Golden Triangle & Beyond

Upon reaching New Delhi, you’ll receive a warm welcome at the airport before being chauffeured to your hotel for the night. If time and energy allow, you can explore New Delhi in the evening using the car at your disposal.

The following day promises an immersive exploration of Delhi with a comprehensive guided tour. From iconic historical landmarks to bustling traditional markets and flavoursome street cuisine, the Old Delhi excursion unveils a tapestry of ancient wonders and unexpected delights. Meanwhile, New Delhi offers a glimpse into the modern pulse of twentieth-century India and beyond, both narratives weaving together to narrate India’s rich history, culture, and tradition.

You can tour Old Delhi in a car or if you wish you can also go sightseeing in a rickshaw. In Old Delhi, your senses will come alive as you encounter the many captivating sights and sounds this fantastic part of the city offers. You can visit Chandani Chowk, famous for its vibrant bazaar, where you can shop for some ancient artefacts and jewellery. Within Old Delhi, you will also see the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque and the Red Fort, two of Delhi’s magnificent ancient buildings built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. You can also visit Lutyen’s Delhi, including buildings and monuments made during the colonial period. You may want to include Raj Ghat (the cremation and memorial spot of Mahatma Gandhi), Lotus temple, Akshardham temple, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. There is also unbelievable shopping in Delhi. Delhi Haat showcases jewellery, handicrafts, art, fabrics, and souvenirs from various parts of India, and fashionable Khan Market has outlets for some of India’s best-loved boutiques (Anokhi, FabIndia) as well as book and stationery shops, great food shops and a lovely cafe.

After breakfast, you will be taken on a 4-hour drive through the Chambal to the romantic city of Agra, arriving by lunchtime. Check into your hotel and relax before venturing out with your guide to explore the city.

Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to discuss the sightseeing plan. We recommend taking it easy and visiting the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, where you can see this iconic building from across the river during sunset. You can also visit the mighty Agra Fort, built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1575. The Agra Fort contains numerous impressive structures, including its royal audience hall, immense stone courtyards, marble mosque, and private royal chambers, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.

Shah Jahan himself gazed upon the beautiful Taj Mahal until the end of his days, but as a prisoner rather than a ruler. His son Aurangzeb seized the Mughal throne and imprisoned his father in this fort. Whether as consolation or torture, Shah Jahan commanded a view of the Taj Mahal from his window.

You can also explore the bustling markets and shop for souvenirs. Agra is known for its rugs and carpets, as well as marble inlay work.

Today, your guide will collect you early in the morning to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when you can witness the marble’s different hues and shades.

The Taj Mahal, the pinnacle of Mughal architecture and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 in memory of his beloved wife Arjumand Bano Begum, entitled ‘Mumtaz Mahal’. This exquisite marble structure is a mausoleum, an enduring monument to the love of a husband for his favorite wife. It’s also an eternal testament to the artistic and scientific accomplishments of a wealthy empire.

The Taj Mahal’s familiar marble domes are framed by four minarets from which Muslims are called to prayer. Two red sandstone buildings flank the main mausoleum on either side. One, to the west, is a mosque. The other is a former guesthouse. These buildings are set within lush gardens, complete with an enormous reflecting pool that regularly does what no human has ever been able to accomplish—duplicate the beauty of the Taj Mahal.

Return to your hotel for breakfast and a shower before checking out and traveling west to the Rajputana city of Jaipur.

Pause just outside Agra at the deserted red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. A fine example of a Mughal walled city with distinct private and public areas and imposing gateways, its architecture blends Hindu and Persian styles. Fatehpur Sikri reflects Akbar’s secular vision and style of governance. Today, numerous notable imperial buildings and a fabulous mosque still stand, and a short guided tour of this ancient city is a truly memorable experience.

From Fatehpur Sikri, continue your journey to Jaipur, reaching in the late afternoon. Your lodging in Jaipur will be at a heritage mansion affectionately known as a Haveli, an urban sanctuary nestled within the ancient walls of the city. This enchanting abode is a quintessential Indian mansion ensconced within lush gardens, featuring apartments arranged around serene courtyards. Built 225 years ago as the abode of local royalty, it remains in the care of their descendants, who have gracefully transformed it into a luxurious hotel.

Go on a full-day guided tour to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and architectural wonders.

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is a blend of pink houses that dot the entire landscape. Adorned with pink sandstone palaces, majestic forts, and verdant green gardens set against the scenic backdrop of the Aravalli hills, Jaipur embodies the charm of its rich culture and history as well as the sophistication of a flourishing metropolis.

Begin your exploration at the majestic City Palace, an 18th-century complex that houses precious antique artifacts showcasing Rajput heritage. Next, visit the iconic Hawa Mahal, famously known as the Palace of the Winds. This architectural gem is celebrated for its exquisite design, intricate jharokhas, and airy windows.

