Golden Triangle Tour with Haridwar and Rishikesh

Your tour begins in Delhi, the vibrant capital of India, where Mughal and British architectural grandeur coexists with modern urban life.

Morning:

After arrival and hotel check-in, start exploring Old Delhi. Begin with a visit to the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Close by is Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, where you can admire the massive courtyard and Mughal architecture.

Afternoon:

Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s busiest markets, and visit Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Afterward, move to New Delhi, where you’ll visit Qutub Minar, a stunning 12th-century minaret, and Humayun’s Tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal and a magnificent example of Mughal architecture.

Evening:

End your day with a drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President’s House), and Parliament House before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Agra, approximately a 3-4 hour journey, to explore the majestic city of the Taj Mahal.

Morning:

Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel before visiting the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This white marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal and is celebrated for its perfect symmetry, intricate inlay work, and serene beauty.

Afternoon:

After lunch, head to Agra Fort, another UNESCO-listed site. This grand fortress was the main residence of the Mughal emperors and features beautiful palaces, mosques, and audience halls, including the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience).

Evening:

End the day with a visit to Mehtab Bagh, a Mughal garden across the river from the Taj Mahal, offering a picturesque view of the monument at sunset. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart for Jaipur, with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city once the capital of the Mughal Empire.

Morning:

At Fatehpur Sikri, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built by Emperor Akbar. Visit the Buland Darwaza, the tallest gateway in the world, and the Tomb of Salim Chishti, a revered Sufi saint. Explore the royal palaces and courtyards, such as the Jodha Bai Palace and Panch Mahal.

Afternoon:

Continue your drive to Jaipur (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival in the Pink City, check into your hotel and relax. If time allows, explore Jaipur’s colorful bazaars like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, famous for traditional jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts.

Evening:

Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner and stay overnight in Jaipur.

Spend the day exploring Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known for its palaces, forts, and vibrant markets.

Morning:

Start with a visit to the Amber Fort, located on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. This stunning fort, built in a blend of Hindu and Mughal styles, features grand courtyards, intricate mirror work, and the beautiful Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace). You can choose to ride an elephant or take a jeep to the fort’s entrance.

On your way back, stop at Jal Mahal (Water Palace), located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The palace’s reflection on the water makes for great photos.

Afternoon:

In the city center, visit the City Palace, home to the royal family, and explore its museum, which houses artifacts, textiles, and weapons. Just nearby is the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with large, precise instruments used to study celestial bodies.

Evening:

Visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), known for its unique five-story facade with 953 small windows designed for royal ladies to observe life outside without being seen. End your day with some shopping in Jaipur’s local markets before heading back to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on a journey to Haridwar, located at the foothills of the Himalayas (about 6-7 hours by car or train). Haridwar is one of India’s most sacred cities, where the Ganges River descends from the mountains to the plains.

Afternoon:

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax. In the late afternoon, head to Har Ki Pauri, the most famous ghat on the Ganges, where pilgrims gather for prayers and rituals. Attend the Ganga Aarti in the evening, a deeply spiritual ceremony where priests offer prayers to the river, accompanied by the chanting of hymns and the lighting of oil lamps. The sight of thousands of lamps floating on the Ganges is mesmerizing.

Evening:

Explore the bustling streets of Haridwar, filled with small shops selling religious items, souvenirs, and street food. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

In the morning, drive to Rishikesh (about 30-45 minutes away), a spiritual town famous for its yoga ashrams, serene temples, and adventure activities. Located along the banks of the Ganges River, Rishikesh offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for spiritual reflection.

Morning:

Start your exploration of Rishikesh with a visit to the Triveni Ghat, where pilgrims take holy dips in the Ganges. Continue to the Bharat Mandir, the oldest temple in Rishikesh, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Then, visit the famous Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges, where Lord Lakshman is believed to have crossed the river using a jute rope.

Afternoon:

Visit some of the famous ashrams of Rishikesh, including the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, known for its yoga classes, spiritual discourses, and evening Ganga Aarti. You can also explore Swarg Ashram, a peaceful retreat where you can meditate or take a walk along the riverbanks.

If you’re interested in adventure, you can indulge in white-water rafting on the Ganges or opt for hiking in the nearby hills.

Evening:

Attend the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat, where spiritual leaders and devotees offer prayers to the Ganges, filling the air with devotion and tranquility. Afterward, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

In the morning, after breakfast, you may have some free time to explore Rishikesh further or participate in a yoga session at one of the ashrams.

Afternoon:

Begin your drive back to Delhi (approximately 6-7 hours by car or train). Upon arrival in Delhi, you can either relax or explore any last-minute sightseeing or shopping at Connaught Place or Janpath Market.

Later, you will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your onward journey, marking the end of your Golden Triangle Tour with Haridwar and Rishikesh.