8-day India's Highlights of the Golden Triangle tour - Flights Included

Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart. The following is based on a Monday departure.

DAY 1: Monday - Arrive in New Delhi
Welcome to India! Arrive in the energetic capital city of New Delhi; meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone 
Overnight: New Delhi

DAY 2: Tuesday - Old & New Delhi City Tour (B, L, D)
Begin in the walled city of Old Delhi, founded by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Travel along the winding streets to Jama Masjid, the largest and best known mosque in India. On a cycle rickshaw, continue along the lanes of Chandi Chowk, once the imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. After lunch, on to New Delhi, a city of airy boulevards, lush parks and gardens. Visit the Sikh Temple and drive past the imposing India Gate War Memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Enjoy a visit to the Gandhi Smriti, the official residence of Mahatma Gandhi, where he spent the last 144 days of his life, that is now a museum. The tour continues with a visit to Humayun's Tomb set in stunning gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, meet with your fellow travellers and Tour Manager for an orientation meeting on the incredible journey in India that awaits you, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the hotel 
Overnight: New Delhi 

DAY 3: Wednesday - Travel to Jaipur (B, D)
Depart New Delhi to Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. En route, stop for some photos at the graceful sandstone Qutab Minar Victory Tower, the world's tallest brick minaret, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in glorious Jaipur, with its stucco buildings lining the wide streets and you'll understand why it is nicknamed the "Pink City." The city was painted its unique color in 1876 to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales. Drive past stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces on the way to Bhandari Jewellery: Jaipur's centuries-old craft community, world-renowned for its quality and design. Bhandari Jewellery, third generation gemologists, offers a spectacular array of gems, available loose or uniquely set in gold and silver, plus local handicrafts, stone and marble carvings, and paintings. Then, visit a bargain-filled bazaar before dinner at the hotel 
Overnight: Jaipur 

DAY 4: Thursday - Amber Fort, Jaipur (B)
Excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors. Ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep. From here, see the panoramic views of Jaipur's original city walls and the lake below. Stop for refreshments before shopping the vast collection of local handicrafts at Jaipur Handicrafts, offering premium quality handmade carpets, textiles, pashminas, pottery and paintings. Fabrics in all colours and textures are available for loose purchase as well as custom design work. Spend the afternoon at leisure strolling through the city's delightful gardens, or, join the optional tour to view the well-preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory and drive past Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds" with its lacy ornamental façade. Later, the tour continues to the opulent City Palace, former royal residence, now a grand museum with an extraordinary collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory. Tonight's optional evening is highlighted by the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine at a local neighbourhood restaurant, while you're entertained by performers in traditional attire as they execute various dance moves to the rhythm of the accompanying musical instruments 
Optional: Half Day Jaipur Tour (PM) 
Optional: Dinner at Local Jaipur Restaurant with Cultural Performance 
Overnight: Jaipur 

DAY 5: Friday - Travel to Agra via Abhaneri (B, L, D)
Depart Jaipur to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Begin at Chand Baori, one of the largest step wells in India, fortified on all sides. This unique idea was conceived by the early natives to work as a water reservoir, located adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, goddess of joy and happiness - an architectural jewel. Then after lunch, continue on to Agra, with its celebrated past, rich heritage and architectural delights. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the delights of this splendid city. Dinner is at the hotel 
Overnight: Agra 

DAY 6: Saturday - Taj Mahal (B)
A memorable day as you visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen. Perhaps, this is the most perfect architectural monument in the world, built of white marble and precious stones over a 22 year period - considered the finest example of Mughal architecture. Afterwards, stop at Kalakriti Marble. The Taj Mahal inspired the Kalakriti family to become the manufacturer of fine inlaid marble work. Marvel at the museum quality workmanship as you watch a demonstration of the timely process of marble carvings, filigree and stone inlay. Then browse Kalakriti’s home furnishings and decorative items. In the afternoon, participate in the not to be missed optional tour to the red sandstone Agra Fort, with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire; this monument has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semiprecious stones. Enjoy the evening at leisure 
Optional: Half Day Agra Tour (PM) 
Overnight: Agra 

DAY 7: Sunday - New Delhi (B, D)
Depart Agra this morning and return to New Delhi on your last day in India. Upon arrival, time to freshen up before tonight's festivities. Bid farewell to your newfound friends and Tour Manager at a festive Farewell Dinner at the hotel 
Overnight: New Delhi 

DAY 8: Monday - Return Home (B)
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Please note prices may vary and are subject to availability at time of booking.

Advertised pricing is based on twin share accommodation for the following departures (solo pricing available on request):

• 03 Apr 2020

Multiple departure dates are available from Feb-Apr 2020

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 for more details or to book your tour

Your package includes 7 nights in First Class accommodation - including 3 nights in New Delhi, 2 nights in Jaipur and 2 nights in Agra

The Park, New Delhi (4-star)

• This first class hotel is located in the city centre near to Connaught Place, with easy access to government and commercial districts.

Four Points by Sheraton Jaipur, City Square, Jaipur (4-star)

• This first class hotel is located on popular Tonk Road close to shopping and restaurants.

Trident Agra Hotel, Agra (4.5 star)

• This superior first class hotel is located in the heart of Agra, not far from the Taj Mahal.

Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, New Delhi (4-star)

• This first class hotel is about a 30 minute drive away from the city centre of New Delhi.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This program is a comprehensive fast-paced tour featuring the highlights of India in a brief visit. Several days require long driving distances between cities, 6-8 hours driving. Some tours will require walking for extended periods of time, walking on uneven surfaces, and travel in 4x4 vehicles over rough terrain. For more leisurely options, please check our longer-stay tours. Air pollution is a problem in many of India's major cities. Please see the CDC website and/or consult with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations. The usage of a bandana or, light scarf might help screen out some of the pollutants in the air. This is a Classic program.

Know Before You Go

Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.

Getting Ready to Go

Travelling to India should be a rewarding and exciting experience. While India may be known for high-tech entrepreneurs and Bollywood films, it is still a developing country with over 450 million people that eke out a meagre existence on less than $1 per day. Based on the World Bank's figures, more than one third of the world's poor live in India. As a country of over 1 billion citizens, the cities in India, which were built to hold a fraction of their current population, are often crowded, noisy, dirty and smelly. Air pollution is a problem in many of India’s major cities. Some passengers find that using a bandanna or light scarf screens out some of the pollutants in the air. Many Western visitors are unprepared for the level of poverty that they may witness. Getting around in India can be challenging, and sometimes involves walking through narrow streets with busy traffic to reach some tour locations. Despite these realities, travelling to India offers many rewards and we are pleased to introduce you to the people, history, and culture of these incredible countries.