India's Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur - 9 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Delhi!

Arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, where a representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2: Old Delhi Sightseeing

After breakfast, embark on your Old Delhi tour. The ancient monuments, narrow streets, and bustling bazaars make Old Delhi one of the most fascinating parts of the city. Visit the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, built in 1656 by Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Take a rickshaw down Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi's main thoroughfare and a lively market. You'll find everything from saris to silver jewelry on sale here. Taste Old Delhi's famous, authentic street food, too, and do some shopping if you wish.

Day 3: Delhi to Agra

This morning, depart for Agra. After checking in to your hotel, waste no time and head straight to the famous Taj Mahal. The huge white marble mausoleum hardly needs an introduction. It's a symbol of eternal love, built by Shah Jahan for his beloved Mumtaz Mahal. It's an emblem of India, an architectural masterpiece, and one of the most famous monuments in the world.

In the afternoon, visit the Agra Fort. Built in the middle of the 16th century as an impregnable citadel, the site includes marble palaces, mosques, and delightful gardens. From the top, see magnificent views of the Yamuna River and the Taj Mahal.

Note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Day 4: Agra to Ranthambore National Park, via Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

This morning, drive towards the Ranthambore National Park in the state of Rajasthan, stopping at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary en route. Besides birds, at Bharatpur you can also see hyenas, chinkara gazelles, blackbucks, wild boars, wildcats, and nilgai (blue bull) antelopes.

Continue to Ranthambore, one of the best places in the world to see and photograph wild tigers. 

Day 5: Morning & Evening Game Drives in Ranthambore

Today is dedicated to wildlife spotting. Make two game drives into the park on open-roofed Jeeps to enjoy unobstructed views of the animals and birds, the first in early morning before breakfast, and the second in the late afternoon. There are a large variety of animals and birds to be seen and photographed.

Day 6: Ranthambore to Jaipur

After getting your fill of wildlife at Ranthambore, depart for Jaipur, capital city of Rajasthan. It's nicknamed the Pink City due to the color of the buildings in the old city, a color that symbolized hospitality to the Rajputs.

After checking in to your hotel, you have the choice of two itineraries this afternoon. The first is to take a tour of the bazaars of Jaipur. They're a lively way to experience local culture and architecture, and you can also enjoy some shopping. 

Alternatively, you can visit a rural village just outside Jaipur. Get a close-up look at the lives of farmers, many of whom still live in traditional small dwellings made of clay plaster, cow dung, and hay. You'll also see goats, cows, buffaloes, and camels, and will enjoy beautiful views of villages and mountains.

Day 7: Jaipur Tour

After breakfast, drive to the ancient capital of Amber, just north of Jaipur. Famous for its massive Amber Fort, Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for six centuries. Next, visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, and the nearby Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the 18th century.

Also visit the beautiful and intricately carved Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), with a five-story facade made of pink sandstone. Built in 1799, the latticed facade was to allow the royal ladies inside to watch what was going on in the streets outside without being seen themselves.

Day 8: Jaipur to Delhi

Depart Jaipur and return to Delhi. After arriving and checking in to your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Suggested attractions you could visit include Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Connaught Place, or the handicraft market at Dilli Haat.

Day 9: Depart Delhi

Today our representative will meet you at the hotel and will take you to the Delhi International Airport to board the flight for your respective country.