Namaste.

The Golden Triangle refers to the geographical pattern of the three most visited cities in India: Delhi, the capital and pulse of the nation; Agra, the home of the majestic Taj Mahal; and Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan. Together, these destinations provide a cultural and historical introduction to India's diverse landscape.

Itinerary


Delhi Arrival

Namaste. Welcome to India! You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Delhi is a bustling metropolis that incorporates the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the monuments stand as a silent reminder to India's legacy. Driving from the airport, you will be impressed with Delhi's spacious, tree-lined streets and garden parks. Overnight at the hotel.

Delhi

After breakfast, join a friend of Sodha Travel for an exclusive tour of Chandni Chowk by rickshaw.  Witness the architectural marvels, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed locals and the fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line the historical alleys.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666) built the walled city of Delhi on the banks of holy River Yamuna.  It had a magnificent palace known as Red Fort, impressive mansions, enchanting bazaars, elegant shrines, royal gardens and fountains at every corner to romance ones' senses.  The Emperor’s beloved daughter Jahanara designed a major street called Chandni Chowk in front of Red Fort, with a canal running down the center and pools at major intersections reflecting the moonlight. 

During the British regime, the street underwent major changes and since then this area has witnessed some of the most important events in Indian history. Today these splendid ruins and tales of valor are a testimony of the evolution of the times.  Chandni Chowk truly reflects the national unity, secularism and diversity of India. The tour covers 20 main sites including palaces, mansions, elegant shrines and colorful bazaars.  

In the afternoon, visit the Sikh Temple (Gurudwara Bangla Sahib). In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of langar expresses the ethics of sharing, inclusiveness, and oneness. It is probably the largest attended community kitchen in the world. The food is freshly prepared and comprises of parshaada (roti), cooked vegetables, daal, kheer, and karaha prashad. The service is performed by the volunteers called Sewadars. This practice of selfless service goes beyond the bound of religion and serves to nourish the soul, creating a sense of unity and oneness. The experience of the Gurudwara Walk will empower you to be one of the sewadars at the Gurudwara. In the role of a sewadar, experience the ultimate joy of giving. Evening at leisure and overnight.

ST's Hotel Recommendation

Maidens

Established in 1903 to host attending dignitaries, Maidens was one of the first hotels in Delhi. Peacocks roam the spacious lawns and chocolate croissants are a personal breakfast favorite.

Delhi

After breakfast, explore the neighborhoods of New Delhi. Drive past the India Gate, President's Palace, and visit Mehrauli. Originally an ancient Islamic monument, the Qutub Minar is the tallest tower in India. Built of red sandstone and marble, the minar is not without controversy. Some believe it was built as a tower of victory to signify Muslim rule in the country, while skeptics claim it was erected to call the devoted to prayer. The complex also houses the first mosque to be built in India and an iron pillar that mysteriously has a high resistance to corrosion, even after being exposed to the natural elements for centuries.

Later, visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, and an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style.

The afternoon is free for leisure activities—we recommend visiting the many bazaars for fantastic shopping! Overnight in Delhi.

Delhi - Agra

In the morning, board your executive express train to Agra. Upon arrival, meet your guide and visit the Agra Fort, a magnificent citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions.

Continue to lunch with a local family. Enjoy lively conversation with your hosts over a beautiful spread of regional favorites.

In the evening, enjoy a heritage walk in Old Town. Step off the tourist track and visit the markets and local places of worship. Under the guidance of an expert, explore the busy streets for lost stories and past traditions. Learn about the architecture, history, and the age-old customs of this iconic city. The tour is conducted around the old market area and includes a visit to Agra's landmarks, including the Jama Masjid, the spice market, and the famous goddess temple before ending the tour with an unusual view of the Taj from the Yamuna.

If time allows, we also recommend a visit to Sheroes café. Away from the marble majesty of the Taj Mahal, the café is run entirely by victims of acid attacks so they can be self-sufficient and raise their families.

Overnight in Agra. 

Agra - Jaipur

In the morning, enjoy a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. (Note: Due to weather and heavy fog, a sunset viewing is recommended in December/January.) Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 22,000 men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world. Return to your hotel for breakfast. 

Later, drive to Jaipur (5 hours). Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel. Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, owes its name, foundation and planning to the great astronomer and warrior Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city is fondly called the "Pink City" due to the pink colored buildings and avenues.

Optional evening experiences include Elefantastic, heritage walks, and cooking demonstrations with friends of Sodha Travel.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Jaipur

After breakfast, visit the Amber Fort. The final ascent can be made by jeep or elephant. In the fort, you will see magnificent palaces and halls covered with mirrored mosaics. Perfectly picturesque, this 16th century hillside residence is well preserved, boasting grand pavilions and mirrored halls that open onto flourishing gardens and courtyards. Although the palace’s main construction started in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, it was added to over the years by successive rulers and continued to be occupied by them until Jaipur was built.

Also view the Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal) and visit Jantar Mantar, the solar observatory built in the 18th century. It includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments. They are monumental examples in masonry of known instruments but which in many cases have specific characteristics of their own. Designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, they embody several architectural and instrumental innovations. This is the most significant, most comprehensive, and the best preserved of India's historic observatories. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.

Optional evening with the artists of Blue Pottery. Blue Pottery is widely recognized as a traditional craft of Jaipur, though it is Turko-Persian in origin. The name 'blue pottery' comes from the eye-catching cobalt blue dye used to color the pottery. It is one of many Eurasian types of blue and white pottery, and related in the shapes and decoration to Islamic pottery and, more distantly, Chinese pottery. It is relatively unusual as a type of quality or luxury Indian pottery, most Indian types being functional and though often highly decorated, relatively low prestige wares.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Jaipur - Delhi and Departure

Morning at leisure or you may explore the vibrant markets and bazaars.

Later, return to Delhi (by flight or vehicle) and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Bon Voyage!

 

Tour Details


Inclusions

  • Hotel Accommodations
  • Daily breakfast
  • Lunch with a local family
  • Executive rail ticketing from Delhi - Agra
  • Private vehicle and driver 
  • Comprehensive touring with a private guide
  • Entrance fees to the monuments
  • Local, immersive experiences
  • Airport transfers with assistance
  • Road/interstate taxes, fuel surcharges, and parking fees
  • Mineral water during touring and transport

Exclusions

  • International airfare
  • Any items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities
  • Travel insurance

Travel Considerations

  • A visa is required for travel to India
  • To protect your travel investment, Sodha Travel strongly recommends travel insurance

Learn More About India

Itinerary Map

  • New Delhi
  • Agra
  • Jaipur