Highlights of India Honeymoon: Golden Triangle, Rajasthan & Goa - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

Welcome to Delhi! You'll meet your guide at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where you'll be given a warm welcome and driven to your hotel in New Delhi for check-in. Spend the rest of your day at leisure, making the most of your downtime together in the hotel, toasting to your new marriage, or heading out for a wander to immerse yourself straight into life in India's busy capital.

 

You'll visit many of the city's top sights tomorrow, so there's no need to rush around if you venture out. Perhaps try some of the city's world-famous street food, or wander around a market in Old Delhi. Alternatively, for a more peaceful activity, admire art in the National Museum or the National Gallery of Modern Art, or stroll around the tree-shaded Lodi Garden hand-in-hand, admiring its 15th-century Mughal monuments and spotting different types of birds and butterflies.

Day 2: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of Delhi

Your tour today will start at the Red Fort in the center of the city. It was constructed by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, when he moved the capital from Agra to Delhi. The next stop is Raj Ghat, which you can drive past or visit. The memorial for the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi is surrounded by lawns, fountains, a lovely wooded area, and several exotic trees. Then, visit the Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell, which is a mosaic of different assortment of stones and rocks. Continue to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Delhi which was completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan.

Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, renowned for the breadth and availability of its goods as well as food in its narrow and congested lanes. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through its streets, then visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple, also known as the Birla Mandir. This sacred place is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort goddess Lakshmi. Afterward, drive past the India Gate memorial for the 70,000 British Indian soldiers who died during World War I before seeing the National War Memorial, a monument built by the Government of India to honor the Indian Armed Forces.

You'll also pass the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the former home of the British viceroy) and Parliament House before stopping for a lunch at a local restaurant. Head to Humayun's Tomb after eating, which is thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal. It was constructed for the Mughal emperor in the mid-16th century and combines Persian and Mughal elements. Finally, you'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutub Minar which was built in the early 13th century. Look at the Iron Pillar inside the Qutab Complex too, which stands majestically at 24 feet (7 m) in front of the Quwwatul Mosque.

Day 3: Transfer to Agra, Mughal Heritage Kachhpura Village Walk

It's time for a change of scene as you set off for Agra in the morning. Home to one of India's most famous buildings, the Taj Mahal, Agra is a magical city to visit as part of a honeymoon as it combines history, architecture, and romance. Settle into your hotel on arrival before heading out for a Mughal Heritage Kachhpura Village walk with high tea later in the afternoon.

You'll reach the ancient village of Kachhpura via a narrow bridle path through fields near Mehtab Bagh. Your walk starts with an explanation of the wall paintings done by girls in the community (sanji art). You'll also see Humayun’s Mosque, a unique mosque built by the Mughals with one deep, narrow central compartment that's entered through a high arch with a dome in its center. The building is lower and split into smaller chambers at each side of this compartment. You can also visit the village school before your walk ends near Mehtab Bagh where you can watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal hand-in-hand.

Day 4: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Itimad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb

Head back to the Taj Mahal again early in the morning to experience its magic together during sunrise. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a symbol of love, it was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed entirely out of white marble in the 17th century, it's the ultimate spot for some memorable honeymoon photographs.

 

After breakfast, you'll visit the architectural masterpiece, Agra Fort. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573 and features exquisite Mughal structures, such as the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i I Khas, Diwan-I-am, Moti Masjid, and Jahangir Mahal. Finally, visit Itimad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, which is also known as the "Baby Taj." Built out of white marble with typical Islamic-style architecture, it's one of the must-visit monuments of Agra. When you return to your hotel, the evening is yours to spend at your leisure.

Day 5: Transfer to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri

You'll travel to Jaipur today, stopping en route to walk around Fatehpur Sikri. This fortified city was founded in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Akbar and was the capital of his empire for less than 15 years. Made predominantly out of red sandstone, the popular attraction is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fine example of Mughal architecture. 

After you've looked around, you'll continue on to Jaipur, also known as the "Pink City." Jaipur, Delhi, and Agra make up the Golden Triangle, one of the most famous tourist circuits in the country. The busy city is a vibrant amalgamation of the old and the new with a walled quarter at its center where you can shop in bustling markets. Tonight you'll have some free time to relax before exploring the city on a tour tomorrow.

Day 6: Discover Jaipur's Highlights

Your first stop on today's tour of Jaipur is the Amer Palace Fort. Also known as the Amber Fort, this is one of the most magnificent palaces in India, with maze-like passages and sweeping staircases. Once the main residence of the Rajput rulers, the fort is on a hill, so to get there you'll travel by Jeep or elephant. Afterward, you'll visit the Panna Meena Ka Kund stepwell and Jaigarh Fort. Then it's on to Jantar Mantar, the largest stone astronomical observatory in the world that's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Next, visit the City Palace and Museum. Built by Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh between 1729 and 1732, the huge palace complex occupied a seventh of the walled city and was once the seat of the Maharajah of Jaipur. Finally, stop for photographs at the iconic pink walls of Hawa Mahal, whose name comes from its unique structure, a mesh of small windows that allowed cool air to enter the palace to keep it comfortable when it was hot. The palace was built to allow the women of the royal household to observe what was going on in the streets below without people being able to see them.

