrise & Agra Fort

Rise early for one of the defining moments of your India journey: a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. The soft early light creates a particularly beautiful atmosphere around the white-marble monument, while an early start also helps avoid the heat and busiest periods. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Later, visit Agra Fort, the magnificent Mughal fortress overlooking the Yamuna River. Its palaces, courtyards and monumental gateways offer an insight into the power and sophistication of the Mughal Empire. Return to your hotel for the evening. Overnight: Agra Meals: Breakfast Important: The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday.

Day 9 – Agra to Varanasi via Delhi

After breakfast, travel by road from Agra to Delhi airport. From Delhi, take your domestic flight to Varanasi, one of India's oldest and most spiritually significant cities. On arrival, receive a traditional Rudraksha necklace as a welcome before transferring to your hotel. Varanasi, also known as Benares, is centred around the sacred River Ganges. Its ghats, temples and narrow lanes create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the journey. Overnight: Varanasi Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10 – Varanasi: Ganges Sunrise & Ganga Aarti

Begin before sunrise with a boat ride on the Ganges, watching the city slowly come to life as pilgrims gather along the ghats. Subject to river conditions, disembark and walk towards the cremation grounds before exploring the atmospheric lanes of the old city. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Later in the afternoon or evening, take a traditional rickshaw ride through Varanasi before reaching the ghats for the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony. As lamps, music, chanting and ritual come together beside the river, the ceremony provides a powerful insight into the spiritual traditions that have shaped Varanasi for centuries. An offering of a diya, or small clay lamp, to the Ganges is also included. Overnight: Varanasi Meals: Breakfast.

Day 11 – Varanasi to Delhi

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in India at leisure. This is a chance to relax after your journey or enjoy a final evening in the capital. Overnight: Delhi Meals: Breakfast.

Day 12 – Delhi & Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward or return international flight. Your 12-day luxury India Golden Triangle, Udaipur and Varanasi tour ends with unforgettable memories of India's royal heritage, extraordinary architecture, spiritual traditions and warm hospitality. Meals: Breakfast.

✦ Plan Your Journey

Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and hotel preferences. Our team can customise this grand Indian tour for you.

✦ Asia Escapes Insider Tips

Allow yourself time to enjoy Udaipur Udaipur is one of the most relaxing stops on the itinerary. Rather than treating it simply as another sightseeing destination, make the most of your free time at the hotel, the lake and the wellness experiences. Travel light between cities The itinerary uses domestic flights between Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur and Varanasi to reduce long road journeys. A smaller suitcase makes airport transfers and hotel changes easier. Start early for the Taj Mahal The sunrise visit is one of the strongest moments of the itinerary. Besides the beautiful morning light, an early start is generally more comfortable than visiting during the hottest part of the day. Dress respectfully in Varanasi Varanasi is an important religious destination. Modest, comfortable clothing is recommended when visiting temples, ghats and other religious areas. Be prepared for an early morning The Ganges boat ride begins around dawn. It is worth getting up early: watching Varanasi awaken from the river is one of the most atmospheric experiences of the trip. Keep an open mind in Varanasi Varanasi can feel intense and very different from the polished luxury hotels and royal cities earlier in the journey. The city's spiritual life is lived openly on the ghats, and respectful curiosity makes the experience much more rewarding. Consider the season carefully For European travellers, the cooler months are generally more comfortable for sightseeing across northern India. Temperatures can be high during the summer months, while winter mornings can be cool, particularly around Delhi and Agra. Check the Taj Mahal opening day The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Your travel dates should therefore be checked carefully when confirming the itinerary.

✦ Why Choose This Luxury India Tour?

A complete introduction to India's contrasts This journey goes beyond the traditional Golden Triangle. Alongside Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, you experience the peaceful lakes of Udaipur and the extraordinary spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi. Luxury without unnecessary long road journeys Domestic flights between key destinations help reduce travel time and leave more opportunity to enjoy the hotels, experiences and destinations themselves. The published itinerary specifically uses flights between Delhi–Udaipur, Udaipur–Jaipur and Varanasi–Delhi. A thoughtful balance of culture and wellbeing The addition of yoga, meditation and an Indian gastronomy experience gives the itinerary a more personal dimension. It is not simply a sequence of monuments and museums. Some of India's finest luxury hotels The Grand Luxury option includes The Oberoi New Delhi, The Oberoi Udaivilas, The Oberoi Rajvilas and The Oberoi Amarvilas, alongside BrijRama Palace in Varanasi. The Taj Mahal and Varanasi in one journey The sunrise Taj Mahal visit provides a completely different experience from the spiritual intensity of Varanasi. Together, they showcase two very different aspects of India's heritage. Designed for travellers who want time to experience India The itinerary avoids trying to cover too much by road and includes free periods in the luxury hotels. This makes it particularly suitable for couples, honeymooners and discerning travellers who prefer a more comfortable pace.

