4.9 — 68 Reviews
September to April
Golden Triangle with Varanasi
Discover India’s spiritual soul along with its most iconic landmarks on this 8-day Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour. Combining the historic cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur with the sacred charm of Varanasi, this journey captures India’s diversity, devotion, and timeless beauty.
Begin in Delhi, where old-world heritage meets modern sophistication. Walk through the bustling lanes of Old Delhi and marvel at the architectural grandeur of Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Continue to Agra, the city of love, and watch the Taj Mahal shimmer under the morning sun — an unforgettable sight that defines India’s romance and artistry.
Move on to Jaipur, the Pink City, where royal palaces, vibrant bazaars, and the iconic Hawa Mahal bring Rajasthan’s royal past to life.
Your journey then takes a spiritual turn in Varanasi, the world’s oldest living city. Visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, glide along the Ganges on a private boat ride, and witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti — a divine experience that lights up the riverbanks every evening.
This private guided tour beautifully blends history, culture, and spirituality, offering you memories that last a lifetime.
Vibrant Experiences
- Chandni Chowk Bazaar & Spice Market
- Amer Fort - Maharaja's City Palace - Hawa Mahal - Jantar Mantar
- Red Fort - Jama Masjid - India Gate
- Evening with Local Family
- Akshardham Temple
- Indian Cuisine Cooking Experience
- Qutab Minar - Humayun’s Tomb
- Boat ride at Akshardham
- Agra Fort
- Ganges Night Aarti (candles) Ceremony
- Taj Mahal Sunrise Visit
- Ganges Morning Exclusive Boat Ride
- Rickshaw ride in Delhi
- Jaipur’s Local Bazaar - Handmade Artefacts
- You will be greeted & assisted by our representative at Delhi international airport and later transferred to your hotel to check in.
- Remaining time is at leisure till next day.
- Note: Hotel check-in is at 2pm.
- Note: Only transfers provided today.
- Your day would begin after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Post breakfast, you get yourself ready for a personalized guide tour, which begins from the Old and Historic Delhi.
- The first halt is Jama Masjid and Red Fort. Then the guide will arrange a cycle rickshaw tour, which will let you catch a closer insight of old era and the very illustrious Anarkali Bazaar of Chandni Chowk. At Chandni Chowk, we would further take you to Khari Baoli Spice Market – the largest spice market of Asia, which is a true delight for eyes.
- Later, you will visit the Humayun’s Tomb and the 12th century Qutab Minar.
- Afterwards, the imposing boulevards and buildings such as Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s Residence), the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys and India Gate will be experienced from the vehicle.
- After breakfast, proceed to Jaipur.
- On arrival, check-in at your hotel and have a relaxing afternoon.
- Spend evening with the local family. It’s a great way to have a local experience in Jaipur. You will experience a great insight into the lifestyle of Indian family.
- You can take part in cooking with the local family. Get a taste of true Indian hospitality thanks to this cooking lesson and meal in the home of a local family. You will learn few local dishes and how to prepare them with fresh ingredients.
- End the experience by enjoying your meal, accompanied by lots of lively conversation, with the family. Return to your hotel and live a memorable night.
- Enthralling, historical Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, is the gateway to India’s most flamboyant state, Rajasthan. Renowned globally for its colored gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. Since the color pink was symbolic of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city pink. The pink that colors the city makes for a marvelous spectacle to behold.
- The morning is fresh as ever for you, and this is when you will have an excursion to Amer Fort. This palace is laid out over four layers and sits beside the shimmering Maota Lake.
- Later visit the Maharaja's City Palace (the home of the erstwhile royal family) and UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar space observatory.
- Afterwards stop for picture at Hawa Mahal (the Palace of winds).
- After breakfast checkout from the hotel and drive towards Abhaneri. The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest stepwells in the world and one of the most beautiful ones.
- Later drive towards Fatehpur Sikri-a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a perfectly preserved red sandstone ghost town, which was once the capital of Mughal Empire built in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed.
