Explore the iconic Golden Triangle and discover the spiritual city of  Amritsar with our 11-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural  heritage of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, and visit the sacred Golden Temple  in Amritsar. Experience the diverse sights and sounds of India with  expert guides. 

Arrive into India!  Our representative will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.   

Welcome to Delhi, the intriguing cultural and historical centre of India’s past and future, built over 450 years by a succession of empires - first the Hindu and Muslim dynasties, followed by the powerful Mughal dynasty who ruled until the British took over. Delhi offers its visitors glimpses of the stupendous power and wealth of its past. Where even the most modern parts of the city retain their distinctly Indian identity, here you will find a model of the latest car cruising through the streets and at the busiest intersection you will find a herd of doe-eyed cows oblivious to the traffic! It is in Delhi that a Mercedes Benz and a cycle rickshaw co-exist in the same neighborhood. In keeping with this Old and New Delhi are so different from each other but yet one compliments the other! 

Arrive and proceed to your hotel.

Delhi is divided into two distinct parts - Old Delhi which was the capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries. Once a walled city, it still contains its fabled, colorful bazaars and a myriad of narrow streets, of which Chandni Chowk, with its never-ending but ever fascinating chaos remains the most famous. Your morning exploration of Old Delhi begins with a drive past the Red Fort, a symbol of Shah Jehan's Mughal power and elegance, also known as the greatest wonder of all the cities of Delhi. India's history has been closely linked with this fort. It was from here that the British deposed the last Mughal ruler - Bhadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of a three - century long Mughal rule. 

It was also from its ramparts that the first prime. Minister of India, Pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free from colonial rule. The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, after ruling from Agra for eleven years, decided to shift to Delhi and laid the foundation stone of the Red Fort in 1618. For its inauguration in 1647, the main halls of the palace were draped in rich tapestry and covered with silk from china and velvet from Turkey. With a circumference of almost one and a half miles, the fort is an irregular octagon and has two entrances, the Lahore and Delhi Gates. 

Your tour continues with a visit to India’s largest mosque Jama Masjid, originally known as ‘Masjid-I-Jahan-Numa’, meaning ‘The mosque with a commanding view of the world’. This mosque was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan and was completed in 1656.  

For your next escapade, special mode of transportation has been arranged – brightly colored cycle rickshaws, the best way to navigate the narrow, bustling alleyways. Your ride takes you through the fabled “Chandni Chowk,” literally translated as “Silver Square”, which was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jehan's favorite daughter. It was commercial hub of the Mughal era and at that time inhabited by the well-to-do families of the city.  

Continue onto Raj Ghat, a simple square platform of black marble found on the banks of the Yamuna, at the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination on 31st January 1948. The memorial has the epitaph Hē Ram, (literally translated as 'O' Ram’, but also translated to 'O God'), believed to be the last words uttered by Mahatma Gandhi. 

This afternoon you will enjoy a panoramic tour of ‘Lutyens’ Delhi or New Delhi , named after the leading British architect Edward Lutyens who was responsible for most of the architectural design and building when India was part of the British Empire in the 1920s and 1930s. Designed in the 1920’s by the British architects Lutyens and Baker, all the main buildings of this imperial capital remain today. The architecture is a combination of British and Indian styles and this whole area of Delhi is magnificently planned. New Delhi, with its orderly, spacious, tree-lined avenues, exhibits a unique blend of monumental British and Indian styles.   

Drive through the city viewing the government buildings, President's House and Parliament House.  At one end of the avenue known as the Rajpath (literally translated as the “King’s Way”) is the War Memorial Arch, better known as India Gate, a memorial to the 90,000 Indians who gave their lives in World War I. The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and it was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Another memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti was added much later, after India got its independence. The eternal flame burns day and night under the arch to remind the nation of soldiers who laid down their lives in the Indo-Pakistan War of October 1971.  

As you drive along  the majestic  Rajpath -  the broadest  avenue of  Delhi -  our first  views encompass the enormous Secretariat buildings with their 1,000 rooms and miles of corridors, and the Parliament House, a huge circular building in red and grey sandstone with an open colonnade extending around its circumference. At the other end stands the Rashtrapati Bhavan, one of the largest and most grandiose of the Raj constructions, built originally for the British Viceroy and now the official residence of the President of India.   

