Mystical North India: The Golden Triangle

Welcome to Delhi, the capital city of India. Enjoy your free afternoon to explore. (No meals).

Overnight: Deluxe – Taj Palace or similar; Standard – The Hans

In the morning we’ll make our way by train towards Jaipur, the fascinating “Pink City.” Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls. it thrills travelers with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens. We’ll explore the magnificent City Palace complex with its many museums containing an impressive collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory; the unique Jantar Mantar (Observatory) built by the astronomer king, Maharaja Jai Singh II, and the Palace of the Wind with its intriguing façade. Houses with latticed windows line the streets with their rose pink color making Jaipur at sunset a sight to behold. (Breakfast)

Overnight: Deluxe – Jai Mahal Palace; Standard – Aissar Haveli

This morning, we’ll travel a short distance to the Amber Palace. Amber was the ancient capital of Jaipur, and construction of the fort began in 1592. It is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Elephant ride from the foothills of the Aravallis to the fort entrance. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon to explore the magical Old City of Jaipur on your own. (Breakfast)

Overnight: Deluxe – Jai Mahal Palace; Standard – Aissar Haveli

Departing for Agra, we will stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted, red Sandstone City that Emperor Akbar built as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It a veritable fairytale city and its “ruins” are in pristine condition, making it easy to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Buland Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. In the evening we’ll make our way towards Agra, site of the majestic Taj Mahal. (Breakfast)

Overnight: Deluxe – The Gateway; Standard – Utkarsh Vilas

Badal Singh established the city of Taj, now Agra, in 1475. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist attraction, which has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time as the major tourist destination of India. We will visit the inexpressible Taj Mahal, a pristine white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his deceased wife. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, it took 20,000 workers from neighboring Islamic countries, 22 years of ceaseless toil to create this exquisite white marble monument upon which people have waxed eloquent throughout the world. Lord Curzon says of it, “Without flaw or blemish, the most perfect structure in the world.” We’ll spend the day exploring the perfection of this World Heritage Site, and depart in the evening for a quick overnight in Delhi. (Breakfast)

Overnight: Deluxe – Taj Palace or similar; Standard – The Hans

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world, Varanasi is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. We’ll visit the Durga Temple, also known as the “monkey temple”, which was built in the 18th century and is one of the most important Hindu temples in Varanasi. In the evening, witness the beautiful evening ‘aarti’ and prayer oil-lamp ceremony at the ghats, which seem to have existed since time immemorial. As hundreds of lit earthenware lamps and flowers are sent floating down the Ganges, the river is transformed into a shimmering expanse of light. Varanasi is also famous for its Banarasi silk sarees and we will visit a factory and see where they are woven. Tonight we’ll visit a local home to see in-home silk weaving and soak up some local customs, culture and hospitality. (Breakfast)

Overnight: Deluxe – The Gateway; Standard – Ganges View

Early morning a serene experience begins as we take a sunrise cruise on the River Ganges, a sensory experience that words can not describe. We will then travel a short distance to Sarnath, the place where Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon and one of the most venerated Buddhist sites in the world. There are Buddha relics and also a vast expanse of ancient ruins at Sarnath. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. This afternoon, we’ll fly to Delhi. (Breakfast)

Overnight: Deluxe – Taj Palace or similar; Standard – The Hans

A major cultural, political and commercial center of India, Delhi is the capital city of India. Thriving, bustling and chaotic, it never ceases to excite. We’ll visit some of Delhi’s highlights including Red Fort, once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire and Jama Masjid, the government headquarters. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of India’s most revered fabric shops and leave some time for last minute shopping before we say goodbye to North India. (Breakfast)