India Golden Triangle Escorted Tour

Flight Details: Australia - Delhi (to be confirmed) We depart on our morning flight from Sydney direct to Delhi with Air India. Arriving into Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport early evening, enjoying a meet and greet on arrival before we are transferred to our hotel for check in. Delhi is the capital city of modern India and has centuries of history, which enriches its culture. Nowhere has tradition blended with modernity on a scale as evident in Delhi, with age-old monuments and ultra modern hi-rise buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for centuries, where today the old and new combine to present a harmonious whole offering to the traveller, elegant shops, colourful bazaars, broad tree lined avenues, ancient forts and mosques, museums and modern architecture.

Overnight Delhi: Le Meridien Hotel or similar - 5 star

This morning after breakfast we explore New Delhi, with our first stop being at the 12th Century Qutab Minar. It is gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the iron pillar which has withstood the ravages of time. Next we visit the Mausoleum of emperor c, a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture. We drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of Indian soldiers), the president’s residence formerly the Viceroy Palace, Parliament House, Secretariat buildings and an interesting blend of Victorian and 20th century architecture. We continue past the Jantar Mantar which consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments. This afternoon we explore Old Delhi visiting Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India which was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656. Situated on a hill near the Red Fort, the mosque took 6 years to complete with the use of 5,000 labourers. It pays testament to the vision and power of Shah Jahan, who is considered to be the most prolific builder among the Mughal emperors. The Jami Masjid has the capacity to hold 25,000 people at one time. Continuing our tour we drive past the magnificent Red Fort, constructed of red sandstone and sits on the banks of River Yamuna, also built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. We board our rickshaw ride and continue travel through Chandini Chowk, once an Imperial Avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial area of Old Delhi. The last visit for the day is the Raj Ghat which is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Then return to our hotel for drinks (own cost) and dinner.

Overnight Delhi: Le Meridien Hotel or similar - 5 star

Breakfast & Dinner

After checkout we depart on an early morning transfer to the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station where we board the Gatimann Express Train to Agra, a unique experience in “first class”! (Departure: 08.10, arrival to Agra: 09.50). On arrival into the Agra Cantonment Station we transfer to our hotel for check in. We then proceed on our sightseeing tour of Agra. Our first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site and 16th century Mughal Monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. Red Fort of Agra was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty. We then visit the famous Taj Mahal, one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”. The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble. It stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy, who took 17 years to complete this ‘Love Poem in Marble’. Late afternoon we return to our hotel to rest up before meeting for pre dinner drinks (own cost) and dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Overnight Agra: Jaypee Palace Hotel or similar - 5 star

Breakfast & Dinner

Morning optional visit to view the amazing Taj Mahal at first light. We take a drive behind the Taj Mahal and see the sun rise above it from the banks of the River Yamanu. After breakfast at our hotel we depart Agra for Bharatpur via Fatehpur Sikri. Fatephur Sikri is a deserted city founded by the Mughals in 1569 and was the seat of the ruling Mughal Empire. We enjoy a morning tea break at Laxmi Vilas Bharatpur, a palace dating back from 1857. Continuing our drive to the Abhaneri Step Well and then onto Umaid Lake Palace for a late lunch. Our drive then takes us into Sawai Madhapur (Ranthambore National Park) for check in at the luxurious Nahargarh Ranthambore Hotel, just in time for pre dinner drinks (own cost) and dinner.

Overnight Ranthambore: Nahargarh Hotel or similar - 5 star

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

With an early morning start we enjoy a 3.5hr ‘Wildlife Jeep Safari’ of the Ranthambore National Park Game Park. It is here where the opportunity may arise to see the elusive tiger plus crocodiles, deer as well as an abundant array of bird-life. We return back to the hotel later in the morning for breakfast after hopefully a successful Jeep Safari. The remainder of the day can be spent strolling the vast gardens, taking a swim or optional visit to local attractions including handicraft village. Lunch today will also be at the hotel. There will be an opportunity for a second 3.5hr ‘Wildlife Jeep Safari’ late afternoon at own cost. This may provide a second chance to spot the Tiger. Then return back to the hotel for dinner.

Overnight Ranthambore: Nahargarh Hotel or similar - 5 star

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast and check out our journey continues up to Jaipur. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City, colourful capital of Rajasthan. Nestled in the rugged hills of the Aravalis, Jaipur is the pristine jewel in the desert sands of Rajashtan. With its rich and colourful past, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. On arrival we check into our luxury hotel before a relaxing afternoon which can be spent taking a swim or having a well earned spa treatment. This evening we gather for drinks (own cost) before dinner at the hotel.

Overnight Jaipur: Jaipur Marriott Hotel or similar - 5 star

Breakfast & Dinner

This morning depart for a morning excursion to the Amber Fort and take a Jeep ride to the inner citadel of this ancient Fort. (Elephant ride up to the fort is optional and subject to availability). Amber was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted in the plains to present day Jaipur. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Jaipur visiting City Palace, and photo stop at Hawa Mahal and Observatory known as Jantar Mantar. Jaipur is a treasure trove for shoppers with a wide range of handicrafts, textiles, precious stones including diamonds and the local ‘Kundan’ style gemstone jewellery not found anywhere else around the world. The exotic blue pottery, batik paintings, the block printed textiles of Sanganer and Bagru, tie dye fabrics, Mojari shoes, sandal wood and beautiful stone carvings are some examples of treasures we may find. An entire street and several city sectors were earmarked for artisans and traders. Later afternoon we return to our hotel to freshen up before dinner.

