India – The Golden Triangle

On Arrival in Delhi Airport / Railway station. You will be received by a member of our local team. Or an appointed driver who will take care of your transfer and check-in at the hotel. Later we embark on a bus for a tour of Lutyens New Delhi with a professional guide. We shall drive through this nicely planned quarter of the city, which is known for architecturally essential structures like the Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. We shall return to the hotel after watching the sunset at the Qutb Complex. Which is home to the Qutab Minar – the tallest minaret in India and the Iron Pillar, one of the wonders of India. Return to your hotel.

Stay: Delhi.

Rise at early hours for a memorable walking tour of Old Delhi. You can call it a Culinary and shopping time.  On this tour, you will get a chance to explore New Delhi through its delicacies.
We also visit tightly packed stalls in the Kinari Bazaar, Dariba Kalan Clock Market, Katra Neel. You can try for a tricycle rickshaw ride, the best way to explore if you feel tired of walking in the narrow lanes. Visit the Jama Masjid – India’s largest mosque with its soaring minarets. On return to Hotel visit Rajghat, site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation. You have the rest of the day either to relax or explore the street of Karol Bagh.

Stay: Delhi.

After leisurely breakfast, we drive down to Agra (5.5 hours), the home of the Taj Mahal. Our first stop in Agra is Sikandara, a tomb built by Emperor Akbar and finished by his son Jehangir. On arrival in Agra visit I’timād-ud-Daulah, often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal. It represents a transition between the first to the second phase of monumental Mughal architecture. That is from red sandstone with marble decorations to white marble and pietra dura inlay (Prachinkari).

Rise and shine at early hours and after a cup of tea/coffee, we visit Taj Mahal – listed in the seven wonders of the world – the Taj Mahal for an epic photo opportunity. Before free time to explore Taj Mahal on your own, an English-speaking guide will provide you with some valuable information on the building of this Architectural Marvel, and the mishaps involved in creating it.  After breakfast break, next halt will be at, not to be missed UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agra Fort, built by Akbar, the third Mughal emperor and popularly known as “walled city”. The Agra Fort won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 20. 04
Rest of the day at your disposal. You can explore The architectural legacy of  Mughal and Colonial time. You can visit some of the monuments of interest which include Kandahari Bagh, Akbar’s church and the Roman Catholic cathedral. Or visit Mehtab Bagh, across the river which is aligned with the Taj Mahal, with a mesmerizing view of Taj Mahal.

Stay: Agra.

Check out, and we head towards Jaipur. En-route halt at, Fatehpur Sikri, an another UNESCO World Heritage Site, built Emperor Akabar in red sandstone, the evidence of the rich Mughal culture and civilization. Unfortunately, it was abandoned after twelve years of use.  Next brief stop at Abhaneri for the colossal stepwell “baoli” built-in ninth century.  Later we move towards Jaipur – The pink city.

Morning excursion to Amber / Amer Fort and Galtaji Temple. Amer Fort is a  splendid example of Rajput architecture, built on the top of a hill, which was once the residence of the King of Jaipur.  Amer Fort is known for its Hindu artistic style elements, with its series of gates, massive ramparts and cobbled paths.
Later visit very charming Galta Ji Hindu temple complex that lies 16 km from Amer, centered on a natural spring.  There are seven pools, where pilgrims come to bath away their sins while and at quiet moments, the monkeys can be found swimming in the holy waters. The temple is also home to a large colony of monkeys, so it is has gained a name as, the monkey temple. The rest of the day is to relax and unwind,

Stay: Jaipur.

After leisurely breakfast, Visit some must-see places in Jaipur. Your first halt will be at the city palace of Maharaja, a royal palace with seven floors, Jantar Mantar – the observatory, and Hawa Mahal.

First visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Hindu & Mughal architecture. At the centre of the palace, there is a seven-storied building, with lovely views over the city & gardens. Next halt will be, Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory). This unique observatory is attracted by mathematicians as well as astronomers from atlas of destination over the world, with solar design structures that give accurate time predictions. Next brief halt will be at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This five-storied structure of pink sandstone, built-in 1799 for royal women to peer down the busy street market unseen by the people through its 593 stone Jharokhas.
Later enjoy a walking street tour, which shall be the highlight of the entire trip of Jaipur. It is a unique, insightful and educational mixture of food and culture. You can try out some fantastic Lassi, Chai (Tea) and other incredibly delicious local food stalls along the way.

Stay: Jaipur.

