India's Golden Triangle Tour

Day 1 - Fly London to Delhi

Fly overnight from London to Delhi.

Overnight: Overnight flight to Delhi

Day 2 - Arrive Delhi. Group transfer to hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure, to rest after your long flight or venture out into the city for some personal exploration. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Diplomat Or Similar, Delhi

Day 3 - Sightseeing in Old Delhi.

This morning you will meet your guide who will take you on a tour of the main sights of Old Delhi. You will drive past various historic sites and will see the famous Red Fort of Delhi, an imposing fortification built by the Mughal Emperors in the 17th century and considered one of the most impressive achievements of the Mughal dynasty. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also see the Jama Masjid, another fabulous Mughal building, built for the Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656 and one of India's largest mosques.

You will then head into the heart of Old Delhi with a traditional rickshaw ride through the bustling streets and winding alleys of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest street markets in Delhi. There is a mind-blowing range of goods on sale here and you will mingle with the people of Delhi as they do their shopping. There will also be the chance to try some street food from some of the local eateries.

Overnight: Hotel Diplomat Or Similar, Delhi

Day 4 - Drive to Agra - 150miles/240km, 4 hours. Visit Agra Fort and Sikandra. Evening sunset views from Mehtab Bagh.

After breakfast you will check out of your hotel to drive to Agra, a journey of around four hours. Agra is a large city located on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was formerly the capital of the Mughal Empire and has many fine historic buildings from that era, including the famous Taj Mahal.

On arrival in Agra you will check into your hotel and then, after lunch, you will head out to visit Agra Fort. The Fort was the main seat of power of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was moved to Delhi. As well as being an immense fortress, this building was also a series of fabulous palaces for the Mughal Emperors and their families. These palaces were intricately decorated and, although their decoration is nowadays rather faded, they still give us a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the emperors during this period. From one of the windows of the palace you can get a first glimpse of the Taj Mahal, across the river – the melancholy view that Shah Jahan will have had of the tomb he built for his wife, when he was imprisoned in Agra Fort by his son Aurangzab.

From Agra Fort you will next visit the tomb of Akbar, the final resting place of the great emperor Akbar and another majestic sandstone edifice of the Mughal dynasty. Later you will visit the lovely Mehtab Bagh garden complex designed for the Emperor Shan Jahan and located directly across the river from the Taj Mahal. From here there are stunning views of the Taj at sunset. When the light has finally faded it's time to head back to your hotel.

Overnight: Grand Imperial Hotel Or Similar, Agra

Day 5 - Sunrise Tour of the Taj Mahal. Drive to Fatehpur Sikri continue to Talabgaon – 140miles/223km, 3-4 hours.

In Agra the star of the show is of course, the exquisite Taj Mahal. You will now see it at dawn when it is at its most atmospheric. The Taj was built by the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It fulfilled a promise that he made to her on her deathbed 'to erect a monument to match her beauty'. This stunning mausoleum is a vision in white marble and it really does live up to the hype. The whole building is a virtuoso display of elegant design and the finest craftsmanship. The white Makrana marble is inlaid with semi-precious stones to form a riot of beautiful patterns; a decorative technique known as pietra dura. The Taj stands above formally laid-out gardens and your first view will be to see it reflected in the waters of the central canal of these gardens. When you go inside where you will find the tombs of Shah Jahan and his wife. The interior of the building is cool and atmospheric, being dimly lit through pierced marble lattices – a real contrast to the sparkling exterior.

Reluctantly moving on from the Taj you will drive to the ghost city of Fatephur Sikri just 22miles/36km away. Fatephur Sikri, an ancient Mughal city, was built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, the greatest of all the Mughal emperors, as his new capital. Despite its grandeur the city was abandoned after being lived in for less than 20 years due to either (or both) the failure of the water supply or Akbar’s loss of interest after leaving to fight a campaign in the Punjab. The buildings of Fatehpur Sikri are a unique blend of the architectural traditions of the era, and its many palaces, monuments, temples and mosques are built in a uniform style featuring ornate columns, intricately decorated stone screens and sumptuous carving and ornamentation. Among many fine buildings found in the city is the ‘Jodha Bai Mahal', the largest palace in Fatehpur Sikri, commissioned by Akbar for his favourite queen, and the Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in India. Look out for the tethering posts for elephants and the giant, life-size chess board.

