Golden Triangle Tour - 7 days

After landing at Delhi International Airport, clear the customs and departure from departure lounge. You will meet one of our company representatives who will further escort you to your respective hotel in Delhi. Delhi is a city and the capital territory of the Republic of India. Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires. It has been captured, ransacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval period, and modern Delhi is a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region. New Delhi is the most expansive city of India and is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. After refreshment at hotel, you can explore independently at this bustling and beautiful city and enjoy the local foods.

On the second day of our Golden Triangle Tour, we will proceed for sightseeing of our first destination, Delhi. Our representative will guide you through the ticketing process as well as the history and significance associated with these sites. Below are the lists of the places we will be visiting today:

Raj Ghat: The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Originally it was the name of a historic ghat of Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) on the banks ofYamuna River. It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation, on 31 January 1948, a day after his assassination. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns perpetually at one end. Mahatma Gandhi’s is also famously known as the “father of the nation”. A stone footpath flanked by lawns leads to the walled enclosure that houses the memorial. All guests must remove their footwear before entering the Raj Ghat walls.

Red Fort (Lal–Qila): One of the most important buildings of Old Delhi is the Red Fort. The Red Fort is named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone and is adjacent to the older Salimgarh Fort, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546. The magnificent Red Fort was built during the years 1638 – 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. In 1638 Shahjahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and laid the foundations of Shahjahanabad, the seventh city of Delhi. It is enclosed by a rubble stonewall, with bastions, gates and wickets at intervals. Of its fourteen gates, the important ones are the Mori, Lahori, Ajmeri, Turkman, Kashmiri and Delhi gates, some of which have already been demolished. His famous citadel, the Lal-Qila, or the Red Fort, lying at the town’s northern end on the right bank or the Yamuna and south of Salimgarh, was begun in 1639 and completed after nine years. The Red Fort is different from the Agra fort and is better planned, because at its back lies the experience gained by Shahjahan at Agra, and because it was the work of one hand. It is an irregular octagon, with two long sides on the east and west, and with two main gates, one on the west and the other on the south, called Lahori and Delhi gates respectively. While the walls, gates and a few other structures in the fort are constructed of red sandstone, marble has been largely used in the palaces.

Jama Masjid: The Masjid-i Jahān-Numā is the largest mosque of India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of 1 million rupees, and was inaugurated by an imam from Bukhara, present-day Uzbekistan. The mosque was completed in 1656 AD with three great gates, four towers and two 40 m high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. The courtyard can accommodate more than 25,000 persons. There are three domes on the terrace which are surrounded by the two minarets. On the floor, a total of 899 black borders are marked for worshippers. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

Chandni Chowk: You can take rickshaw ride in the bustling bazaar of Chandni Chowk and tour to Khari Baoli spice market to witness the business markets as well as to eat mouth-watering Indian dishes. Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, India. The Red Fort monument is located within the market. Chandni Chowk, or the Moonlight Square, was designed and established by Princess Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s favorite daughter, in 1650 CE. Chandni Chowk’s specialty is its variety and authenticity: food, delicacies and sweets of more than 1,000 kinds, sarees with chikan and zari. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi peddling through the narrow by lanes of Chandni Chowk.

New Delhi: New Delhi reflects the legacy of the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colors and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

Qutb Minar: Qutb Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It is listed in UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. The tower is located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, India. Qutb-Minar in red and buff stand stone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. Qutbu’d-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu’azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first floor, to which were added three more floors by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu’d-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36). The entirestory are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the Minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first floor. Inside the tower, a circular staircase with 379 steps leads to the top.

Rastrapati Bhawan (President’s house): Rastrapati Bhawan is the official home of the President of India, located in New Delhi, India. The main palace building was formerly known as Viceroy’s House. The design of the building fell into the time period of the Edwardian Baroque, a time at which emphasis was placed on the use of heavy classical motifs in order to emphasize power and imperial authority. The design process of the mansion was long, complicated and politically charged. The dome, in the middle, reflects both Indian and British styles. The dome is exactly in the middle of the diagonals between the four corners of the building. The dome is more than twice the height of the building itself. The Mughal Gardens are situated at the back of the RastrapatiBhawan, incorporate both Mughal and English landscaping styles and feature a great variety of flowers. The Mughal Gardens opens for general public viewing in February–March every year during Udyanotsav. In July 2014, a museum inside RastrapatiBhawan was inaugurated by President of India Pranab Mukherjee. The museum helps visitors to get an inside view of the RastrapatiBhawan, its art, architecture and get educated about lives of past presidents.

