Golden Triangle with Karauli

Arrive New Delhi, the capital city of India, where you will be greeted by our representative at the airport, and escorted to your hotel. After check in at hotel, freshen up and take a light bite This afternoon, visit Qutab Minar, a fine example of early Muslim and Afghani architecture in India. Then drive past India’s seat of power, the President House and Parliament House. Take a short photo stop at India Gate, the famous war memorial arch of India. Then visit the gold tombed Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a live Sikh temple still in active worship. This sacred temple is highly spiritual and the holy water here is believed to have cured many followers of their illness. At this temple you get an opportunity to step inside the unique communal kitchen. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

After an early breakfast, take a morning tour of Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and an architectural masterpiece of Muslim faith. Then drive past Red Fort, a splendid fort made of red sandstone which was once the residence of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan and later became the landmark from where India’s independence from British Raj was announced. Embark on your drive to Agra – home to the beautiful Taj Mahal. Before reaching Agra, we may stop for lunch at a local mid way restaurant. This afternoon visit the splendid Agra fort, built in red sandstone, encapsulating magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens. Check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

This morning witness the surreal views of the Taj Mahal by sunrise. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and appreciate the intricate designs and symmetries that rhyme as a poem written in marble. Taj Mahal is an extravagant display of love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Return to hotel for breakfast and check out. Embark on your drive Karauli, to experience life in a small Rajasthan village town. En route to Karauli, make a brief stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture and the capital city of Mughal Empire in 16th century. This place was built by Emperor Akbar in gratitude of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who foretold the birth of Emperor Akbar’s sons. Ever since then followers have been visiting Fatehpur Sikri to make a wish and tie a thread on the ‘Wish Pillar’, with the hope that their wishes will be fulfilled. Before reaching Karauli we may stop for lunch at a local mid way restaurant Continue drive to Karauli. Tonight you will stay at Bhanwar Vilas Palace, where you will be personal guests to Karauli’s royal family – you get the opportunity to interact with members of the family (subject to availability) and discover their history, heritage and rich culture.

Today we visit the City Palace of Karauli to appreciate its frescoes and magnificent structures. Enjoy a camel cart ride and a stroll through the local village. You also get an opportunity to visit an organic farm, a local charity school and handicrafts shop where you can interact with farmers, school children and handicraft workers. With lunch at Karauli, chef would be happy to arrange a cooking demonstration for you, so you can learn a few tips on traditional Rajasthani cuisine. This afternoon, drive to Jaipur – the pink hued capital city of Rajasthan. This city of erstwhile Rajput Maharajas, is built in 9 rectangular sectors symbolizing 9 divisions of the universe, as per Indian cosmology Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel for overnight stay.

This morning, visit the magnificent Amber Fort - built in the 16th century, this is one of the most beautiful samples of Rajput architecture, housing a complex of palaces and pavilions, gardens and temples. A decorated elephant ride will help you ascend to this hilltop fort (elephants are subject to availability). Alternatively, you could choose to walk or drive up to the fort. Lunch at local restaurant This afternoon, visit Jaipur’s City Palace complex with its various museums where you can see a beautiful collection of Mughal costumes, weapons and miniature paintings. Then visit the fascinating Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, which is the largest stone observatory in the world. Also see Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in the 18th century. This palace with its innumerable windows and screened balconies was especially built for the royal women to view the city and street processions from behind their ‘purdahs’ so they remain invisible to the public. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

After breakfast, embark on your return drive to Delhi. Before reaching Delhi, we may stop for lunch at a nice hotel or Local Restaurant. Continue drive to Delhi, and upon arrival check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home.