Tour Plan
On this tour of the Golden Triangle, experience the rich culture of India before settling down on a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake in mesmerizing Kashmir, situated at the foot of the Himalayas.
Duration | 13 Nights / 14 Days |
Destination Covered | Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Alsisar – Srinagar – Mughal Gardens – Floating Vegetable Markets – houseboat |
Exclusions |
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Itinerary
On arrival, you will be welcomed by Vacations International representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Relax and unwind as you wish. Overnight, stay at the hotel (Vehicle for transfer only)
Breakfast at hotel then proceed for local guided full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque and Raj Ghat - the site of Gandhi’s cremation in Old Delhi, and the Rajpath and India Gate in New Delhi. In the evening enjoy group dinner at a restaurant specializing in classic Indian cuisine. Overnight in Delhi hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
In the morning you will be driven to Agra and check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon you will visit Agra Fort & the Taj mahal (Closed on Fridays). Agra houses one of the most famed milestones of India and the world's ultimate symbol of love - the Taj Mahal. Overnight: Agra hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Morning transfer by road to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri (approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes drive including stops) We visit the ghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, which has been deserted for over four centuries after it was allegedly abandoned due to a lack of water Thanks to the very durable red sandstone from which it was built, Fatehpur Sikri still remains well-preserved and is a fascinating place to explore. Later we drive to Jaipur, the bustling capital of the state of Rajasthan. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your own leisure. Overnight in Jaipur hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Very early this morning there is the opportunity to sail over the lofty hilltop forts and regal palaces of Jaipur in a hot air balloon. In the morning excursions to Amber Fort with an Elephant ride up the hill and descend by jeep followed with city tour Later we visit a cotton weaving house to see a demonstration of fabric dyeing and block printing before touring the City Palace and Jantar Mantar - an old yet cleverly designed space observatory. Overnight at Jaipur hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
In the morning proceed to the semi-desert Shekhawati region, which lies in a triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner. The small towns in this region were once important trading posts, and today their legacy is carried on through the beautiful painted havelis that were constructed by wealthy merchants here in the 18th and 19th centuries. Later we enjoy a walk through a local village and time to relax. Overnight at Alsisar hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
In the morning quick visit to village then proceed to Delhi and on arrival check –in into the hotel The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to further explore the city. Opt for a meal in the heart of the city or simply relax and chat with group members at the hotel. Overnight at Delhi hotel (Meals: Breakfast)
After breakfast at hotel transfer to the airport to board flight for Srinagar and on arrival you'll be met and transferred to your houseboat on Nageen Lake, part of the larger Dal Lake, which will be your home for the next four nights. Dal Lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres and is lined with stunning Mughal Gardens, resorts, houseboats and colourful shikaras - small wooden vessels used to transport almost everything around the lake from goods, to people. This evening we will take a ride in a shikara to witness the sunset. Overnight in Onboard houseboat hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
This morning we visit some of the stunning Mughal Gardens that Srinagar is famous for, including the terraced Nishat Bagh Garden on the eastern side of the lake, whose name translates in Hindustani as "Garden of Joy". Later we visit Shalimar Garden, which is equally as stunning and located on the northeast side of the lake. After visiting the gardens the rest of the afternoon is free. Overnight in Onboard houseboat hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today we board one of the colorful shikara to visit the floating gardens, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri. Here mounds of earth protrude from the water and act as a planting ground for local produce. Tomatoes, cucumbers and melons have been found to grow the best here with a constant source of irrigation. Later we visit the Old City of Srinagar with its winding streets and alleys lined with shops selling and making the finest Kashmari goods. Spend the rest of the day and evening at leisure. Overnight in Onboard houseboat hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner)
Today is free for you to do as you please. Explore the local markets for some last minute bargains or simply relax on your house boat and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of Lake Dal. Overnight in Onboard houseboat hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner)
After breakfast we return to Srinagar and transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to the international departure terminal for your onward flight. (Meals: Breakfast)