Golden Triangle Haridwar Rishikesh Supersaver

Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Delhi presents a striking contrast between the ‘old’ and the ‘new’. Old Delhi, once the Muslim Indian capital from the 17th to 19th centuries, is rich with mosques, forts, monuments and bustling bazaars that retain a medieval character. New Delhi, designed during the British imperial era, showcases impressive monuments reflecting the legacies of Mughal, Turk, Persian and British rulers. In the evening, we will hold a welcome briefing with your tour manager to outline the journey ahead. Overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast, we set out on a full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi, exploring key highlights of both Old and New Delhi. We begin with the imposing Red Fort, the largest monument in Old Delhi (closed on Mondays). Nearby stands the 17th-century Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. We then stroll through the bustling bazaars of Chandni Chowk, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of this historic market. Next, we visit Raj Ghat, the simple black marble memorial marking the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation. In New Delhi, we see India Gate, a First World War memorial, and follow the ceremonial boulevard leading to the President’s House, flanked by the Parliament and Secretariat buildings. Our tour continues at Humayun’s Tomb, an important precursor to the Taj Mahal. Before returning to the hotel, we visit Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, we travel to Jaipur, a city renowned for its royal cuisine, impressive historical sites, vibrant markets and warm Rajput hospitality. Known as the ‘Pink City’ for its distinctive pink-hued buildings, Jaipur’s architecture takes on a unique glow at sunset. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to explore or relax. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, we explore Amber Fort, perched on a hill overlooking a lake. Its formidable exterior conceals richly decorated palaces, temples and gardens. Highlights include the Sheesh Mahal, a chamber adorned with intricate mirror work, the frescoed Ganesh Pol gate and the colonnade of the Diwan-i-Aam. We then return to Jaipur’s old city to visit the City Palace complex, featuring the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and the ornately decorated Peacock Gate. The Armoury Museum here displays a remarkable collection of royal weapons, including swords, rifles and daggers. Next, we visit Jantar Mantar, the world’s largest stone astronomical observatory, with its impressive geometric instruments used for tracking celestial movements. The tour concludes with a photo stop at the striking Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, before you have time to explore Jaipur’s vibrant bazaars, renowned for jewellery, textiles, perfumes and handicrafts. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, we drive to Agra, situated on the banks of the River Yamuna. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 17th century, Agra was renowned for its gardens, waterfalls, bathhouses and canals. Today, the city is known for its vibrant crafts industry, including exquisite marble inlay work and carpets. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel, allowing you time to settle in and prepare for the next day’s exploration. Overnight in Agra.

After breakfast, we set out on a sightseeing tour of Agra, beginning with the magnificent Taj Mahal. This iconic mausoleum, built in the mid-17th century by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, stands as a remarkable testament to love and craftsmanship. You will appreciate the intricate detail created by the 20,000 artisans brought from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy. (Please note the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.) Next, we visit Agra Fort, a formidable red sandstone fortress that houses several grand Mughal palaces. Explore the Diwan-i-Am, where the emperor addressed his subjects, and the Diwan-i-Khas, used for private audiences with dignitaries. The white marble Mina Masjid, or Heavenly Mosque, offers a striking contrast within the fort’s walls. After the tour, we drive back to Delhi and check in to your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before heading out in the late afternoon to Har Ki Pauri, one of the most sacred ghats in India. Here, we witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the holy River Ganges. This ritual involves offering oil lamps, or diyas, to the gods as a gesture of gratitude and devotion, symbolising the divine light that guides and blesses us. Overnight in Haridwar.

After breakfast, we travel to Rishikesh, stopping en route at an ashram where you can listen to discourses on Hindu religious texts. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, we visit Lakshman Jhula, a famous suspension bridge over the River Ganges. According to Indian mythology, Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, crossed the river here using a jute bridge. The site offers striking views of the river as it winds towards Haridwar. We also visit Bharat Mandir, the oldest temple in Rishikesh, located near Triveni Ghat and dedicated to Bharat, Lord Rama’s younger brother. Please note that non-Hindus are generally not permitted inside the temple’s sanctum. We return to the hotel in the evening for an overnight stay in Rishikesh.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport to board your onward flight.