3 Nights / 4 Days
Taj and Temples
Extension Tour
A short extension covering the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Varanasi’s ghats, boat rides, Ganga Aarti, old city and Sarnath.
Tour Overview
This short extension brings together the Mughal landmarks of Agra and the historic riverfront of Varanasi. In Agra, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, enjoy views from Mehtab Bagh, and explore the grand Agra Fort.
In Varanasi, spend time along the ghats, take boat rides on the Ganges, attend the evening Ganga Aarti, and walk through the old city. The tour also includes a visit to Sarnath, an important Buddhist site just outside Varanasi.
- Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal when the monument is bathed in soft morning light
- Agra Fort, the grand red sandstone fort and former residence of the Mughal emperors
- Dusk boat ride on the Ganges as the ghats come alive with evening prayers
- Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat with fire lamps, incense, and temple bells
- Dawn boat ride on the Ganges with pilgrims, morning rituals, and soft river light
- Old city walk through narrow lanes, chai stalls, silk weavers, and old havelis
- Sarnath, with Dhamek Stupa, archaeological remains, museum, and deer park
Two Cities, Mughal to Sacred
The Taj Mahal's marble gives way to the Ganges' ghats, monuments and rivers on a short north India route.
01
Agra
Uttar Pradesh
Agra Fort by afternoon, the Taj Mahal at sunset from across the river and again at sunrise the next morning.
2 Day · 1 City
02
Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh
Ghats and boat rides on the Ganges, evening Ganga Aarti and dawn prayers, with Sarnath's Buddhist stupa a short drive out.
2 Days · 1 City
The route, stop by stop.
A short route from Delhi through Agra and on to Varanasi by air, closing with an onward flight out of Varanasi.
01
Agra
Days 1 - 2
02
Varanasi
Days 3 - 4
Agra
Days 1 - 2
Day 1
Delhi to Agra, Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh
You will be picked up from Delhi and driven to Agra, a journey of around three to four hours. After checking in and freshening up, visit Mehtab Bagh, a beautiful Mughal garden across the Yamuna from the Taj Mahal. It is a lovely place to watch the sunset with views of the Taj Mahal. Later, visit Agra Fort, a vast red sandstone fort that was once home to the Mughal emperors. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort offers a glimpse into Mughal history and architecture. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Agra.
Day 2
Taj at Sunrise and Transfer
The morning begins with an early visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The soft morning light and peaceful surroundings make this a special time to see the monument. After the visit, return to the hotel for breakfast and check out. Drive back to Delhi, arriving by early afternoon.
Varanasi
Days 3 - 4
Day 3
Arrive Varanasi, Ghat Walk, Dusk Boat Ride and Ganga Aarti
Arrive in Varanasi by flight and transfer to your hotel near the ghats. At 15:30, walk north from Assi Ghat through Tulsi, Harishchandra, and Dashashwamedh Ghats, each with its own character. At 17:30, take a boat ride on the Ganges at dusk, watching the ghats as the light fades. At 19:00, attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, with fire lamps, incense, and temple bells filling the riverside. Dinner in the old city follows. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 4
Dawn Boat Ride, Old City Walk, Sarnath and Onward Flight
Leave for the river by 05:30 for a dawn boat ride. Watch pilgrims bathe, morning prayers take place along the ghats, and the city slowly come to life. The early light also makes this a good time for photography. Breakfast at 07:30. At 09:00, walk through the old city, passing narrow lanes, chai stalls, silk weavers, and old havelis. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the surrounding old quarter. At 11:00, drive to Sarnath, 10 kilometres away, where the Buddha gave his first teaching. Visit Dhamek Stupa, the archaeological museum, and the deer park before lunch and transfer to Varanasi Airport for your onward flight.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included
- Accommodation in Agra and Varanasi as per the tour plan.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal.
- Visit to Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh.
- Dusk and dawn boat rides on the Ganges.
- Guided walks through Varanasi’s ghats and old city.
- Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Excursion to Sarnath with entrance fees.
- Air-conditioned vehicle for transfers and sightseeing.
- Airport or railway station transfers and assistance.
- Drinking water during transfers and sightseeing.
Not Included
- Personal expenses like laundry, phone calls, liquor, à la carte food, etc.
- International or domestic airfares and rail tickets.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and Gratuities
- Day 1 Meal
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion section.
Booking & Terms.
Booking Procedure
To confirm your seat, a 50% advance amount along with a recognized Government Identity card (Aadhar, Pancard, Driver’s License, OCI, Passport, Voter’s ID, school/College ID) is to be sent to us.
For non Indian nationals, only Passport is allowed.
Id’s should be scanned and emailed at sa****@**********ia.com
Cancellation Policy
| Notice Given | Refund |
|---|---|
| 120 days or more before departure | Full refund |
| 60 days or more before departure | 80% refunded |
| 30–59 days before departure | 60% refunded |
| 21–30 days before departure | 40% refunded |
| 11–20 days before departure | 20% refunded |
| 10 days or less, or no-show | No refund |
Use This Extension With
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Guest Testimonials
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Mr. Maxim Vetsuypens
Netherlands
We were a bit late with planning the safari trip and many good spots were fully booked, but Krunal was very helpful and creative in planning a trip that met our needs. The resorts where very comfortable and the food was tasty. Krunal was very responsive to our messages Read More
Marisa Romeo
Switzerland
magnificent safari tour/wonderful tour & safari I discovered Big Cats India via the internet, looking through various operators and having asked for some offers to go to national parks and possibly see and photograph tigers (mission accomplished, but it is never obvious to be Read More
Lewis Johnson
Australia
Had such an amazing tiger safari tour with Big cats at Pench tiger safari. Had 6 tiger sightings, 1 leopard sighting and 100s more wildlife over our 4 day tour. Big cats couldn’t have been more helpful with the whole booking and right the way through they were always asking how it Read More
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Taj and Temples Extension Tour?
3 nights and 4 days, covering Agra and Varanasi.
What are the main sights covered?
The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Mehtab Bagh in Agra, and Varanasi's ghats, a dusk and dawn boat ride, Ganga Aarti, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Sarnath.
Can this tour be combined with a wildlife safari?
Yes. It runs as an extension before or after any of the tiger safari tours, or as a standalone heritage trip.