India's Golden Triangle comprises of the three most visited cities in the country's north-west - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, which are all connected to each other by good roads and rail links. On the map, these form a roughly equilateral triangle, some 200-250 km along each side. This triangle has been dubbed "golden" for the extraordinary wealth of cultural and historical splendour on offer in each of the three cities. Jaipur, capital of the largely desert state of Rajasthan, is home to some of Asia's best bazaars. You could spend weeks in Delhi, the sprawling, fascinating Indian capital, and not see it all, while Agra, once the heart of the Moghul empire, boasts of the unparalleled beauty of the Taj Mahal, which adorns the banks of the Yamuna river. The Golden Triangle is a classic introduction to India: if you've never been to the subcontinent before, start here. |
DAY 01- ARRIVE DELHI Welcomed by an ITC representative at the Delhi International airport and transferred to your hotel. Relax and unwind on your first day in Delhi. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 02 - IN DELHI
This morning we will go on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. The day will begin with a visit to the Raj Ghat, a monument to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. The Jama Masjid, a Mughal monument and a prominent mosque will be the next destination, followed by a photo stop at the Red Fort. In the afternoon we will first visit the Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, and then move on to the unique lotus shaped Bahai Temple. Later, after a photo stop at the India Gate (War Memorial Arch) we will visit the President's Palace, Parliament House and the Sikh Temple at Bangla Sahib. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 03 – DELHI - AGRA (203 km/04 hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel we'll leave for Agra and on arrival check in at the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening we will visit the Taj Mahal on a Tonga- a horse-drawn carriage. The brilliant colours of the setting sun cast an ethereal hue on the white marble-clad mausoleum, making it a remarkably beautiful sight to behold. A World Heritage Site and one of the 'Seven Wonders of the World', this beautiful monument built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, is synonymous with India to most visitors to the country. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 04 – AGRA
After breakfast at the hotel we'll take a look at the Taj by day. This magnificent structure took 22 years of concerted effort by as many as 20,000 workers to complete. Verses from the Koran are engraved on the walls, and fine inlay-work using semi-precious stones adorns the interiors. Although the Taj is one of the most photographed edifices in the world and is instantly recognized by people, seeing it for real is an awe-inspiring experience. Later in the day we will visit the massive Agra Fort, once the seat of the Mughal rulers and today a World Heritage Site. Built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, the fort contains several palaces, pavilions, gardens, mosques and private chambers. Agra is renowned for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone created by descendants of the craftsmen who built the Taj Mahal. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 05 – AGRA - JAIPUR (232 Km/06 hrs approx)
After breakfast we'll leave for Jaipur. En-route we will stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted historical city built in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar as his capital, but abandoned a few years later due to scarcity of water. We'll stop for lunch at Bharatpur and then continue to Jaipur. We will check in at the hotel on arrival and in the evening visit an enchanting Village of Magicians. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)
DAY 06 – JAIPUR
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll go on a day-long sightseeing tour of Jaipur and Amber. Jaipur was founded in 1727 AD by Maharaja Jai Singh who was not only a great statesman but also a keen astronomer and an architect. The highlights of the tour will include riding an Elephant* to the historical Amber Fort set on a hill outside Jaipur, visiting the historical Sheesh Mahal resplendent with mirrors, the Observatory of Jai Singh (Jantar Mantar), the City Palace and the Museum. The day's itinerary will end with a drive, past the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and through Jaipur's pink coloured residential and business areas. Evening at leisure. Enjoy a sumptuous Rajasthani Dinner and stay overnight stay at the hotel. (A vehicle will be at your Disposal) *Elephant ride subject to availability.
DAY 07 – JAIPUR - MUMBAI (9W 376 – 0810/0945 hrs)
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to board a flight to Mumbai. You will be met on arrival by a representative of ITC and transferred to your hotel. After check-in we'll proceed to the Gateway of India to board a ferry to Elephanta island, a destination popular with tourist because of the island's cave temples. The Elephanta Caves have been carved out of rock and date back to the 8th century. The island is easily accessible by ferry from Mumbai, being only about 10 km south-east of the city. One of the cave temples has a unique three-faced Shiva Sculpture. After returning to the hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal) *Internal flight subject to change.
DAY 08 – MUMBAI DEPART At the scheduled hour you will be transferred to the international airport to board the flight to your onward destination. DEPART.
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Prices are per person based on 2 people occupying 1 double/twin room. Prices may vary based on local market fluctuations. For single supplements please contact India Travel Centre. Price Includes: B&B at all hotels except where cited on the itinerary, chauffeur driven AC car, train fares, jungle, elephant ride in Jaipur, Jungle safaris in Ranthambore, all entrance fees, guide charges, assisted airport transfers. Price Excludes: International Flights & Internal Flights - Please contact India Travel Centre for booking flights. |