From Agra to the Ganges

Orchha, Khajuraho & Varanasi

From the Taj Mahal in Agra, travel eastwards through Central India to see the sunrise over the sacred Ganges at Varanasi.

Your journey takes you to the medieval citadel of Orchha, whose fort and cenotaphs straddle the banks of the Betwa River.

You also visit Khajuraho where tantric Hinduism and the attainment of salvation through physical union reached its height.

"The Khajuraho temples are famous for their erotic sculptures whereby little is left to the imagination

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From Agra to the Ganges

Day 1, AGRA TO ORCHHA

Early morning transfer to Agra railway station to board the express train to Jhansi (2 1/2 hrs). From here it is just 18 km to the tiny village of Orchha (1/2 hr). During the 16th and 17th centuries the local rulers built a fort palace on a small island on a bend in the Betwa River, later followed by other magnificent fortifications, palaces and temples. The deserted medieval town is an architectural gem not to be missed.

Stay at Amar Mahal

Day 2, ORCHHA TO KHAJURAHO

Drive to Khajuraho (4 hrs), a tiny village but world renowned for its temples representing the finest art and architecture of medieval India. These temples were built in a short span of hundred years between 950 to 1050 A.D. Enjoy an afternoon tour of the temples, famous for their erotic sculptures whereby little is left to the imagination.

Stay at Usha Bundela

Day 3, KHAJURAHO TO VARANASI

Transfer to Khajuraho airport to board the short flight to Varanasi. On arrival at Varanasi you are met and transferred to your hotel. Varanasi, the holy city on the Ganges River, is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for Hindus. According to the Hindu beliefs, to be cremated on the banks of the Ganges, especially at Varanasi, is certain to gain entry to heaven.

Stay at Palace on Ganges for two nights

Day 4, VARANASI

The principal attraction of Varanasi is the long string of bathing ghats which line the river Ganges from which pilgrims make their sin-cleansing dip and on which bodies are cremated. Watching the religious rituals, especially at sunrise and sunset, is a profoundly memorable experience. You also visit Sarnath where Buddha preached his first sermon.

Day 5, ONWARDS FROM VARANASI

Your tour ends in Varanasi after breakfast. From here you can either take a flight or an overnight train back to Delhi. Alternatively, you can take an overnight train to either Kolkata or New Jalpaiguri (to connect with the Kurseong & Darjeeling module).

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Tailor-made Suggestions

Ideas to personalize this sample itinerary:

There are plenty of ways to change this sample itinerary, either to extend your stay or experience different areas in more detail.

Visit the magnificent hill fort in Gwalior

Stay at the Usha Kiran Palace, a 1930s palace built to accommodate the European guests of the Maharajah of Gwalior.

Enjoy biryani in Lucknow

Stay at the Taj Residency to explore a city dotted with remnants of its historic past.

Wash away your sins in Allahabad

Make Milan Palace your base to visit the meeting point for the three rivers.

Fact Finder for this Tour

Highlights
  • Explore the medieval architecture at Orchha and the erotic sculptures at Khahuraho
  • Visit the incredible holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the river Ganges
Duration

Departure

Daily from Agra
Not advisable in May and June (due to uncomfortable heat)

Price

From 586 USD per person - based on 2 people sharing

Inclusions
  • Accommodation on twin share basis at selected hotels
  • Stay on bed & breakfast basis
  • Day train by air-conditioned `chair car' from Agra to Jhansi
  • English-speaking local guide for tour of Khajuraho, Sarnath & Varanasi (including Ganges boat trip)
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with private chauffeur
  • All transfers as per the itinerary
Tour price excludes
  • International flights
  • Domestic flight Khajuraho-Varanasi
  • Entrance fees to historical monuments