Luxury Golden Triangle Tour India

Your luxury Golden Triangle tour of India kicks off on arriving in Delhi, where a member of our team will welcome you at the airport. From here, we’ll chauffeur you to The Imperial hotel. Centrally located in the heart of New Delhi, this landmark hotel was built in 1934 and designed by Lutyen’s assistant, Bromfield. It evokes the days of the British Raj and exudes style and elegance. Take it easy this afternoon to relax, settle in, and recuperate from your international journey. Depending on how early in the day you arrive, if you’d like to begin exploring this afternoon, you can let us know anytime. Your driver is always available, and we’re only a quick call away on your complimentary mobile phone (or WhatsApp, if you prefer).

A guided tour of both Old and New Delhi today will introduce you to the highlights, including the Jama Masjid and the souk-like Chandni Chowk bazaar, India Gate, the Sikh Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, and the Qutab Minar. These sights are purely suggestive, and you’re very welcome to tweak them with us in advance to best suit your interests. Or on the day by discussing with your guide at the time (we’re known for our flexible approach, allowing you complete control over the pace of your trip). After exploring the bustling capital, return to The Imperial in the evening. If you’d like to dine out, we recommend the award-winning Indian Accent or Bukhara (advance reservation required. This is just one of many finer details we’ll take care of when you entrust Indian Excursions Co with your travel arrangements). 

This morning, you’ll proceed to the next stop on your luxury Golden Triangle tour – Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal – for an overnight stay at the Tajview. After having had the chance to freshen up over lunch, you’ll be met by your guide to explore Agra Fort before ending the day at the Taj Mahal. Sunset is a beautiful time to visit, with the marble taking on an orange hue. Back at the Tajview hotel this evening, your Premium Room affords a wonderful view of the monument. Without the restriction of visiting hours, you can catch the Taj Mahal glittering in the moonlight after dark or a peachy pink at dawn. For a truly exceptional experience, we recommend upgrading to The Oberoi Amarvilas, where every room affords a splendid view of the Taj Mahal. 

This morning brings an optional sunrise return to the Taj Mahal. After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll chauffeur you to Jaipur, with the option of stopping en-route at your choice of Fatehpur Sikri (a 16th-century Mughal fort-palace built by Emperor Akbar and abandoned after just 14 years) or Chand Baori (an impressive stepwell in the small village of Abhaneri, dating back over a thousand years). Both are exciting places to stretch your legs. 

 

When arriving in Jaipur later today, we’ll assist you with checking in to Samode Haveli for a three-night stay. This charming haveli exudes local character and, at over 175 years old, it offers the opportunity to experience one of India’s charming heritage hotels. Samode Haveli is well located too, in the centre of the Pink City. It’s ideal for those who’d like to be in the heart of the action (you may like to read about our recent stay by clicking here). For a truly royal experience, ask to upgrade to the Taj Rambagh Palace – a former Indian palace. Here you can unleash your inner Maharaja or Maharani at one of the most luxurious hotels in India’s golden triangle. Those who’re seeking more understated luxury would be happier at The Oberoi Rajvilas, in which case our Luxury Golden Triangle Tour with Oberoi Hotels may better suit your fancy. 

Optionally, with an early start this morning, you’ll head to the markets with your guide to experience the flurry of activity here as the Pink City wakes up. Stops would include the fragrant flower market, the wholesale milk market, the vegetable market, and the Govind Dev Ji temple, finished off with a delicious cup of chai (spiced tea) from a famous but inconspicuous chai shop. If you like the sound of this, do check out our favourite offbeat experiences in India’s Golden Triangle.

 

There’ll be the opportunity to return to the hotel for breakfast and a little time at rest, after which you’ll reunite with your guide to explore the old walled area of Jaipur. This includes the City Palace and its little-known private rooms, the Jantar Mantar observatory, and the elegant Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Bar Palladio is the perfect place to round off a day of sightseeing with a cocktail or two if you fancy.

Day 6 brings you to the 16th-century Amber Fort for a guided tour. Afterwards, there’ll be time at leisure to do your own thing. You might like to take this opportunity to browse for interesting souvenirs in Jaipur’s famous markets and emporiums. (When it comes to shopping, Jaipur has something for everyone: from elegant textiles to kitschy wooden camels, even the most frugal visitor is likely to leave the Pink City with one or two pieces tucked in their case! For a souvenir with local fair, we recommend a piece of semi-precious jewellery or blue pottery).

 

Later, continue to Dera Amer to spend a memorable evening with elephants. It’s a magical place on the outskirts of the city, where you can spend time up close with elephants by helping to feed and bathe them before taking a gentle walk together through the surrounding forest at sunset (Dera Amer do not encourage rides). If meeting elephants isn’t your thing, this can certainly be removed or replaced. Perhaps with a private cooking class or a special dinner recommendation. Dera Amer is a fantastic and ethical place to do it for those interested in spending time with elephants.  

Like yesterday, the morning’s at leisure in Jaipur to relax and enjoy the hotel or further explore at your own pace. (If you’re feeling active, possible additions could include a morning’s hot air balloon ride with Skywaltz or a private block-printing workshop at the nearby village of Bagru). 

 

At your convenience, your luxury Golden Triangle tour brings you back to Delhi for a last night’s stay. We recommend the Trident, Gurgaon. Though somewhat lacking in character, it’s conveniently located just a fifteen-minute drive from the terminal – ideal for early morning departures and avoiding Delhi traffic. If your flight is departing in the evening, you may prefer to head straight to the airport. Or, if you have more time in Delhi, something centrally located (such as The Imperial where we began) would be more appropriate.

 

To end your time in India on a truly relaxed note and to experience the slow pace of life in rural Rajasthan, you may like to consider slotting in a night or two at the beautiful Samode Palace on the way back to Delhi. Dating back over 150 years, Samode Palace is nestled within quaint villages and stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal spot to relax and recharge your batteries before heading back home.

This morning, you’ll be chauffeured back to Delhi airport in time for your onward flight.

Our journeys are inclusive of accommodation with breakfast, a private car with driver throughout, experienced guides, entrance tickets and excursions. In other words, we offer a seamless and hassle-free luxury golden triangle tour experience where the only thing you need to worry about is soaking up the sights and enjoying your fabulous hotels! This indicative cost is per person, based on a couple travelling between October 2022 and March 2023, sharing a double or twin room. The cost would reduce significantly during the low-season months of April to September, while it will be noticeably higher during the peak Christmas and New Year period.