Overnight Jaipur: Jaipur Marriott Hotel or similar - 5 star

Breakfast & Dinner

Today after breakfast we take a trip to Samode, a small rural country town approx 48km away. We tour the village by camel cart and enjoy the tranquil escape from the daily bustling cities. Lunch is at the amazing Samode Palace with its Indo-Saracenic architecture, a combination of Indian and Mughal styles. The palace is over 475 years old, made from sandstone and situated at the foot of the Aravalli ranges, the foremost mountain range of North Western India. Later returning to Jaipur to our hotel where dinner this evening is at own arrangement and cost.

Overnight Jaipur: Jaipur Marriott Hotel or similar - 5 star

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast and check out we depart Jaipur for Jodhpur travelling westerly across the country stopping for lunch en-route at the Nimaj Palace. Located in the Marwar Region, Nimaj Palace is one of the oldest heritage properties in the country. After lunch we continue our drive and arrive into Jodhpur late afternoon for check in at the Welcome Hotel. After a rest we gather for drinks (own cost) before dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Overnight Jodhpur: Novotel Hotel or similar - 5 star

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We enjoy breakfast at the hotel before our full day city tour. The tour includes a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459, 5kms long and situated on a 150mt elevated hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable structures in Rajasthan. Housed within the fort are some magnificent palaces with meticulously carved panels and latticed windows or “Jarokhas” with evocative names. There is also a museum with a magnificent collection of silver elephant howdahs, gilded palanquins, carved ivory, weapons inlaid with gold and jewels, rare pieces of textile, and some of the world’s finest miniature paintings. A short distance away and our next visit is the Jaswant Thada. The Jaswant Thada is a cluster of royal cenotaphs built in white marble in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-II. We also visit The Clock Tower Market, a major landmark of Jodhpur. Early evening we travel by Jeep to Bishnoi Village and experience the rich cultural and heritage aspects of Rajasthani. Dinner tonight is experienced at the historic Pal Haveli Hotel Restaurant.

Overnight Jodhpur: Novotel Hotel or similar - 5 star

Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast and check out we travel down to Udaipur, en-route visiting Ranakpur Jain Temple. It is said to be the most spectacular of all the Jain Temples. Light coloured marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple. The temple with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill. Over 1444 marble pillars that support the temple are carved in exquisite detail. We also take a look through the Sun Temple Lohargal which is managed by the Udaipur Royal Family trust. Our lunch stop today is at Maharani Bagh Orchid Retreat before arriving in Udaipur for check in. Udaipur is the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency. The city is renowned for having the longest ruling dynasty in the world. Apart from its history, culture, and scenic locations, it is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. The Lake Palace, for instance covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. It is often called the “Venice of the East”, “The city of Romance” or the “Lake City”. After settling into our hotel we meet for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Overnight Udaipur: Raddison Spa & Resort or similar 5 star

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Our day in Udaipur begins with a visit to the City Palace, one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan. Located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola, it boasts a wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture. The Palace has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavour of heritage site. Towering on the banks of Pichola Lake, City Palace is truly a feast to the eyes, boasting a marvellous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, room’s and hanging gardens. Encircled by fortifications, this imposing palace is wholly built in granite and marble. We also visit the Crystal Gallery which displays a collection of Oslers Crystals that were ordered by Maharana Sajjan Singh from the famous manufacturers F and C Osler and Co, Birmingham, England. This 129 year old gallery is home to a collection of crystals that were sourced around 1877 AD. Next to the City Palace is the Jagdish Temple built in 1651 and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Preserver or Sustainer of Life. The temple is surrounded by beautiful lawns, gardens and fountains. After our day exploring Udaipur we head back to the hotel for a rest. Late afternoon enjoying an amazing sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, followed by dinner at the Ambrai Restaurant at Amet Haveli Hotel. The hotel is set within lovely gardens overlooking Lake Pichola and offers panoramic views of the floodlit City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir and Sajjangarh Fort.

Overnight Udaipur: Raddison Spa & Resort or similar 5 star

Breakfast & Dinner

Flight AI472 Udaipur 1525 - Delhi 1650 After breakfast at the hotel the morning is at leisure for last minute shopping and sightseeing. Early afternoon we transfer to Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur to board our flight back to Delhi before transferring to our hotel at Aerocity for check in and farewell dinner.

Overnight Delhi: Holiday Inn Aerocity or similar - 4.5 star

Dinner & Show Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast and a late morning check out, we transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for check in and early afternoon flight back to Australia.

Flight Details: Delhi - Australia (to be confirmed)

Breakfast

We arrive back into Australia early morning with some life long memories after our wonderful 2 week tour of India with Trade Travel.