Golden Triangle & Pushkar

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Meet our representative and transfer to hotel. Morning visit Old Delhi - explore the massive Red Fort built in 1648, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, visit Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, and pay respects at Raj Ghat - the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon tour of New Delhi - drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House. Visit Humayun's Tomb - a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Qutub Minar - the tallest brick minaret in the world at 73 meters. Return to hotel. Overnight stay at Delhi.

Morning visit the Lotus Temple - a Bahai House of Worship shaped like a lotus flower, known for its serene atmosphere. Visit the ISKCON Temple - a vibrant temple dedicated to Lord Krishna with stunning architecture. Afternoon visit the Akshardham Temple - a magnificent Hindu temple complex with stunning architecture and exhibitions. Visit the National Museum to see ancient artifacts and sculptures from India's rich heritage. Evening enjoy a cultural performance at a heritage venue. Overnight stay at Delhi.

Morning drive to Agra (230 kms, approx 4 hours) via the Yamuna Expressway. Check into hotel and freshen up. Afternoon visit the world-famous Taj Mahal - built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 for his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Explore the stunning white marble mausoleum with intricate inlay work and beautiful gardens. Visit Agra Fort - a massive red sandstone fortress containing the Pearl Mosque, Hall of Public Audience, and Hall of Private Audience with stunning views of the Taj Mahal. Also visit Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (Baby Taj) - built by Empress Noor Jahan for her father. Evening visit Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) for a spectacular sunset view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River. Overnight stay at Agra.

Early morning (5:30 AM) visit to the Taj Mahal for sunrise viewing - witness the white marble monument change colors with the rising sun. Explore the gardens, mosque, and the main mausoleum with its intricate inlay work. Return to hotel for breakfast. Afternoon free for shopping of marble inlay work, leather goods, and handicrafts. Optional visit to the Taj Nature Walk or explore the local markets of Agra. Evening enjoy a Mughlai dinner with traditional cuisine. Overnight stay at Agra.

Morning drive to Jaipur (240 kms, approx 5 hours). Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri - the impressive sandstone fortress city built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Explore Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate) - the tallest gateway in the world, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, and the Royal Palace complex with its courtyards and pavilions. Continue drive to Jaipur - the Pink City. Check into hotel. Evening explore the colorful bazaars of Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar for textiles, gemstones, and blue pottery. Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Morning excursion to Amber Fort (11 kms from city). Enjoy an elephant ride up to the main gate. Explore Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful gardens with water channels. Afternoon visit City Palace - a beautiful blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture with courtyards, gardens, and museums. Explore Jantar Mantar - the astronomical observatory with massive stone instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh. Drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its unique facade of 953 windows. Evening enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner with folk dance and music performance. Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Morning visit Nahargarh Fort - perched on the Aravalli hills offering panoramic views of Jaipur city. Visit the Royal Gaitor - the royal crematorium with beautiful cenotaphs of Jaipur's rulers. Afternoon visit the Albert Hall Museum - the oldest museum in Rajasthan with a fine collection of artifacts. Explore the local markets for handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles. Visit the gemstone cutting and polishing workshops for which Jaipur is famous. Evening free for leisure or optional visit to Chokhi Dhani - an ethnic village resort showcasing Rajasthani culture. Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Morning drive to Pushkar (150 kms, approx 3 hours). Check into hotel. Afternoon visit the Brahma Temple - one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Explore the Pushkar Lake with its 52 ghats and sacred bathing spots. Visit the Savitri Temple - perched on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the town and desert landscape. Evening explore the local bazaars of Pushkar famous for handicrafts, textiles, and silver jewelry. Overnight stay at Pushkar.

Early morning enjoy a camel safari in the desert dunes around Pushkar - experience the traditional rural life and beautiful sunrise views. Return to hotel for breakfast. Afternoon drive to Ajmer (15 kms, approx 30 minutes). Visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah - the tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, one of India's most important pilgrimage sites for Muslims and people of all faiths. Explore the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra - an ancient mosque with stunning architecture. Visit the Ana Sagar Lake and the nearby gardens. Evening return to Pushkar. Overnight stay at Pushkar.

Morning free for leisure or optional visit to the Pushkar Adventure Camp for activities like quad biking or zip lining. Afternoon explore the local markets for traditional handicrafts, silver jewelry, and colorful textiles. Visit the Rangji Temple - a large temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu with Dravidian architecture. Visit the Varaha Temple - one of the oldest temples in Pushkar. Evening enjoy the sunset over the Pushkar Lake. Overnight stay at Pushkar.

Morning drive to Ranthambore (250 kms, approx 5 hours). Check into jungle resort and have lunch. Afternoon enjoy first jungle safari in Ranthambore National Park (Zone 3 or 4) - search for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat. Visit the ancient Ranthambore Fort within the park and spot crocodiles at Padam Lake. Return to resort for relaxation and dinner around a campfire. Overnight stay at Ranthambore.

Early morning safari (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) in Zone 1 or 2 - known for high tiger sightings near the lakes. Return for breakfast and rest. Afternoon visit the nearby villages - interact with local communities, see traditional crafts, and learn about the coexistence of humans and wildlife in the region. Evening nature walk with naturalist to learn about local flora and fauna. Overnight stay at Ranthambore.

Morning drive to Bharatpur (220 kms, approx 5 hours). Check into hotel. Afternoon visit Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the sanctuary - spot migratory birds including Siberian cranes, painted storks, egrets, herons, and numerous waterfowl. Visit the temple of Lord Shiva within the sanctuary. Evening explore the local market for handicrafts. Overnight stay at Bharatpur.

Morning drive to Deeg (40 kms, approx 1 hour) - visit Deeg Palace, a beautiful summer resort of the Bharatpur rulers with stunning gardens and fountains inspired by Mughal charbagh style. Return to Bharatpur. Afternoon continue bird watching in Keoladeo National Park - explore the deeper areas of the sanctuary on foot or cycle. Visit the local market for handicrafts and souvenirs. Overnight stay at Bharatpur.

Morning after breakfast, drive to Delhi (180 kms, approx 4 hours). On arrival at Delhi, check into hotel. Afternoon free for shopping at Connaught Place, Dilli Haat, or Select Citywalk Mall. Visit the local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts. Evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a popular Delhi restaurant. Overnight stay at Delhi.