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India's Golden Triangle

8 Days
From CAD 1,300 Was CAD 1,490

Best Rate
Guarantee

Trip Type
Small Group

Activity Level
Easy

Rating

(20 reviews)

Experience Overview

Journey through the cultural heart of Northern India on this tour that traces India's famous Golden Triangle. Explore the delights of Delhi where old and new meet before witnessing the sun rise over the Taj Mahal and finally uncovering the picturesque pink glow of Jaipur. Along the way, sleep like a Maharajah in heritage accommodation and feast on Indian delicacies.
The highlights of Agra - Watch the sun rise over the white marble dome of the Taj Mahal
Jaipur's unmissable sites - Explore the Pink City's iconic must-sees, from the Amber Fort to the Palace of the Winds
Regal hospitality in Kalakho - Get closer to local life with a stay in a family-run heritage property fit for a Maharajah.

Highlights

An 8-day journey through the cultural heart of North India's famous Golden Triangle|Get closer to local life with a stay in a family-run heritage property fit for a Maharajah|Explore the Pink City of Jaipur's iconic sites from the Amber Fort to the Palace of the Winds

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Trip Details

Product Code: 20243

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Moderate

Transport: BusRickshaw

Guide Language: English

Supplier Code: GTI

Starts: India

Finishes: India

Duration: 8 days

Departures: Guaranteed

Physical rating: Easy

Includes

Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)

Accommodation

Deventure Hotel Delhi
Hotel Amar
Umaid Palace
Traditional Haveli
Lemon Tree Premier

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1300 (CAD 162 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1-Join trip in Delhi - Visit Jama Masjid and explore Old Delhi by rickshaw

Today we arrive in New Delhi, India's bustling capital. The city is the perfect blend of new and old, with monuments and temples hidden amongst its glittering skyscrapers. For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 2pm for a welcome meeting followed by a city tour. We'll take to the winding lanes of the Chandni Chowk bazaar by rickshaw, whizzing past stalls selling everything from household wares to souvenirs. We'll also view the Red Fort and the Jami Masjid Mosque - one of the biggest in India. Please note, if you'd like to join today's tour, you'll need to arrive at the hotel by 2pm. If you're organising your own travel, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport, plus at least 45 minutes to get to the hotel. To make it in time, the latest your flight can arrive would be around 12.15pm. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will catch you up as soon as possible. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), a 45-minute drive from our hotel.

Day 2-Morning sightseeing in New Delhi and afternoon travel to Agra

This morning we'll visit New Delhi's modern quarter. The Indian capital has long been a phoenix rising out of its own ruins and New Delhi was the creation of the British Raj in the 1930s. On our tour, we'll view the Lok Sabha (Parliament), India Gate, and the Rajpath buildings. We'll also explore the Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb, set in peaceful gardens away from Delhi's chaotic roads. This afternoon, we'll drive to Agra, around four hours away.

Day 3-Visit the Taj Mahal for sunrise followed by Agra Fort and Baby Taj

This morning's early start rewards us with the spectacular sight of the sun rising over the Taj Mahal. Built more than 300 years ago, it's arguably the world's most poetic building and its beauty seems untouched by age. The Taj Mahal was created by Shah Jahan as a funerary monument to his favourite wife, Mumtaz, and the great Moghul was laid to rest next to her beneath the building's marble dome. Later in the morning, we'll visit the imposing Agra Fort and the Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj). Standing at either side of the Yamuna River, these two impressive buildings go some way in explaining why Agra was the first capital of the Mughal Empire. In between our visits, we'll stop for lunch and try some local delicacies. Finally, we'll finish our sightseeing in Agra with a trip to Mehtab Bagh. From this park, you can see a new perspective of the gleaming Taj Mahal with the Yamuna River in the foreground. This evening, we'll have the option of a cookery class at a local house before sitting down to dinner.

