September - March

Golden Triangle & Varanasi - Classic

Physicality

Moderate

Downtime

Balanced

Choose your tier

Things to know

A nine-day private journey that moves through India's most-visited circuit before closing in Varanasi, a city that changes the entire register of the trip. Delhi opens with scale and street life. Agra delivers the Taj Mahal and the Mughal geometry of Agra Fort. Jaipur follows with forts, courtyards, and craft neighbourhoods. Then Varanasi shifts everything: a river city where dawn begins on the Ganges, evenings gather for aarti, and the concept of continuity in Indian life becomes visible and constant. Two nights give enough time for both the sunrise boat and Sarnath. September to March offers the most comfortable conditions across all four cities.

Culture

History

Photography

Slow travel

Spiritual

Temples

Trip Highlights

What’s Included

Farbound tour director throughout, with expert local guides where required.

All guided sightseeing as listed. Ganges boat ride included. Entrance tickets quoted separately.

Five-star premium hotels and heritage stays in every city. Twin-share by default.

Private AC vehicle throughout. Domestic flight Jaipur to Varanasi included.

Daily breakfast. Selected lunches and dinners as listed.

Why Farbound

Curated for You

Trips designed around your interests, pace, and preferences

Comfort, scaled to Fit

Trips designed around your interests, pace, and preferences

Connections, Not Crowd

Trips designed around your interests, pace, and preferences

From

$2,400 per person

Classic tier — indicative pricing

Cultural

Solo

Couples

Check FAQs

Day to Day Itineraries

Day 1 - Old & New Delhi

Guided city exploration with private transport and short walking sections.

Meet your Farbound tour director and begin exploring the contrasts between Old and New Delhi.
Old Delhi by rickshaw through narrow lanes, spice markets, and bazaar streets that still run on trading rhythms.
Visit Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar, along with other key architectural landmarks of the capital.
New Delhi drive-through for broader context, scale, and orientation.
Evening at leisure with support in planning how you'd like to spend it.

Lunch

ITC Maurya or similar

Day 2 - Deeper Delhi

A second Delhi day for depth without rushing.

A second Delhi day built around what the first day left open.
Choose between architecture-led, culture-led, or food-led exploration based on where you want depth.
Add Qutub Minar if you prefer a stronger heritage focus, or Hauz Khas Village for a contemporary layer.
Curated lunch included, timed around heat and preferred pacing.
Afternoon left open for rest or an optional craft or gallery visit.

Breakfast

ITC Maurya or similar

Day 3 - Delhi to Agra

Overland transfer from Delhi to Agra with a stop en route.

Drive south toward Agra by private vehicle at a comfortable pace.
Lunch stop en route, chosen for quality and timing.
Arrive in Agra and check in. Keep the afternoon unforced.
Optional quiet viewpoint or a relaxed neighbourhood walk if you feel up for it.
Evening stays light so the Taj day feels clean.

Breakfast, Lunch

ITC Mughal or similar

Day 4 - Agra Sightseeing

Taj Mahal at the best time of day for light and crowds, followed by Agra Fort.

Visit the Taj Mahal at a time chosen for light and crowd logic, not just convenience.
Your tour director manages entry, timing, and pace throughout.
Return to the hotel for a reset, then move to Agra Fort for history and architectural depth.
Afternoon kept flexible by design, with optional add-ons if you want more.
Evening open for dinner at your preference.

Breakfast

ITC Mughal or similar

Day 5 - Agra to Jaipur

Overland transfer from Agra to Jaipur with Chand Baori en route.

Drive west into Rajasthan with a mid-day stop at Chand Baori (Abhaneri), one of the region's most striking stepwells.
Lunch included and timed to keep the day comfortable.
Arrive in Jaipur and ease into the city with a lighter first evening.
Your tour director keeps arrival day intentionally unforced.

Breakfast, Lunch

ITC Rajputana or similar

Day 6 - Exploring Jaipur

Core Jaipur sightseeing at a steady pace, including Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar.

Begin with Amber Fort for hilltop architecture, long views, and inner courtyards.
Continue to City Palace and Jantar Mantar, keeping walking controlled and pauses built in.
Time held for a craft or textile layer if you want it, kept practical and pressure-free.
Your tour director steers the day around heat, crowds, and your preferred rhythm.
Evening open for a market lane, a rooftop dinner, or an early night.

