The Golden Triangle Small Group Tour of India
with an optional extension to The Maldives
This introductory small group tour to northern India takes you on a fascinating journey of discovery, visiting many of the country’s most iconic sights. Experience India’s unique culture as you trace India’s famous Golden Triangle. Explore the imperial monuments of Delhi, the royal palaces of Jaipur, and the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Throughout the tour, you will be accompanied by a local guide who will provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the incredible places you visit.
Day 1 - Arrival in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, India’s exciting yet frenetic capital. A representative will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel, your base for the next couple of nights. Take the afternoon to relax, perhaps reviving in the outdoor pool. This evening you’ll visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most important Sikh houses of worship. Learn about its community kitchen, where you’ll witness heartwarming scenes of volunteers serving food to hundreds of worshippers. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, getting to know your tour companions over a glass of beer or local wine. Overnight at The Suryaa (or similar).
Day 2 - Delhi
Discover the highlights of India’s capital city on a full day tour of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, visit the Jama Masjid Mosque, the largest mosque in India built by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan whose other architectural feats include the legendary Taj Mahal. Drive past the impressive Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main seat of the Mughal Empire for 200 years. In the afternoon, explore New Delhi, including the Presidential Palace, India Gate and Humayun’s tomb. Your final stop is Qutab Minar where you can witness the illumination of its tower, which was built in the 12th century and is a prototype of all minars (towers) in India. Overnight at The Suryaa (or similar).
Day 3 - Delhi & Agra
Drive south to Agra (approximately 4 hours). The drive gives you the opportunity to chat to your tour guide and learn more about northern India’s culture and history. On arrival in Agra, visit the 16th century Agra Fort, an impressive red sandstone monument that houses fairytale palaces, audience halls and two white marble mosques. Overnight at Taj Hotel & Convention Centre (or similar).
Day 4 - Agra & Jaipur
Rise early for the incredible highlight of your tour – the once-in-a-lifetime experience of watching the sunrise at the spectacular Taj Mahal, one of the finest pieces of architecture in the world. Be mesmerised by the captivating beauty of this monument to love as it appears to change colour with the changing light and takes on an ethereal pink glow. After breakfast at the hotel, head west to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital. Stop en route to see the perfectly preserved deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which was founded in 1569 but was abandoned just 16 years later due to a lack of water supply. Approximate journey time: 6 hours. Overnight at Shahpura House (or similar)
Day 5 - Jaipur
This morning explore Jaipur on a sightseeing tour. Visit the City Palace – an exquisite complex of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture that also houses a museum and art gallery. Stop to take a photo of the picturesque Palace of the Winds. You’ll also get to visit the Royal Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which boasts the world’s largest stone sundial. In the afternoon, discover the ancient and imposing Amber Fort which sits on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. Wander through its palatial grounds. End the day on a high by enjoying a culinary demonstration with a local family, followed by dinner. Overnight at Shahpura House (or similar).
Day 6 - Jaipur & Delhi
The morning is free for optional activities before heading back to Delhi (approximately 5.5 hours’ drive). Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon to enjoy a different perspective of the city, high up away from the hustle and bustle below. Alternatively, join a walking tour to discover the architecture of the walled city with a local expert, or explore the temples and havelis of Old Jaipur. Overnight at Vivanta Dwarka (or similar).
Day 7 - Delhi & Departure
You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home, or onward travel.
After your stay in India, it's a relatively flight to the paradise islands of the Maldives. You will find tiny islands of pure white sandy beaches, amazing snorkelling and clear turquoise water.
You can visit local deserted islands, or just spend your days sunbathing - it is a constant 30C all year round. Most islands have a spa and diving school.
There is though a huge choice of islands, and it can be difficult to know where to start. I have featured the all inclusive Kuramathi island because it is my best selling island, but others I can recommend are Meeru (slightly cheaper but fewer dining options), Baros (small, luxurious and very peaceful), Athuruga (exceptional snorkelling), Bandos (very good for families), Biyadhoo (cheap and cheerful), and more. Please feel free to contact me about the different Maldives islands.
My recommended island in the Maldives is Kuramathi due to the choice of accommodation, value for money and excellent facilities. On one side of the island is a long stretch of white sandy beach, while on the other is a series of little coves with excellent snorkelling off the beach. There are trips to a deserted island, as well as diving and snorkelling excursions.
In the evening there is a choice of bars; some are very quiet and chilled while others are livelier, and a choice of restaurants. The best meal plan is A-La-Carte All Inclusive - this allows you to dine in any restaurant on the island for both lunch and dinner, as well as including a fine selection of wines, a sunset cruise and a local island visit.
The choice of room types can be daunting, but I have found that by far the most popular are 1) Jacuzzi Water Villas (top price but amazing!), 2) Beach Villas (cheaper but still very nice villas by the beach), and 3) Deluxe Beach Villas (a bit more expensive but in a lovely quiet part of the island).
How you can change this trip to suit
Why not extend your trip with visits to Amritsar and Shimla, on an independent basis, to discover India's western Himalayas. Witness the Palki ceremony at Amritsar’s sacred Golden Temple and discover the iconic hill station of Shimla and take a toy train ride. Alternatively, finish your Indian adventure with a tiger safari in Kanha or a relaxing stay on the beach in Goa. Ask us for more information.
Guide Prices
Please contact us for up to date pricing.
What's Included?
- Flights from London
- 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
- All sightseeing as described except optional excursions
- Maximum group size: 12
