Dramatic cliffs meet Arabian Sea! Varkala in Kerala offers unique beach experience with red laterite cliffs overlooking golden sands. Papanasam Beach (believed to wash away sins) attracts pilgrims and beach lovers. Cliff-top restaurants, cafes, shops create vibrant atmosphere. Ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple (2000 years), natural mineral springs, Ayurvedic centers, yoga retreats add wellness dimension. Less commercialized than Kovalam, authentic Kerala coastal charm, stunning sunsets, surfing, paragliding available. Perfect blend of spirituality, beach relaxation, and adventure. Best November-March.
Day 1:
Arrive Delhi - Arrive Delhi (India Gate, Parliament House, President House drive past), afternoon visit Qutub Minar (UNESCO World Heritage, 73m tall victory tower built 1193, Iron Pillar rust-free 1600 years, Ôé╣40), Lotus Temple (Bahai House of Worship, lotus-shaped modern architecture, meditation hall, free entry, silence observed), overnight Delhi|
Day 2:
Delhi Sightseeing - Morning visit Red Fort (UNESCO World Heritage, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's fort 1648, Lahori Gate, Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Sound & Light show evening, Ôé╣35), Jama Masjid (largest mosque in India, can accommodate 25000, 1656 built, climb minaret Ôé╣100 for Old Delhi views), Chandni Chowk rickshaw ride (bustling market, parathe wali gali, spice market, silver jewelry), afternoon Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi memorial), Humayun's Tomb (UNESCO, precursor to Taj Mahal, Persian architecture, Ôé╣35), India Gate (war memorial), Connaught Place, overnight Delhi|
Day 3:
Delhi to Agra (230km, 4 hours) - Morning drive to Agra via Yamuna Expressway, arrive noon, afternoon visit Agra Fort (UNESCO, red sandstone fort, Jahangir Palace, Khas Mahal, Musamman Burj where Shah Jahan imprisoned, Taj view from fort, Ôé╣40), evening Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden across Yamuna, sunset Taj view, Ôé╣25), overnight Agra|
Day 4:
Taj Mahal & Agra to Jaipur (240km, 5 hours) - Pre-dawn Taj Mahal sunrise visit (UNESCO Wonder of World, white marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal 1632-53, 20000 workers, symmetrical perfection, changes color with light, Quranic calligraphy, pietra dura inlay work, Ôé╣50 Indians/Ôé╣1100 foreigners, closed Friday, best 6-7am sunrise golden glow, 3-hour limit), return hotel for breakfast, checkout, drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO, abandoned Mughal capital built by Akbar 1571, red sandstone buildings, Buland Darwaza 54m tall victory gate, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace, Salim Chishti tomb with marble jali where women tie threads for wishes, Ôé╣40, 2-hour stop), continue to Jaipur (Pink City, capital of Rajasthan), arrive evening, check-in hotel, overnight Jaipur|
Day 5:
Jaipur Sightseeing - Morning visit Amber Fort (11km, UNESCO, hilltop fort reached by elephant ride Ôé╣900 per elephant 2 persons or jeep Ôé╣200 return, Sheesh Mahal mirror palace, Diwan-e-Aam, Sukh Niwas with water cooling, panoramic views, sound & light show evening, Ôé╣40), en route photo stop at Jal Mahal (Water Palace in Man Sagar Lake, not open to public, beautiful photo backdrop), Panna Meena Ka Kund (stepwell, symmetrical steps, Instagram spot), afternoon City Palace (royal residence museum, Chandra Mahal still residence of Jaipur royals, Mubarak Mahal, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, costumes, miniature paintings, arms, Ôé╣200 combined), Jantar Mantar (UNESCO, astronomical observatory built 1734 by Sawai Jai Singh II, world's largest stone sundial Samrat Yantra, 19 instruments, Ôé╣40), evening Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds, 953 windows jharokhas for royal ladies to watch street, iconic pink sandstone, Ôé╣40), walk through Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar (jewelry, textiles, handicrafts, blue pottery, mojris), overnight Jaipur|
Day 6:
Jaipur to Delhi Departure (280km, 5-6 hours) - Morning optional visit Albert Hall Museum (Indo-Saracenic architecture, Egyptian mummy, miniature paintings, Ôé╣40), Birla Mandir (white marble modern temple, Lakshmi Narayan, evening illuminated), checkout, drive to Delhi, arrive afternoon, last minute shopping at Dilli Haat or Karol Bagh, evening departure from Delhi Airport/Station, tour ends with Golden Triangle memories (Best season: Oct-Mar pleasant, Apr-May extreme heat 40┬░C+, Jun-Sep monsoon and humid, Taj best early morning avoid crowds and heat)