The Golden Triangle& Rajasthan,India

Day Three: Delights of Delhi

After a relaxed morning, our tour begins in Old Delhi, the former imperial capital of the Mughal Empire. We explore the vibrant Chandni Chowk market, a fascinating maze of narrow streets filled with colourful shops, spices, jewellery, textiles and local life. We then swap our vehicle for a cycle rickshaw and enjoy a memorable ride through the bustling lanes before visiting Jama Masjid, Shah Jahan’s magnificent 17th-century mosque, built from red sandstone and white marble. We continue to Raj Ghat, the peaceful memorial marking the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Our final visit is Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of Delhi’s most important Sikh temples. Here, we discover the tradition of Langar, the community kitchen where thousands of free vegetarian meals are prepared each day. We’ll have the opportunity to volunteer alongside the local community, helping to prepare food and, if we wish, joining them for a simple vegetarian lunch.

Day Four: Delhi - Jaipur

After breakfast, we leave Delhi and drive to Jaipur, the famous “Pink City” of Rajasthan. En route, we stop at a local restaurant for lunch before continuing our journey. On arrival in Jaipur, we check into our hotel and have time to relax. Known for its distinctive terracotta-pink buildings, Jaipur’s old city was famously painted pink in 1876 to welcome the visit of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII. Pink is traditionally associated with hospitality, making it a fitting colour for this vibrant and welcoming city.

Day Five: Jaipur & Amber Fort

Today, we explore the highlights of Jaipur, beginning with Amber Fort, one of Rajasthan’s finest fort palaces. Built by the Rajput rulers, this magnificent hilltop fortress beautifully combines Rajput and Mughal architectural styles and offers wonderful views over the surrounding landscape. We continue to Hawa Mahal, Jaipur’s iconic five-storey “Palace of Winds”, for a photography stop. Its intricate latticed windows were designed to allow the royal ladies to observe the bustling streets while remaining hidden from view. Next, we visit Jantar Mantar, an extraordinary collection of monumental stone and marble astronomical instruments, many of which remain functional today.

Day Six: Jaipur - Jodhpur

After an early breakfast, we leave Jaipur and drive to Jodhpur, a journey of approximately six hours. Known as the “Blue City”, Jodhpur was founded in 1459 and is the second-largest city in Rajasthan. Dominated by the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and the elegant Umaid Bhawan Palace, the city is filled with historic monuments, temples and colourful bazaars. Its old town, enclosed by a 10-kilometre wall, is a fascinating maze of narrow streets where traditional life continues much as it has for centuries. After checking into our hotel and freshening up, we begin our sightseeing with a visit to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, one of the finest and most spectacular forts in Rajasthan.

Day Seven: Jodhpur - Udaipur

After breakfast, we leave Jodhpur and drive to Udaipur, a journey of approximately six hours, excluding stops. Our route takes us through the scenic Aravalli Hills, one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, with beautiful landscapes and glimpses of traditional rural Rajasthan along the way. En route, we stop at Ranakpur to visit its magnificent Jain temples. Set against the wooded Aravalli Hills, the complex is one of India’s most important Jain pilgrimage sites. We explore the stunning Chaumukha Mandir (Four-Faced Temple), a 15th-century marble masterpiece dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara. We continue to Udaipur, arriving by early evening.

Day Eight: Udaipur & Lake Pichola

After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing at the magnificent City Palace, a sprawling complex built over three centuries and combining Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. We admire its exquisite Mewari miniature paintings and visit the fascinating Crystal Gallery, home to an impressive collection of crystal furniture and decorative pieces. We also visit Saheliyon-ki-Bari, the beautiful “Garden of the Maids of Honour”, created for the women of the royal household. Later, we enjoy an exclusive boat ride on Lake Pichola, sailing past picturesque ghats and palaces as the sun sets. We pass Jag Mandir, the elegant 17th-century island palace that once provided refuge to Prince Khurram, later known as Shah Jahan. 

Day Nine: Udaipur - Kota

After breakfast, we drive to Kota, stopping en route at Chittaurgarh Fort, one of India’s largest forts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of Mewar, the impressive fortress is steeped in Rajput history and legends. After our visit, we continue to Kota and check into our hotel. Later, we enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Kota, beginning with Garh Palace, a magnificent 17th-century royal residence showcasing the city’s rich heritage and architecture. We then visit the Chambal Riverfront, a beautifully landscaped riverside attraction featuring gardens, fountains and sculptures, with the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular evening atmosphere along the river.

• Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day Ten: Kota - Ranthambore

After breakfast, we drive to Ranthambore, one of India’s most celebrated wildlife destinations and home to the famous Ranthambore National Park. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, dramatic landscapes and, most famously, its population of Bengal tigers. The area is also rich in history, with the impressive Ranthambore Fort rising above the surrounding forests. On arrival, we check into our hotel and enjoy lunch. The afternoon is free to relax and make the most of the hotel’s facilities, surrounded by the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the Ranthambore region.

Day Eleven: Ranthambore National Park

Today, we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthambore National Park, one of Rajasthan’s premier wildlife destinations and one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger. The park’s rugged landscape of forests, scrub and rocky ridges provides a spectacular setting for wildlife viewing. While tiger sightings are never guaranteed, the park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and more than 300 species of birds.

Day Twelve: Ranthambore - Agra

After breakfast, we drive to Agra, stopping en route at the fascinating Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, Fatehpur Sikri served as the Mughal capital for around 14 years before being abandoned, largely due to water shortages. Today, its beautifully preserved buildings offer a remarkable glimpse into the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. We explore the impressive Jama Masjid, the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other magnificent palaces before continuing our journey to Agra.

• Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day Thirteen: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort

We rise early for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most iconic monuments and a timeless symbol of love. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, its magnificent white marble façade is adorned with intricate inlay work and delicate Persian calligraphy. We return to the hotel for breakfast before visiting the impressive Agra Fort. Originally rebuilt by Emperor Akbar as a grand fort palace, it was further enhanced by his successors, beautifully blending Mughal military architecture with elaborate marble and mosaic decoration. Within the fort, we see the private quarters where Shah Jahan spent his final years in captivity, with a poignant view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River.

Day Fourteen: Agra - Delhi

After breakfast, we leave Agra behind and drive back to Delhi, reflecting on the incredible sights and experiences of our journey through Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle. On arrival, we check into our hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. This is a chance to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind before our final day and savour the last moments of our Indian adventure.

• Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day Fifteen: Depart Delhi

After a final breakfast together, we transfer to Delhi International Airport airport for our onward flight.