Golden Trangle: Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi-Agra
You will be picked up from your hotel in Delhi and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to Agra which is about 205 kilometres away. At Agra, check into the Clarks Shiraz, a luxury hotel located near the Taj Mahal. The hotel has air-conditioned rooms, multi-cuisine restaurants, a swimming pool and other modern amenities.
In the afternoon, take a sightseeing tour of the city accompanied by an English-speaking guide and visit the world famous Taj Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is built entirely out of white marble. Explore this historical landmark and see the fine 'pietra dura' (marble inlay work), marble screens and cenotaphs of Emperor Shah Jehan and Mumtaz Mahal.
Continue to the Agra Fort. The fort is built of red sandstone and marble and offers incredible views of the Taj Mahal and Yamuna River. Visit the Diwan-e-Aam (House of Commons), mosques and royal pavilions like the Macchi Bhavan and Shah Jahani Mahal.Marvel at the ingenuity of Mughal architecture that kept rooms cool by constructing walls hollowed out for water to flow through them. Some of the buildings are made of pure marble and have beautiful carvings.
Return to your hotel where you will spend the night.
Day 2: Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Jaipur
Set out in the morning for Fatehpur Sikri which is located 40 kilometres away from Agra.
Fatehpur Sikri is the beautiful, deserted capital city of the Mughals and was built by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. According to legend, the city was built in honour of the great Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti after whose blessings a childless Akbar got an heir. Visit the remarkably well-preserved buildings like the tomb of Salim Chisti, red sandstone structures of the Jama Masjid (a mosque), Panch Mahal and the Palace of Jodha Bai. The structures reflect a blend of Islamic, Hindu and Persian styles of architecture.
From Fatehpur Sikri, drive 221 kilometres to Jaipur in Rajasthan. Check in to KK Royal Days hotel where you will spend the night. A luxury hotel located near the famous hilltop fort Amber, KK Royal Days has tastefully decorated rooms that combine ethnic, traditional charm with modern amenities. It has multi-cuisine restaurants, a shopping arcade and swimming pool among other amenities.
Day 3
Set out from your hotel in Jaipur accompanied by an English-speaking guide for the hilltop fort at Amber. Along the way, stop at the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds and get some photographs of this beautifully crafted structure which overlooks a bustling market. The palace has a number of small windows and screens with arched roofs and intricate carving and was constructed so that the women from royal families could watch processions below without being observed themselves.
Amber fort is a classic, romantic Rajasthani fort-palace. Built on top of a hill, it has a commanding view of the surrounds and you can take an elephant ride from the base of the hill to the fort. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592, this Rajput fort-palace is a must visit for its mosaics and marble relief panels. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes and offer a glimpse into the lives led by the King and his nobles. Sheesh Mahal, a room whose walls and ceiling is embedded with mirrors is particularly beautiful. A guide will light a candle inside Sheesh Mahal and the room glitters like a million diamonds. This is a sight you will never forget.
In the afternoon, take a sightseeing tour of Jaipur, the Pink City and visit the Maharaja's City Palace. The residence of the royal family of Jaipur, a part of it is now a museum while the rest is occupied by the royal family. The palace is built in the style of a fortified campus and the museum is a must visit for its armoury section. Continue to the Jantar Mantar, built by King Jai Singh II who had a deep interest in astronomy. This is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments like the sun dial, and many of them are still in working condition.
Return to your hotel, where you will spend the night.
Day 4: Jaipur-Delhi
You will travel back to Delhi in an air-conditioned vehicle today. The tour ends at your hotel in Delhi.
Inclusions / Other info
Inclusions
Breakfast
Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
Elephant ride or Jeep drive up to Amber Fort in Jaipur
English-speaking local guide for sightseeing of Agra and Jaipur
Accommodation (single or sharing twin bedded for 3 nights)
Exclusions
Lunch and dinner
Entrance fee to monuments
Expenses of personal nature such as table drinks, telephone calls, laundry, camera fee for still or video camera, tips to drivers, local guides, and hotel staff.
Additional info
Meeting and assistance provided at hotels by a representative.
You will travel in an air-conditioned Ambassador car or a similar medium-sized car. The Ambassador is based on the Morris Oxford first made in the United Kingdom and is considered the best suited for Indian terrain
The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator's contact details and local telephone numbers at the destination. They will happily answer any logistical questions you may have
Please Note
Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays
Check in and check out time is 12 noon at all the hotels
Please call the local activity operator at least 24 hours prior to the start of the tour to reconfirm the departure details
