Compare Royal India: Taj, Forts & Palaces by Great Value Vacations vs Family India Golden Triangle Adventure by Explore!

Day 1 Welcome to Delhi!

Immerse yourself in colorful culture and fascinating history as you land in Delhi, India's vibrant capital! Upon arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first hotel and check in. Once you're settled, head out and explore on your own! Treat yourself to a delicious first-night meal of local cuisine. 

Day 2 Delhi

Rise and shine! Grab your camera and get ready for a fun first day in India. After breakfast, hop in a rickshaw and explore Old and New Delhi the traditional way! See the once water-filled square of Chandni Chowk, then discover the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque! You'll continue onto Raj Ghat, a striking memorial to Gandhi, built at the site of his cremation on the banks of the Yamuna River.

In the afternoon, drive past India Gate and the Government Secretariat buildings as you approach Qutab Minar - the five-storied victory tower which signifies the beginning of the Muslim rule in India by the first Muslim ruler, Qutab-ud-din-Aibak. 

Day 3 Delhi - Udaipur

This morning, hop on a quick flight to Udaipur, known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful lakes. The capital of the former kingdom of Mewar, Udaipur is also known as the "City of Lakes." Take in beautiful views of lakeside palaces, pavilions, and clusters of charming whitewashed houses.

After a comfortable ride to your Udaipur accommodation, you'll have the rest of the day at leisure! Get to know the area and do some exploring on your own. 

Day 4 Udaipur

Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then take a morning tour of the grand City Palace and its immediate surroundings, the vibrant Folk Art Museum and the sparkling lakeside panorama. Enjoy a guided walk and visit the famous ghats and historic temples on the banks of Lake Pichola. You'll even visit an ancient step well, which was used for drinking water by the locals years ago!

Next, you'll make a stop at the fascinating three-story Jagdish Temple. Climb up stone steps lined with elephant sculptures and admire intricate pillars, carved ceilings, and stunning frescoes. 

The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure!

Day 5 Udaipur - Deogarh

Enjoy a scenic drive as you venture to Deogarh! Stop en-route and visit the White Marble Jain Temple in Ranakpur. Famous for being extremely important pilgrimage centers for the Jain community, the spectacular Jain Temples consist of 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, each uniquely adorned with hundreds of carved figures.

Proceed to Deogarh and check into your beautiful accommodation. Quickly settle in, then take a short rural train ride from Phulad to Kamblighat. Keep your eyes focused out the windows, as you pass breathtaking views of jungle, hills, and tunnels! As this train stops at small local stations, you'll get a real taste for everyday life in this remote region. 

Day 6 Deogarh - Jodhpur

This morning, take a peaceful morning walk through the countryside. Watch as local farmers head to their fields and tend to their herds of cattle and goats. Mosey on to Deogarh Village and immerse yourself in the daily culture of shops and markets filled with cobblers, dyers, potters, and other artisans. 

Wave goodbye to Deogarh and enjoy a drive to beautiful Jodhpur. Overlooking the desert, the old walled city of Jodhpur is a fascinating jungle of winding streets, fascinating forts, and sacred sites. Check into your luxurious accommodation and explore this picturesque area.

Day 7 Jodhpur - Jaipur

Start your day with a morning visit to Mehrangarh Fort, one of the best-preserved and largest forts in India! Next, you'll head to Jaswant Thada, a white marble monument known for its intricately carved designs.

In the afternoon, you'll travel to the one and only "Pink City" - Jaipur! Check into your next accommodation and begin to explore this fascinating world of pastel-colored architectural wonders.

Day 8 Jaipur

Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then enjoy a morning visit to the impressive Amber Fort. Nestled on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, this structure is a true example of authentic Rajput architecture. Be sure to look out for one of its most spectacular buildings: the Hall of Mirrors! Next, stop for a photo-op at the eye-popping Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)! Gawk at this beehive-shaped red and pink sandstone structure and take in its grand beauty. 

The rest of your afternoon will be spent at leisure. You might want to visit Jaipur's Royal City Palace, then check out one of the five astronomical observatories built by the founder of Jaipur! Why not immerse yourself in the local culture? Visit a local temple and watch a traditional prayer ceremony. 

In the evening, enjoy a traditional folk dance show with dinner!

Day 9 Jaipur - Agra

After an energizing breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Agra. Along the way, you'll stop at Abhaneri Village to experience the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and the Harshat Mata Temple! Be sure to have your camera ready; Chand Baori is the largest and deepest stepwell in all of India!

Settle into your accommodation in Agra, a charming city filled with bustling streets, narrow alleys, and fascinating architecture. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure and get to know this historical city. 

