Golden Triangle India and Beyond - Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai

You will arrive in Delhi, the capital of India and one of the main points of arrival in India. Here, you will meet our representative and get introduced to your private driver who will stay with you till the airport drop at Udaipur. 

Arrive at the hotel in New Delhi for a relaxed overnight stay.

Today visit UNESCO Heritage Sites and prominent monuments of Delhi starting with the Qutab Minar in the south of Delhi, a 240-foot minaret and one of the tallest in the world. After Qutab Minar, travel 20 minutes to visit Bahai Temple in south-east Delhi (popularly known as the Lotus Temple). It is a unique lotus shaped temple with no deity. From Bahai Temple, proceed northwards to visit Humayun’s Tomb (a 16th-century tomb of the Mughal emperor Humayun and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Thereafter, drive past India Gate (War Memorial), the Parliament House and the Presidential Palace before stopping for lunch.

After lunch, you will proceed to areas in old Delhi in central Delhi to visit the Red Fort (dated 17th century, the residence of Mughal emperors for over 200 years and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After the visit to the Red Fort, return to the hotel where you can spend the evening leisurely.

Expert Tips:

• If you are staying around Connaught Place in central Delhi, you may return to the Red Fort in the evening at 7:30 PM for the light and sound show. Alternatively, you can explore the beauty of one of the oldest commercial complexes built by the British, Connaught Place, popular for pubs, lounges, restaurants and big showrooms selling branded merchandise and handicrafts.
• If you are staying around South Delhi, you may visit Hauz Khas Village for shopping and dinner (Hauz Khas Village is well-known for pubs, lounges, restaurants and exquisite shops selling designer clothing and handicrafts).

Start out in the morning to Agra (210km - 4 hours), home to the Taj Mahal, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World and the most visited monument in India. You will reach Agra by lunchtime and the hotels at Agra are set within a 2km radius of the Taj Mahal. Around 3 PM you can take a guided tour of the Taj Mahal.

You are dropped to Shilpgram from where you take a battery-operated vehicle to the east gate of the Taj. Marvel at the monument, take photographs and explore its different chambers; later in the evening, you will return to the hotel where you can relax.

Expert Tip:

• One has the option to visit "Mohabbat e Taj", a light and sound show at Kalakriti in the evening, (18:30 to 20:00 hours) which depicts the history and heritage of Agra.

Set out to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, a popular historical destination and a part of the Golden Triangle circuit. Enroute Jaipur, around 30km from Agra, visit Fatehpur - Sikri, a large complex, dating back to the 16th century, and best-preserved example of Mughal architecture. Main attractions of Fatehpur Sikri are the Buland Darwaza (180 feet high entrance gate), Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) and the Tomb of Salim Chisti (a renowned Sufi Saint).

After spending some time at Fatehpur - Sikri, you will proceed to Abhaneri Stepwells or Chand Baori (130km - 2 hours). Built between 800 AD and 900 AD, Chand Baori remains the best-known stepwell and one of the most mesmerizing monuments in Rajasthan. After visiting the above-mentioned, you will return to Jaipur by evening (84km - 1.5 hours from Abhaneri Step wells). You can spend the rest of the evening at the hotel or you can explore Jaipur on own.

Today you will visit Amer Fort, which is 11km from Jaipur, one of the biggest tourist attractions in Jaipur and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is spread over 4 levels and requires a couple of hours if you want to explore it thoroughly.

Thereafter, proceed to the old city of Jaipur to visit the City Palace (royal family residence), Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar (royal observatory). After visiting these famous monuments, you can spend the rest of the day resting or leisurely explore Jaipur on your own.

Expert Tips:

• Jaipur has many designated shopping areas for handicrafts, textiles, and jewellery. You can spend a few hours exploring these areas.
• Jaipur is renowned for its Rajasthani food. Here, apart from the typical sit-down dinner, you can enjoy the traditional dance of Rajasthan as well.

Today you will travel to Bijaynagar (220km - 4 hours) via the lakeside pilgrim town of Pushkar (150km from Jaipur). Pushkar is well-known for its spiritual appeal and it is home to the only Lord Brahma temple. After spending some time at Pushkar depart for Bijaynagar and reach by lunch time.

Bijaynagar is an excellent stopover on the Jaipur - Udaipur route, which offers travelers the chance to experience the culture of the villages and countrysides of Rajasthan. You can spend the rest of the day by exploring optional activities on your own or just relax and enjoy the Bijay Niwas Palace or the scenic countryside.

Expert Tips

• In Bijaynagar horse riding, jeep safaris, biking, nature walks, village safaris can be arranged. If you are interested, you can opt for either of these activities.
• Bijaynagar lies in close proximity to Sonkhlia Bustard Reserve, where it is possible to sight a wide range of birds including the Lesser Florican. You can opt for an evening guided bird walk.

On the Jaipur - Udaipur route, you will be able to find Chittorgarh (132km from Bijaynagar /Barli), a more than 1000 years old fort which is one of the largest in India and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site can be found here.

The fort is spread over 691.9 acres and comprises of palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemoration towers. Once the tour of the fort is complete you will depart to Udaipur (120km from Chittorgarh - 2 hours), which is considered as one of the most romantic destinations in the world. By late afternoon/evening, you will arrive at Udaipur and you can spend the rest of the evening exploring Udaipur on your own.

Expert Tip:

• Udaipur has many exquisite restaurants around the Lake Pichola area that offers panoramic views of the Lake and the Lake Palace. If you get a chance, spending an evening here would be ideal!

Get ready to depart for an excursion to Ranakpur (85km one way), where you will visit the 15th-century Jain temple made up of 1444 pillars. By afternoon you will visit the City Palace museum and ride in a boat in Lake Pichola which will be followed by a visit to the vintage car museum. The remainder of the evening is for you to explore Udaipur on your own.

Expert Tips:

• One can visit "Bagore Ki Haveli", an evening show by the riverfront that features local dances, puppet shows etc. or watch the grand light and sound show at the City Palace.
• One can visit Sajjangarh Fort (the Monsoon Palace) (11km), which sits atop a nearby hill and offers stunning views of Udaipur city. It is best to visit here during sunset to catch the phenomenal views.
• Arts and crafts are popular in Udaipur and areas such as Shilpgram are often visited by tourists where you get to not only interact with artisans but also shop for souvenirs.

Today, you will take a morning flight to Mumbai and then drive to south Mumbai (25km - 1.5 hours), you should reach around lunch time. South Mumbai is home to many heritage buildings and also a waterfront that overlooks the Arabian Sea. You can choose to rest and relax or explore south Mumbai on own.

Expert Tip:

• Few activities you can partake in are - a walk around the Gateway of India, street shopping in the Colaba area, visit the Prince of Wales Museum and the Jehangir Art Gallery and thereafter explore the various cuisines in and around the area (the Colaba area is home to wide range of dining options).

Depart in the morning for a guided excursion to Elephanta Caves, a short boat ride from Gateway of India will get you there. Elephanta Caves is a set of Buddhist caves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will return by lunchtime after which you can spend the rest of the day exploring south Mumbai on own.

Expert Tips:

• The Colaba area is home to some of the most popular boutiques and art galleries such as Fab India (a textile shop), Phillips Antiques (an antiques' store) etc. You can spend a few hours here exploring these stores before dinner.
• In the evening you can take a drive around a famous area in Mumbai's called Marine Drive for a view of the buzzing promenade, the serene Arabian Sea and the Queen's Necklace. You can also drive past the glorious Railway Station (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is fully lit up in the evening.