You will visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir. Built by the industrialist Sh. J.K. Birla in 1939, this beautiful temple is dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (The preserver). The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes will be allowed to enter the temple. The highest tower in the temple reaches a height of 165 feet while the ancillary towers reach 116 feet. The Geeta Bhavan, a hall is adorned with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology. There is also a temple dedicated to Buddha in this complex with fresco paintings describing his life and work. The entire complex, especially the walls and the upper gallery are full of paintings carried out by artists from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The rear of the temple has been developed as an artificial mountainous landscape with fountains and waterfalls. 

Your tour ends with a visit to Qutab Minar, India's tallest stone tower. At a height of 234 feet, the "Tower of Victory" is considered by some to be the world's most perfect specimen of tower architecture. A mathematical marvel, this building has remained standing for eight centuries. Another important monument within the complex is the Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque, literally translated as ‘The Might of Islam’. Though today the mosque is in ruins, it is believed that twenty-seven Jain temples were destroyed and their materials reused to construct the monuments of the complex.

This morning you will depart by surface to Agra, the capital to the Mughals in the 16th and 17th Centuries. Though Agra's history is largely recognized with the Mughal Empire, this city was established much earlier and has links to the Mahabharat

period in 1000 BC. However the Golden Age of this city began with the Mughals and was known then as Akbarabad. 

Home to three generations of one of the most dynamic dynasties in the medieval world - with each generation playing a different role in its making! Agra is home to the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India, of which the Taj is simply the most famous. The beauty of these buildings is astonishing and learning about the dramatic history that played itself out on these stages makes the entire Agra experience come alive. 

Arrive and proceed to the hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.   

This morning you will visit the Taj Mahal, to experience its splendour and beauty graced by the light of the sun. Visitors are asked to remove their shoes prior to entering the interiors of the Taj Mahal.

Emperor Shah Jehan, fifth of the great Mughals was devoted to his wife Mumtaz Mahal (jewel of the palace). She died at the age of 39 giving birth to her fourteenth child and he went into mourning for two years, turning away from the business of running an empire and becoming more involved with his other great love - architecture. He resolved to build his wife a memorial surpassing anything the world had ever seen in beauty and, it must be admitted, wild extravagance. Twenty thousand laborers and skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy were put into action to construct this unrivalled masterpiece.  Shah Jehan was deposed by his son and was imprisoned in the Agra Fort where he remained until his death, spending the rest of his life looking along the river to the final resting-place of his wife. Shah Jehan and Mumtaz Mahal are now both buried in the underground chamber of the Taj Mahal.

After your visit proceed to the hotel for breakfast. 

Optional Visit # 1 – Visit the Agra Fort 

You will also visit the magnificent Agra Fort. Emperor Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1565-1573. With imposing gates, walls of red sandstone and moat, it dominates the center of the city. Aurangzeb imprisoned his father, Shah Jehan, at Agra Fort — a mild punishment considering the luxury of the fort. 

Legend states that Shah Jehan died in Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony with an excellent view of the Taj Mahal. The fort contains splendid palaces both in red sandstone and white marble built by three Mughal generations – Akbar, Jehangir and Shahjahan. Of the nearly 500 Akbari buildings built in the Bengal and Gujarati traditions only a few have survived. One of the large fortified residences built at various strategic points of Mughal Empire; it had over five hundred buildings however only a few have survived the ravages of time.  

Optional Visit # 12 – Visit Itimad-ud-Daulah 

Itimad-ud-Daulah often called the ‘Baby Taj’ and ‘Jewel Box’ is actually a mausoleum that overlooks the River Yamuna and is a tomb of Mir Ghiyas Beg, a minister in the court of Shah Jahan. This was built in the old city of Agra by Noor Jehan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, a Persian and an important member of Akbar's court. This was the first building to be constructed of pure marble in Mughal India and is distinctively feminine in design. The cenotaphs and walls of the ground floor contain inscription in Persian. The wall inscriptions are from Quran and other holy texts, while the cenotaph inscriptions are stating the name and title of those interned. Noor Jehan's niece Mumtaz married Shah Jehan, so ironically both of the most perfect monuments of Agra belong to this Persian family rather than to the Mughals. 