Day 7: Bagru Art Tour

The village of Bagru is around an hour's drive from Jaipur and you'll head here early in the morning for an off-beat art tour. The village is known for its block-printing art and as an industrial area for textile printing in Rajasthan, with more than 100 small and large-scale factories.

 

You won't just learn about the art form, you'll have a hands-on experience creating your own piece of art to take home as a memento from your honeymoon. You'll be helped by an expert who will teach you how to create a printed piece with good alignment. After your activity, you'll travel back to your hotel for a relaxing evening. 

Day 8: Fly to Udaipur, the City of Lakes

You'll be taken to Jaipur International Airport today to fly to your next destination, Udaipur. Also known as the "City of Lakes," it boasts a magical setting on the shores of Lake Pichola and is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills. It is arguably the jewel in the crown of the state of Rajasthan, with its natural beauty, showstopping temples, and breathtaking architecture.

You'll have a full day of sightseeing in Udaipur tomorrow, so after you've checked into your hotel, you're free to relax after your flight and spend the evening at your leisure.

Day 9: Explore Udaipur & Bagore Ki Haveli

Your guide will show you some of the top sights in Udaipur today, starting with the City Palace and Museum. Built on the banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace was started by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and was the main seat of power for the Maharanas. It includes mahals (mansions or palaces), courtyards, pavilions, corridors, terraces, rooms, and hanging gardens, and its museum displays a collection of Rajput arts and cultural items. You'll visit the 17th-century Jagdish Temple within the City Palace complex, which is dedicated to the preserver of the universe, Lord Vishnu.

Then continue to Saheliyon Ki Bari, an ornamental garden, also known as the "Garden of Maidens." It was designed for the 48 maidens who were part of the princess's dowry after her marriage to Maharana Sangram Singh. In the afternoon, go on a boat ride on Lake Pichola, which is surrounded by hills, ghats (flights of steps leading down to the river), palaces, havelis (mansions), and temples. You'll enjoy spectacular views. In the evening, visit Bagore Ki Haveli, an ancient building on the edge of Lake Pichola on the Gangori Ghat platform. Here you'll enjoy a live evening show, with a variety of Indian dances.

Day 10: Fly to the Beach Paradise of Goa

Early in the morning, you'll set off for Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur to fly to Goa, where you'll have four days to relax and explore at the end of your honeymoon. On the southwestern coast of India, Goa has golden beaches to lounge on, colorful Portuguese colonial architecture to admire, and plenty of lively bars, clubs, and beach shacks to celebrate in. Once you've checked in to your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax, whether you fancy strolling down a beach or exploring the area near your hotel.

Day 11: Glimpses of Goa Tour

Today you'll head out on a Glimpses of Goa Tour. Start to the north of Ponda near the village of Priol, at the Shri Mangueshi Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. On a small hill surrounded by lush green hills, it has an air of distinctive elegance and its lofty white tower at the entrance is a landmark of the countryside. Afterward, enjoy a typical Goan buffet lunch at the oldest spice plantation in Goa. A guide will take you around the 130-acre (53 ha) spice farm, where cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, herbs, fruits, areca nut, betel, and medicinal plants grow.

When you've looked around, you'll set off to Old Goa to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is the most famous and popular church in the area. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here. Next, visit the Se Cathedral, the most imposing of the churches in Old Goa with a grand vaulted interior. Then, drive into Goa's capital, Panjim, to spend some time shopping for souvenirs.

Days 12-13: Free Time in Goa

For the final couple of days of your honeymoon, you can set your own pace and itinerary. You could easily spend the whole time making the most of Goa's fantastic beaches, taking part in the many watersports on offer, doing yoga, or simply relaxing together reading and popping to beach bars for a cool drink. You'll be able to capture some fantastic photographs of the scenery too.

 

If you'd still like to see more of Goa, you could arrange a trip to one of its top sites such as Dudhsagar Falls, Goa's tallest waterfall, head to shop in one of the bustling local markets, or sample delectable Goan specialties in one of its top restaurants. Ask your guide for more recommendations to make the most of your free time.

Day 14: Fly to Delhi & Depart

It's the final day of your honeymoon, so this morning, you'll be transferred to Goa's airport to fly to New Delhi International Airport. Here you will board your flight to your onward destination. Safe travels!

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