Golden Triangle and Indian Festivals

Breakfast at the hotel. Make a quick stop at the much-photographed Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, one of India's most beloved historic buildings with a fascinating past. After that, delve into an enriching afternoon exploring Jaipur with a city tour. Start your journey at the majestic Maharaja's City Palace, where you can wander through the historic Royal Residence and marvel at the Arsenal Museum.

Afterwards, get to know a little about India's scientific achievements at the Jantar Mantar, renowned for housing the world's largest stone and marble astronomical observatory. Imagine star-gazing from here! Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Breakfast at the hotel. The morning kicks off with an exhilarating jeep transfer to the atmospheric Amber Fort. Here, you'll discover the Jag Mandir palace and the renowned Sheesh Mahal, a room adorned with exquisite mirror work, while imagining the lavish lives of the Maharajas. After the visit concludes, return to the hotel.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of Diwali with a local family. Diwali, also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant celebrations in India and Nepal, carrying deep religious significance for Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, observed on the new moon day of the Kartika month, typically falling between October and November. During these days, homes sparkle with decorations and lights, fireworks illuminate the night sky, and people exchange gifts and sweets. Devotees honour Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, with prayers for prosperity in the coming year. This shared tradition unites Diwali celebrations across the entire Indian subcontinent. Overnight stay in Jaipur. 

Breakfast at the hotel. You're getting closer to iconic Agra. Stop in the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, where time stands still, and pass through the Bulund Darwaza gateway, the highest gateway in the world and a monument of Mughal might! 

Arrive in Agra and you'll notice the contrasts between red sandstone and white marble in the city's buildings and feel its tantalizing charms. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and in the afternoon visit the Agra Fort, a formidable structure which houses the picturesque Pearl Mosque. Just walking through the main gate, you'll feel like Mughal royalty! Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Agra.

Estimated transfer distance 146 miles / 235 km.

Breakfast at the hotel. It's finally here, the day you tick the legendary Taj Mahal off of your bucket list! The ivory-white marble mausoleum, the brilliant domes, the fountain and that famous bench where everyone has their photo taken; today you'll experience it all for yourself! Home to the tomb of a Mughal Emperors beloved wife, both the story and the beauty of the structure itself may well leave you feeling teary-eyed and filled with a warm fuzzy feeling.

Take some time to soak it all up and take the perfect photo, one you'll treasure for a lifetime. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic afternoon drive back to Delhi, where you can spend the remainder of the day reminiscing about your journey and all the wonderful, soul-stirring sights you've seen as well as the warm people who've shared their culture with you along the way. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Estimated transfer distance 130 miles / 210 km.