Day 10 Agra

Feel yourself flutter with excitement as you embark on an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal! Enjoy this special experience, as you see this monument by the first orangey-pink light of the day. Be sure to take tons of photographs of this awe-inspiring scene; it's surely a sight you'll never want to forget.

What a morning! Return to your hotel for breakfast, then enjoy a day of independent exploration. You might want to check out the Agra Fort and North India's oldest Christian cemetery. 

Day 11 Depart India

Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and enjoy one last scenic drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival at the airport, find your gate and board your flight home!

Until next time, India!

Day 1 Join trip in Delhi - city tour of New Delhi

Today we arrive in New Delhi, India's bustling capital. The city is the perfect blend of new and old, with monuments and temples hidden amongst its glittering skyscrapers. For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 1.30pm for a welcome meeting followed by a city tour. On our introduction to Delhi, we'll visit the imposing India Gate (war memorial arch), the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President's residence as well as Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Our tour leader will be on hand in the evening to suggest dining options. Please note, if you'd like to join today's tour, you'll need to arrive at the hotel by 1.30pm. If you're organising your own travel, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport, plus at least 40 minutes to get to the hotel. To make it in time, the latest your flight can arrive would be around 11am. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will catch you up as soon as possible. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), a 40-minute drive from our hotel.

Meals Provided : None

Day 2 Old Delhi rickshaw tour and visit to Agra Fort

Compared to New Delhi the Old City is much closer to the image conjured up by Rudyard Kipling. This morning, we'll hop in rickshaws to explore the old city's hub - the Chandni Chowk Bazaar, a jamboree of deafening barter and a wonderful introduction to the 'real' India. We'll also stop by two major sights nearby, the Jami Masjid Mosque and the Red Fort. Mid-morning, we'll head south from New Delhi to Agra, around a three-hour drive away. Here we'll visit Agra Fort, built by Akbar the Great, which contains the incomparable Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque). Before returning to the hotel, we'll get our first sight of the Taj Mahal in the evening light.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 3 Early morning visit to Taj Mahal, rickshaw rise around Keoladeo Ghana National Park

This morning's early start rewards us with the spectacular sight of the sun rising over the Taj Mahal. Built more than 300 years ago, it's arguably the world's most poetic building and its beauty seems untouched by age. The Taj Mahal was created by Shah Jahan as a funerary monument to his favourite wife, Mumtaz, and the great Moghul was laid to rest next to her beneath the building's marble dome. Later in the day, we'll drive to the entrance of Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Once a royal duck-shooting reserve, the park is now an ornithologist's paradise, the 12 square miles of lakes and marshlands offer a safe habitat for large numbers of breeding waterbirds and migrants. More than 300 species have been sighted, among them herons, storks, geese, and the rare Siberian crane. We'll take a birdwatching tour by rickshaw to see some of these magnificent birds. After lunch, we'll continue our journey, driving to Karauli, via Mahuwa and Hindaun for a taste of rural India. Our drive will take approximately four hours but will be broken up with plenty of stops in local villages en route. While in Karauli, we'll step into the time of the Raj at a family-run heritage hotel.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 Explore Karauli with camel cart ride to Karauli Fort

Today we'll begin to explore the town. Founded in 1348, Karauli is a holy town that's famous for the pale red sandstone wall fortification that surrounds it. Legend has it that the ruling family were descendants of Lord Krishna, one of the most loved gods in Hindu mythology. We'll ride on camel-drawn carts from our hotel to the town's imposing 600-year-old palace. Used as a residence by the royal family until 1950, the palace has since been abandoned and is now occupied by monkeys and geese - it's said that the geese were once used as a warning system against any intruders.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 Drive to Pachewar and village visit

This morning, we'll set out on the four-hour drive to Pachewar, a small village that's famous for its cenotaphs, blue pottery kilns and metal toy makers. It's a lively place that was once ruled by the Khangarot Rajputs. The caretaker of Khandar, Thakur Anoop Singh Khangarot, captured the fort of Ranthambore from the captivity of the Marathas and annexed it to the state of Jaipur. While in Pachewar, we'll stay at another family-run heritage property, Pachewar Garh Fort. Built 300 years ago, the fort is a testament to its heritage with huge ramparts, turrets, and gates. The afternoon is free to explore the village, get closer to village life or maybe even watch locals in a game of cricket. In the evening, there'll be a puppet show held at the hotel.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 6 Full day in Pachewar with village walk, cooking lesson and farm visit