Don’t miss the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional astronomical observatory. One of its most remarkable features is the world’s largest sundial, towering at 27 meters (89 feet). Explore this fascinating complex to marvel at other intriguing instruments used for astronomical calculations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the profound knowledge of ancient Indian astronomers.

No visit to Jaipur is complete without experiencing the grandeur of the magnificent Amber Fort. Perched on a ridge just outside the city, this architectural masterpiece is a testament to the opulence and splendour of Rajputana heritage.

You can also choose to stroll through the bustling and colorful markets of Jaipur, where you can try local delicacies and shop for fabrics, artifacts, and handicrafts. Don’t miss Johari Bazaar, one of the oldest and busiest markets in the walled city.

After an easy morning, continue traveling further west to Jodhpur, a journey that takes approximately 6.5 hours after breakfast. Starting early is advisable to ensure you reach Jodhpur in time for lunch. The route takes you through rural Rajasthan, providing a unique opportunity to observe life in India’s countryside.

As you drive, you’ll pass through numerous villages and towns that dot the landscape, each offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture and daily routines of rural India. The journey is scenic and enriching, with expansive fields, traditional homes, and locals going about their day. You might see farmers working in their fields, children playing, and women in colorful saris carrying water from wells.

The road to Jodhpur also offers occasional stops where you can stretch your legs and perhaps interact with the locals, adding a personal touch to your travel experience. You can explore small roadside markets selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and local snacks, giving you a taste of the regional specialties.

Upon reaching Jodhpur, you’ll be welcomed by the city’s iconic blue buildings and the imposing Mehrangarh Fort rising above the skyline. This journey not only takes you to a new destination but also allows you to experience the heart and soul of Rajasthan’s rural life, making your trip to Jodhpur all the more memorable.

After lunch and some rest you can choose to relax at the hotel or go on an exploration of the city with your guide.

Located at the eastern edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan and home to one of India’s most impressive citadels. The massive Mehrangarh Fort dominates the city’s skyline from its perch on a sheer rocky ridge with 10 km of thick stone walls that enclose the old city. Entry to the old city and its several palaces noted for their fine carvings and large courtyards is through seven different gates, one of which is scarred by cannon ball hits from battles that took place centuries ago. There’s also an interesting museum within the Fort that houses an amazing collection of the trappings of Indian royalty. Like many of Rajasthan’s cities, Jodhpur also has a nickname – the Blue City, and when you head to the lofty heights of the Mehrangarh Fort it’s easy to see why as a sea of bright blue houses stretches out before you. The colour blue has been used by India’s Brahmins to identify themselves as the purest of caste system.

Full day sightseeing of the old charming city. Later enjoy free time to bargain for local wares, from spices to richly coloured textiles and ornaments.

Your next destination is the princely city of Udaipur, a 5-hour drive away. On the way to Udaipur, you can stop at the magnificent marble temple of Ranakpur. The Ranakpur Temples, considered architectural gems of the area, belong to the Jain religion. The temple features an extraordinary collection of 1,444 uniquely carved pillars, richly decorated ceilings, and friezes depicting the lives of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras. For the best experience, you can hire an audio guide at the entrance.

You will have one and a half days to explore Udaipur, a beautiful city set amidst the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan, India. Known for its picturesque lakes, Udaipur is also called ‘the City of Lakes’. The elevated hills and the beautiful lakes provide a picture-perfect backdrop to the city.

Your Udaipur sightseeing will start with the City Palace, home of the Maharanas of Udaipur, who claim descent from the Sun. This sprawling palace, facing east, was built over three centuries and is a series of four interconnecting palaces, illustrating various architectural styles. It is a blend of Rajput military architecture and lavish Mughal-inspired decorative art. Few palaces match the artwork in this palace, with its exemplary eye for detail and craftsmanship. You will walk through the Crystal Gallery, which has an eclectic collection of crystal objets d’art and furniture, including a complete bedroom set discovered recently in a storeroom in the palace.

In the evening, you can take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, sailing past its picturesque ghats and palaces. This lake was originally created in the 15th century by a grain merchant who built the dam to create a roadway for his grain carts during the monsoon.

You can also visit the Bagore Ki Haveli show, a popular evening performance of Indian music and dance. The 1- to 2-hour cultural event features a magic show, puppet dance, folk dance, tribal dance, and more, some of which are used in Indian traditions to celebrate the arrival of seasons, the birth of a child, a wedding, and festivals. The show takes place at Bagore Ki Haveli, an 18th-century palace on Lake Pichola.

On November 7th, you will experience the biggest Hindu festival, Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. You will see many oil-lit lamps and firecrackers going off in various parts of the city. With your guide, you will visit temples and other important places to experience this significant festival of India.

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to a catch flight to New Delhi for your onward destination.