Heritage & Traditions - Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Ayodhya & Varanasi

Heritage & Traditions - Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Ayodhya & Varanasi

INDEL-HET01 9 Nights / 10 Days Available on request

Tour Highlights

  • Delhi: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, cycle rickshaw in Old Delhi, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb
  • Agra: Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal at sunrise
  • Lucknow: Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Culinary Walk, Tundey Kebabs and Raheem's Nihari
  • Ayodhya: Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan
  • Varanasi: Ganga Aarti ceremony at the ghats, sunrise boat ride on the Ganges
  • Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath Museum, weavers' villages and Banarasi silk

Tour code

INDEL-HET01

Duration

15 days

Starting city

Delhi

Tour type

Private

Best season

October–March

Heritage and Traditions

This 10-day journey follows the Gangetic plain eastward, connecting the Mughal heritage of Delhi and Agra with the living traditions of Lucknow, the sacred geography of Ayodhya, and the ancient spiritual city of Varanasi.

Lucknow was the capital of the Nawabs of Awadh and remains the undisputed centre of Awadhi cuisine, a cooking tradition distinguished by the dum method of slow-cooking. The Culinary Walk near Akbari Gate visits establishments that have been serving the same dishes for generations.

The Bara Imambara in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India The Bara Imambara, Lucknow’s extraordinary 18th-century Shia congregation hall and its legendary labyrinth

Ayodhya, on the banks of the Saryu River, is one of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and the birthplace of the god Rama. The newly constructed Ram Janmabhoomi temple and the hilltop Hanuman Garhi are the focal points of the city.

Varanasi is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The Ganga Aarti, the evening ceremony of light at the ghats, draws pilgrims and visitors in equal measure. A sunrise boat ride reveals the full length of the sacred ghats as the city wakes. The nearby deer park at Sarnath is where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

The sacred ghats of Varanasi on the Ganges River, India Varanasi’s ghats at dawn, one of the most ancient and spiritually charged landscapes in the world

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Delhi, Arrival and City Tour

    Arrive in Delhi and discover the city's highlights. Visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi. Explore New Delhi's landmarks, including India Gate and Humayun's Tomb. Experience Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple, including a community kitchen visit and Chapati-making. Overnight in Delhi.

  2. 2
    Day 3

    Delhi, Agra

    Travel to Agra and explore Agra Fort. Free time in the afternoon for shopping or relaxation. Overnight in Agra.

  3. 3
    Day 4

    Agra, Lucknow

    Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, a stunning symbol of love. Then drive to Lucknow (335 km, approximately 4.5 hours), known for its Mughal architecture, including Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza, and for the celebrated Awadhi cuisine. Overnight in Lucknow.

  4. 4
    Day 5

    Lucknow, City Tour

    Explore Lucknow's charm with visits to Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza. In the late afternoon, enjoy a Culinary Walk near Akbari Gate, tasting iconic Awadhi dishes including Tundey Kebabs and Raheem's Nihari from legendary local establishments. Witness the traditional preparation of these dishes in their authentic settings. Overnight in Lucknow.

  5. 5
    Day 6

    Lucknow, Ayodhya

    Travel to Ayodhya (130 km, approximately 2.5 hours). Visit the sacred Ram Janmabhoomi, the panoramic Hanuman Garhi, and the intricately designed Kanak Bhawan. Optionally, take a serene boat ride on the Saryu River. Overnight in Ayodhya.

  6. 6
    Day 7

    Ayodhya, Varanasi

    Drive to Varanasi (315 km, approximately 5.5 hours). Explore this ancient city's temples, ghats, and the River Ganges. In the evening, experience the Ganga Aarti ceremony with its chants, incense, and oil lamps illuminating the sacred river. Overnight in Varanasi.

  7. 7
    Day 8

    Varanasi

    Start the day with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, then visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to admire its architecture. Explore the Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and drive past Banaras Hindu University. Visit the Sarnath Museum, home to significant Buddhist artefacts. In the afternoon, tour the weavers' villages to see the craftsmanship behind Banarasi silk sarees. Overnight in Varanasi.

  8. 8

    Varanasi, Delhi, Departure

    Fly to Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. On Day 10, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, with assistance provided for check-in and immigration.

Please note: the order of stops and the timings shown are approximate and may change on the day for your safety and the best experience. See our Tour Terms & Conditions.

What's Included

  • Transportation services as per itinerary in air conditioned vehicle
  • Services of English speaking guides during specified sightseeing tours
  • Entry fees to monuments as per itinerary
  • Cycle Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
  • Culinary Walk near Akbari Gate, Lucknow
  • Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, Varanasi
  • Assistance, toll, interstate taxes, Govt. Service Tax
  • Accommodation in well appointed rooms, including buffet breakfast

Not Included

  • Air tickets, Airport Taxes and Visa
  • Items of personal nature: laundry, telephone calls, minibar consumption in hotels, tips to guides, drivers, porters etc.
  • Camera or Video Camera fees applicable at monuments
  • Travel Insurance
  • Optional Saryu River boat ride, Ayodhya

Frequently Asked Questions

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Tour code: INDEL-HET01

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