Golden Triangle India Tour

08 Days / 07 Nights

Extremely popular with first time visitors, this introductory tour, The Golden Triangle of India (Delhi-Jaipur-Agra) has made a firm footing on the tourist map. The combination of all three cities presents the potpourri of India. The harmonious amalgamation of the country’s capital with its entire historic splendour, the soft romanticism that can be felt as the amazing Taj Mahal in Agra and the fierce magnificence of Jaipur – the princely state capital, which was painted pink (the traditional colour of welcome) in honour of the visit of Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria in 1883.

Description

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your Delhi hotel for a 2-night stay.

Day 02: Delhi. Full day sightseeing tour of Delhi.
Explore the Qutab Complex which houses India’s biggest single tower Qutab Minar and the 4th century rust free Iron Pillar; Mughal citadel named Lal Qila (Red Fort); and Lutyens Delhi with its tree lined boulevards leading to th erstwhile British Viceroy’s Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan) now the official residence of the President of India, the Secretariat, India Gate and Parliament House.

Also visit the grand Jama Masjid and Humayun’s Tomb – the only monument ever built by a queen in memory of her beloved king husband, which was an inspiration for several other monuments, such as the incomparable Taj Mahal.

Day 03: Delhi to Jaipur, 265 Km/5 hrs.
Drive to Jaipur, the famed ‘Pink City’ and the capital of Rajasthan known for its palaces, three hill forts and a shopper’s paradise. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 04: Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber – capital of the old state of Dhundhar, located on the rugged hills that surround Jaipur. Ride the colourfully painted elephants up the hill, admire the massive gateways, courts, stairways, pillared pavilions and palaces that recall the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals.

During the afternoon visit the City Palace (still houses the erstwhile Royal family); Jantar Mantar – the Royal Observatory and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – built for the royal ladies to watch the activities on the market street below without being observed themselves.

Day 05: Jaipur to Agra, 243 Km/7 hrs
Drive to Agra, en route visit Fatehpur Sikri – the imperial ruins of the dream capital city of the Great Mughal Emperor – Akbar. Evening at leisure.

Day 06: Agra
Visit the Taj Mahal this morning.Nothing, neither photographs nor descriptions, can prepare you for the experience of this monument. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 giving birth to their 14th child, built one of the world’s most famous buildings, the ‘Taj Mahal’. Its perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship have been described as ‘a vision, a dream, a poem and a wonder’.

It is an acclaimed architectural masterpiece and one of the wonders of the world. 20,000 workers laboured for 22 years to build this sublime garden tomb of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. The unique mughal style combines elements of Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architecture. One of the most impressive features are the black and white chessboard marble floor, the four tall minarets (40 m high) at the corners of the structure, and the majestic and iconic dome in the middle.

In the afternoon visit Agra Fort and Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah also called Baby Taj.

Day 07: Agra to Delhi, 204 Km/4 hrs.
Morning at leisure. Drive to Delhi visiting the Tomb of Emperor Akbar at Sikandra en route. Stay overnight in Delhi.

Day 08: Depart Delhi.
Transfer to the airport to board your onward flight.
Date and price to suit individual arrangements based on 2 people sharing. Breakfast included. Private air-conditioned car and driver with English speaking guides for sightseeing.