This morning, we'll head out on foot to visit the local temple and a village home, where we'll have a cooking demonstration to learn about Rajasthani cuisine. Later in the afternoon, we'll head to a farm, giving us more opportunity to connect with the local way of life and rural India. Afterwards, the afternoon is free to unwind at our heritage fort and get dressed up in traditional Indian costume before dinner.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 7 Drive to Jaipur for afternoon tour of the Pink City

After breakfast, we'll drive for three hours to Jaipur. Known as the 'Pink City', Jaipur was first painted terracotta pink by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. On arrival, we'll visit City Palace, where we'll find a fine collection of textiles and costumes and the Palace of the Winds, a five-story façade that you might have already spotted on souvenir postcards. This is also home to Jantar Mantar, a stargazing observatory built by Jai Singh, the great Maharaja-astronomer. In the evening, there's an optional puppet show at the hotel, or you might like to take in a famous Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir, an art-deco style cinema where the locals cheer on their favourite movie stars.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 Full day in Jaipur with visit to the Amber Palace and Fortress

Today, we'll take a short drive to the foot of the Amber Palace, an impressive hilltop fortress that's home to the Chamber of Mirrors and affords astounding views of the surrounding plains. After our visit to the palace, we'll return to Jaipur for a free afternoon exploring the Pink City at your own pace.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 9 Return to Delhi via Samode Palace

After a leisurely breakfast, we'll bid farewell to Jaipur and drive back to Delhi. It's a long drive of around six to seven hours but we'll break it up with a stop at Samode Palace in the Aravalli Hills. Blending elements of Mughal traditional architecture, this 475-year-old former royal residence is a treasure trove awaiting to be explored with twisting narrow stone staircases, lavish mosaics, fountains, and hidden courtyards. We'll tour the grounds by camel cart and have lunch at the palace before continuing our journey and arriving into New Delhi in the early evening.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Lunch

Day 10 Tour ends in New Delhi

Our tour of India's Golden Triangle ends at our hotel in Delhi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 1 Join tour in Delhi; city tour of New Delhi

Arrive in New Delhi, India's bustling capital which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst the tall and modern skyscrapers, there are still the remnants of a bygone time with numerous monuments and temples. For those arriving on time today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 1.30pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on our afternoon city tour which will visit the imposing India Gate (war memorial arch), the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President's residence as well as Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Our Leader will be on hand in the evening to suggest evening dining options. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport (airport code DEL), which is 18km, around 40 minutes from our hotel. Please note that if you wish to join the city tour today, you must arrive at the hotel by 1.30pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around 40 minutes' drive, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 11am. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Meals Provided : None

Day 2 Old Delhi sightseeing by rickshaw; drive to Agra and visit the Agra Fort

Compared to New Delhi the Old City is much closer to the image conjured up by Rudyard Kipling. We travel by cycle rickshaw to its hub at Chandni Chowk Bazaar, a jamboree of deafening barter and a wonderful introduction to the 'real' India. The major sights nearby are the Jami Masjid Mosque and we pass by the Red Fort on our way out of the city. Mid-morning, head south from New Delhi to Agra, a bus journey of approximately three hours. In the afternoon we plan to visit Agra Fort, built by Akbar the Great, which contains the incomparable Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque). Before returning to the hotel we will get our first sight of the Taj Mahal in the evening light.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 3 Early morning visit to the Taj Mahal. Visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Continue to Kalakho to stay in a heritage hotel

This morning we aim to visit the Taj Mahal, the world's most perfect and poetic building, at sunrise. Over 300 years have elapsed since its construction, yet it stands today unscarred by age; its beauty and symmetry seemingly beyond man, time and space. Created by Shah Jahan as a funerary monument to his favourite wife, Mumtaz, it took 22 years to build (1630-52). The Great Moghul lies beside his beloved under the white marble dome. Inlaid with precious gems, the building cost a fortune. Later Shah Jahan moved his capital to Delhi before being overthrown by his son, Aurangzeb. Later in the day, we drive to the entrance of Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Formerly a royal duck-shooting reserve and now an ornithologist's paradise, the 12 square miles of lakes and marshlands offer a safe habitat for large numbers of breeding waterbirds and migrants. More than 300 species have been sighted, among them herons, storks, geese and the huge and rare Siberian crane. We will be taken on a birdwatching tour by cycle rickshaw and we hope to see some of these magnificent birds. After lunch we drive to Kalakho, a drive of around two hours. The small village of Kalakho is set to the backdrop of the rolling Aravalli Hills and is historically home to the Meena people. The pace of the trip slows as we stay two nights at a family run heritage hotel, Umaid Palace. This former hunting lodge has been tastefully converted into a rural retreat and retains a small, family-run charm. After checking in, the rest of the day is free to relax in the gardens or take a walk around the nearby farmlands and village.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 4 Full day in Kalakho, rural Rajasthan. Explore the village by camel and take part in a cookery demonstration