Today, the last day in Jaipur to spend as you like. There are many options… whole day shop till you drop. Jaipur is one of the best destinations known for shopping… Jewellery, textile, Handicrafts, Traditional jootis, Lac Bangels… Another option to visit places like Sanganer or Bagaru famous for block printing, handmade paper, Blue Pottery… OR visit fascinating Anokhi Museum or Evening climb up the seven-storey high Isarlat and have a broad overview of the remarkably well planned Jai Singh’s city of Jaipur. Or visit Hathi Gaon (Elephant Village)… get connected with them, feed them, paint them, bath them and take them out for a walk. Absolutely fantastic. Enjoy your last evening with a memorable experience in the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan with a Rajasthani traditional dinner in an Ethnic village called “Chokhi Dhani.”

Stay: Bikaner.

Rise and shine at early hours. And leave for Airport to board a flight for Dehradun. On arrival, meet and greet by our local representative and transfer to Rishikesh. Transfer & check into the hotel. After freshen up a meeting with your Tour guide in the hotel, who will brief  You more about your tour and activities in Rishikesh and Haridwar.  In the Evening Stroll around the Narrow lanes of Rishikesh, visiting the Market selling varied items like Om-embossed scarves, T-shirts, steel pots/pans and religious knick-knacks. Cross the bridge. Take A visit to World Famous Parmarth Ashram and get Informed about various Yoga Treatments. In the Evening Enjoy a Yoga Session with Our Yoga Expert at the Ghat of River Ganges.

Rise at early hours and begin your day With a Yoga Session with our Yoga Expert. Afternoon at Leisure. Today’s highlight of the day is the evening sunset Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram – get involved with the actual Aarti and delight in the phenomenal sight of lights, the aura, the chanting and a unique feel-Perfect photo opportunity.

Stay: Mandawa.

Today, we have a long day as we have to board the train from Dehradun in the night for Varanasi. So we have kept the first half of the day at leisure to relax. After doing check out, we opt for a memorable activity of river rafting for which Rishikesh is most famous. And later we drive to Haridwar (25 km / 1 hr ), Which Stands as the gateway to the pilgrimages of Uttarakhand. Haridwar is the place to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges to wash away the sins to attain Moksha. Brahma Kund, at Har ki Pauri (“footsteps of the Lord”), is the spot where the Amrit fell is here and is considered as the most sacred ghat of Haridwar.
The evening Aarti (prayer) at twilight offered to Goddess Ganga at Har-Ki-Pauri is a captivating experience for any visitor. A sight of sound and colour is seen, after the ceremony, when devotees float diyas (the floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, remembering their deceased ancestors. Later we leave for Dehradun to board the train for Varanasi.

On Arrival in Varanasi Railway station, You will be received from the Airport by a member of our local team. Or an appointed driver who will take you of your transfer and check-in of the hotel. The afternoon is free to take some rest. In the evening, visit Dasashwamedh Ghat to observe the Ganga Aarti. It is a top-rated attraction of Varanasi in which you can watch exciting sacraments done to gratify the God of Fire and  River Ganges.
For photo enthusiast, this will be an exciting event to click pictures.  You can also choose to watch this ritual from a boat, from the river. The ghat tends to get very crowded at these awesome ceremonies.

Stay: Varanasi.

Rise and shine at early hours for a boat ride on river Ganges to watch local rituals along the riverside and ghats. The locals visit River Ganges early in the morning for a prayer to Sun God. During this ride, we slowly glide through many ghats, which are famous for a unique activity. For instance, Manikarnika Ghat is renowned for Hindu cremation rites.
After this memorable ride, you would be visiting some of the significant temples like Sankat Mochan temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple, Kalbhairav temple, Manas Mandir, Birla temple, Bharat Mata temple and others. Some temples have strict rules regarding the usage of mobile phones and cameras. Please follow the simple directions. Here you will find a very long queue during essential days and festivals to offer their prayer to the deity. So, Please be prepared accordingly…
This afternoon is for an excursion to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrim spot, the place where Buddha made his first sermon after getting enlightenment. Many kings, including King Ashoka, built many stupas and monuments that are now a famous tourist attraction and the pilgrim spot. In Sarnath, you will be visiting Chaukhandi stupa, archaeological museum, Dhamekha stupa and others.
You can find many ancient Artefacts, terracotta objects and other items inside the museum. Later, you would be escorted to the Airport to board flight for Delhi.
On arrival, you shall be received by the representative and transfer to hotel.

Stay: Delhi.

After leisurely breakfast, it’s a time for some last-minute shopping. And later transfers to Airport / Train station to board the flight/train for your onward journey. Tour concludes.