Golden Triangle with Ranthambore

Breakfast and driving by surface to Agra. En route visit Delhi’s most famous Hindu temple – Akshardham.  Built in 2005, Akshardham means the “Divine Abode of God” and the magnificent surroundings are heavenly.  The cultural complex is a center for devotion, learning and harmony and is a must-see for a culture-vultures. Our expert guides will help you learn more about Hindu mythology and help decipher the intricate stone carvings and learn more about ancient Hindu architecture.

After the visit continue drive to Agra. Home of the world renowned Taj Mahal. En route, we stop to visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj. Emperor Jahangir's queen, Nurjahan, built this exquisite marble tomb in memory of her father, Mirza Ghias Beg from 1622-1628 A.D. The tomb’s elaborate carved white marble with inlaid semi-precious stones reflects major influences from the Persian Empire. Both historians and Agra locals believe this marvelously intricate stone inlay, called Pietra-Dura, also inspired the design of the famous Taj Mahal.

Agra, previously served for many years as the capital of the vast Mughal Empire. The city resides in India's famed Golden Triangle, and draws tourists to the Taj Mahal and other historic sites that reflect Agra’s rich history. Overnight at hotel in Agra.

Nothing compares to the surreal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and we have the opportunity to witness this magical scene. Mughal ruler Shah Jahan dedicated the legendary monument to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, and you will indeed marvel at one of the greatest architectural works of all time. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and inspiration; explore the intricate mosaics, precious designs and perfect architectural symmetry as if they were poetry created by hand from prized marble. The Taj Mahal seems to float above the banks of the Yamuna River, and blends Persian, Indian and Islamic elements in perfect symmetry. You will have ample time here, where 20,000 men spent 22 years building the monument.

After breakfast and some relaxation join us to explore the local marble market, where you explore and shop for marble souvenirs, Taj replicas, figurines and more. Be sure to visit the "Pietra Dura Workshop", where you enjoy an opportunity to watch the master craftsmen at work for the most renowned Indian handicrafts — the decorative art of inlay technique, to cut and fit highly polished colored stones to create images. The technique evolved to its peak during the construction of Taj Mahal and is still passed on from generation to generation.

We continue our visit to yet another great highlight from Mughal era - the famed Agra Fort. Explore and learn the history of this fascinating site, a vast fort which was the home of the Mughal Emperors and their many courtiers during Agra's era as capital. Enjoying an important position on a bend of the Yamuna River, Emperor Akbar the Great initiated construction, building a vast sandstone fort. However, it was his grandson Shah Jahan, the creator of the Taj Mahal, who added to it and embellished it using the finest marble, intricate carvings and inlaid precious stones. This architectural largesse was not entirely appreciated by his son, Aurangzabad, who thought Shah Jahan was wasting the Empire's fortune, thus deposing his father and keeping him under house arrest in a tower within the fort – his one consolation, a view of the Taj Mahal, home to his beloved late wife. Overnight at hotel in Agra.

Breakfast and we leave the erstwhile Mughal stronghold and proceed to the land of the Rajput kings. Our next stop is at Abhaneri, known as The 'Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan'. Founded in 1733 AD, it was once an impregnable well-fortified city, carved out of the region formerly known as Mewat. Here we will walk around the amazing Chand Baori (Stepwell). Built back in the 10th century, the incredible well of Chand Baori (Stepwell) was a practical solution to the water problem in the area. The arid climate forced the locals to dig deep for a dependable water source, one that would last throughout an entire year. The Chand Baori is 30m deep, has 13 floors and 3,500 steps. Learn about ancient Indian environmentalism—a "baori (Stepwell)" is a unique Indian invention for harvesting rainwater in a country where water is gold.

Our journey then continues by coach till we arrive into Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to Ranthambhore National Park. During the age of the Rajas, the park served as a favorite hunting ground and escape from palace life for the Jaipur ruling family. Now a key part of Project Tiger, this vast and renowned reserve has won international acclaim for its role in preservation and protection of tigers. Overnight at hotel in Ranthambore.

After breakfast proceed for a local village tour to observe how the traditional way of life still prevails. India continues to modernize and grow its urban networks, but the majority still live in villages; in fact, the common view considers villagers the soul of this vast nation. Generally, this population leads simple and largely self-sufficient lives, and we’ll learn about them. After lunch at hotel, we leave Ranthambhore and drive about 3.5 hours to Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital.

Before arriving in Jaipur, we stop for high tea at the impressive Castle Kanota, which the major Hollywood film release, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” featured in key scenes. Thakur Zorowar Singh, a key member of Jaipur's government, built this grand, eight- acre property in 1872. The proud descendants still own the property, and they will host our group and regal us with anecdotes of an era gone by, depending on their availability. Our group has the privilege of enjoying a private tour of the property with its museum, armory, and a library — which displays gold work and a unique collection of more than10, 000 rare books and manuscripts.

In centuries past, Rajput aristocrats leveraged their power and financial strengths acquired from overland trade into the magnificently built palaces, defensive forts, and lush gardens this region still boasts today. As proud members of the Kshatriya warrior caste, and fiercely independent, Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it made sense to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors, as well as the British Raj that followed. We enjoy a three -night stay in Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital.  Founded in the 18th century by Maharajah Jai Singh II, Jaipur became known as “the pink city” due to the predominant color of its rose-hued buildings, the origin of which dates back to 1876. At that time, in preparation for a visit from the British royals, Jaipur underwent a facelift that included mass painting in the chosen color. Planners chose pink, allegedly, to help reduce glare from the hot sun.

Arrive in Jaipur and check in to our hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the property’s facilities as you wish. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.

After breakfast, drive from Jaipur to Delhi, It will take about five to six hours. On the way visit a local school (subject to open days and permission from the school authorities) to understand the important role education plays in the future development of the country.

On arrival in Delhi, connect for your international flight for your next destination. End our tour services of Golden Triangle with Ranthambore.