Golden Triangle Tour

A relaxing eleven-day tour featuring India’s so-called Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur), with a rich backdrop of fascinating culture, monumental architecture and historical splendor, in addition to a memorable sojourn at Hinduism’s most sacred city. We see some of the most compelling highlights of northern India, together with its colorful people and fabulous wildlife.

The itinerary is basically based around the Golden Triangle in which we take in the compelling sights of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The national capital forms the start and end points, and there is plenty of time to visit all of the major places of interest built through several centuries and includes the Red Fort, the Gandhi Memorial and the magnificent Jama Masjid.

Towards west, in the desert, Jaipur – the Pink City of India – basks in its magnificent past, bellicose history, renowned tradition and architectural elegance. Agra, at the same time, does not need any introduction as the seat of the world’s prettiest building, the Taj.

Elsewhere on the tour we go looking for tigers and other wildlife at Ranthambore National Park, stop by at the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, and journey east to Varanasi, a sacred city and hub of the Hindu religion. Then of course, a visit to the bathing Ghats on the Ganges is a profoundly memorable experience. We also enjoy a boat ride on the river in the early morning to make the most of this incredible sight, as well as taking a short trip out to the sacred Buddhist site of Sarnath.
# HIGHLIGHTS

Experience a rich blend of the cultural, historical and natural heritage of northern India.
Varanasi – witness grand rituals and early morning boat ride on the Ganges
Sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal
Fatehpur Sikri – abandoned city of the Mughals
Tiger spotting and wildlife at Ranthambore National Park
Jaipur sightseeing, local attractions and bazaars
Stunning and awe-inspiring Amer Fort

Day 1 – 2Arrival in Delhi and transfer to hotel
Day 1

Arrive at the international airport of Delhi. After the traditional welcome, transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2

In the morning in our sightseeing programme we visit the walled city of Old Delhi; crowded, buzzing with activity and still influenced by the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. We also visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India built in 17th century. Later we drive past the New Delhi area to visit India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace), the Parliament House and some other Colonial buildings built by Edwin Lutyens, a British architect, during the first half of 20th Century.

In the evening, we will be transferred to the Railway station for our overnight train journey to Varanasi.

Day 3 – 4Arrival in Varanasi and excursion to Sarnath
Delhi – Varanasi(Banaras)

We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to the hotel. Varanasi, one of the seven holiest cities in India and built on the banks of river Ganges, stands at the center of the Hindu Universe. It is always vibrant with thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), religious elders and casual visitors. Since the city lives and breathes Hinduism, it is visited by over one million pilgrims every year. It is a city to get immersed in by exploring its maze of narrow lanes, visiting temples and watching rituals and ceremonies performed on the Ghats by devotees almost round the clock.

Varanasi(Banaras) – Sarnath

Excursion to Sarnath, north of Varanasi and near the confluence of the Ganges and the Gomati rivers. Visit of the Temple dedicated to Shreyansanath, an important place of pilgrimage for locals.

In the evening, we will go to the Ghats to witness the incredible Evening aarti (prayer) before returning to the hotel.

Day 4

Just before dawn we take a Boat out on the Ganges to witness the amazing stream of events on the Ghats, the steps leading down to the river. The Boat ride takes us past several Ghats of Varanasi offering a glimpse of the city at its religious best. Every day thousands of Hindu pilgrims and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves by taking a dip in the Holy river.

You will visit temples and ashram.Thereafter a walk along Bazar would be an ideal way to explore the town.

Evening, we will be transferred to the Railway station for an Overnight Train to Agra.

Day 5Agra, land of the Taj Mahal
Varanasi(Banaras) – Agra

In the morning, arrival in Agra and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

visit the Agra Red Fort, a historical fort in the city of Agra and its walls are richly adorned with red sandstone. Till 1638, this fort was main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty. Thereafter the capital of Mughal was shifted from Agra to Red Fort in Delhi.

Then, we can enjoy a Free evening or make an optional visit to the Taj Mahal.

Day 6 – 7In the lapse of nature – Safari day
Agra – Fatehpur Sikri

Visit of Taj Mahal, a 17th century marvel in poetic description. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj is a dream in white marble with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work. Shah Jahan, the fifth Moghul King, built this beautiful mausoleum in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died at the birth of her fourteenth child.

Day 6

We return to the hotel for breakfast and check-out for the late morning drive to Ranthambore, en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, , the deserted royal city constructed by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. This impressive and well-preserved citadel served as the political capital of Akbar for 14 years. In 1585 Akbar abandoned Fatehpur Sikri due to dearth of water.

Day 7

Today, we have two Game drives to the park to wander through the jungles to find the elusive tiger. We wake up early morning and leave for our First safari in the National Park. We track the tigers and other wildlife in the morning and return to the hotel for breakfast. After relaxing for the rest of the pre-lunch session, we leave for Another foray into the Jungle to catch glimpses of some more animal and bird species. At the end of this adventurous day, we return to the hotel and relax.

Day 8 – 9Welcome to pink city
Ranthambhore – Jaipur

In the morning, there is time for an Optional game drive for wildlife enthusiasts. In the afternoon, we drive towards Jaipur. Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the colorful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich cultural heritage and colorful past, it is one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was established in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the then ruler of Amer. Also known as ‘The City of Victory’, Jaipur was the first planned city of its time with imposing forts, dazzling palaces, beautiful gardens, lakes and markets. Upon arrival, we check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore the colorful bazaars of Jaipur.

Day 9

The City Palace was where the Maharaja reigned from. This palace also includes the famous ‘Chandra Mahal’ and ‘Mubarak Mahal’, and other buildings which form a part of the palace complex

Visit of Jantar Mantar, built in 1734, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the most exact astronomical instruments, it is said to be so incredibly precise that it still comes in use for various astronomical observations and calculations in today’s time.

Visit of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied facade of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 to allow royal ladies to watch processions and festivities on the road through its 953 ‘jharokas’ or small windows, without being seen by the public.

Amber, originally was the capital of the state before Jaipur. It is an Old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. This fort is also very popularly known as the Amer Palace. The Amber Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort.

Day 10Drive back to Delhi
Jaipur – Delhi

Today drive from Jaipur to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi late in the afternoon and check in at the hotel. Enjoy a free evening relaxing or exploring the city.

Day 11Fare well and see you soon
Check-out from the hotel and transfer to the international airport or any point of convenience for onward journey to respective countries.