- Later, take a road trip to Agra – the Old Capital of Mughals.
- At dawn, visit the incomparable Taj Mahal – one of the seven wonders of the world and symbol of love, to observe the effects caused by the reflections of the changing colors of the rising Sun on this masterpiece. This momentary reflection of romance will captivate your heart by awe.
- Return back to your hotel for a delectable breakfast, while a part of you is still living in romanticism.
- After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort- a UNESCO world heritage site - known for its fine Mughal architecture during the day.
- The Agra Fort, which was once the lavish residence of the Mughal Emperors of India, showcases immaculate architectural grandeur.
- Walk through this historic fort and explore its impressive buildings and structures, including the Moti Masjid, Musamman Burj, Diwan-i-Khas, Shahjahani Mahal, and Jahangiri Mahal.
- Today, at appropriate time you will be transferred to Agra airport for your flight to Varanasi.
- Indigo/6E 7932 Dep from Agra at 14:00 hrs Arrival in Lucknow at 15:15
- Connecting
- Indigo/6E 7741 Dep from Lucknow at 18:40 hrs Arrival in Varanasi at 19:35
- Our representative will welcome you at Varanasi Airport and assist you with your hotel transfer. Check-in at the hotel.
- Rest of the day is free at leisure.
- Early morning, visit the Ghats of Holy River Ganges to take an early morning boat ride along the Ganges River, as we explore the city.
- Rowing boat rides during the dawn is perhaps one of the best things to do in Varanasi. The ride along Ganges River offers the quintessential Varanasi experience. It takes one through different Ghats and former palaces situated close to the banks of Ganges, giving a panoramic view of this River and the region.
- The colour and clamour of the place will enthral you.
- Return back to your hotel for a delectable breakfast.
- After lunch (own expense), explore the Varanasi visiting Kashi Vishawanath temple, Banaras Hindu University, Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple and various other attractions located in the narrow lanes.
- Afterwards, we head to the holy Ganges River to witness the evening sprawling Aarti possession, a devotional Hindu ritual which involves numerous small candles being lit inside cups made from leaves and flowers and floated down the river – an unforgettable experience.
- Your day will finish by 8:30pm.
- Today, at appropriate time you will be transferred to Varanasi airport for your flight to Delhi for your onward journey.
- Board your flight and fly back with memories to cherish for life. Tour ends.
Overview
Stay for
Meals
Trip Guide
Vehicle
Trip Route
Flexible Private Tour — Pick Your Own Start Date
No Deposit required until 60 days prior to your tour start date
Inclusions
- Garlanding welcome at the Airport in Delhi.
- All arrival and departure transfers.
- Assistance at Airport on arrival.
- 01 Mineral water per person per day.
- All applicable taxes.
- Entrance and Camera fees to the monuments and palaces.
- Sightseeing and experiences as per the itinerary.
- Sightseeing by an exclusive deluxe air-conditioned Vehicle with chauffeur as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation at the specified hotels.
- Daily buffet breakfast during your stay at all proposed destinations.
- Services of English-speaking local tour guides during all sightseeing tours at Delhi, Agra, Shimla and Jaipur.
Exclusions
- Anything not mentioned or “optional” or “own expense” in the itinerary.
- Porterage at Hotels and Airports.
- All Items of Personal Nature, Shopping, Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Liquors, Wine, Etc.
- Meals not specified in Itinerary.
- Tips for staff, guide & driver.
- International airfares unless specified.
- Optional, suggested, or unspecified activities.
- Insurance of any kind, Insurance and Medi claim.
- Visa costs.
Important Information
Once you’ve selected your desired tour, no deposit is required to secure your tour.
You won’t need to pay your final balance until 60 days prior to your tour start date. If your booking is made within 60 days of the tour start date, then the full amount is payable at the time of booking.
All Major Cards Accepted (Surcharge may apply)
You can cancel right up to 30 days before the tour starts, and we will refund your full land deposit and any progress payments made by you within 14 business days.
From 30 days before the tour start date:-
If your tour is cancelled due to government travel restrictions, your deposit and any progress payments will be carried forward as full credit towards future travel with us with zero fees.
If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use.
If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use.
If you have to amend or cancel the tour from 30 days before the tour start date to the end date of the tour, any cost arising from it will be your liability and payable by you within 24 hours of amendment.
If the tour needs to be amended or cancelled due to sickness or COVID-related reasons, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use. Any cost arising from it will be your liability and payable by you within 24 hours.
A cancellation or rebooking will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation.
For full cancellation & refund policy, visit https://planetshinetours.com/terms-conditions/
You can cancel right up to 60 days before the tour starts, and we will refund your full land deposit and any progress payments made by you within 14 business days.
Note: Cancellation and rebooking policies are only valid for the land part of the tour, not Safari Tickets, International and domestic airline tickets and train tickets.
Note: International and domestic airline tickets and train tickets are subject to full payment at the time of booking and are subject to respective airline and train operators' policies for booking, rebooking and cancellation.
Note: Safari tickets are non-refundable.
From 60 days before the tour start date:-
- If your tour is cancelled due to government travel restrictions, your deposit and any progress payments will be carried forward as full credit towards future travel with us, with zero fees.
- If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use.
- If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use.
- If you have to amend or cancel the tour from 60 days before the tour start date to the end date of the tour, any cost arising from it will be your liability and payable by you within 24 hours of amendment.
- If the tour needs to be amended or cancelled due to sickness or covid related reason, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. Vibrant India Tours will endeavour to recover as much of your funds as we can on your behalf or negotiate a credit for future use. Any cost arising from it will be your liability and payable by you within 24 hours.
- A cancellation or rebooking will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation.
- For full cancellation & refund policy, visit https://planetshinetours.com/terms-conditions/
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies.
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days prior to the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. In this instance, customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on the tour. With regards to domestic airline, default Check-in luggage is 15kg and Carry-on luggage is 7kg.
Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so, unfortunately, our tours are currently not suitable for wheelchair users and those less mobile. Please note: a general level of fitness will be required. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.
Please note: In the event that entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary where possible, will be adjusted or similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
- Changes - $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
If the incorrect name has been advised to Vibrant India Tours, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
Book Now Pay Later
Yes! You heard it right again. That’s all it takes to book a tour with us and pay 60 days before tour start date.
Vibrant Confidence – Full Refund
Yes! You heard it right.You can cancel right up to 30 days before tour starts and get 100% refund within 14 business days.
Answers to Common Questions About Traveling with Planet Shine Tours
Planning a trip to India often comes with plenty of questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked queries from our guests.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out — our travel experts are happy to help.
1. Do I need a visa to enter India?
Yes. All foreign nationals must obtain a valid Indian visa before arrival.
You can apply for an E-Visa online at the official government portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Processing usually takes 3–4 working days, and the e-visa is valid for 30 days from your arrival date. Remember to carry a printed copy of your approved visa for verification at immigration.
2. What is the climate like in India?
India’s climate varies from tropical in the south to alpine in the north.
The best time to visit most regions is between October and March, when the weather is cool and dry.
North India:
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April–June: Hot and dry (35–42°C)
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July–August: Humid and rainy
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September–December: Pleasant days, cool nights
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January: Very cold and foggy mornings
South India:
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April–September: Hot and humid
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June–November: Heavy rainfall
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December–March: Warm and pleasant
3. Should I buy a SIM card in India or activate international roaming?
You can do either, but the easiest option is to activate international roaming with your home provider before arrival.
If you prefer local service, Airtel and Vodafone SIMs are widely available at airports and kiosks. Be prepared with passport copies and photos, as activation may take a few hours.
