Golden Triangle with Diwali in Jaipur

This morning after breakfast, do a full-day guided city sightseeing tour of Delhi. Delhi sightseeing tour begins at Old Delhi with a visit to the 350-year-old and the largest mosque in India - Jama Masjid. Next, proceed in a rickshaw to Chandni Chowk, exploring one of the oldest, biggest and the busiest markets in India. The rickshaw ride halts at the Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a massive Mughal era red sandstone monument. Here, our driver will pick you up and drive you to Raj Ghat - the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Next, proceed to the Humayun’s Tomb (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a memorial to the 2nd Mughal Emperor, Humayun. Later, drive past the Rashtrapati Bhawan (official residence of the President of India) and India Gate (a War memorial dedicated to the Indian & British soldiers who died in World War-I). Sightseeing in Delhi ends with the visit to Qutub Minar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), world’s tallest brick minaret that was built in 1192.  Also, get a henna tattoo applied as a memorable souvenir from India. 

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Agra. Agra is the city of the inimitable Taj Mahal. The story of Agra begins much earlier than the Taj, it finds mention in the Indian epic Mahabharata when it was called the Agrabana or paradise. It was the Mughals who finally nurtured Agra with the finest monuments that the architects could design: The Taj Mahal of Shah Jahan and the Agra Fort of Akbar are just a few of the many that adorn the city, each standing as a mute testimony to its grandeur over the ages. After arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel. 

Enjoy an early morning visit to the iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a monumental testament to love built by Shah Jahan for his empress Mumtaz Mahal. Return to the hotek for breakfast and check out. Next, explore Agra Fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573 and later enhanced by Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Post sightseeing, drive to Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan. Known as the "Pink City" due to the distinct color of its stone, Jaipur boasts impressive hill forts and palaces. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur city covering Jantar Mantar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) observatory. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) built in the late 18th century exclusively for the royal women so that they could peer down unseen by the world through its 953 ornate windows called “jharokhas” and balconies.

Lastly, visit City Palace, from where the Maharajas of Jaipur ruled, situated at the heart of the city, which also houses the City Palace Museum. 

Enjoy breakfast, followed by sightseeing of three forts of Jaipur, which once formed as the strong defense ring for the city. Start with Amer Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a 16th-century magnificent Rajasthani Fortress-Palace located on a hillock, with huge ramparts and watchtowers. You will certainly love the elephant ride to the Amber Fort. Proceed to the 18th century Nahargarh Fort, with Indo-European architecture styles, stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills and overlooks the city of Jaipur. The name Nahargarh means “abode of tigers”. Further, visit Jaigarh Fort, the huge and stunning red sandstone fort was built between 15th to 18th centuries. A gigantic canon named Jaivana is one of the star attractions of the fort.

Return to the hotel and relax. In the evening, get transferred to the royal heritage property to celebrate Diwali with a Rajsathani family. Arrive wearing traditional Rajasthani attires (preferably saree or salwar-suit for the ladies, and kurta-pyjama for the men), seek blessings from the divine with the Diwali pooja (worship rituals), enjoy Rajasthani folk music and dance, shake a leg to local funky music, watch the fireworks, and relish delicious Indian sweets and savouries. Diwali is the festival of lights in India. On the evening of Diwali, candles and traditional diyas (earthen lamps) are lit, homes are decorated, colourful rangoli artwork patterns are designed on the floor, sweets and gifts are shared among friends and family, firecrackers are set, and people get dressed in their festive best. Enjoy a traditional dinner first, before leaving for your hotel. 

After breakfast, check-out and drive to Delhi International airport for your flight to your home/onward destination. Your memorable India tour ends here.