Breakfast

ITC Rajputana or similar

Day 7 - Fly to Varanasi, Evening Aarti on the Ganges

Short domestic flight, afternoon arrival, and an evening boat ride for the Ganga Aarti.

Fly from Jaipur to Varanasi with your tour director managing ground timing.
Check in at BrijRama Palace, a 200-year-old haveli on the Ganges ghats.
Afternoon kept light so you arrive with energy for the evening.
Evening boat ride on the Ganges for the Ganga Aarti, with your guide providing context for what you're watching.
The city introduces itself on the water before you explore it on foot.

Breakfast

BrijRama Palace or similar

Day 8 - Varanasi Exploration

Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, Sarnath, and a ghat walk with local food stops.

Private sunrise boat ride on the Ganges for a calmer, more intimate morning layer than the group boats.
Return to the hotel to reset, then travel to Sarnath for the deer park, the Dhamek Stupa, and the museum.
Afternoon walking tour through lanes and ghats with a local food focus.
Pacing stays flexible, with stops chosen to match comfort and curiosity.
Included dinner as a simple and satisfying close to a full day.

Breakfast, Dinner

BrijRama Palace or similar

Day 9 - Departure

Private transfer to Varanasi airport or onward routing.

Morning at leisure at the hotel.
Private transfer to Varanasi airport for onward or international departure.
Timing built around your flight.

Breakfast

FAQs

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What does “customizable” mean?

You may adjust hotel tier, pacing, interests, extensions, and guide language where feasible. Final options depend on availability and routing.

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What are the steps after I enquire?

Requirement review, itinerary proposal, revisions if needed, approval, payment, booking confirmation, and document issuance.

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Are domestic flights included?

Domestic flights are included only when explicitly stated in the itinerary.

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What transport do you use?

Chauffeured private vehicles only. Vehicle type depends on group size, with premium SUVs as baseline.

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Can I upgrade or downgrade hotels?

Yes, subject to availability and repricing.

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Can I add nights or extensions?

Extensions can be added subject to availability and repricing.

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Do you have minimum or maximum group sizes?

There is no fixed minimum or maximum. Group size depends on routing, vehicles, and accommodation.

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How do internal transfers work between the Golden Triangle and Varanasi?

Transfers may be by flight or train only when explicitly stated and included. Your proposal confirms the routing.

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Can we add slower pacing in Varanasi?

Yes. The Varanasi block can be expanded or slowed subject to availability and repricing.

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Do I need an e-Visa for India?

Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in - it is typically approved within 72 hours and valid for 30 or 365 days depending on the type. We advise applying at least 2 weeks before travel. Some nationalities require a sticker visa from an Indian consulate.

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What is the best time to visit India?

India is vast and each region has its own season. The Himalayan north (Ladakh, Himachal) is best May-September. Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle are ideal October-March. Kerala and the south are good November-February. The northeast is spectacular March-May. We'll advise based on your chosen region.

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Is India safe to travel to?

India is safe for the vast majority of travellers when you take sensible precautions. Solo female travellers should exercise extra caution in certain areas, and we always advise on destination-specific safety. Our partners and guides are vetted, and we brief guests on local customs and areas to avoid.

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What vaccinations do I need for India?

Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Depending on your itinerary, your GP may suggest Hepatitis B, Rabies, or Japanese Encephalitis. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for some rural and jungle regions. Consult a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.

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Is the food safe in India?

Indian food is wonderful but your stomach needs time to adjust. Stick to cooked food, avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources, and opt for bottled or filtered water throughout. High-end restaurants and hotels are generally very safe. We include a food safety briefing in every pre-departure pack.

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Is India good for vegetarians?

India is arguably the most vegetarian-friendly country in the world. Virtually every restaurant offers extensive vegetarian menus, and many are entirely meat-free. Vegan options are increasingly available in cities and tourist areas. Please let us know your dietary requirements and we'll ensure every meal is taken care of.

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What is the weather like during monsoon season?

