The Golden Triangle

Day 1: Arrive Delhi, India

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your Delhi hotel.  India’s capital is a major gateway to the country and a contemporary bustling metropolis combining ancient history with & modern life.

Day 2: Delhi

Today you will explore both Old and New Delhi on a full day sightseeing tour. This fascinating city has existed since the 6th century BC so has a rich history to explore.  Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India with a courtyard that can hold approximately 25,000 worshippers. Enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi.  This experience is noisy, chaotic, colourful and uniquely Indian. You will drive past to the Red Fort, the former residence of the Mughal royal family and past President House and several other government buildings before heading towards Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated in 1948. You will also visit Humayun’s Tomb, commissioned by his wife in 1562, the first garden tomb in the Indian sub-continent where the Persian architect used red sandstone on a large scale. Your day ends with a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world that was commissioned by the first Muslim ruler of Delhi.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Delhi to Agra

On arrival in Agra, visit the Agras Red Fort which was commissioned in 1565 by Mughal emperor Akbar. This large fortress built on the Yamuna River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the beautiful yet forbidding structure is a fine example of Mughal architecture. Later, visit the Taj Mahal … a mausoleum built as a symbol of Emperor Shah Jehan’s devotion to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Considered an architectural marvel, its construction took thousands of workers over 21 years to complete. Distance travelled: 204km / Approximately 4.5 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4: Agra to Jaipur

After breakfast, tarvel to Fatehpur Sikri ‘The City of Victory’ which was built mostly from red sandstone and an important stop for merchants travelling across India.  Home to many historic buildings, emperor Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his headquarters, but had to abandon it due to shortage of water. Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique architecture illustrating the diverse religious and cultural identities that have existed here over time.

Continue onto Jaipur, known as ‘The Pink City’ of India and the capital of the vibrant state of Rajasthan. In the evening you can take a stroll in the markets of Jaipur for the traditional dresses and shoes, curio shops, blue pottery etc. Distance travelled: 245 km / Approximately 5 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Jaipur

Spend the day exploring Jaipur the city famous for its colourful bazaars, culture, forts, temples, palaces and lakes. The city of Jaipur was painted pink (the colour of hospitality) for Queen Victorias visit in 1876. Visit the UNESCO listed walled city including Amber Fort, a classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace that is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The interior is incredibly adorned with precious stones and mirrors. Stop at Hawa Mahal Palace, also known as the “Palace of the Winds”, with its beautiful red and pink sandstone façade including ornately carved latticework windows.

This afternoon, your Jaipur city tour includes Maharaja’s City Palace and royal residence that now has been partially converted to a museum. Covering 1/7 of the area of Jaipur, City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Later, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the largest marble observatory in the world with its 17 large instruments for measuring time.

Day 6: Jaipur to Delhi

Today you will leave Jaipur to travel back to Delhi where you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Distance travelled: 265 km / Approximately 6 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast

We have a number of other suggested India vacations, or we can also tailor a trip for you. Here are some more ideas:

Ancient India – 10 Days  Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Taj Mahal, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi

Forts and Palaces of India – 10 Days  Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur and Udaipur

India North to South – 12 Days  Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Cochin & Kerala

Highlights of India – 11 Days  Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Goa, Mumbai

India Culture & Wildlife – 8 Days  Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur