Golden Triangle, Goa & Karnataka

On arrival at Delhi International Airport, we’ll meet you for assistance and transfer you to your hotel for check in. If you arrive on a morning flight – after a short rest you can take a brief tour – otherwise the rest of the day is free for you to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we explore Delhi’s historic heart. We begin in Old Delhi – Shahjahanabad – with the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, both commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan, followed by Raj Ghat, the memorial at Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site. You may choose to take a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk for a closer look at the old city’s markets.We then continue into New Delhi – we view the President’s House and stop at India Gate, a national war memorial – before visiting Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir), Humayun’s Tomb, the Lotus Temple and Qutub Minar, built by Qutb‑ud‑din Aibak of the Slave Dynasty. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we drive from Delhi to Agra – 210 km, around 4 hours. En route we visit Mathura and Vrindavan, associated with the birthplace of Lord Krishna, including the Bankey Bihari Temple and the ISKCON Temple. We then continue to Sikandra to see the mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Akbar – noted for its blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. On arrival in Agra, we check in at the hotel. Overnight in Agra.

We start before dawn for sunrise at the Taj Mahal – a remarkable fusion of architectural styles and a lasting symbol of love. We then explore Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, taking in highlights such as Jahangir Mahal, the Diwan‑i‑Khas and Diwan‑i‑Am, Sheesh Mahal, the Moti Masjid and the Musamman Burj – long associated with Shah Jahan’s confinement and views of the Taj. We also visit the serene Tomb of Itimad‑ud‑Daulah.After the city tour we drive to Jaipur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri – the former Mughal capital founded in honour of the Sufi saint Salim Chishti. We visit key monuments including the Diwan‑i‑Khas, Panch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chishti and the imposing Buland Darwaza, then continue on to Jaipur. The journey covers approximately 245 kilometres – around 5 hours by road. Arrive and check in for the night.

Jaipur After breakfast, we set out to explore the Pink City. We drive to Amber Fort, set on a hill just outside Jaipur and built by Raja Man Singh, then continue to the nearby Nahargarh Fort for its commanding vantage over the city. We return to the centre to visit the City Palace – still the residence of Jaipur’s royal family – showcasing a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal design. We then see Jantar Mantar – one of the astronomical observatories commissioned by Sawai Jai Singh – and stop at the Hawa Mahal, the famed Palace of Winds created for the royal women to view ceremonies unseen.In the evening you can explore Jaipur’s bustling markets by cycle rickshaw – a great place for handwoven carpets, precious stones, handicrafts, marble work, textiles, blue pottery and handmade paper. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast we transfer to Jaipur airport for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival we’re met and driven to the hotel, then set out on a city tour taking in Parliament House, CST and Flora Fountain. We pause at the Gateway of India and board a motor-boat to Elephanta Caves – closed on Monday – climbing around 100 steps to the hilltop complex of seven rock-cut caves depicting scenes from the life of Lord Shiva and other episodes from Hindu mythology. We cruise back to the Gateway, then after lunch on your own we visit Dhobi Ghat, the city’s open-air laundry where almost two hundred dhobis and their families work in a long-standing hereditary trade. In the evening we drive along Marine Drive – the Queen’s Necklace – and you may choose to stop at Chowpatty Beach to watch the sunset. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport for the flight from Mumbai to Goa. On arrival, our representative will assist and we will drive to your beach resort to check in. The rest of the day is at leisure – you can relax on the beach or unwind at the resort. Overnight at the resort.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a city tour of Goa, known for its scenic coastline and the architectural heritage of its temples, churches and historic houses. We visit Old Goa – about 10 km from Panjim – including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a 16th century church housing the tomb of St Francis Xavier and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also visit the Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady of Miracles, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Nunnery of St Monica. We continue to Fort Aguada, the Portuguese stronghold commanding the mouth of the Mandovi River, where a lighthouse with four storeys stands on the ramparts. In the evening we enjoy a cruise on the Mandovi River before returning to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Goa – Hubli – Badami (184 km – around 4 hours). After breakfast at the hotel, we drive via Hubli to Badami, once the capital of the early Chalukyas and set at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. On arrival, we check in, then set out to explore Badami’s rock cut cave temples along with gateways, fort remains, inscriptions and sculpture. We climb a flight of steps to the ancient sandstone caves carved into the hillside – three dedicated to the Vedic tradition and a fourth that is the only Jain temple here. In Cave 1, pass Shiva’s doorkeepers to see the eighteen armed Nataraja depicted in 81 dance poses. The largest and most ornate is Cave 3, dedicated to Vishnu, with fine carvings including Narasimha – the half man, half lion incarnation of Vishnu – and Harihara, the composite form of Shiva and Vishnu. Overnight in Badami.

