Our Golden Triangle tour makes an ideal introduction to India for the first-time visitor, combining the colonial grandeur of Delhi, the excitement of Jaipur and the serene beauty of the Taj Mahal. It is one of India's most popular holidays. But our tour differs from most other Golden triangle tours as we stay in homestays in Delhi and Jaipur - giving you a better insight into modern Indian life as well as seeing the fabulous historic sites.
You will travel by express train and private air-conditioned car, and of course have the services of an English-speaking guide for the sightseeing. What better way to find out about India than from the Indian people themselves? Of course a good local guide is very important if you're really to enjoy the wonderful highlights you're going to see on this holiday. Staying in homestays also gives you the chance to get to know the local people on a more relaxed basis.
Your tour starts in India's capital, Delhi. You'll have a comprehensive sightseeing tour of the contrasting cities of Old and New Delhi, enjoying the hustle and bustle of the old and the elegance and space of the new. You may also experience that quintessential Indian mode of transport, the rickshaw.
The express train will whisk you to Agra much more efficiently than you could travel by car, with breakfast served at your seat in one of India's fastest trains. Starting with the Red Fort, you will have your first glimpse of the Taj Mahal from the battlements as you explore the maze of sandstone palaces. A visit to Itmad ul-Daulah, better known as the "Baby Taj", will prepare you for the splendours of the Taj Mahal as your guide will show you the fine inlaid marble. Finally, end the day at India's most famous sight, the Taj Mahal. Visiting at sunset, you will be able to see the changing colours in the rich marble of the most elegant of Agra's great buildings.
The following morning is another early start, but worth it to see the Taj Mahal at dawn. This is the time when the Taj is at its quietest, before the hordes of day-trippers descend from Agra, so take advantage of the beautiful shifting colours as the sun rises before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Leaving Agra in the morning, you will stop at Fatehpur Sikri, built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar to serve as his capital, the city was abandoned after just 15 years, with its sandstone palaces a beautifully preserved showcase of the synthesis of Islamic and Hindu architecture. It is then a 4 hour drive to Jaipur, arriving at your homestay in the afternoon.
Jaipur is the famous ‘pink city' whose sandstone buildings were painted pink as a sign of welcome for the visit of Prince Albert in 1853 and remain that colour today. The bustling capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is home to many beautiful buildings, including the sculpted facade of the Palace of the Winds, and also the Observatory, whose geometric shapes (built to track the movement of the stars) look like modern art exhibts. A visit to nearby Amber Fort will also be arranged - you will see the elephants lumbering up the stone ramp to the fort. They look great but we don't recommend this form of transport because of concerns about the welfare of the elephants and the safety of their riders. Instead we whisk you to the top of the palace by jeep.
At the end of your tour, your driver will take you back to Delhi for a final night to experience the hospitality of your homestay before it is time to fly home.
This is one of Tribes' Down to Earth holidays. This is a great range of more affordable, set itinerary holidays, as opposed to our tailor made trips.
The Down to Earth holidays also have their own website where you will find lots more details about each trip.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE DOWN TO EARTH HOLIDAYS PAGE FOR THIS HOLIDAY
