Sunrise Cruise. Join your guide and drive to the holy river where you will board your private boat. It is a surreal experience to arrive at the Ghats (The wide steps leading to the Ganga) just before dawn and witness the eons old scene – devout Hindu’s are waiting at the holier Ghats to greet the rising sun by immersing themselves in the Ganga, while others on the wide riverbank steps meditate or practice yoga.

Morning Rituals. Your boat offers an excellent view of all the activity – women immersing themselves into the Ganga discreetly while still wearing their sarees and ascetics waist deep in the water offering prayers as they pour holy water over themselves. It is a great opportunity to experience some of Hinduisms ancient and iconic rituals, such as the ritualistic prayers as a recently deceased Hindu’s ashes are immersed in the river, while nearby another Brahmin priest orchestrates the naming ceremony of a newborn.

Flight to Delhi and drive to Agra. Return to your palace for breakfast. You are assisted with your check-out in the mid-morning and driven to Varanasi airport to board your early afternoon flight to Delhi. From the Delhi Airport you are driven to Agra on a 3 to 3.5-hour journey. After exiting sprawling greater Delhi, you will be driving along lush farmland and villages on one of India’s best elevated tollways.

Oberoi Amarvilas. Upon arrival at Agra, you are driven to your gorgeous luxury resort and assisted with check-in to your Taj Mahal view room.

A note for photography enthusiasts: Although we include a sunrise and a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, you may want to ask us to change the timing of one or both because the best photos are usually during the day. For five days a month, before, during, and after the full moon, a separate limited availability moonlight visit can also be added with prior notice.