Golden Triangle

On arrival you will be met at the airport by a representative and transferred to your hotel right in the heart of New Delhi.

This afternoon you’ll have free time to explore the sights of Connaught Place, including the bazaars and stalls, the vintage cinemas, Art Today, the Dhoomimal Art Centre, the Hanuman Temple, Jantar Mantar, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

Today you will have the opportunity to explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi with an English speaking guide. In the morning you’ll visit one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid, followed by a rickshaw cycle tour of Old Delhi where you can explore the winding alleys of the famous Chandni Chowk Bazaar area.

Later in the afternoon you’ll explore New Delhi, including Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and Lutyens' Delhi, an area named after the British architect Edwin Lutyens who was responsible for much of the architectural design and building when India was part of the British Empire in the 1920s and 1930s.

After breakfast you’ll leave Delhi and you’ll be driven south towards the 16th century city of Agra (the drive takes approximately 5 hours). This afternoon you’ll have a private guided walk around Agra's impressive sights, including the spectacular Agra Fort, a fortress, palace and prison built of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565 and partially converted into a palace during the time of Shah Jahan.

Just before sunset you’ll visit India’s most famous building, the iconic Taj Mahal. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife.

This morning you’ll be driven to the magnificent fortified ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri, 40km west of Agra. This city was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire between 1572 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Earlier, Akbar had visited the village of Sikri to consult the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne. When the prophecy came true, Akbar built his new capital here, including a stunning mosque, still in use today, and three palaces, one for each of his favourite wives – one a Hindu, one a Muslim and one a Christian. The city was an Indo-Islamic masterpiece, but it was built in an area that suffered from water shortages so it was abandoned shortly after Akbar’s death.

After exploring Fatehpur Sikri you’ll continue on to Ramathra Fort where you’ll stay for the next two nights. This spectacular heritage hotel is a 350-year-old fort which has been brought back to life by the current owners, who you will meet when you stay here. You’ll either sleep under canvas in a luxury spacious tent or in a luxury suite or deluxe room in the old fort.

Today you’ll have a full day to explore the stunning area surrounding Ramathra Fort. Activities include guided tours to Ramathra village, trekking to Old Forts, visiting nearby temples, nature walks, jeep safaris across the Daang Plateau and sunset boat rides. Your stay at Ramathra Fort offers a wonderful opportunity to gain an insight into rural India. 

This morning you’ll leave Ramathra Fort and you’ll be driven to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. On arrival you’ll immediately understand the reasoning behind the name. Every building within the walled centre is painted a terracotta ‘pink’ colour and there are few exceptions to this colour scheme.

Today you’ll have an opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Jaipur.

We recommend a walking tour through the busy, bustling streets which are packed with cars, camels, rickshaws and bicycles. You can explore the city's crowded bazaars where locals sell beautiful handcrafted textiles, folk art, and semi-precious stones – and you’ll see Rajput men wearing traditional colourful turbans and sporting impressive moustaches!

You’ll also have a chance to visit the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds', plus you can visit one of India’s finest palaces – Jaipur's Royal City Palace – or the fascinating Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the collection of astronomical instrument sculptures.

Today you’ll visit the ‘Jewel of Jaipur’ Amber Fort, which is located on the hills of the Aravalli, 11 km outside the city. This magnificent fortress, built in the 16th century, comprises of hundreds of now empty dungeons, chambers, servants quarters, halls of private and public audience, and lovely enclosed gardens with charming water features. A maze of passages connects the various sections of the palaces, leading you through glittering halls of mirrors.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore areas of Jaipur that you might have missed yesterday.

Sadly your India adventure is coming to an end. Today you will be driven back to Delhi airport in time for your flight home.