Goa & Golden Triangle Tour
Destination
Overview
Delhi - cycle rickshaw ride in old Delhi, Jama masjid, Rajghat, India gate, lotus temple, Qutab minar. Agra - taj mahal, fort, itmaduallah. Jaipur - amber for by jeeps, drive past by hawa mahal, city palace, Jantar mantar (observatory) and local markets, Goa – visit the churches and the serene golden sand beaches.
Tour Description
Duration : 10 Nights & 11 Days
Accommodation : Modern / Heritage / Palace hotels
Best Time to Visit : October to March
A trip to Goa is not just a vacation, it's a state of mind! Swaying palms, sparkling water, white sands and beach shacks make Goa the best place to chill. It also offers historical delights and scrumptious cuisine.
We can combine Goa with the Golden Triangle, i.e. Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, to give you a flavour of some of the best India has to offer. The Golden Triangle is a great way to explore the rich and vibrant culture and heritage of India.
With this tour explore the majestic forts and palaces, enthralling dances and puppet shows, and delectable cuisine of Rajasthan in its capital city Jaipur.
In the historic and imperial national capital city New Delhi, experience the Mughal era while you walk through the streets of "Old" Delhi and the contrasting British built Lutyen's Delhi when in Connaught Place and nearby areas.
The third destination Agra is home to, amongst other delightful sights, the Taj Mahal, the white marble monument symbolizing everlasting love.
Finally, enjoy the laidback vibe in Goa and enjoy it's golden sand beaches and Portuguese legacy.
Itinerary
Our travel counselor will meet you at the Delhi airport and assist you in your hotel check-in. Delhi bustles with remnants of the myriad bygone dynasties juxtaposed with the chaos of modern India.
It offers over a thousand monuments, bustling bazaars, and old capital buildings, including the present seat of the government (Lok Sabha) designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. In contrast it has some of India's most luxurious and modern hotels, markets and restaurants.
We will spend the day exploring Old Delhi and visit popular sites like Red Fort, Jama Masjid (Asia's largest mosque), and explore the busy streets of Chandni Chowk Bazaars by cycle rickshaw.
After an early breakfast we drive to Agra, and visit the fascinating historic sights the city has to offer. We then head to the 'symbol of love', the Taj Mahal, the ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river for a picture perfect sunset. This wonder of the world was built in the 17th century by the Mughal king Shahjahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Note: Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday.
The next day we will make a trip to Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar's magnificent erstwhile capital city. Constructed out of red sandstone, the fortified city has two different parts. Fatehpur is a religious place, with Jama Masjid (mosque) and the tomb of Sufi saint Salim Chishti located behind the towering Buland Darwaza (Gate of Magnificence). Sikri, the main attraction, houses the palace complex where Emperor Akbar, his three wives, and son lived. We will then drive on to Jaipur and check in to our hotel.
Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It is a marvelous synthesis of architectural influences - Hindu, Jain, Mughal and one of the few well planned city of yore. The walled city is called pink city, as by law all building must be painted deep saffron pink.
In the morning we'll visit Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the region. This magnificent fort comprises an extensive palace complex, built from pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble.
The evening city tour will take you to the City Palace whose museum has an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamel ware and weapons. We will also go to Jantar Mantar - the observatory built my Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728 and the facade of Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds.
Spend the next day at leisure.
Optional - A sunset elephant safari (45 minutes) followed by folk entertainment and a traditional Indian barbeque dinner in the forests in the backyard of Amber.
After early breakfast, we'll head to Jaipur airport for a flight to Goa. Our counselors will assist you on arrival and with the hotel check in.
We'll spend the evening at leisure in Goa. Once the jewel of Portugal's eastern empire, Goa still retains many of the ways of the Old Portuguese colony and is a tourist favorite. A lush green territory with mile upon mile of beautiful beaches, the emphasis here is very much on fun and relaxation. Good food, good wine, song and dance and general merriment - Goa is just the right place for letting your hair down and enjoying life.
The next morning we'll visit Old Goa, with its towering churches and cathedrals, and majestic convents. Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the mummified body of the patron saint of Goa, St. Francis Xavier is rested. The evening is free for independent activities.
The following day, we'll visit a spice garden where the local villagers cultivate various tropical vegetables and fruits. We'll stroll around the plantation as the local host shares their story and experience, before enjoying a sumptous lunch meal. The evening is free to relax by the beach.
The remaining 2 days are free for independent activities, for devouring great seafood and for enjoying the pristine golden sand beaches of Goa.
After breakfast we leave for the Dabolim airport in Goa for our flight to Mumbai. In Mumbai you will be assisted on arrival, and with the transfer to the international airport for flight to onward destination.
