8 Days – The Enchanting Golden Triangle

A great introductory tour to India at a great price including deluxe hotels & your own private a/c car with  driver. Visit the famous monuments of India including the Taj Mahal, Jaipur the “pink city” and New and Old Delhi.

Delhi (2) , Agra (1) , Kalakho (1). Jaipur (2), Delhi (1)

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive Delhi

After clearing immigration and customs, your representative will meet you at the receiving area and escort you to your hotel. Delhi is a dynamic city where the past coexists with the present. While historic evidence shows that the area around Delhi was first occupied around 2,500 years ago, Hindu mythology predates that by another 500 years. The British captured the city in 1803 and when they decided to make it the capital of India in 1911, they commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans. The result is slightly surprising with spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with architecture which is among the most striking in the world.

Day 2 : Delhi (B)

After breakfast, you will experience the combined charm of Old and New Delhi. The day begins with the sightseeing of Old Delhi and a visit to the Raj Ghat. Drive past the Red Fort on your way to the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. A tour through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk is followed by a drive past the historical India Gate, the President’s estate and the Parliament House. The day is concluded with a visit to the capital’s most striking monument; the 70 meter high Qutab Minar.

Day 3 : Delhi – Agra (approx. 4 hour drive) (B)

Morning depart for Agra. Agra reached the peak of its magnificence between the mid-16th and mid-17th centuries under the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.  It was during this period that the fort, Taj Mahal and Agra’s major tombs were built.

Upon arrival in Agra, we will settle in to our hotel before visiting Agra Fort, built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1565-73 in the finest architectural style. It is an almost perfect fusion between military might and lavish beauty. The fort, approachable through its two lofty main portals on the west and south, was successively occupied by three great Mughals – Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan – each of whom made significant structural contributions to this complex. Shah Jahan died here, imprisoned by his son, gazing at the Taj Mahal he had built in memory of his wife.

Thereafter, visit the Taj Mahal,  Shah Jahan built this in 1631 to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. You will wander with your guide into the inner chambers of this monument to love, the planet’s most famous and most entrancing exercise in Muslim architecture. Experience the Taj up close, and watch the light play on its magnificent lines from other parts of the city—sometimes the reflection of the Taj in the Yamuna River seems as spectacular as the monument itself (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays).

DAY 4 : Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Kalakho (approx 4 hours drive) (B,D,)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Kalakho via Fatephur Sikri.

On arrival you will be greeted at the Dera Village Retreat which has been specially created to explore the Living Cultures of India. A lively traditional Folk dance performance at the  Retreat  in the evening would surly leave you feeling cheerful and jovial.

Overnight: Dera Village Retreat

Day 5 : Kalakho / Jaipur (approx. 2.5 hours drive) (B)

This morning proceed to Jaipur, the home of India’s legendary Hindu warriors, whose historic forts, palaces, and gardens lend a timeless quality to this storied region.   You may spend the day exploring the colorful and lively markets of Jaipur.

 

Day 6 : Jaipur (B,D)

 

After breakfast, embark on a half-day excursion trip which will lead you to Amber Fort. En route make a photo stop at the palace of winds, the Hawa Mahal. A visit to the City Palace in the afternoon which now houses the Royal residence and museums with a collection of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts, paintings, followed by a stopover at Jantar Mantar would wrap up the day.

In the evening enjoy dinner with a local family to “experience the living cultures of India”.

Day 7: Jaipur to Delhi (B)

This morning drive to Delhi. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 8: Depart Delhi (B)

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Inclusions:-

  • 7 nights in deluxe accommodation on twin sharing basis.
  • Daily breakfast.
  • All transfers and sightseeing tours as per itinerary.
  • Own private a/c vehicle with driver.
  • Entrance fees at all monuments as per itinerary, road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes, and porterage at all hotels & airports.
  • Services of accompanying local English language speaking tour directors.
  • Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers.
  • All currently applicable taxes.

Exclusions:-

  • International Airfares
  • Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
  • Any tipping.
  • Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Any meals or beverages that are not specified on the above inclusions.
  • Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and air plane delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc.
  • Any further tax levied by the government of India.

Booking Process:

Deposit
To confirm your reservation on this tour a non refundable deposit of $440 per person is required at time of booking.

Balance Payment
The balance payment is due 65 days before departure or if booking within 65 days of departure full payment is required on confirmation.

Cancellation Policy
Should you need to cancel your holiday, please advise us immediately in writing. Cancellation fees are applicable as follows:-

Cancel more than 90 days before departure – Loss of deposit
Cancel 89 – 51 days before departure – 50% of tour cost
Cancel 50 days or less before departure – 100% of tour cost

Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy
It is a condition of this booking that guests have taken out a comprehensive travel insurance which includes cover for cancellation fees, medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

India Tourist Visa

Guests travelling on Australian Passports require an India Tourist Visa. Please refer to www.vfs-in-au.net for information on India Visa Applications. We are more than happy to assist you with the visa application process.

Health & Vaccinations
Please refer to your doctor for advise on health and vaccinations precautions for the areas visited on this tour.
Information is also available at www.traveldoctor.com.au. Note it is the guests responsibility to have the appropriate vaccinations.

This tour will require guests to have a reasonable level of fitness. Guests with any pre-existing illness or medical dietary requirements should consult their doctor to determine whether they are able to participate in the activities of this tour.

Experience the Living Cultures of INDIA - Call 1300 039 481 or Learn More