India's Bestseller: Explore the 5-Day Golden Triangle Tour - Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur

Upon arrival in Delhi, check in at your hotel. Delhi, the capital of India, has a tumultuous history, having been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. The present-day New Delhi was designed by Edwin Lutyens with Herbert Baker as its main architect. In 1911, Delhi became the capital of British India, replacing Kolkata. Today, it stands as the nation's seat of power and a significant gateway for tourists.

Begin your exploration of Old Delhi with a visit to Raj Ghat, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. This is Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, where he was cremated in January 1948. The memorial is surrounded by landscaped gardens and features a simple square platform made of black marble inscribed with his final words, "Hey Ram". Nearby is the imposing Red Fort, a 17th-century fortress built in red sandstone with a towering boundary wall. Inside, discover exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens. Across from the Red Fort is Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, constructed of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656.

In New Delhi, visit Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century by his wife Haji Begum and considered an early example of Mughal architecture, often cited as the precursor to the Taj Mahal. Marvel at the Qutab Minar, Delhi's landmark tower of victory, commenced in 1199 and completed in 1368. Rising 72.5 meters high with a base diameter of 14.4 meters tapering to 2.7 meters at the top, it is a remarkable example of early Indo-Islamic architecture.

Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, formerly the Viceroy’s residence and now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it blends western and eastern architectural styles, featuring a dome resembling a Buddhist stupa, "Hindu" chhattris, and elegant colonnades.

Continue to India Gate, a 42-meter tall archway commemorating the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Engraved on the arch and its foundations are the names of 13,516 British and Indian soldiers who perished in the Afghan War of 1919. Beneath the arch, the Amar Jawan Jyoti eternal flame pays tribute to the Indian armed forces' sacrifices in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.

After a day of exploration, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Proceed to Agra and check into your hotel upon arrival. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra is a medieval city founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1506. It gained prominence as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1526 to 1658 and remains a prominent tourist destination renowned for its magnificent Mughal-era architecture, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.

Originally a brick fort held by the Chauhan Rajputs, Agra Fort was first mentioned in history in 1080 AD when it was captured by a Ghaznavide force. Sikandar Lodi was the first Sultan of Delhi to shift his capital to Agra and resided in the fort from 1487 to 1517. During his reign, Agra became the second capital of the Sultanate. His son, Ibrahim Lodi, continued to enhance the fort with palaces, wells, and a mosque until his defeat at Panipat in 1526.

The world-renowned Taj Mahal, overlooking the Yamuna River, epitomizes Mughal architecture. Commissioned by Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653 as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away in 1631, the Taj Mahal is set within a formal walled garden in the charbagh style, symbolizing an Islamic paradise. Shah Jahan was laid to rest beside his wife upon his death in 1666. (Closed on Fridays).

After exploring these iconic landmarks, retire for the night at your hotel in Agra.

Proceed to Jaipur with a visit to Fatehpur Sikri en route. Built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri was intended to be the capital of his expansive empire. This beautifully designed medieval city was abandoned after just 15 years due to water scarcity but remains remarkably preserved as a ghost city, offering a glimpse into the empire's grandeur. Explore key sites such as Darbar-e-Aam, palaces, Panch Mahal, Tansen's Seat, and the impressive Sufi saint's tomb. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at your hotel.

After breakfast, embark on an excursion to Jaipur. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur, originally the capital of Amber, was India's first planned city. Known as the "Pink City" for its charming old town buildings, Jaipur earned its nickname when the city was painted pink to welcome Prince Albert of England in 1882. Amber Fort, situated 130 meters high amidst the Aravalli hills, 11 kilometers north of Jaipur. Ride a jeep up the hill to explore the fort's massive gateways, courtyards, stairways, pillared pavilions, and palaces that reflect Amber's rich history and its association with the Mughals. Visit the City Palace, which still serves as the residence of the erstwhile royal family, and explore the Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory. Also, marvel at the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds," with its 1,043 windows designed for the royal ladies to observe the bustling market street activities below without being seen themselves.

After a day of exploration, retire for an overnight stay at your hotel.

Return journey to Delhi, where you will be promptly transferred to the airport.