Day 4-Explore Fatehpur Sikri and drive to Kalakho

Early this morning, we'll continue our journey west to reach the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Founded in 1569 and abandoned 16 years later, it remains perfectly intact as an example of Akbar's imperial court. Among the many noteworthy buildings is the five-storey Panch Mahal, probably used as a pleasure pavilion for the ladies of the harem. In the centre of the courtyard is the pachisi board, where the emperor played a game much like chess but using slaves as pieces. Perhaps the finest structure of all is the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), with its lotus-shaped carved central pillar. Leaving Fatehpur Sikri behind us, we'll drive to Chand Baori stepwell. Constructed more than 1,000 years ago, the stepwell is the equivalent of a modern-day water storage unit, built to provide water year-round. Although it's no longer used today, the perfect symmetry of the structure, with its hundreds of slanted steps, is a beauty to marvel at. Finally, we'll make our way to today's final stop, Kalakho. In this small, rural village, we'll stay at a family-run heritage hotel that encourages us to step back in time to the days of the Raj. The rest of the day is free to relax in the gardens, watch the sunset from the terrace or join the family for an evening prayer ceremony at the small temple on the grounds.

Day 5-Explore a vegetable garden before moving on to Jaipur

We'll have a relaxed start this morning with a walk through our host family's organic gardens. The family will guide us, telling us what's in season and the dishes that can be made from certain products. If you don't fancy the walk, you can enjoy a lie-in in one of the heritage-style bedrooms. Afterwards, we'll say goodbye to our hosts and set off on the two-hour drive to Jaipur. Known as the 'Pink City', Jaipur was first painted terracotta pink by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. On arrival, we'll visit Jantar Mantar, a star-gazing observatory built by Jai Singh, the great Maharaja-astronomer. Finally, we'll end the day at Jaipur's lavish City Palace, where we'll find a fine collection of textiles and costumes.

Day 6-Visit Jaipur's Palace of the Winds and Amber Fort

Today we'll visit the Palace of the Winds, a five-storied facade built around 1760, which you might have already spotted on souvenir postcards across the Golden Triangle. Afterwards, we'll drive to the Amber Fort, an impressive hilltop fortress that houses the Chamber of Mirrors and affords glorious views of the surrounding plains. As we return to our hotel for a free afternoon in Jaipur, we'll have the opportunity to stop and view the Jal Mahal Palace. Meaning 'water palace', Jal Mahal sits in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake and makes for a great photo op. This afternoon is free to explore more of Jaipur at your own pace. You might choose to visit one of the famous bazaars which are bursting with delights, from marble statues to antique textiles; traditional print blocks to local musical instruments. In the evening you might be able to take in a famous Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir cinema, an art-deco-style cinema where the locals cheer on their favourite movie stars.

Day 7-Drive back to Delhi via the Heritage Transport Museum

After breakfast this morning, we'll start our journey back to Delhi, around a six- or seven-hour drive. Along the way, we'll stop at India's Heritage Transport Museum, where we'll take a look back on the country's old transport methods from wooden carriages and bullock carts to vintage cars and motorbikes. We'll arrive in Delhi in time for a final taste of the capital's delightful cuisine.

Day 8-Tour ends in Delhi

Our tour of India's Golden Triangle ends at our hotel in Delhi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

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Tour Operator

Explore Worldwide

A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.

In Business Since 1981

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Reviews

Jack - Traveled, July 2023

Fantastic trip. Highly recommend. Feels like we got a nice snapshot of India - which is just what we wanted. We will be back one day for sure. Our guide was an outstanding and knowledgable tour leader, and an asset to Intrepid.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2023

Joceline - Traveled, July 2023

Fabulous trip around the Golden triangle with our tour leader and our lovely group of 9 Woman. We had an amazing experiences in all the areas and sights we visited. Our guide ensured we were safe well informed and managed to cater for all our different needs. Great trip

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2023

Caroline - Traveled, July 2023

As a young western lady I was nervous to travel so far, however, from start to finish, the tour guide made me feel so safe & ensured we each had the most incredible time each day. I recommend Intrepid to anyone wanting an adventure of a lifetime with the assurance of knowing you have the full support & trust of the tour guide every step of the way. He really went above and beyond in ensuring we all had a fantastic trip. Thank you for the trip of a life time!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2023

