Golden Triangle with Ranthambore

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met by one of our representatives to be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is open at leisure.

Overnight in Delhi

MEAL: None

Breakfast at the hotel after you will start your guided exploration of Delhi, India’s capital city that sports a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. Arrive in Old Delhi and ride in a cycle rickshaw (Pedi-cabs) through the narrow lanes. The Old City walls wrap around Chandi Chowk, the ancient market that continues to thrive. The energy in the streets is palpable. Local men sit and sip their tea at chai stands.

After visiting Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century and surrounded by multiple entrances that all lead to the apex of the main worshiping deck. You will continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial of Gandhi, built at the site of his cremation on the banks of the Yamuna River.

Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial to Gandhi, built at the site of his cremation on the banks of the Yamuna River.

Later visit the Sikh temple, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, the second most important Sikh shrine in India, and learn about the history of this religion. Here you will witness the community kitchen where thousands of worshippers are fed round the clock. Every Sikh temple across the world has a ‘langar’ (free kitchen). Every day they serve chapati (bread) and lentil (dal), supplemented with vegetables to the devotees/ community. While at the Sikh temple, visit the Community Kitchen where food is prepared and served free of cost all day and night to thousands of people!!

Afternoon, drive past India Gate and the Government Secretariat buildings on the way to the Qutab Minar – the five-storied victory tower to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India by the first Muslim ruler, Qutab-Ud-din Aibak.

Overnight in Delhi

MEAL: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel Afer drives to Agra – the city of Taj Mahal. Toilet stops will be made en route.

Arrive in Agra and check in for your stay.

Agra – Once a small village on the banks of the Yamuna, it was transformed by two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar, and his grandson Shah Jehan into the second capital of the Mughal Empire – Dar-ul-Khilafat, or ‘seat of the Emperor’ in the 16th & 17th century. A world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys, bustling streets, and small buggies, Agra retains the irresistible charm that made this the favorite city of the Mughals.

This afternoon, visit your local hosts over a cup of Indian Chai (tea) & some delicious homemade snacks. Interact with the family members to understand the value system of Indian society and the lifestyle of locals.

Optional activity: Visit the Agra Fort – the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Approachable by two imposing gates and constructed of red sandstone, the citadel was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between the years 1565 and 1573. Encircled by a moat, this dramatic city within a city were the palace of three emperors, Akbar, Shah Jehan, and Aurangzeb, each of whom made significant contributions to the wonderful architecture of the inner buildings – a combination of Persian (Islamic) and local Hindu styles.

Supplement cost: USD 31 per person on a minimum 2 paying pax

Overnight in Agra

MEAL: Breakfast

Rise early for a dawn visit to the Taj Mahal. It is fitting to see this extraordinary monument in the first light of day as its exemplary beauty is awe-inspiring and will create an unforgettable memory. Mughal emperor, Shahjahan built this architectural wonder to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Fashioned from white marble with semi-precious pietra dura stone inlay work, it was described by Nobel Prize-winning poet Rabindranath Tagore as “a teardrop on the face of eternity”.

Note: Timing is subject to change based on the local sunrise timing

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Later drive to Ranthambhore. On arrival in Ranthambhore, check-in for your stay.

Optional activity: Visit Fatehpur Sikri (37 Kms southwest of Agra) – the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ‘ruins’ are still in a pristine condition.

Supplement cost: USD 28 per person on a minimum 2 paying pax

The Ranthambore National Park was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a game sanctuary; in 1980, it became a national park. But with the commissioning of Project Tiger in 1972, it was included in the project. With the addition of neighboring Keladevi and Mansingh sanctuaries, the total area of the national park stands at 1,334 sq. km.

The tigers of Ranthambhore are among the best documented and most photographed and filmed of any in India. It is also the park where a successful series of projects undertaken by the wildlife conservationists have benefited the surrounding villages through health projects, agricultural assistance, and reforestation – all to deflect pressure from this isolated park.

Overnight in Ranthambhore

MEAL: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning visit the imposing Amber Fort. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, the fort is an authentic example of Rajput architecture and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is one of its more spectacular buildings.

After this visit, you will be attending a workshop on traditional authentic carving and hand block printing demonstration to learn this age-old textile craft of Jaipur. In this tour, you will be visiting Anokhi Textile Museum followed by a hand on experience with block printing to create your souvenir.

Next brief photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Its beehive-like structure is the interplay of red and pink sandstone, painstakingly outlined with white borders and motifs. Behind this elaborate latticed facade, the cloistered ladies of the court could watch the daily goings-on in the street below.

End the tour with a fascinating walk in the old city. Mingle and talk with the locals whilst observing some of the region’s culinary delight and trying out some famous Indian snacks. Observe local artisans in their workshops; jewelers and silversmiths, and gold and silver foil makers. The iconic Hawa Mahal also called the Palace of the winds is the meeting – point at which this walk begins. Here you also have the option of seeing the art of Henna painting.

Optional activity (Dinner with local noble family):

Rajasthan is known for its unique cuisine style. They have delicious homemade dishes which are mouth-watering. This session will give you an excellent opportunity to try your hands on local cuisine with some simple steps which you may follow back at home to create “Indian magic”. In addition to the cooking class, another highlight of the evening is your host who is from a noble family. He would give you an insight into contemporary India and ancient India during the conversation over dinner

Supplement cost: USD 55 per person (minimum 2 Pax)

Overnight in Delhi

MEAL: Breakfast