India Gate: The India Gate, (originally called the All India War Memorial), is a war memorial located astride the Raj path, on the eastern edge of the ‘ceremonial axis’ of New Delhi, India, formerly called Kingsway. India Gate is a memorial to 82,000 soldiers of the undivided Indian Army who died in the period 1914–21 in the First World War, in France, Flanders, Mesopotamia, Persia, East Africa, Gallipoli and elsewhere in the Near and the Far East, and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. 13,300 servicemen’s names, including some soldiers and officers from the United Kingdom, are inscribed on the gate. The India Gate, even though a war memorial, evokes the architectural style of the triumphal arch like the Arch of Constantine, outside the Coliseums in Rome, and is often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and the Gateway of India in Mumbai. It was designed by Sir Edwin.

Humayun’s Tomb: Humayun’s tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s son Akbar in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by Bega Begum. Humayun died in 1556, and his widow Hamida Banu Begum, also known as Haji Begum, commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style. It is well known that Humayun picked up the principles of Persian architecture during his exile, and he himself is likely to have planned the tomb, although there is no record to that effect.It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, and is located in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, India, close to the Dina-panah citadel also known as Purana Qila (Old Fort) that Humayun founded in 1533. It was also the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and since then has undergone extensive restoration work, which is complete.

Lotus Temple: Lotus Temple is also known as Bahai Temple which is located in south of Delhi. It is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. Its founder, Bahaullah (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahai as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.

Please note that Lotus Temple and Red Fort will remain close on Mondays. After sightseeing return back to your hotel and relax.

Ensuing our tour after appetizing breakfast, we check-out from the hotel and drive towards Agra, our second destination of Golden Triangle. It will take about five hours to reach Agra from Delhi. In no time you will found yourself surrounded by agricultural and industrial countryside, colorfully dressed people and some interesting monuments. Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire – giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughal cuisine.It is a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings. After arrival at Agra, get refreshed at the hotel and proceed for sightseeing of the most notably famous tourist destination: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort andFatehpūr Sikrī, which are all listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra. This unique epitome of Love was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan (reigned 1628–1658), to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaj Mahal. The tomb is the centerpiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653. The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”. Described by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore as “the tear-drop on the cheek of time”, it is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India’s rich history. In 2007, it was declared a winner of the New7Wonders of the World (2000–2007) initiative. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in the memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal, a Persian princess who died giving birth to their 14th child, Gauhara Begum. The imperial court documenting Shah Jahan’s grief after the death of Mumtaj Mahal illustrates the love story held as the inspiration for Taj Mahal. You can enjoy the lovely sunset from this World famous Mausoleum.

Agra Fort: Agra Fort is the former imperial residence of the Mughal Dynasty located in Agra, India. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage siteand is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city. The present-day structure was built by the Mughals, though a fort had stood there since at least the 11th century. Agra Fort was originally a brick fort known as Badalgarh, held by Raja Badal Singh Hindu Sikarwar Rajput king. Four gates were provided on its four sides, one Khizri gate opening on to the river. Two of the fort’s gates are notable: the “Delhi Gate” and the “Lahore Gate.” The Lahore Gate is also popularly also known as the “Amar Singh Gate,” for Amar Singh Rathore. The site is very important in terms of architectural history.

Sikandra: This beautifully maintained monument is where Emperor Akbar was buried. It is a very low profile monument but it has one of the most awe – inspiring tombs. It is surreal how one of the greatest emperors has been put to rest. The manicured lawns has spotted and other varieties of deer roaming in them.

Please note that Taj Mahal will remain close on Fridays. After sightseeing of these famous places, return back to the hotel and stay overnight.

On the following day, we head towards our third and final destination of Golden triangle after breakfast at hotel. In previous day, if you weren’t able to visit Taj Mahal then you can visit Taj Mahal on this day for early sunrise view. You will witness the incomparable Taj Mahal in all its beauty at sunrise.Click wonderful photos at this place and cherish these golden moments for all the years to come. After visiting Taj Mahal, drive towards Jaipur. Enroute you can also visit Fatehpūr Sikrī.