Lee - Traveled, July 2023

An excellent, well organised trip that provided opportunities to experience key cultural places and activities, as well as the some of the local life within the locations. A jeep trip through the night streets of Jaipur was especially magical and allowed the group to savour the sounds, colours and tempo of the city.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2023

Hellen - Traveled, July 2023

Amazing experience as my first time to India. The itinerary was great and gave a real taste of India and The Golden Triangle

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2023

Lexi - Traveled, July 2023

A whirlwind tour around 3 of India's iconic cities - you get are provided with a brief glimpse into the incredible food and culture India has to offer. I would definitely recommend signing up for the optional hot air balloon ride in Jaipur - such a bucket list moment!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023

Lara-jane - Traveled, July 2023

A fantastic trip providing a great insight into the culture, history, food and atmosphere of India. Made brilliant by local group leaders and guides, this is for any travellers looking for an authentic experience.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023

Helen - Traveled, June 2023

Whilst I had an amazing time during my Golden Triangle Tour, I feel that travellers should be better prepared for the awful sights/smells and sounds that they will encounter in Delhi. I have done charity work in Uganda, Thailand and Cambodia and I thought I was prepared for Delhi, but nothing could have prepared me for the awful deprivation I encountered. That being said, I am glad that I did experience the 'real' Delhi and I also got to see some amazing sights in Jaipur and Agra. I would also like to give 5 stars to our guide, Ajay. He was fantastic. Nothing was too much for him. He was approachable, good humoured and great company throughout.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2023

Alastair - Traveled, October 2022

The tour was great. Well organised and well run by Javid ,my guide. I found that I got tired quickly and he adapted what was expected of me. The driver was also very reassuring with nerves of steel. I felt safe and was looked after throughout the trip.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2022

Meera - Traveled, July 2023

I did the Golden Triangle Tour for 8 days, alongside my friend, in a great group of 8 people, lead by our brilliant guide. She was absolutely brilliant and I still can't believe how much we covered in such a short space of time without feeling at all rushed. Epic trip, thanks all!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2023

Marie - Traveled, July 2023

I can't recommend this Intrepid tour highly enough. The cities visited are fascinating: culturally and historically a real eye opener, all the senses are engaged! The people we met along the way were incredibly friendly. Wandering down the narrow lanes of Old Delhi or Jaipur, visiting the spice markets, the hot air balloon ride overJaipur and the sun rise behind the Taj Mahal should be on everyones bucket list. And I haven't even mentioned the fantastic food! Book and enjoy.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2023

Alexandra - Traveled, July 2023

Highly recommend doing this tour if it’s your first visit to India! Go with an open mind and a willingness to get into the depths of the country and you will have an incredible time.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2023

Helena O Reilly - Traveled, February 2020

The guide, Javed, could not have been less interested in his job. He was aloof and unfriendly. The hotel in Delhi was awful. Like, seriously awful. Other accommodations were pretty much okay, and full of other Intrepid Tour groups. As far as the alleged commitment to sustainable travel, that appeared to manifest in not providing any water, thereby making purchases of water in plastic bottles necessary. Well, that and Javed sort of tossed carry bags (with the Intrepid Travel logo! Of course!) to us on our first night. He was not enthusiastic about them or anything else. Although he did appear super happy and chatty with all of the other Intrepid Tour Leaders, which was a relief because I was worried he was a robot. “Local tour guides” were generally lovely and enthusiastically shared their knowledge with us. They were by no means providing “an insiders view unattainable otherwise”, these were all professional tour guides at each heritage location. I’ve written to intrepid three times providing feedback regarding the miserable experience I had. I know you will be as shocked as I am to hear I have received not a single response to my emails. Not.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/05/2020

Julianne - Traveled, October 2019

G was an amazing guide. He went above and beyond in every instance to ensure that EVERY passenger was catered for. A wonderful tour with heaps to see and do. The Taj Mahal was my absolute favourite - a dream come true.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/04/2019

Rasha S - Traveled, September 2019

Great itinerary- good use of 8 days.