Private journeys across India · Replies within 24 hours
Reviewed by Mirza Shadab Beg, Founder, Travelage India, Agra · Last updated 24 October 2026
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Short answer: yes, you can reach Varanasi through Khajuraho in seven days. Visit the Taj Mahal, drive through Gwalior to Orchha, see the Khajuraho temples, then fly (or drive about nine hours) to Varanasi for the Ganga aarti, a dawn boat ride and Sarnath. The flight depends on the schedule.
Most routes between Agra and Varanasi go by air. This one goes through the middle of India, where the Chandela kings built the Khajuraho temples a thousand years ago and the Bundela kings built the riverside palaces of Orchha. It is a longer, quieter route, with fewer visitors and more history.
Khajuraho’s temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for sculpture that covers the walls: gods, musicians, animals and daily life, with a small proportion of intimate scenes, carved with grace. Your guide explains them with care. The drive from Agra to Orchha is long, so we break it at Gwalior Fort.
The flight from Khajuraho to Varanasi (about an hour, where flights operate) saves a very long road. Schedules change often, so we confirm them early.
Met at the airport and taken to your hotel to rest.
Drive about 230 km (145 miles) to Agra (three and a half to four hours). Visit Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal in the afternoon light with a licensed guide.
Drive about 120 km (75 miles) to Gwalior (two and a half hours) for a guided visit to the fort, then about 120 km (75 miles) on to Orchha (two and a half hours). Arrive in the late afternoon and walk to the riverside cenotaphs.
Visit Orchha’s palaces and the Ram Raja Temple in the morning, then drive about 175 km (110 miles) to Khajuraho (four hours). In the late afternoon, visit the Western Group of temples with your guide.
Visit the Eastern Group in the morning, then fly to Varanasi (about an hour, flight not included, where available) or drive, which takes about nine hours. In the evening, watch the Ganga aarti.
Take a boat on the Ganges at sunrise, then walk the old lanes. In the afternoon, drive about 10 km (6 miles) to Sarnath and visit the stupa and museum.
Transfer to Varanasi airport or station for your onward journey.
Central India needs careful joins. Here is what we manage.
The drive between Agra and Khajuraho is split with Gwalior Fort and a night in Orchha.
We confirm Khajuraho to Varanasi flights early, and plan a road alternative if they do not operate.
A government-approved guide joins you in each city, matched to the language and pace you prefer.
Your guide is chosen for the language you prefer and the things you love. Ask for Japanese or Russian and we will arrange it where we can.
Here is every leg with its distance and likely drive time. Times vary with traffic and stops.
| Leg | Distance | Drive time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Agra | about 230 km (145 miles) | 3.5 to 4 hours | Yamuna Expressway, comfort stop |
| Agra to Gwalior | about 120 km (75 miles) | 2.5 hours | Fort visit |
| Gwalior to Orchha | about 120 km (75 miles) | 2.5 hours | Arrive in the late afternoon |
| Orchha to Khajuraho | about 175 km (110 miles) | 4 hours | Western Group at sunset |
| Khajuraho to Varanasi | flight, or about 400 km (250 miles) | 1 hour by air, about 9 hours by road | Flight not included, where available |
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“Very awesome experience.. extremely professional and courteous, the chauffeur and the guides were very knowledgeable and knew the way to maneuver the system. They were highly flexible in adapting to any changes in my schedule.”
“I went to India alone and had an amazing experience with my tour guide, shiraz. He showed me all the beautiful places that india has to offer and even brought to places that was not initially planned after requesting it to make sure that I was completely satisfied with my tour.”
“Ali is a wonderful person and a fantastic & experienced driver! He keeps an immaculate car and is always very accommodating with any need, responsive and smiling. We felt comfortable and safe with him. Also a big shout out to Prahlad for his very interesting guided tour of Jodhpur!”
“I had an amazing time with Kishan (driver) and Bobby (guide). They both are very polite, nice and easy going. Bobby taught me so many facts and interesting things about Taj Mahal and India Culture in general.”
“A dream come true! Bobby’s expertise and warm hospitality made my Agra trip seamless and perfect. The Taj Mahal was beyond words especially with his talented photography skills.”
“We actually did 14 days which included a trip to Varanasi, then the Golden Triangle & out to Jaisalmer. Every step of the way we were accompanied by Bobby. Our Driver & coach was super, but focus on detail and ensuring that the safety & wellbeing of individual travellers was met, really put the trip at an all time high!”
The right route depends on your time and what you hope to see. The highlighted row is the journey on this page.
| Journey | Time needed | How you travel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Days Varanasi Spiritual Tour | 3 days / 2 nights | Private luxury car and guide | Varanasi and Sarnath, unhurried |
| Varanasi, Prayagraj & Ayodhya | 5 days / 4 nights | Private luxury car and guides | Three holy cities in one journey |
| Golden Triangle with Varanasi | 8 days / 7 nights | Car, plus one flight | Monuments first, then the Ganges |
| Agra Mathura Vrindavan | 2 days / 1 night | Private luxury car | Krishna temples and the Taj Mahal |
| Varanasi & Bodh Gaya Buddhist Tour | 5 days / 4 nights | Private luxury car and guide | Ganges and the Buddha’s path |
| North India Spiritual Journey | 9 days / 8 nights | Car, plus one flight | Rishikesh to Prayagraj |
| Khajuraho & Varanasi Heritage Tour | 7 days / 6 nights | Car, plus one flight | Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi |
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Yes. This route goes from Agra through Gwalior and Orchha to Khajuraho, then to Varanasi by air or road.
About 400 km (250 miles) by road, roughly nine hours, or about an hour by air where flights operate.
A group of temples built by the Chandela dynasty about a thousand years ago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for intricate sculpture covering the walls.
Yes, with care. Most of the sculpture shows gods, musicians and daily life, with a small proportion of erotic scenes. Tell us if you are travelling with young children.
A small riverside town of 16th-century palaces, temples and cenotaphs built by the Bundela kings, set on the Betwa river. It is quiet and rewarding for a night.
Sometimes. Flights operate on selected days, and schedules change often. We confirm them early and plan a road alternative if needed.
Yes. You have your own luxury car, driver and licensed guides. Nothing is shared with other travellers.
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Your driver meets you at Delhi airport arrivals or your hotel, and a Travelage representative meets you in Varanasi. Share your flight details and we confirm everything the day before.
7 days / 6 nights. Starts in Delhi and ends in Varanasi, with a private luxury car and licensed local guides.
The Taj Mahal is closed to visitors on Fridays, so we plan Agra on any other day of the week. Please tell us your dates early.
Khajuraho’s temples carry sculpture that includes a small proportion of erotic scenes, among many other subjects. Your guide explains the meaning with respect. Families with children may wish to tell us in advance.
October to March is the most comfortable. Khajuraho and Orchha are hot from April to June, and July to September is monsoon. Winter fog in the plains can delay flights.
