Golden Triangle India Tour 6N/7D

Day 1: ISTANBUL – DELHI

Meeting at the airport. Following ticketing, passport, and baggage procedures, departure to Delhi, the capital of India, with a scheduled Indigo Airlines flight.

Day 2: DELHI – AGRA

Situated along the Yamuna River, Delhi is India’s second-largest metropolis. Upon arrival in Delhi, we complete passport and baggage procedures and proceed to our waiting vehicle. Then, we embark on a comfortable journey to Agra. Upon arrival at our hotel in Agra, we check in and rest until noon.

Refreshed after the long journey, we head to our first destination in India, the Taj Mahal. Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is synonymous with India. As British Lord Edward Lear famously said, "There are two kinds of people: those who have seen the Taj Mahal and those who have not." Recognized as a cornerstone of art in the Muslim world, this unique structure has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Built by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal also houses their tombs within its majestic premises.

Following our visit to the Taj Mahal, our next stop is the Red Fortress. This impressive structure, named after the red stones extracted from the region, is a remarkable historical and architectural site. After completing our visits for the day, we return to our hotel for an open buffet dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: DELHI – AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off in our vehicle. After an hour’s pleasant journey, we reach Fatehpur Sikri, a historic city comprised of two distinct structures: Sikri, a village, and Fatehpur, a fortress. Located near Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Fatehpur Sikri was built as a capital by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century and is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance.

The city showcases a unique blend of Indian and Islamic architectural styles, featuring red sandstone buildings, intricate carvings, and spacious courtyards. Highlights include beautiful palaces, grand courtyards, and the Jama Masjid. At the fortress entrance, you’ll find Buland Darwaza, the world’s tallest gateway, built to commemorate Akbar’s victory in Gujarat.

After completing our Fatehpur Sikri tour, we travel to Jaipur and check into our hotel. Following an open buffet dinner, we stay overnight in Jaipur.

Day 4: JAIPUR

After breakfast, we set off to explore Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, also known as the "Pink City." Renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural diversity, Jaipur offers treasures such as Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar.

Our first stop is Hawa Mahal, a masterpiece of Rajput architecture built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its façade, adorned with 953 small windows (jharokha), is a cultural icon of Jaipur. We take time to admire and photograph this magnificent structure before heading to Amber Fort.

Upon reaching Amber Fort, we may have the opportunity to ascend to the fort on elephants, subject to availability. This majestic fort, built on a hillside, served as both a royal residence and a military stronghold. Inside, we explore its highlights, including the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory), Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure), and Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience).

Next, we visit City Palace, the former residence of Jaipur’s royal family, and Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To end the day, we head to Bapu Bazaar, famous for its handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and traditional Rajasthani items such as blue pottery and tie-dye fabrics. After free time for shopping, we return to the hotel for an open buffet dinner and overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5: JAIPUR – DELHI

After breakfast, we travel to Delhi, India’s second-largest metropolis. New Delhi, the capital of India and part of the National Capital Territory (NCT), was built in 1911 by the British as the administrative center of the Indian subcontinent. Known for its impressive architecture, lush parks, and historical monuments, it is also home to the Indian government and many embassies.

Our first stops are the Government and Parliament Buildings, followed by Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace). These iconic structures reflect the city’s historical and political significance.

Next, we visit Qutub Minar, one of Delhi’s most famous landmarks and a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture. Constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak as a symbol of the spread of Islam in India, the minaret was completed by his son-in-law and successor, Iltutmish. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, Qutub Minar remains an architectural marvel.

After our tour, we attend a traditional Indian house party featuring local attire, delicious treats, and a vibrant atmosphere. We conclude the day by checking into our hotel in Delhi for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 6: DELHI – CHANDIGARH

After an early breakfast, we depart for Serhend. Here, we visit the tomb of Imam Rabbani, a renowned scholar of India. Following this meaningful visit, we proceed to a Sikh Temple, also known as a Gurdwara, a sacred space for worship, prayer, and community service in Sikhism. Observing traditional customs such as covering the head and removing shoes, we experience the spirit of equality and service that defines these holy places.

Later, we travel to Chandigarh, where we check into our hotel, enjoy an open buffet dinner, and spend the night.

Day 7: CHANDIGARH – DELHI

After breakfast, we head back to Delhi, starting our visit at Jami Masjid, one of India’s largest and most renowned mosques. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1656, the mosque is an iconic example of Mughal architecture, crafted from red sandstone and white marble with intricate carvings, massive domes, and elegant minarets.

Next, we visit Birla House, the residence where Mahatma Gandhi spent his final days. Known today as Gandhi Smriti (Gandhi Memorial), this site holds immense historical significance as the place where Gandhi was assassinated.

After completing our visits, we return to the hotel for an open buffet dinner and overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 8: DELHI – ISTANBUL

After collecting our breakfast boxes, we meet in the lobby and transfer to Delhi Airport for our flight to Istanbul. Following passport and baggage procedures, we depart for Istanbul on an Indigo Airlines flight, marking the end of our memorable tour.

