India Golden Triangle Family Holiday Comfort

Namaste! Welcome to India. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the Delhi – India’s busy capital city, known for its street food, bazaars, museums and galleries. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight. If you arrive early maybe discover the former palace of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and UNESCO World Heritage site, the Red Fort, or explore the Humayun’s Tomb. After your meeting, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a local restaurant.

Get your bearings around Delhi by starting your day with a leader-led orientation walk in the oldest part of the city – aptly called Old Delhi. Your leader will help you navigate through the narrow alleys so you can explore the Mughal architecture on foot. It’s not Delhi without a traffic jam, so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandi Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, before heading into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara to see the capital’s spiritual side. Stop for lunch with your group at a local eatery before hopping back on the bus to visit the iconic India Gate. This afternoon, why not tap into your leader’s local expertise for food and activity recommendations that match your mood.

Rise early to catch the morning sun and a train to Agra – the city alternated with Delhi as the capital of the Moghul Empire. When you arrive, take some time to relax after the early start until mid-afternoon, when you’ll head out to see the city’s big hitters. Agra’s not just about the Taj Mahal, it’s also home to the Friday Mosque and royal tombs. Along the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra Fort is part stronghold, part palace and part prison. Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, it was converted to a palace by Emperor Shah Jahan and it eventually became his jail when he lost power. Enter the dark red sandstone fort by crossing the (now empty) crocodile-infested moat. Search through throne rooms and tiny but incredibly decorated mosques and climb to the top to get your first tantalising glimpse of the Taj – one of the Seven Wonders of the World!

Get up before the sun today to watch it rise over the Taj Mahal (it’s worth the early start!). See this iconic building (one of the Seven Wonders of the World!) bathed in the early morning light. Many people believe it to be the most perfectly proportioned building ever constructed, and at first glance, it appears to be white marble, but closer inspection reveals that the surface is inlaid with semi-precious stones that form flowers and bowers. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Later, drive to Karauli to see the countryside. When you arrive in town, visit the Karauli Palace, which is owned by the royal family of Karauli. Enjoy your free afternoon to explore the property before discovering more of the city in a tuk-tuk. Tonight, you’ll stay in the Bhanwar Vilas Palace. Now a hotel, this was formerly the residence of the Maharaja of Karauli.

After breakfast, travel to the pink city of Jaipur. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it’s a good idea to get stuck into your book or play some road trip games. Along the way, you’ll stop for lunch. Later this evening, head into town for a memorable rickshaw ride with The Pink City Rickshaw Company – a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide a new aspirational employment opportunity to 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur. See the highlights of the city and get to know your amazing female driver as you zip through the streets.

Wake up early this morning, ready to spot leopards at Jhalana Leopard Safari Park. This organisation currently hosts more than 40 leopards and five cubs! Here, you might also spot striped hyenas, Indian civets, desert cats, jackals, porcupines, jungle rats and spotted deer (chital). After, sit down for breakfast and have a relaxing afternoon at your stay. In the evening, you’ll head to a Bollywood dance class and learn some new moves. When you and the kids are all tired out, maybe relax by the pool or find a dinner spot and unwind.

This morning, leave the pink hues of the Pink City behind and get back into the beating rhythm of Delhi. When you arrive, you can use the rest of the day however you like. Maybe practice your bargaining skills in Chandni Chowk (the maze of shops and kiosks that sell everything you can imagine), buy local crafts straight from the hands of the artisans in Janpath Market or gobble down street chaats (snacks like deep-fried fritters and flatbread). Maybe hear the story behind the man at Gandhi’s house, see one last ancient structure at Qutb Minar or simply relax in the Mughal Gardens. Tonight, maybe get together with your group and look back over the trip of a lifetime, chatting about all the wonders you’ve seen.