Discover the wonders of northern India on a journey through its most iconic destinations. Experience the vibrant energy of Delhi, explore the artistic havelis of Mandawa, marvel at the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, and wander through the enchanting Pink City of Jaipur. Encounter wildlife at Ranthambore National Park, enjoy birdwatching at Bharatpur, and step back in time in the ghostly Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. This thoughtfully designed itinerary offers seamless travel, breathtaking sights, and unforgettable experiences across India’s rich cultural and natural landscapes.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Delhi: Delhi is a combination of the cities that were founded between 900 BC and 1930 AD. An elegant capital city brimming with history.
Mandawa: A charming town in the Shekhawati region, often referred to as an “open-air art gallery.” Famed for its beautifully painted havelis adorned with intricate frescoes depicting mythological themes and scenes from daily life.
Jaipur: The capital city of Rajasthan is famous for its pink sandstone buildings. It was founded by King Sawai Jai Singh II, a great astronomer, and was built according to the Vastu Shastra.
Ranthambore: Once the royal hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is now one of India’s most renowned tiger reserves.
Bharatpur: A paradise for bird lovers. The sanctuary hosts hundreds of resident and migratory species, including pelicans, storks, and cranes, making it one of Asia’s premier birdwatching destinations.
Fatehpur Sikri: Admire the ghostly sandstone buildings of this abandoned Mughal capital. Its remarkably preserved palaces, mosques, and courtyards reflect the grandeur and architectural brilliance of Emperor Akbar’s reign.
Agra: The ancient capital of the Mughal dynasty, one of the most visited cities in India and an important part of the "Golden Triangle" tour of northern India.
Day 1: ARRIVAL DELHI
Welcome to Delhi, the vibrant capital of India. On arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Delhi is a city where centuries of history blend with rapid modern growth, a land said to have witnessed seven different cities rise and fall, where the old and the new coexist in a captivating panorama.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: DELHI – MANDAWA (270km – 6.5hrs)
After breakfast, discover the vibrant city of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, enjoy a morning tour of Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and an architectural masterpiece of the Muslim faith. Then visit Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Later, continue with the sightseeing tour of New Delhi, driving past India Gate, the famous war memorial arch of India, the President's House, Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, an interesting blend of Victorian and 20th-century architecture. Next, visit Qutub Minar, a fine example of early Muslim and Afghan architecture in India. Later, proceed to Mandawa and check in at your hotel.
Overnight in Mandawa.
Day 3: MANDAWA – JAIPUR (170km – 4hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Mandawa. The village is dominated by a gigantic medieval house, still inhabited by the Raja family. Numerous Havelis decorated with colorful frescoes prove the ancient wealth of this small village. These are residences housing one or more related families. They are usually decorated with paintings on the outside and inside. Sometimes they are real frescoes representing the Ramayana or illustrating the life of Krishna. Discover the havelis and temples of Mandawa before continuing the journey.
Later depart for Jaipur en route visiting Nawalgarh and on arrival check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 4: JAIPUR
Enjoy an early morning yoga session at the hotel with basic yoga poses and light breathing. Then, after breakfast, visit the magnificent Fort Amber. Ascend to the ramparts either on the back of an elephant or by jeep. Amber, the former capital of the region founded by the Minas, was later abandoned when Maharaja Jai Singh relocated to Jaipur. Perched at the entrance of a rocky gorge and overlooking a serene lake, the fort’s strategic position is complemented by its stunning architecture. Its labyrinth of walls and towers, stretching from one hill to another, forms a remarkable system of defense and alarm. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal - a room with all four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. En route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds.
In the afternoon, enjoy the city tour. Explore the Maharaja’s City Palace, part of which is still inhabited by the royal family and houses exquisite Mughal miniatures. Then visit the Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh II between 1728 and 1734, featuring the most precise sundial in the world.
Conclude the day with a leisurely rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Jaipur’s old town, soaking in the vibrant colors, bustling markets, and lively atmosphere of the city.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 5: JAIPUR – RANTHAMBORE (190km – 4.5hrs)
After an early breakfast, depart for Ranthambore and on arrival check in at the hotel. Ranthambore reserve is situated in India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan, near the town of Sawai Madhopur, midway between Bharatpur and Kota townships. Surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges, very near the outer fringes of the Thar Desert. The entire area has sprawling tracts of desert and semi-desert vegetation. Originally a hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1980, it became a national park and was listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger (1973). Today, the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, famous for its tigers, and the Mansingh Sanctuary also form part of the Ranthambore Reserve.
Overnight in Ranthambore.
Day 6: RANTHAMBORE – BHARATPUR (110km – 3hrs)
Begin the day with an early morning jungle safari by shared canter (open vehicle) in Ranthambore National Park, offering a chance to spot tigers and a variety of other wildlife in their natural habitat. Return to the hotel for breakfast and some time to freshen up.
Later, drive to Bharatpur, visiting the fascinating Abhaneri Stepwell (Chand Baori) en route, one of the deepest and most visually striking stepwells in India, known for its intricate geometric design.
Overnight in Bharatpur.
Day 7: BHARATPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA (180km – 4.5hrs)
Early morning visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, a World Heritage Site. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Indigenous water birds and many migratory water birds can be seen in this sanctuary along with larger animals such as Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.
Return to the hotel and after breakfast leave for Agra en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. The former capital built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, famous for its unique blend of Indo-Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. Although it was abandoned only a few years after its construction, the city remains one of India’s most spectacular historical sites. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City' including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.
Continue to Agra and check in at your hotel.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 8: AGRA – DELHI (190km – 5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the most celebrated monuments in the world. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament to eternal love, the Taj Mahal was constructed in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Passing through the monumental red sandstone gateway, the gleaming white marble mausoleum emerges, ethereal and breathtaking. Standing on its marble platform, the Taj is flanked by four elegant minarets at each corner, while its central dome houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. The semi-translucent marble is intricately carved with floral motifs and inlaid with semi-precious stones, creating patterns of exquisite detail and artistry.
Next, visit the magnificent Agra Fort, the first major architectural project of Emperor Akbar. Built between 1565 and 1575 on the site of an earlier fortress, it houses impressive structures such as Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, and Moti Masjid. Expanded by Shah Jahan, the fort’s red sandstone walls stretch over 2 km, adorned with elegant curves and towering bastions — a grand symbol of Mughal power and artistry.
After, continue to Delhi and check in at your hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 9: DELHI DEPARTURE
After one last breakfast in the hotel, hop onto your transfer to the International Airport of Delhi, for your return flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