After breakfast in Badami, we set out on a day excursion to Pattadakal – a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the Malaprabha River that showcases the richness of 8th century Chalukyan architecture. Here we explore a cluster of beautifully chiselled temples, with Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna among the most celebrated. We then continue to Aihole, regarded as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture, where temples dot the surrounding villages and fields. Highlights include the Durga Temple with its semicircular apse, raised plinth and gallery encircling the sanctum, along with the Lad Khan and Huchimalli temples, the Ravalphadi cave temple celebrating the many forms of Shiva, the Konti temple complex, the Umamaheswari temple, the Jain Meguti temple and a two storey Buddhist temple. We return to the hotel in Badami for the night.

After breakfast in Badami, we drive around 180 km – approximately 4 hours – to Hampi, stopping en route at Gadag to visit the Trikuteshwara Temple, a Shiva shrine with three lingas carved from a single stone and a separate Saraswathi shrine with carved columns. We continue to Lakkundi to see its temple ruins, including Mallikarjuna, Virabhadra, Manikeshwara, Nanneshwara, Lakshminarayana, Someshwara and Nilakanteshwara.On arrival in Hampi, we check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Overnight in Hampi.

You can opt for an early start to watch sunrise from Matanga Hill – Hampi’s highest point – for sweeping views across ruins that stretch over more than 26 sq km. After breakfast at the hotel, we explore Hampi, the medieval capital of Vijayanagara – the City of Victory – and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boulder-strewn landscape is framed by rocky hills, with the Tungabhadra River running through it. We visit the Hazara Rama Temples, the monolithic Ganesha and Narasimha images, the Elephant Stables, the Queen’s Bath, and the carvings on the Ramachandra Temple and Lotus Mahal. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast in Hampi, we drive to Hassan – approximately 170 kilometres, around 4 hours – stopping en route to visit Halebid and Belur, whose temples reflect Karnataka’s rich heritage. In Halebid we visit the Hoysaleswara Temple, dating to the 12th century and noted for its intricate sculptural detail – the walls are covered with depictions of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing figures. We then continue to Belur, once the capital of the Hoysala Empire, to explore the Chennakesava temple complex, renowned for its architecture and sculpture. We later continue to Hassan for check in and overnight at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast in Hassan, we drive 140 km – about 3 hours – to Mysore, stopping at Shravanabelagola, one of the most important Jain pilgrimage centres. Here we see the monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, standing 27 metres high and visible from afar. We then continue to Mysore and check in at the hotel.Later, we explore Mysore. We visit the Maharaja’s Palace, built in 1911–1912, whose architecture blends Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles – today it functions as a museum reflecting the history of the former princely state. We continue up Chamundi Hill to see the Chamundeshwari Temple and enjoy panoramic views of the city, with a stop to view the Nandi Bull on the return. In the evening, we visit the Brindavan Gardens, known for their planned lawns, pools and fountains. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive from Mysore to Bangalore via Srirangapatna – approximately 140 km – about 3 hours. En route we explore Srirangapatna, named for the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a shrine over a thousand years old. This historic town was the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan – the Tiger of Mysore. We visit the fort and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, noted for its image of Lord Vishnu as Ranganatha reclining on the serpent Adi Shesha. After the visit, we continue to Bangalore and check in at the hotel. In the evening you can visit Ulsoor Lake. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a full day city tour of Bangalore – India’s Silicon Valley – known for its parks, tree–lined avenues and notable buildings. We begin at Lal Bagh, one of South Asia’s most diverse botanical gardens, named for its profusion of red roses, then continue to Cubbon Park, spanning 300 acres and named after Sir Mark Cubbon. We visit the Bull Temple to see the monumental Nandi statue – about 4.57 m high and 6.10 m long – carved from a single block of granite. Next, we explore Tipu’s Summer Palace, followed by Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple – dedicated to Lord Shiva and carved from a monolithic rock. We end the day at the ISKCON Temple on Hare Krishna Hill, home to the deities of Sri Radha Krishna. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to Bengaluru Airport for your onward flight – please allow sufficient time for check-in and security formalities.