Rajasthan: Golden Triangle, Maharajas & Rickshaws

TOUR IN

04 Nov
-
12 Nov 2025
|
9 days

$2535

per person

Availability: 12 places

Rajasthan is arguably the most colourful and culturally rich state in all India, home to much of the famous ‘Golden Triangle’ comprised of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Offering a comprehensive and varied experience at a comfortable pace, the tour starts with an exploration of both Old and New Delhi before heading south to Agra to visit the magnificent Agra Fort and to watch the sunset warm the iconic Taj Mahal.

From here we travel onwards to the bustling city of Jaipur, taking in some of the most famous highlights in this part of India. From Jaipur, we then head off-the-beaten-track to experience the quieter side of life from a heritage palace in rural Rajasthan before returning to Delhi.

This is India at its most enticing - with Delhi, Agra, the Taj Mahal, Jaipur and her bustling bazaars, contrasted with an opportunity to get a genuine insight into rural Indian life, wandering the streets of Khandela and meeting the locals, this trip represents the perfect first timer's trip to India.

Day 1

DAY 1: Tour starts in Delhi: New Delhi sightseeing

The tour starts with a group welcome meeting at lunchtime. Rooms are available from 2pm, so we will check in if possible, before taking a drive through New Delhi – visiting Rajpath and India Gate as well as Humayun’s tomb, one of the best preserved Mughal monuments, commissioned by Humayun's son Akbar and designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiya. This evening we will head to Connaught Place for dinner.

Day 2

DAY 2: Delhi - Agra: Old Delhi highlights and transfer to Agra

This morning we will embrace the chaos and energy of the vibrant heart of Old Delhi! We'll walk past old crumbling havelis, jump on a rickshaw through the bustling market of Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s oldest and most animated marketplace, see the vibrant street food stalls and visit the famous Jama Masjid mosque. We'll then continue to the imposing Red Fort, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and considered one of the most important buildings of Mughal architecture from that period. This afternoon we travel to Agra and check-in to our hotel in time for dinner.
Approx. 4 hours driving

Day 3

DAY 3: Agra: Ancient forts and palaces

This morning we will visit the magnificent Agra Fort, a vast riverside complex comprised of exquisite palaces and mosques. The fort was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar and overlooks the banks of the Yamuna River. Afterwards we'll take a Mughal heritage walk through the farming community of Kachhpura, led by a USAID-trained specialist guide. Highlights during the walk include the Humayun Mosque with its intriguing sandstone graves and the Gyarah Sidi (Eleven Steps), that is carved out of a single block of stone. Late in the afternoon we’ll head to the iconic Taj Mahal for sunset – an extraordinary time of day to visit as the marble takes on gold and pink hues making for a wonderful and atmospheric time to see this stunning mausoleum.

Day 4

DAY 4: Agra - Jaipur: Mughal and ancient wonders

This morning we start our full day journey towards Jaipur, visiting the stunning Chand Baori Stepwell and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri on the way. A truly amazing site, Fatehpur Sikri is a simply enormous palace complex built by Emperor Akbar the Great, only to be deserted 10 years after it was finished. We will have time to explore here before continuing on to Chand Baori, one of the largest and deepest stepwells in India. The stepwell was designed in the 9th century to give residents easy access to clean ground water at the foot of the well, and soon also became a place of refuge during the hottest months when people could enjoy the cooler temperatures down in the stepwell in comparison to street level.

Day 5

DAY 5: Jaipur: Palace, observatory and cooking class

Often referred to as the 'pink city', Jaipur was first painted terracotta pink in 1876 to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria to the city. This morning we head to the fascinating and beautifully ornate City Palace Museum, built by the founder and namesake of the modern city Jai Singh II. We’ll then visit Jantar Mantar, the UNESCO listed Royal Observatory before leaving you free for lunch and the afternoon where'll you'll be able to visit the local bazaar or relax at the hotel. We'll meet up again later today for a wonderful evening of culinary delights! We will learn about the traditions and flavours of Rajasthani cuisine and the basics of Indian cooking during a cooking class and demonstration after which we'll join our hosts for a delicious meal, the perfect end to an incredible evening.

Day 6

DAY 6: Jaipur - Khandela: Rural rickshaw ride and Amber fort

This morning we start the day with a charming rickshaw ride around Jaipur with the Pink City Rickshaw Company, an initiative that supports local women from low-income communities to earn a living. We will ride with the ladies to some local spots around the city then join them for some chai. Next, we visit Amber Fort, the Rajput masterpiece perched on a hillside overlooking the city. This colossal fort was built by Raja Man Singh I in the 16th century and is known for its artistic style, blending both Hindu and Rajput elements with its large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths. After lunch we’ll start our journey to our accommodation in rural Rajasthan.
Approx. 3 hours driving

Day 7

DAY 7: Khandela: Village Walk and high tea

Our time at Castle Khandela provides us with an opportunity to get a genuine insight into rural Indian life. Today we have the opportunity to go on a guided village walk to meet the residents and explore the shops, havelis and markets of the local area. A camel cart safari gives the opportunity to explore further afield, or you may wish to take some time to relax and enjoy the surroundings of our hotel. In the afternoon we will have high tea at a stepwell on the hotel's nearby organic farm before finishing the day with dinner back at the hotel.

Day 8

DAY 8: Return to Delhi

This morning we start our journey back to Delhi. On the way we stop for lunch at the ancient village of Neemrana whose fort has been converted into an elegant heritage hotel. After a delicious lunch with a view over the village and the Aravalli Mountains, we'll complete our journey back to the Indian capital, basing ourselves this time at a hotel conveniently located near to the international airport, and enjoy our final evening together.
Approx. 5 hours driving

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Day 9

DAY 9: Tour ends in Delhi

The tour ends after breakfast and those on the group flight will be transferred to the airport.

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