Fatehpūr Sikrī is a city in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh, India. Previously the city’s name was Vijaypur Sikari, of the Sikarwar Rajput clan; the later city was founded in 1569 by the Emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. It is one of the best preserved collections of Indian Mughal architecture in India. Fatehpūr Sikrī sits on rocky ridge, 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) in length and 1 km (0.62 mi) wide and palace city is surrounded by a 6 km (3.7 mi) wall on three sides with the fourth bordered by a lake. Their architect were Tuhir Das and Dhruv Chawla and was constructed using Indian principles. The buildings of Fatehpūr Sikrī show a synthesis of various regional schools of architectural craftsmanship such as Gujarat and Bengal. This was because indigenous craftsmen were used for the construction of the buildings. Influences from Hindu and Jain architecture are seen hand in hand with Islamic elements. The building material used in all the buildings at Fatehpūr Sikrī, palace-city complex, is the locally quarried red sandstone, known as ‘Sikri sandstone’. It is accessed through gates along the 5 miles (8.0 km) long fort wall, namely, Delhi Gate, the Lal Gate, the Agra Gate, Birbal’s Gate, Chandanpal Gate, The Gwalior Gate, the Tehra Gate, the Chor Gate and the Ajmere Gate. While you are here, you canvisit the graceful buildings – The punch Mahal, Anup Talab,Diwan-e- Khas, Tomb of the holy saint Salim Chisti,Buland Darwaza and other important palaces where one experiences not only the Architectural brilliance but also its perfect fusion.

Continuing our drive, we reach to Jaipur after about six to seven hours of drive.Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of Rajasthan. It is also known as the Pink city of India. It is famous for Forts, Palaces and Rich Indian cultural Heritage. After arrival, get refreshed and stay overnight at hotel.

Jaipur has many sightseeing spots to offer to its visitors some of which are listed below:

Amer Fort: Located high on a hill, it is the principal tourist attraction in the Jaipur area. The aesthetic ambiance of the palace is seen within its walls. Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. It consists of the Diwan-e-Aam, or “Hall of Public Audience”, the Diwan-e-Khas, or “Hall of Private Audience”, the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. Hence, the Amer Fort is also popularly known as the Amer Palace. At the entrance to the palace near the fort’s Ganesh Gate, there is a temple dedicated to Sila Devi, a goddess of the Chaitanya cult, which was given to Raja Man Singh when he defeated the Raja of Jessore, Bengal in 1604. Amer Fort, along with five other Forts of Rajasthan, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan in 2013.We will arrange an elephant safari for you to see the countryside around Amber.

City Palace: City palace is an imposing blend of traditional Mughal and Rajasthani Art. It includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces and other buildings, is a palace complex inJaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan state, India. It was the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the head of the Kachwaha Rajput clan. The Chandra Mahal palace now houses a museum but the greatest part of it is still a royal residence. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, and armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions.The palace complex, located northeast of the center of the grid-patterned Jaipur city, incorporates an impressive and vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The architects achieved a fusion of the Shilpa Shastra of Indian architecture with Rajput, Mughal and European styles of architecture.

Albert Hall museum: It is the oldest museum of the state and functions as the State museum of Rajasthan. The building is situated in Ram Niwas Garden outside the city wall opposite new gate and is a fine example ofIndo-Saracenic architecture. The building was designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, assisted by Mir Tujumool Hoosein, and was opened as public museum in 1887. It is also called the Government Central Museum. The museum has a rich collection of artifacts like paintings, carpets, ivory, stone, metal sculptures, colorful crystal works etc. It is named after King Edward VII (Albert Edward), during whose visit to the city as the Prince of Wales, its foundation stone was laid on 6 February 1876.

Hawa Mahal: Hawa Mahalis a palace in Jaipur, India, so named because it was essentially a high screen wall built so the women of the royal household could observe street festivals while unseen from the outside. Constructed of red and pink sandstone, the palace sits on the edge of the City Palace, and extends to the zenana, or women’s chambers. The structure was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. He was so intimidated and inspired by unique structure of Khetri Mahal and he built the grand and historical Hawa Mahal. It was designed by Lal Chand Ustad in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindugod. Its unique five-storey exterior is akin to the honeycomb of a beehive with its 953 small windows called jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework. The palace is an extended part of a huge complex. The stone-carved screens, small casements and arched roofs are some of the features of this popular tourist spot. The monument also has delicately modeled hanging cornices. Like several other monuments of Jaipur, the palace is also constructed using sandstone.

In evening, you can also do shopping in this beautiful city, which is famous for gemstone jewelry, pots as well as great traditional outfits. Later return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.

At the last day of our tour, we will drive back to Jaipur. Before heading back, you can also shop in local market of Jaipur. After six hours of long drive, we reach Delhi. Check-in and stay overnight at hotel.

Depending upon your flight schedule, you will be escorted to the airport for your departure. With all the happy memories, you will leave India. We hope you had a great stay with us and we hope to see you again very soon.