This afternoon you will explore the local marble and leather markets including a Pietra Dura Workshop. 

The Mughals constructed numerous monuments of which many were architectural marvels with intricate inlay work. The Taj Mahal and some of the buildings within the Red Fort are just some of the examples. Mosaic inlay work was however prevalent in India long before the advent of the Mughal with the colored patterns on the ceilings, walls and floors of temples are evidence of this art.  

The art of Parchinkari or The art of inlaying semi-precious stones in marble had begun in India in the early 17th century with Shah Jahan being its patron and pioneer. This art is derived from an Italian art form known as pietra dura (hard stones) which originated in Florence in the 16th century. It involves shaping small pieces of semi-precious stones in the form leaves, flower petals etc. and fitting them together so that they look like one complete flower or animal or any other shape the artist intended it to look like. The method of inlay used currently in Agra has not changed very much from the times of the Mughals, but the patterns have evolved and have become more refined over the centuries. Spend some time witnessing this process. 

This morning you will depart for Jaipur stopping en route to visit the

Abhaneri step – well! The concept of step-wells originated in India and these acted as the reservoirs or the storage tanks that could store large amount of water and keep it cool as well Chand Baori is India’s most famous step-well and is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. Located in the village of Abhaneri, it was built by Raja Chand a Rajput of the ruling Chamana Dynasty, to solve the water problem of this arid region. Though the temple is in ruins, its beautiful craftsmanship is still visible. Harshat Mata is regarded as the goddess of happiness who spreads joy to the entire village. Visiting the temple is worth the while, thanks to its amazing architecture which takes us back to the glory of medieval India. The ruined images in the temple indicate that the temple was actually dedicated to Lord Vishnu.  

Continue to Kalakhao for a special experience, meet with the family, get hands on with a cooking demonstration and see how Indian flatbread is made. For the ladies there will be a sari tying demonstration and for the gentlemen a turban tying experience. Time permitting you will visit an organic form.

Continue onwards and drive to Jaipur, whose past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city".  There is a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people.  With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs.

Arrive and proceed to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. 

This morning explore the city including a photo stop at the Palace of Winds. Completed in 1799, the Palace was originally built to allow the sequestered ladies of the court to view the bustling life of the city. It is popularly known as Hawa Mahal, because of the perforated screen façade which catches the welcome breeze or Hawa.   

Continue to Amber Fort, set atop the crest of a rugged hilltop and overlooking Lake Moata, the fort evokes thoughts of legends and fairy tales. The fort has been constructed in white and red sandstone. The Fort is unique in that it’s outside, an imposing and rugged defensive structure, is markedly different from its inside, an ornate, lavish interior influenced by both Hindu and Muslim styles of ornamentation.

The walls of the interior of the fort are covered with murals, frescoes, and paintings depicting various scenes from daily life. Other walls are covered with intricate carvings, mosaic, and minute mirror work. Amber Fort has been constructed in white and red sandstone. The Fort is unique in that it’s outside, an imposing and rugged defensive structure, is markedly different from its inside, an ornate, lavish interior influenced by both Hindu and Muslim styles of ornamentation. The walls of the interior of the fort are covered with murals, frescoes, and paintings depicting various scenes from daily life. Other walls are covered with intricate carvings, mosaic, and minute mirror work. Enjoy a jeep ride to and from the fort. 

This afternoon explore Johari and Bapu bazaar. Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise, renowned for gems and jewelry: precious and semi-precious stones set in gold, ‘meenakari’ (enamel work), antique and chunky silver jewelry; and Colombian emeralds which are actually brought to Jaipur for cutting and polishing and are available at reasonable prices. Other finds include carpets, ‘Pechwai’ and miniature paintings on silk and paper, a unique type of blue pottery and even glass bangles! Fabric-wise, there are brocades, tie-and-dye, block printed, and the famous ‘mirror work’ embroidery, also used in table linen, cushion covers and readymade garments.