Monsoon (roughly June-September) brings heavy rainfall to most of the subcontinent but it varies enormously by region. It's not necessarily a reason to avoid travel - landscapes are spectacularly green, prices are lower, and crowds are thinner. Some areas like Ladakh and Spiti are actually best during this period. Ask us about the specific region you're considering.

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Is it worth visiting during monsoon?

For the right destinations, absolutely yes. Kerala during its early monsoon is lush and magical. The northeast (Meghalaya, Assam) is most dramatic in the rains. Sri Lanka's east coast comes alive during the southwest monsoon when the west is wet. We'll always be honest with you about whether monsoon affects your specific plans.

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What is shoulder season and is it worth it?

Shoulder season - the months just before or after peak season - often offers the best value. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and the weather is still very good. For Rajasthan this is October and March; for Sri Lanka's south it's late October and early May. We love building shoulder season itineraries.

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What is NOT included in the price?

International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal spending, tips for guides and drivers, and meals not listed in the itinerary. A clear inclusions and exclusions list is in every quote we send.

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Should I bring local currency or can I use cards?

A mix of both is ideal. Cards are accepted at most hotels and large restaurants, but local markets, tuk-tuks, tips, and smaller guesthouses are cash-only. We recommend having USD as an emergency backup - it's accepted or exchangeable almost everywhere we operate.

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Do you arrange flights?

We can arrange flights as part of a full package or advise on the best routing and airlines for your trip. Many clients prefer to book flights independently for flexibility with points and upgrades - we're happy to work either way and will give you the ideal arrival and departure airport for your itinerary.

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How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 3-6 months ahead for peak season travel (October-March for South Asia). Bhutan during festival season can need 6-12 months lead time. That said we've pulled together excellent last-minute trips - if your dates are flexible get in touch and we'll see what's possible.

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Can I customise my itinerary?

Absolutely - customisation is what we do. Every Farbound itinerary is built around your interests, pace, travel style, and budget. Whether you want to add a cooking class in Kerala, a yoga retreat in Rishikesh, or an extra night at a tea estate, just tell us and we'll design it for you.

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What is included in the price?

Our packages typically include accommodation, all meals as specified, private transfers, a local guide, entrance fees, and internal transport. International flights are usually separate unless stated. The exact inclusions are listed on every itinerary and quoted in writing before you confirm.

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How do I pay and what are the payment terms?

We typically require a deposit of 20-30% at booking to secure your itinerary and accommodation, with the balance due 60 days before departure. For last-minute bookings full payment is taken upfront. We accept bank transfer and major credit cards. Full payment terms are in your booking confirmation.

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What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund minus the deposit. Between 30-60 days we retain 50% of the total cost. Within 30 days the full amount is non-refundable. We always recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations. Full terms are in your booking agreement.

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Is there a single room supplement?

Yes, single travellers occupy a private room and a supplement applies as hotels charge on a per-room basis. The exact supplement varies by property and destination. We always quote this clearly upfront and work to minimise it where possible - some boutique properties have more affordable single rates.

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Do you run group tours or private only?

Farbound specialises in private, bespoke journeys. You won't be sharing a vehicle or guide with strangers. For travellers who prefer a social group setting, we can occasionally match solo travellers or small groups - get in touch to discuss.

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What happens if something goes wrong on my trip?

We have a 24/7 emergency contact for all guests travelling with Farbound. Our local partners are experienced in handling medical issues, itinerary changes, and unexpected situations. We also ensure all guests have comprehensive travel insurance before they travel.

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Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and severe allergy requirements are all manageable with advance notice. South Asia is exceptionally accommodating for vegetarian and vegan diets in particular. Please tell us at the time of enquiry so we can brief every restaurant and property on your itinerary.

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Can I drink the water?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Sri Lanka, India, or Bhutan. All reputable hotels provide filtered or bottled water. We advise carrying a reusable bottle with a built-in filter (e.g. LifeStraw or GRAYL) to reduce plastic waste - Bhutan in particular encourages this as part of its sustainability ethos.

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Should I take out travel insurance before booking?

Yes - and we ask that you do so before final payment. A good policy covers medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage. Adventure activities (trekking, rafting, safaris) must be explicitly covered. We're happy to recommend providers if you need a starting point.