World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
A World Heritage Sites Tour of India
For people with very little time, our famous Golden Triangle tour allows you to see three of the most significant tourist destinations India has to offer: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The trip will provide you the opportunity to sample the Taj Mahal, the magnificent architecture of Jaipur, including Amber Fort and countless monuments in Delhi. This is only a quick introduction to the subcontinent, and we are sure that you will return to see more.


Tour Summary
Map
Day

Place
01
Delhi
02
Delhi
03 Delhi / Agra
04
Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
05
Jaipur
06
Jaipur / Delhi / Home

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Sites in India covered on this tour
Agra Fort (1983) Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th- century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5- km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.
Taj Mahal (1983) An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.
Fatehpur Sikri (1986) Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993) Built in the early 13th century a few kilometres south of Delhi, the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high, tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base, and alternating angular and rounded flutings. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and two mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam, the oldest in northern India, built of materials reused from some 20 Brahman temples.
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are met and transferred to Our Hotel. In the evening we are hosted to a Welcome dinner at Chor Bazaare Restaurant.
Overnight: Delhi (2 nights) (D)

Day 2: Delhi
The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Co naught Place and the Qutub Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters / 112 yards into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of Mughal India, Hindu India, British India and certainly of modern independent India. After lunch at Local restaurant we visit Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Next we visit another Mughal majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, followed by the Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. (B)

Day 3: Delhi / Agra (Drive 220 kms / 140 miles)
This morning we pass interesting Indian scenery as we drive to Sikandra. This is where lie the remains of Akbar the Great - one of the greatest of the Mughal rulers. A very simple mausoleum for a person of his stature. The mausoleum brings in a lot of visitors and black-faced monkeys keen to grab food you may be holding in your hand. We then proceed to Agra - the city that is home to the most well known of the wonders of the world - the Taj Mahal.
We leave for Agra visiting Akbar the Great's Tomb in Sikandra en route. We are welcomed with a visit to one of the most well known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is built of white marble, beautifully carved and inlaid with semi-precious stones. Next we visit Agra Fort, where Shah Jehan, was imprisoned by his son to prevent him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the Taj Mahal.
Overnight: Agra (1 night) (B)

Day 4: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur (Drive 235kms / 145 miles)
A short drive gets us to Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Mughal King, Akbar the Great. The city was later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of Mughal architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir, the builder of the Taj. From here we continue on a countryside drive to Jaipur, the rose pink capital of Rajasthan.
Overnight: - Jaipur (2 nights) (B)

Day 5: Jaipur
A royal experience awaits us as we take an elephant ride uphill to the intriguing Amber Palace, a distinguished example of 17th Century Rajput architecture. After the tour and enjoying a panoramic view, we return to Jaipur to visit the old astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh the founder of the city. We also visit the majestic Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art, and the colourful bazaar. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone and one of the most beautiful is Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. Evening is free to enjoy both shopping and a cultural experience in the bazaars of Jaipur. (B)

Day 6: Jaipur / Delhi / Home
Completing The Golden Triangle, Today we drive to Delhi in time to connect our flight to Home. (B)

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

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Departure Dates

2008
Daily

Please note Taj Mahal is CLOSED on Fridays


Prices
Hotel Category Tour Price US$ / CA$ Single Sup US$ / CA$
First Class 910 350
Superior 1195 540
Deluxe 1850 960
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include:
  • Accommodation on twin-share basis in hotels as selected.
  • Meal Plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast D=Dinner)
  • All Sightseeing and Transfers
  • Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
  • Local Guides
  • Porterage
  • Visa Support as required
  • International Airfare & Departure Taxes
  • Travel Insurances
  • Visa Fees
  • Drinks/Beverages with meals
  • Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides
Domestic / Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price (Subject To Change)
N/A
Hotels
City
First Class
Superior
Deluxe
Delhi
(2 Nights)
Hotel City Park -4 Star
(Deluxe Room)
Jaypee Siddharth -5 Star
(Standard Room)
Taj Palace Hotel
(Deluxe Room)
Agra
(1 Night)
Howard Park Plaza International
(Superior Room)
Clarks Shiraz -5 Star
(Standard Room)
Taj View Hotel
(Superior Taj Facing)
Jaipur
(2 Nights)
Holiday Inn
(Deluxe Room)
Clarks Amer -5 Star
(Standard Room)
Jai Mahal Palace
(Luxury Room)
 

Estimated International Airfare(not included in tour price)
East Coast US $ / CA $ 1350
West Coast US $ / CA $ 1450
Please note: This tour operates with a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 participants.

Other Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your individual needs.

Customized tours can be conducted in English, French, German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted in the designated language only.

Contact Information
Bestway Tours & Safaris
Fax: +1-604-264-7774
206–8678 Greenall Ave Phone: +1-604-264-7378
Burnaby B.C., Canada Toll Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844
V5J 3M6 Email: bestway@bestway.com
30 years in small group journeys

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photographs © Peter Langer
Site updated April 04, 2008
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