Day 2: DELHI – AGRA

Situated along the Yamuna River, Delhi is India’s second-largest metropolis. Upon arrival in Delhi, we complete passport and baggage procedures and proceed to our waiting vehicle. Then, we embark on a comfortable journey to Agra. Upon arrival at our hotel in Agra, we check in and rest until noon.

Refreshed after the long journey, we head to our first destination in India, the Taj Mahal. Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is synonymous with India. As British Lord Edward Lear famously said, "There are two kinds of people: those who have seen the Taj Mahal and those who have not." Recognized as a cornerstone of art in the Muslim world, this unique structure has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Built by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his young wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal also houses their tombs within its majestic premises.

Following our visit to the Taj Mahal, our next stop is the Red Fortress. This impressive structure, named after the red stones extracted from the region, is a remarkable historical and architectural site. After completing our visits for the day, we return to our hotel for an open buffet dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: DELHI – AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off in our vehicle. After an hour’s pleasant journey, we reach Fatehpur Sikri, a historic city comprised of two distinct structures: Sikri, a village, and Fatehpur, a fortress. Located near Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Fatehpur Sikri was built as a capital by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century and is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance.

The city showcases a unique blend of Indian and Islamic architectural styles, featuring red sandstone buildings, intricate carvings, and spacious courtyards. Highlights include beautiful palaces, grand courtyards, and the Jama Masjid. At the fortress entrance, you’ll find Buland Darwaza, the world’s tallest gateway, built to commemorate Akbar’s victory in Gujarat.

After completing our Fatehpur Sikri tour, we travel to Jaipur and check into our hotel. Following an open buffet dinner, we stay overnight in Jaipur.

Day 4: JAIPUR

After breakfast, we set off to explore Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, also known as the "Pink City." Renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural diversity, Jaipur offers treasures such as Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar.

Our first stop is Hawa Mahal, a masterpiece of Rajput architecture built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its façade, adorned with 953 small windows (jharokha), is a cultural icon of Jaipur. We take time to admire and photograph this magnificent structure before heading to Amber Fort.

Upon reaching Amber Fort, we may have the opportunity to ascend to the fort on elephants, subject to availability. This majestic fort, built on a hillside, served as both a royal residence and a military stronghold. Inside, we explore its highlights, including the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory), Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure), and Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience).

Next, we visit City Palace, the former residence of Jaipur’s royal family, and Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To end the day, we head to Bapu Bazaar, famous for its handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and traditional Rajasthani items such as blue pottery and tie-dye fabrics. After free time for shopping, we return to the hotel for an open buffet dinner and overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5: JAIPUR – DELHI

After breakfast, we travel to Delhi, India’s second-largest metropolis. New Delhi, the capital of India and part of the National Capital Territory (NCT), was built in 1911 by the British as the administrative center of the Indian subcontinent. Known for its impressive architecture, lush parks, and historical monuments, it is also home to the Indian government and many embassies.

Our first stops are the Government and Parliament Buildings, followed by Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace). These iconic structures reflect the city’s historical and political significance.

Next, we visit Qutub Minar, one of Delhi’s most famous landmarks and a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture. Constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak as a symbol of the spread of Islam in India, the minaret was completed by his son-in-law and successor, Iltutmish. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, Qutub Minar remains an architectural marvel.

After our tour, we attend a traditional Indian house party featuring local attire, delicious treats, and a vibrant atmosphere. We conclude the day by checking into our hotel in Delhi for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 6: DELHI – CHANDIGARH

After an early breakfast, we depart for Serhend. Here, we visit the tomb of Imam Rabbani, a renowned scholar of India. Following this meaningful visit, we proceed to a Sikh Temple, also known as a Gurdwara, a sacred space for worship, prayer, and community service in Sikhism. Observing traditional customs such as covering the head and removing shoes, we experience the spirit of equality and service that defines these holy places.

Later, we travel to Chandigarh, where we check into our hotel, enjoy an open buffet dinner, and spend the night.

Day 7: CHANDIGARH – DELHI

After breakfast, we head back to Delhi, starting our visit at Jami Masjid, one of India’s largest and most renowned mosques. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1656, the mosque is an iconic example of Mughal architecture, crafted from red sandstone and white marble with intricate carvings, massive domes, and elegant minarets.

Next, we visit Birla House, the residence where Mahatma Gandhi spent his final days. Known today as Gandhi Smriti (Gandhi Memorial), this site holds immense historical significance as the place where Gandhi was assassinated.

After completing our visits, we return to the hotel for an open buffet dinner and overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 8: DELHI – ISTANBUL

After collecting our breakfast boxes, we meet in the lobby and transfer to Delhi Airport for our flight to Istanbul. Following passport and baggage procedures, we depart for Istanbul on an Indigo Airlines flight, marking the end of our memorable tour.