Optional tour of City Palace and Jantar Mantar (Observatory) 

This afternoon your exploration of the city begins with a visit to the City Palace complex that continues to evoke the splendour of a bygone era. In an unending series of delights, from its grand aged entrance  to the  play of  ornamental fountains,  the City  Palace is  a  dazzling showplace  of Hindu  and Mughal  architecture.  Amongst the pleasures of the Palace is a museum with ample evidence of opulence.  

Next to the city palace is Jantar Mantar, literally translated as Calculation Instrument. This Observatory was built between 1728 and  1734  by Maharaja  Jai Singh,  Jantar  Mantar was  built on  a grand  scale  and was way beyond its time. This was modeled after the one that was built in Delhi, the then Mughal capital. He had constructed a total of five of which the one in Jaipur is the largest. 

Today you return by surface to Delhi.  

Today you will board your train to Amritsar, literally means "Holy pool of nectar". Home to the Golden Temple Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. The Golden Temple was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. Harmandir Sahib also known as the Golden Temple is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion. This important Sikh shrine attracts more visitors than the Taj Mahal in Agra as it has more than 100,000 visitors on week days alone! 

Arrive and proceed to your hotel. 

A visit to the spectacular Golden Temple is a lifetime travel highlight. This evening you will visit Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib also referred to as the Golden Temple. The Golden temple at night is certainly a treat for the eyes & soul and is a magical sight!

The construction of the gurdwara was begun by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, and completed by his successor, Guru Arjan. In the early nineteenth century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered the upper floors of the gurdwara with gold, which gives it its distinctive appearance and English name of "Golden Temple". The Golden Temple is considered holy by Sikhs because the eternal guru of Sikhism, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is always present inside it and its construction was mainly intended to build a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religion to come and worship God equally. 

The temple’s architecture is a blend of both Hindu and Muslim styles. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), Hari Mandir was decorated with marble sculptures, golden gilding and precious stones. The Adi Grantha is placed within the sanctuary on a jewel studded platform. This holy- scripture is a collection of devotional poems, prayers and hymns composed by the ten Sikh gurus and various Muslim and Hindu saints. The chanting of these hymns begins early in the morning and continues long past sunset, these hymns are changed to the exquisite accompaniment of flutes, drums and stringed instruments. An underground spring feeds the sacred lake.  

The Shri Harmandir Sahib is open all night, and the holy Guru Granth Sahib is brought in to the inner sanctum in a ceremonial procession at dawn.

Today you will visit the Golden Temple once again. The main building is three floors high and is crowned with a dome shaped like an inverted lotus. The lower floor is in white marble, whilst the two upper floors are gold plated. The temple has four entrances instead of the usual single entry, symbolic of the openness of Sikhism and the fact that followers of all faiths are welcome here.  

The Adi Granth, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, rests on a throne beneath a jewel-encrusted canopy. Priests continuously recite verses from the holy book in 3-hour shifts. A complete reading of the text takes 48 hours. Jallianwala Bagh. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also known as the Amritsar Massacre, was named after the Jallianwala Bagh (Garden) in Amritsar, where, on April 13 1919, British Indian Army soldiers under the command of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer opened fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children. 

You will also visit the holy abode of goddess Durga in Amritsar, Durgiana temple resemblance the golden temple in its structural design. It is considered as one among the holiest temples in the city and it dates back to the 16th century. Intricately carved paintings of goddess Durga in her various incarnations are the significant feature of this marvelous shrine. One among the peculiarity of this temple is that it does not follow the typical temple architecture of ancient times. Though various other deities found their place in the interior of the temple, mother goddess is the prevalent deity of the temple. Erected in the midst of a tank the temple holds awnings and a middle arena in the style of the Sikh temple. A renowned depository of Hindu scriptures, this temple displays an unusual grandeur and elegance of its own.  It is sometimes also called the Silver Temple for its carved silver doors. 

This afternoon you will depart for a visit to the Wagah Border to watch Border Retreat Ceremony. Wagah is the only land border open between Pakistan and India. This ritual of the beating of the retreat and the change of guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces is an interesting sight. Witnessing the Border Retreat Ceremony at the Wagah Border is popular.   

Early morning proceed to the railway station for your train back to Delhi.

Arrive and proceed to your hotel. 

Proceed to the airport for your onwards flight!