Beyond the Golden Triangle in India

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Description

January 17th - January 31st 2017 (15 days)

India’s spectacular Golden Triangle comprises New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur but you’ll also discover the delights of lesser visited Udaipur, Bundi and Deogarh as well as tracking elusive tigers on a safari in Ranthanbhore. Over two weeks you’ll discover and embrace India’s remarkable cultural history which radiates from every temple, palace and nuance of daily life. This ultimate tour of North India also includes plentiful helpings of delicious Indian food, heaps of British Raj heritage and stays in some palatial heritage hotels.

Highlights

• Bare witness to the sheer beauty of the Taj Mahal
• Search for enigmatic tigers on safari in Ranthambhore
• Explore the iconic palaces and temples of the Pink City, Jaipur
• Taste exquisite Indian cuisine in some fabulous heritage hotels
• Experience the charms of Indian life across Rajasthan

What's included?

• Flights and transfers from the UK
• 4-star accommodation
• All meals
• All excursions
• Services of a local guide
• Services of a tour manager

Excursions

• Old & New Delhi Tour
• Agra sightseeing with Tonga Ride
• Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour
• Chand Baori Stepwell Tour
• Two Ranthambhore Safaris
• Bundi Sightseeing Tour
• Chittogarh Fort Tour
• Udaipur Tour with Lake Pichola Boat Ride
• Deogarh Mahal Tour with Rural Village Visit
• Birla Temple with Arti Ceremony Jaipur Tour

Itinerary

DAY 1: DEPART THE UK

Overnight will be on the flight to India.

DAY 2: YOUR GRAND TOUR BEGINS

India is a complex tapestry of fascinating cultures, deeply rooted in an ancient land. Your Golden Triangle Indian tour is a perfect way to experience this kaleidoscope of a nation and there could be no better starting point than to begin at its beating heart. Through countless pages of history, Delhi has served as a capital of kingdoms and a hub of empires, and it now forms a vibrant and colourful metropolis, combining a rich history with contemporary culture. You’ll arrive in Delhi at noon and be met by a coach at the airport that shall take you for your first of many delightful Indian lunches. Following this you shall pass many of New Delhi’s monumental buildings realised by Edwin Lutyen, such as Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) on your way to your hotel. Located just outside the city in one of the region’s coolest districts, Gurgaon, you will enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in what is known as the ‘new’ New Delhi.

Lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Gurgaon.

DAY 3: IMPERIAL CAPITAL OF THE RAJ

Your tour this morning begins in the walled city of Old Delhi, a district which goes deep into the very fabric of Indian tradition. You’ll visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan with a capacity for 25,000 worshippers. You’ll take to the streets of Chadni Chowk (Moonlight Square), one of Delhi’s oldest and most vibrant markets before boarding a rickshaw for a thrilling ride. You’ll take your lunch in a local restaurant before continuing into New Delhi. This afternoon includes a visit to Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Once a 12-bedroom house, this is where Gandhi was staying when he was fatefully assassinated in 1948, which is marked by the moving Raj Ghat memorial. Your tour then continues to the red and gold Hindu Laxminarayan temple and the white and gold Bangla Sahib Sikh temple, both great examples of ornate oriental design. Your tour will conclude at the Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world built by Delhi’s first Muslim ruler. Your tour then concludes back at your hotel where you’ll enjoy your dinner.

All meals included. Overnight in Gurgaon.

DAY 4: ONWARDS TO AGRA, JEWEL OF MUGHAL INDIA

This morning you shall explore Humayun’s Tomb, constructed in the 16th century, before journeying to the second point on the Golden Triangle, Agra, the Mughal’s second capital and home to the Taj Mahal. Following lunch you shall arrive into Agra in the early afternoon and visit Itmad Ud Daula, a small tomb described as a ‘jewel box’ or the ‘Baby Taj’ due to its similarity to the world wonder you shall visit tomorrow. The Baby Taj offers wonderful views across the Yamuna river towards the Taj Mahal. You’ll then transfer to your hotel for dinner.

All meals included. Overnight in Agra.