✦ Trip Highlights

Delhi – India's Historic Capital Discover both Old and New Delhi, including Raj Ghat, India Gate, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and the historic streets of Old Delhi.

Udaipur – The City of Lakes Enjoy the romantic setting of Lake Pichola, explore the City Palace and discover the city's gardens, temples and royal heritage.

Luxury Wellness in Udaipur Take part in yoga and meditation sessions and enjoy a private meditation experience with a specialist guru.

Indian Gastronomy Experience Discover Indian flavours through a dedicated culinary experience in Udaipur.

Jaipur – The Pink City Visit Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the iconic Hawa Mahal.

Abhaneri Stepwell See the extraordinary Chand Baori, one of Rajasthan's most impressive examples of traditional water architecture

Taj Mahal at Sunrise Experience India's most famous monument in the early morning light.

Agra Fort Explore the grand Mughal fortress and discover the history behind Agra's royal past.

Spiritual Varanasi Experience the ancient ghats, narrow lanes and sacred traditions of one of India's most important pilgrimage cities.

Sunrise on the Ganges Cruise along the sacred river as Varanasi wakes to its morning rituals.

Evening Ganga Aarti Witness one of the most memorable ceremonies on the Ganges, accompanied by an offering of a traditional diya.

✦ Recommended Hotels or Choose Your Own

CITY	GRAND LUXURY CATEGORY	CAT. A 5* LUXURY	NIGHTS
Delhi	The Oberoi New Delhi	Le Meridien / Claridges	2
Udaipur	The Oberoi Udaivilas	Trident / Fate Ghar	2
Jaipur	The Oberoi Rajvillas	ITC Rajputana	2
Agra	The Oberoi Amarvilas	ITC Mughal	2
Varanasi	Brijrama Palace	Taj Ganges	2
Delhi	The Oberoi New Delhi	Le Meridien / Claridges	1

✓ Services Included

11 nights' accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Local guide services in the preferred language: English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, French or Turkish.
Airport and train-station assistance by an English-speaking representative.
Transfers and assistance throughout the itinerary.
Refreshments in the vehicle, including water, snacks, chocolates, Coca-Cola and juice.
Amber Fort ascent by elephant, subject to availability, with descent by jeep.
Boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur.
Indian gastronomy class in Udaipur.
Yoga and meditation session in Udaipur.
Boat ride on the Ganges River in Varanasi, subject to river conditions.
Traditional rickshaw ride in Varanasi.
Ganges offering with a diya (clay lamp).
Entrance tickets to the monuments included in the itinerary.
Applicable current rates and taxes.

✕ Services Not Included

International and domestic flights, unless specifically included in the final quotation.
Tips and gratuities for porters, waiters, drivers, guides and other service providers.
Camera and video fees at monuments where applicable.
Personal hotel expenses, including telephone calls, laundry and room service.
Drinks during lunch or dinner.
Personal shopping and expenses.
Travel insurance.
Any optional experiences or services not specifically listed under What's Included.
Any other service not expressly mentioned in the itinerary.

Recommended Hotels or Choose Your Own

The Oberoi

The Imperial

Taj Palace

The Oberoi Amarvilas

ITC Mughal

BrijRama Palace

Taj Ganges

Rambagh Palace

The Oberoi Rajvilas

Samode Haveli

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Ajit Bhawan Palace

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days is the Golden Triangle, Udaipur & Varanasi tour?

This itinerary spans 12 days and 11 nights, covering Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Varanasi.

Are domestic flights included between cities?

Yes, domestic flights from Udaipur to Varanasi (via Delhi) and from Varanasi back to Delhi are included.

What special experiences are included in Udaipur and Varanasi?

The tour includes a scenic boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, as well as a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges and viewing the Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi.

Are private vehicles and guides provided throughout?

Yes, private air-conditioned vehicle transfers and professional English-speaking guide services are provided for all sightseeing tours.

Ready to Discover India's Grand Heritage & Spirituality?

Let Asia Escapes create a personalised luxury tour around your travel dates.

Plan My Journey →

↑