4. What should I pack for my India trip?
Here’s a quick checklist of essentials:
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Valid passport, visa, and travel insurance
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Power plug adapter (Type C, D, or M)
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Comfortable walking shoes and lightweight clothing
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A few warm layers for evenings
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Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
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Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
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Modest clothing for visiting temples (shoulders and knees covered)
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Camera or phone with charger
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Reusable water bottle and rain jacket
5. Is tipping expected in India?
Yes, tipping is a common practice in India and shows appreciation for good service.
Here’s a general guide:
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Tour Guide: ₹800–₹1,000 per day (per group)
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Driver: ₹1,000 per day (per vehicle)
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Hotel Staff: ₹20–₹50 per bag for porters or bellboys
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Restaurants: Around 10% of the total bill
6. How much money should I carry while travelling in India?
Foreign travellers cannot bring Indian currency into the country. You can bring up to USD $5,000 in foreign currency and exchange it at airports or major cities.
ATMs and card payments are available in most urban areas, but small towns still prefer cash.
We recommend budgeting around $100 per day for two people to cover meals, local shopping, and minor expenses.
7. Do I need vaccines before travelling to India?
No specific vaccines are required, but it’s best to consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
We recommend staying up to date with routine immunisations such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, and influenza.
If traveling to rural or wildlife areas, your doctor may suggest additional vaccines (e.g., Hepatitis A, Typhoid).
8. Who will assist me upon arrival in India?
A Planet Shine Tours representative will meet you at the airport arrival lounge, holding a placard with your name. They’ll assist with luggage and hotel check-in. The same assistance applies to internal transfers and your final departure.
9. What type of accommodations are included?
We offer a range of accommodation options:
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Luxury Hotels: Elegant stays with premium facilities and personalized service.
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Heritage Hotels: Historic palaces, forts, or havelis converted into charming stays that reflect India’s royal past.
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Beach Resorts: Handpicked coastal retreats perfect for relaxation.
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Desert Camps: Unique stays under the stars in Jaisalmer’s dunes.
All hotels are selected for comfort, cleanliness, and service quality.
10. What is included and not included in my tour cost?
Included:
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Airport transfers
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Accommodation and breakfast
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Sightseeing with a chauffeur-driven car
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English-speaking guide
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Monument entry fees
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Mineral water and all applicable taxes
Not Included:
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International or domestic flights (unless stated)
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Personal expenses (shopping, tips, drinks, etc.)
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Visa fees and travel insurance
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Meals not specified in the itinerary
11. Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory and must include coverage for:
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Medical emergencies
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Trip cancellations or delays
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Lost baggage or documents
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Emergency evacuation
We recommend arranging your insurance at the time of booking and sharing your policy number and emergency contact before departure.
12. What is your cancellation policy?
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Standard & Deluxe Tours: Cancellable up to 30 days before tour — full refund (except flight, train, and safari tickets).
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Luxury Tours: Cancellable up to 60 days before tour — full refund (same exceptions).
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Within 30 or 60 days: 100% cancellation charge.
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Safari tickets: Non-refundable.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Refunds (if applicable) are processed within 14 business days.
13. Can I make changes to my booked tour?
We try to accommodate date or itinerary changes when possible, subject to availability and applicable administrative charges.
However, airline and train tickets follow their own operator policies and may not be changeable.
14. Is an advance deposit required?
Generally, no deposit is required to confirm a booking. Full payment is due 60 days before departure.
If booking within 60 days of the tour date, the total amount must be paid at the time of booking.
15. What safety measures are taken during tours?
Your safety is our top priority. All vehicles are sanitised, drivers are licensed, and accommodations are vetted for hygiene and security.
We follow all local travel advisories and ensure 24×7 assistance during your journey.
16. Who can I contact in case of emergency during my trip?
You’ll receive a dedicated local contact number after booking confirmation. Our support team is available 24×7 for assistance with transport, accommodation, or medical needs.
You can also emailinfo@planetshinetours.com or call +91-7665590697 at any time.