DAY 5: CROWN OF PALACES – THE TAJ MAHAL

This morning may prove to be the highlight of your adventure, as you visit one of the world’s most recognisable treasures, the Taj Mahal. You’ll wake up early and visit the gorgeous white mausoleum as the sun rises and casts its first light upon the shimmering domes. Built by Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved Queen, Mumtaz Mahal, this architectural gem took thousands of workers of 21 years to realise and is breathtakingly beautiful to behold. With its stunning design and perfectly balanced symmetry the Taj has become a global icon, resplendent with its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the finest inlay work ever accomplished by craftsmen, anywhere in the world. You’ll all receive a miniature sculpture of the Taj Mahal to bring this iconic structure alive in your imaginations. You’ll then return to your hotel for breakfast before heading to Agra Fort, one of the finest Mughal structures in India. A combination of vivid red-sandstone and creamy marble, this military structure was transformed into a formidable, yet gorgeous palace in the 17th century. Whilst in Agra you’ll also enjoy the clopping of a tonga ride. These two-wheeled carts driven by a single horse were once used extensively throughout India. Most tongas are covered and give the feeling of being a royal guest as you frolic around the city. You shall take a restful lunch and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You may wish to embrace the hustle and bustle of the local market, discover one of the many museums on art and culture on offer or relax by the pool back at the hotel.

All meals included. Overnight in Agra.

DAY 6: TO THE HUNTING GROUNDS OF THE MAHARAJAS

Having seen the spectacle that is Agra, you’ll journey to Ranthambhore, which in years gone by was the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur until 1970. Now a famous National Park, this is Rajasthan’s best place to spot nature’s most powerful cat, the tiger as well as an array of other exotic birds and animals. Along the way you’ll visit Chand Baori in Abhaneri, this is one of the oldest and grandest stepwells in India. A stepwell is a large, deep well which is reached by descending a set of steps, as opposed to using a rope and bucket down a shaft. Chand Baori consists of 3,500 narrow steps over 13 stories that form a geometric masterpiece 100 foot into the ground where water sits at the bottom. You’ll enjoy a break from the road for lunch along the way in a restaurant before continuing to the National Park where you’ll check into British Raj styled bungalows.

All meals included. Overnight in Ranthambhore.

DAY 7: IN SEARCH OF TIGERS IN RANTHAMHORE

This morning will commence with an early game drive in Ranthambhore National Park. Safaris are tense, thrilling and above all, unpredictable. The sight, sound and smell of wild animals in their natural habitat are the highlights of many travel adventures. You’ll be equipped with listening devices so you can hear the words of your natural tour guide whilst still remaining silent as you head out in search of tigers. The powerful tiger is iconic for its reddish orange fur and dark stripes. This apex predator is endangered and isolated to small pockets of parkland in India. Featuring prevalently in the mythology and folklore of many cultures, the tiger is both feared and loved by East Asian Countries. Whilst on safari all your senses will be heightened by your proximity to nature; if you are lucky enough to encounter this majestic beast it will be an incredibly memorable experience. Following lunch and a lazy afternoon you’ll embark on an evening game drive in search of more fauna and flora that emerge when the temperatures begin to cool.

All meals included. Overnight in Ranthambhore.

DAY 8: BRAHMIN BLUE BUNDI

This morning you’ll depart Ranthambhore National Park and head west to the peaceful town of Bundi, an up and coming hang-out for those who wish to experience the rare and magical atmosphere of the India you imagine from the bygone era of centuries past. A quieter destination than the other cities of the Golden Triangle, Bundi is a tranquil blend of blue houses, lakes, hills, bazaars and temples on every corner. You’ll enjoy lunch in your hotel and then head to Bundi Queen’s stepwell, a fabulously ornate construction with places of worship on every descending floor to the water. Following this you’ll head to the local market which will be a cacophony of bartering, bargaining and gossiping and a fragrant succession of exotic spices and herbs.

All meals included. Overnight in Bundi.