After exploring the city you will continue your journey south and enter the state of Rajasthan. Rajasthan epitomises all that is most colourful and exotic about India, with rugged desert landscapes, romantic warrior forts perched on hilltops, fairytale royal palaces and a vibrant and colourful heritage and culture. About three hours from Fatephur Sikri you will leave the main highway, taking smaller rural roads towards the village of Talabgaon.

Talabgaon is a small village which has seen relatively little western tourism over the years and this tranquil spot offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Arriving in the village along the main street, with its brightly painted buildings, you will reach the magnificent Talabgaon Castle, your accommodation for the night. Entering through the grand gates of the castle you reach an oasis of calm where you will be warmly welcomed, not only by your hosts, but also the village’s resident peacocks who gracefully wander the property.

At Talabgaon you will get a real insight into the proud heritage of Rajasthan. The current proprietors are direct descendants of the original Rajput noble family, who have a tradition as fearless warriors. Their ancestors built the castle nearly 200 years ago and the family is steeped in the martial traditions and heritage of Rajasthan. They have lovingly restored the family home to create this hotel, using local materials and the traditional craftsmanship of skilled artisans. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and there is a lovely swimming pool area where you can take tea or sip a sundowner. Talabgaon Castle also has its own farm where they grow much of the organic produce used to in the delicious local dishes served to guests here.

After you arrive and check in you will be free to explore and enjoy this beautiful and atmospheric spot. You may like to relax by the pool or perhaps, in the evening, climb to the roof of the castle to watch a beautiful sunset over the countryside of Rajasthan.

Overnight: Talabgaon Castle Heritage Resort

Day 6 - Explore Talabgaon. Lunch in a traditional Mud House. Drive to Jaipur - 56miles/80km, 1-1½ hrs. Optional visit to Raj Mandir.

Your day begins with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards you may take a walk to explore the sleepy local village. This is a rural area, well known for its agriculture, and here you will get an insight into the life of a traditional rural community with the opportunity to meet the friendly local people and to interact with the inquisitive children. There may also be an opportunity for some bird watching.

Following your walk, you will have a delicious lunch in a traditional mud house on a local farm. Afterwards you make the short drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The city was built in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II and is often called the ‘Pink City’. This historic city has magnificent palaces and a labyrinth of fascinating bazaars. Your hotel is located just by a gate in the walls of the old city.

Later you may have time to make an optional visit to Raj Mandir. Raj Mandir is a famous movie theatre which has become a popular landmark in modern Jaipur. Opened in 1976 the cinema is known for its opulent and luxurious interiors and is indeed a palace for the modern era!

Overnight: Alsisar Haveli Hotel Or Similar, Jaipur

Day 7 - Sightseeing in Jaipur. Visit Amber Fort, City Palace, Palace of the Winds and explore local bazaar.

Today, with a guide, you will explore the captivating city of Jaipur. After breakfast you will drive out to Amber Fort, a magnificent edifice enhanced even further by its elevated position on a hilltop outside Jaipur. The fort was built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army. It enjoys great views of the lake below and of the Aravalli hills beyond. You can take your time to explore all the fort’s splendid palaces and courtyards and opulent decoration.

Returning to the city you will visit the fabulous City Palace, a royal residence right in the heart of the old city. This large complex is divided into a series of palaces, courtyards and gardens and has a fascinating museum. The outer palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh but other additions are much more recent, with some dating to the beginning of the 20th century. Near the City Palace you will also visit the famous Jantar Mantar, an ancient astrological observatory built by Jai Singh and reputably the largest stone built observatory in the world. Then it’s on to the celebrated Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in 1799. This is a distinctive five storied building built in sandstone with an almost fairytale air although, in effect what you see is actually little more than a façade. The many windows were designed to allow the women of the court to stay hidden from view but to still be able to watch traditional processions and ceremonies as well as daily life in the street below.

Overnight: Alsisar Haveli Hotel Or Similar, Jaipur

Day 8 - Free time in Jaipur. Drive to Delhi. At leisure.

Today you will have the morning free in Jaipur. You may either arrange some further sightseeing or perhaps some retail therapy. Jaipur is very good for shopping, both for local handicrafts and for clothing. The city is well known as a centre for the production of attractive fabrics, cotton clothing, bedspreads etc and for the manufacture of silver jewellery. You could also look for some Rajasthan handicrafts such as woodcarvings, statues and objects inlaid with semi-precious stones.

Later you will drive to Delhi and check into your hotel, which is near the airport, ready for your departure tomorrow.

Overnight: Lemon Tree Premier Hotel, Delhi Airport

Day 9 - Fly to London.

After breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your flight home.