This morning we head out exploring the village by camel cart, visiting the local temple and meeting the colourfully dressed villagers herding their goats and farming in the surrounding fields. We'll see and learn about turban weaving and saree tying, and we'll end in a local meena house where we are invited in for a cup of masala chai served in traditionally-made mud sakora cups. This afternoon has been left free to relax around the pool before we receive a cookery demonstration this evening before dinner. Here we learn about how Indian flat breads are prepared and cooked in the tandoor, along with the secrets of blending the perfect spice mix. After the dinner there will be the chance to watch (and participate!) in a Bollywood dance session.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 5 Drive to Ranthabore National Park, home of the Bengal Tiger

Today we take to the rural roads on our drive to Ranthambore National Park. The drive will take approximately four to five hours, and passes many rural villages along the way, giving us a taste of village life in this quieter part of India. Upon reaching our hotel, the rest of the afternoon has been left free to relax within the grounds of the hotel and perhaps take a swim in the pool.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 Morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthambore in search for tigers

Ranthambore is one of the best examples of the country's tiger conservation projects. The best chance of sightings is between September and May. During this period water is scarce and the animals must stay close to the lakes and river. It is little wonder that this was once one of the best hunting areas of the Maharajahs. We include a game drive this morning into the Reserve, in search of the wildlife which, as well as tiger, includes sloth bear, langur, jackal and fox as well as crested hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, jacana, parakeet and white-breasted kingfisher. The park itself is very picturesque with lakes, rivers and forests surrounded by steep cliffs and rocky outcrops. In the afternoon there is another opportunity to do a game drive to get a chance to see more wildlife and views. The vehicles used for game drives are open top jeeps, with 6 seats and ideal for spotting wildlife. Due to regulations aimed at keeping traffic to a minimum in the parks we cannot guarantee exclusive use of the jeeps so you may be sharing with non-Explore customers. Please note that because the jeeps can only accommodate 6 people there is a chance we may have to split family groups up, this will depend entirely on the make up of your group and we will avoid this wherever possible.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 Optional morning game drive, then drive to Jaipur, afternoon tour of the Pink City.

Early this morning there will be the chance to take another game drive, and then after breakfast we drive to Jaipur. Taking about three hours, there is always something new or different to see along the roadside in rural India. Sometimes called the Pink City, Jaipur was first painted terracotta pink by Maharajah Sawai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. This afternoon we will take a city tour with our Explore tour leader. We will visit the lavish and well preserved City Palace with its fine collection of textiles, costumes and armoury and the Palace of the Winds, a 5-storied façade (built about 1760) which has been the subject of countless Indian posters. Jai Singh, the great Maharaja astronomer, built his extraordinary (and very accurate) stargazing Observatory here. The Old City has several fine gates let into the pink walls, and there are many opportunities for photos and shopping. There is an optional puppet show at the hotel this evening or you may wish to see a Bollywood movie at the local cinema.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 Full day in Jaipur. Visit the Amber Palace and Fortress.

Today, we drive the short distance to the foot of Amber Palace and drive up to the gateway. This impressive hilltop fortress possesses what must be the world's finest Chamber of Mirrors and also affords glorious views of the surrounding plains. We will visit the palace after which we will return to Jaipur. Sometimes called the Pink City, Jaipur's palaces and fortified walls were first painted terracotta pink by Maharajah Swai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. This afternoon has been left free to explore more of Jaipur in your own time. You may choose to visit one of the famous bazaars which are bursting with delights, from marble statues to antique textiles; traditional print blocks to local musical instruments.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 9 Return to Delhi stopping at Samode Palace outside Jaipur for camel cart tour and lunch.

After a leisurely breakfast bid farewell to Jaipur, driving back to Delhi. An hour north east of Jaipur we make a stop at Samode Palace in the Aravalli hills. Blending elements of Mughal traditional architecture, this 475 year old former royal residence is a treasure trove awaiting to be explored with twisting narrow stone staircases, lavish mosaics, fountains and hidden courtyards. We have a tour of the grounds on a camel cart and have lunch (included) at the palace before continuing our journey by bus to the modern Gurugram district of New Delhi, next to the airport; arriving early evening.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Lunch

Day 10 Tour ends in New Delhi

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in New Delhi. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from New Delhi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport (airport code DEL), which is 8km, around 20 minutes from the hotel.

Meals Provided : Breakfast