Glimpse of India

A short but comprehensive journey through India’s Golden Triangle

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Group Tour

Duration8 Days
Flights IncludedNo
Prices From £ 995

Places Visited : Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Delhi

Popularly known as the Golden Triangle, this tour takes in the most popular sights of the country and is a true introduction to India. Start in the city of Delhi with the tree-lined boulevards of Lutyen’s New Delhi and the hustle and bustle of the Old City. Move on to Agra to admire one of the most iconic and beautiful buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal, as well as the impressive Agra Fort with its Diwan-i-Am & Diwan-i-Khas (halls of public and private audience) and lastly, the Pink City of Jaipur, with its stately forts, sprawling palaces and colourful bazaars.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1

Delhi

Greeted on arrival in Delhi and transferred to the Suryaa Hotel or similar for two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in the evening.

Delhi, the vibrant capital of India, is steeped in a rich history spanning millennia. Its origins trace back to the ancient Indraprastha, mentioned in Hindu epics like the Mahabharata. Over centuries, Delhi evolved through various dynasties, each erecting magnificent structures like the Qutub Minar, symbolizing Islamic architecture's zenith in India.

The Mughals, starting with Babur, further embellished Delhi with grand edifices like the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb, establishing it as a symbol of power and opulence. The city reached its zenith under Shah Jahan, who built the majestic Taj Mahal in nearby Agra.

British colonial rule marked a relatively new chapter, making Delhi the capital of British India in 1911. Post-independence, it became the seat of the Indian government in 1947, witnessing rapid modernization and urban development. Today, Delhi is a testament to India's diverse cultural heritage, blending ancient legacies with modern aspirations.

Accommodation Options

Suryaa Hotel, New Delhi

Day 2

Delhi

Explore Delhi today. Start your tour of Old Delhi with a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and visits to Jama Masjid and Raj Ghat. After lunch, drive past Lutyen’s Delhi and visit the tomb of Humayun and the lofty Qutab Minar.

Old Delhi, founded by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, is a living testament to India's rich historical tapestry. Originally named Shahjahanabad, it served as the Mughal capital, boasting magnificent structures like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Today, Old Delhi pulsates with life, its narrow streets teeming with bustling markets, vibrant bazaars, and ancient monuments. It remains a hub of culture, commerce, and culinary delights, attracting visitors worldwide. Its enduring charm lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the old with the new, preserving its heritage while embracing the dynamism of modern Indian life.

Accommodation Options

Suryaa Hotel, New Delhi

Day 3

Delhi - Agra

Drive to Agra (4-5 hours) for an overnight stay at the Grand Mercure or similar. In the afternoon visit Agra Fort, the tomb of Itamudud- Daula and enjoy a heritage walk of Agra.

Agra, renowned for the ethereal Taj Mahal, was built in the 16th century, serving as the capital of the Lodi dynasty. It rose to prominence under the Mughals, notably Emperor Akbar, who transformed it into a cultural and architectural marvel. Shah Jahan, Akbar's grandson, immortalized Agra with the breathtaking Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Despite its grandeur, Agra's status as the Mughal capital was short-lived, as Shah Jahan later shifted the capital to Delhi. However, Agra's allure endures, captivating visitors with its timeless beauty and evocative history.

Accommodation Options

Grand Mercure

Day 4

Agra - Jaipur

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Return to your hotel for breakfast before continuing to Jaipur (6-7 hours). En route visit Emperor Akbar’s abandoned City of Fatehpur Sikri and the impressive Chand Baori step well at Abhaneri. Stay at Shahpura House or similar for three nights.

Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Agra, embodies the architectural grandeur of the Mughal era. Constructed by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, it served as his capital for a brief period. The city's stunning red sandstone structures, including the Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, and Panch Mahal, reflect Akbar's eclectic tastes and vision for religious harmony. Despite its short-lived political significance, Fatehpur Sikri remains a cultural gem, blending Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. Its deserted streets and palaces remind visitors of a bygone era, inviting them to explore its history and splendour.

Accommodation Options

Shahpura House, Jaipur

Day 5

Jaipur

Visit the 17th-century hilltop fort of Amber and it's sparkling Mirror Palace. In the afternoon visit the City Palace complex including its museum, and the 18th century Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. Drive through the busy bazaars past the recently restored Hawa Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in Jaipur.

The Amber Fort, a majestic fortress in the hills near Jaipur, Rajasthan, is a testament to Rajput grandeur and architectural finesse. Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh I, it blends Hindu and Mughal influences seamlessly. The fort mesmerises visitors with its imposing walls, intricate marble work, and panoramic views. Highlights include the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), and Ganesh Pol (Ganesh Gate). Elephant rides up the fort's steep ascent evoke a bygone era. The Amber Fort remains a jewel in Jaipur's crown, captivating tourists with its timeless splendour and historical significance.

Accommodation Options

Shahpura House, Jaipur

Day 6

Jaipur

Day at leisure or take one of our optional excursions. This evening enjoy a colourful cultural performance and dinner at an ethnic restaurant.

Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 and strategically planned as a capital to accommodate Jaipur's growing population and political importance. Named after the distinctive pink hue of the city, it comes from the pink sandstone used in the building of its significant monuments and a mandate declared in 1876 to paint all central buildings in a pink shade in welcome of the Prince of Wales.

Dotted with majestic forts, including the iconic Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur epitomises Rajput grandeur and architectural brilliance. The City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), and Jantar Mantar observatory are among its other notable landmarks, showcasing the city's rich heritage.

Jaipur historically housed Rajput royals, nobles, and artisans, fostering a vibrant cultural tapestry. Today, while descendants of erstwhile royals and nobles still inhabit parts of Jaipur, the city pulsates with a diverse populace, including residents from various backgrounds, traders, and tourists, adding layers to its dynamic social fabric.

Accommodation Options

Shahpura House, Jaipur

Day 7

Jaipur-Delhi

Drive back to Delhi this afternoon (5 hours) for an overnight stay at an airport hotel.

In case you didn't manage to shop en route, Gurgaon, a bustling city near Delhi, offers diverse shopping experiences. From luxury malls like Ambience Mall and DLF CyberHub to local markets like Sadar Bazaar and Galleria Market, shoppers find everything from high-end brands to unique handicrafts and street food. Gurgaon's retail landscape caters to every taste and budget.

Accommodation Options

Lemon Tree Premier

Day 8

Delhi

Today you will be transferred to Delhi International airport for your onward flight.

What's Included

✓ 7 nights accommodation
✓ All internal transportation and transfers
✓ English-speaking accompanying guide throughout
✓ Breakfast daily. Lunch on days 2, 4, 5. Dinner on days 1, 6
✓ Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in the tour itinerary

Holiday Extensions for this tour