DAY 9: CHITTORGARH, THE PRIDE OF RAJASTHAN

Waking up refreshed in peaceful Bundi you’ll enjoy breakfast before departing for Udaipur, visiting the colossal Chittorgarh Fort enroute. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex encircles an area of 700 acres on a 180 metre hill top and dates from the 7th century, containing 1400 years of intrigue and history within its walls. There is still a small village in a corner of the fort occupied by locals, with the rest of the plateau occupied by spectacular towers, palaces and temples as a glorious reminder of the heyday enjoyed by the area’s Mewar rulers. Following lunch your journey continues to Udaipur, a romantic city of marble palaces that rises out of the shimmering water of Lake Pichola. You’ll then check into your ornately decorated oriental hotel in the heart of the Old City.

All meals included. Overnight in Udaipur.

DAY 10: THE RAJPUT SPLENDOURS OF UDAIPUR

This morning you’ll stroll through the Old City of Udaipur. You’ll enter Sahelioyon-ki-Bari (Courtyard of the Maidens) which is a monumental garden space featuring lotus pools, marble elephants and spindly fountains. Constructed for a Princess and her ladies in waiting, the gardens are fed by multiple water ducts that each have their own distinct sound, complementing the exotic ambience imbued by the courtyard. Your walk continues to Jagdish Temple, a towering Hindu place of worship from the 17th century and you shall visit Maharana Pratap’s memorial and hear about this Rajput hero. Your tour continues with a drive to Fateh Sagar Lake before you take to the water and cruise across Lake Pichola on a boat, accompanied by a local flute recital to create a truly magical experience. You’ll enjoy your lunch in the city centre and have the afternoon to enjoy at leisure, either further exploring the delights of Udaipur or relaxing back at the hotel.

All meals included. Overnight in Udaipur.

DAY 11: RELAX IN YOUR VERY OWN INDIAN MAHAL IN DEOGARH

Today you leave the marble palaces of Udaipur behind and travel a short distance north to Deogarh, a small rural town surrounded by gorgeous countryside and wildlife. You’ll spend the night in the town’s impressive mahal (palace) dating from the Udaipur Kingdom period. Surrounded by gloriously decadent Indian architecture you’ll walk through the palace and learn about its interesting history and listen to a voice over narration by William Dalrymple, an acclaimed Scottish historian and writer. Following lunch in the hotel you shall visit a local village for the chance to interact with locals and experience Indian daily life.

All meals included. Overnight in Deogarh.

DAY 12: JAIPUR, VICTORIOUS CITY OF THE MUGHALS

Your voyage of discovery continues today as you head north to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan home to flamboyant palaces, busy bazaars and the grand Amber Fort. You’ll enjoy a lunch in the countryside before arriving at the final point of the Golden Triangle in the early afternoon. Once here, you shall pay a visit to the Birla Temple and witness the Arti ceremony. This grand Hindu temple is one of many constructed throughout India by the prestigious Birla family. In the early evening, the fragrance of burning incense and the sound of prayer and tinkling bells fills the air as priests begin the Arti ceremony in front of their deities. Following this holy spectacle, you’ll head to another palatial hotel of marble, frescos and grand domes for dinner.

All meals included. Overnight in Jaipur.

DAY 13: THE PINK CITY OF INDIA

Also known as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur’s old town is famous for its glowing pink buildings that reflect the colourful culture of the locals. Your visit will include the imposing Hindu and Mughal Amber Fort which you’ll ascend in a Jeep. Next, you’ll have a brief stop at the beautiful Hawa Mahal, known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’. The ornately carved façade of fine latticework is a particular wonder owed to the privileged Maharajahs who once called Rajasthan their home. You’ll also enjoy visiting the City Palace which contains numerous courtyards, gardens and palatial rooms right in the centre of the Old City. Your final stop will be to the local Baapu Bazaar where fine fabrics, suits, slippers, jewellery and local crafts are available. Your lunch shall be taken in the city before you have the rest of the afternoon at leisure for further pursuits.

All meals included. Overnight in Jaipur.

DAY 14: COMPLETING THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

This morning you shall enjoy a relaxing breakfast in Jaipur before completing your grand tour of the Golden Triangle. You’ll board your coach for a leisurely drive through the countryside back to New Delhi where your adventure begun.

All meals included. Overnight in Gurgaon.

DAY 15: DEPARTURE HOME

Your morning will be enjoyed at your own pace today before you transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight home.

Breakfast included.

Information last updated: 24/05/2016 10:44:44