Golden Triangle: Extended

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. India’s capital, and one of the oldest cities in the world, Delhi, is a colourful, busy, chaotic metropolis packed with museums, art galleries, historic sites, shops and bazaars. All of the riches of India may be found in this ‘Immortal City’.

Spend today sightseeing with a local guide. You may like to begin in the crowded streets of 17^th century Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi, where a rickshaw ride through the laneways to Chandni Chowk, affords an exciting introduction to India!

Of course, it would take more than a day to discover all that is Delhi; if there are particular sights or activities that interest you, your guide will adjust the day’s program to fit.

Depart Delhi this morning for Jaipur, approximately a 6 hour drive away. Popularly known as the ‘pink city’, Jaipur is the capital and largest city of Rajasthan with a population of more than 3 million. One of the finest planned cities of India (built at a time when most towns presented a chaotic picture of narrow, twisting lanes and a confusion of forts, temples and dwellings) it is now home to some of the country’s best heritage hotels.

Spend today exploring Jaipur with a local guide. Your tour will include visits to the impressive Amber Fort, the photogenic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the still inhabited City Palace, and Maharaja Jai Singh’s astronomy park.

If shopping is of interest, Jaipur – a central depository for the wonderful array of Rajasthan’s crafts – is the place in which to indulge!

Enjoy a fascinating guided walk today. Mingle and talk with the locals whilst sampling some of the region’s culinary delights; try pakoras, aloo tiki, samosa and ladoo from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors. Observe local artisans in their workshops – jewellers, silversmiths, gold painters and tie dying experts, as well as meenakari and kundan artists. Visit a local resident in his private haveli, beautifully decorated with gold painting, rich tapestries, carpets and rare artefacts.

This morning drive 3 to 4 hours to the famed Ranthambhore National Park, former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur.

After lunch, trek up to the 1,000 year old Rajput Ranthambore Fort, set high on a rock cliff, 215 metres above the surrounding plain. Explore its splendid ruined interiors and enjoy the spectacular views of the park and its three lakes from the ramparts.

Today you will have morning and late afternoon shared jeep safaris into the park, where there is the possibility of seeing the elusive tiger. It is also home to a number of other animals and a wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles.

During the time you aren’t on safari you can relax and enjoy your beautiful hotel, their great food and the slow pace of life in this part of India.

This morning drive approximately 4 hours to Karauli, arriving in time to enjoy lunch at your lovely heritage hotel. Off the beaten track, your accommodation here is a former Maharaja’s palace, which has been restored to its full art deco glory; it houses a collection of vintage cars and is also an organic dairy and farm. Afternoon at leisure.

Today take a camel cart ride through the nearby village with its handicraft shops selling lacquer work, bangles, wooden toys, bamboo items, traditional sweets etc. Visit the once magnificent City Palace; although in need of restoration, it has some impressive architectural features and the Durbar Hall contains some fine wall paintings and stone carvings.   A Krishna temple – at which the evening ‘Aarti’ ritual takes place – is located in the palace grounds.

After breakfast depart Karauli for the 5 hour drive to Gwalior. One of the lesser visited cities on the Gangetic plain, Gwalior’s magnificent fort soars high above this laid back city.

Your accommodation here, Usha Kiran Palace, is a restored palace of the former royal family. Its upstairs terrace, with its views of  Gwalior Fort, is the perfect place for a sundowner.

This is a chance for you to experience India away from her well-known cities and sights. Spend the morning exploring Gwalior’s magnificent Fort. Stretching for almost 3 kms atop a 100 metre high sandstone and basalt hill, its 10 metre high walls enclose a number of lovely temples, palaces and step wells.

Attend the sound and light show held in the open air amphitheatre of the fort this evening.

This morning drive 3 hours to Agra. A city of forts, palaces, gardens and mausoleums, it was the seat of the imperial Mughal court during the 16^th and 17^th centuries. Agra is home to the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India, its most beautiful and famous monument being the Taj Mahal – the jewel of India.

Wake early this morning to enjoy the sight of the rising sun over the magnificent Taj Mahal. Return to your hotel for breakfast before paying a visit to the impressive Agra Fort, which is an architectural wonder itself.

After the sightseeing, drive 1 hour out of Agra to Chambal Safari. This is a special place to stay, a short drive but a million miles away from the touts and hawkers of Agra!

There are many activities on offer during your stay at this charming family run eco-lodge. Nestling in sprawling acres of woodland and farm, it is home to numerous birds and small mammals.

Accompanied by resident naturalists, you can explore nature at your own pace: take early morning or evening walks or boat, jeep, camel, or horse safaris.

In addition to wildlife viewing you can visit the local village, ancient temples, fortresses and ruins.

Return to Delhi today – approximately a 6 hour drive – and transfer to the airport for your flight home or to another Indian destination (please see the R&R page for ideas).