Golden Triangle with Goa

Day 1 - Welcome to India! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrivals hall at the Delhi International Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. Rest of the day is free to explore the national capital with its many attractions such as monuments, museums, galleries and bazaars. You may also choose to visit Lodi Gardens, a tranquil green space where you can take a stroll and discover historic tombs and monuments.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Today we discover the heritage of Old and New Delhi. First, we drive past the Red Fort – the palace of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. We head to Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, built in the 17th Century. We take a rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaars and historical lanes of "Chandni Chowk” and Asia’s largest spice market. Our next stop is Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation. We take a break for lunch. We then head to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the mausoleum of the second Mughal emperor Humayun and was built by his widow Haji Begum in 1564 during the reign of her son Akbar. Our next stop is the imposing minaret of Qutab Minar, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Qutub complex houses monuments and buildings from the Delhi Sultanate and an iron pillar that dates back over 2,000 years. The pillar continues to amaze scientists, who marvel at how it was cast to such perfection. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - Early in the morning we leave for Agra, a bustling city on the banks of the river Yamuna. Agra became the capital of the Mughal empire between 1526 and 1628 and boasts of many magnificent Mughal-era monuments, making it a major tourist destination. Upon arrival, we check-in at the hotel and freshen up. We head to the Agra Fort, a fortress, palace, and prison made of red sandstone by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. It was partly transformed into a palace during the reign of Shah Jahan. Our day concludes with a visit to the stunning Taj Mahal at sunset, a magnificent structure standing on the southern bank of river Yamuna. The ivory-white mausoleum was built by 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in the 16th century. The allure of the magnificent Taj Mahal never ceases to captivate a first-time visitor. Overnight stay in Agra.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - Today we leave for Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. On the way we stop in Abhaneri, a village known for its extraordinary stair-well Chand Baori. Built around the 11th Century, this baori or stair-well provided access to drinking water and was used to easily collect rainwater during the monsoon. Set in front of the Harshat Mata temple, the Chand Baori is the most impressive and is considered to be one of the deepest (30 meters) and widest wells in India. We continue our journey to Jaipur, a friendly bustling town with dazzling palaces, beautiful gardens and lakes and bazaars brimming with jewellery, textiles and handicraft. Some of the city's most well-known bazaars include the Bapu Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, and Johri Bazaar. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Jaipur's vibrant bazaars. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - Today we explore the Pink City starting with a drive to the ancient capital of Amer, 11 km from Jaipur. Amer was the capital of the Kachhawaha Dynasty for six centuries and is famous for its majestic Amber Fort. We have the choice of either walking up or taking a short jeep ride to reach the Fort. On the way to the Amer Fort, we cross Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of Winds), a five-storied facade of pink sandstone. Designed in 1799, the purpose of the structure was to allow royal ladies to watch processions and other roadside celebrations through its 953 'jharokas’, or small windows, without being seen by the public. After visiting the Amer Fort, we explore the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Our next stop is Jantar Mantar, a solar observatory constructed in the 18th century. It is an astronomical treasure house that measures time according to the movement of the Sun, with an error of just 2 seconds, as well as solar instruments that give precise astrological forecasts to this day. Later, we also meet the local female artisans of Jaipur and with their help, learn the art of block printing, one of the oldest printing techniques in India. We make our own handkerchiefs using Rajasthani woodblocks, while chatting with the artisans about their lives. Return to hotel and overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - After breakfast we get a transfer to the Jaipur airport to board our flight to Goa. Upon arrival in Goa we check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. Although Goa is India's smallest state in terms of size, it is well-known for its beaches, churches, and architecture. Every year, a large number of foreign and domestic visitors visit Goa. Panaji (or Panjim) is Goa's capital and a popular shopping destination. North Goa attracts tourists with its beaches, forts and nightlife. Overnight stay in Goa.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - Today we head out for a half-day sightseeing tour of Old Goa. Old Goa is home to several Portuguese churches and cathedrals built during the 15th and the 16th Century. We visit popular attractions of old Goa including, Se Cathedral, UNESCO-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St. Francis and Fort Aguada. After the tour we head back to the hotel. The evening is free to relax at the beach, take a stroll on the silvery sands, indulge in adventurous water sports, watch the sun set and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. Overnight stay in Goa.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - The day is free to relax and unwind or explore Goa on your own.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - Our tour of the Golden Triangle with Goa comes to an end and it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. Check out of the hotel and get a transfer to Airport of Goa for onward travel.

Tour Ends