Golden Triangle with Village & Kashmir
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Duration15 Days
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Region
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Category
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Best Time
- September - April
Introduction
As the paradise on this Earth, the Kashmir Valley becomes the centre of tourism again seeing a great revival of both domestic and international tourism there, we too look forward to relaunching what for many of us used to be a second home in the past. The combination of the Golden Triangle with the Kashmir Valley is possibly offering the greatest and most diverse experiences that are possible within North India and the Himalayan regions together.
The historical cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur forming the "Golden Triangle" with their history of the Mughals, Colonials and Rajput rulers making them home to amazing monuments like the Qutub Minar, Taj Mahal, Amer Fort and Palaces are without doubt, the greatest of mega monuments of the country. The Taj Mahal as one of the Great Wonders of the World is the crown jewel of this segment of the tour. A stay amongst the tribal Meena villagers takes the travellers through the timelessness of the colourful Indian living history located in the remote Aravali Hills, which are one of the most ancient geological hill features. The ancient 7th century Chandbauri (moonlit steps) - step wells located closeby at Abhaneri showcases the amazing geometric architectural marvels of ancient India enabling fetching water from a deep well even in darkness and without any lighting. Due to this, the BBC Travel called it one of the 10 Great Unknown Wonders of the World!
Flying across the snowy carpet of high Himalayas one lands at the colourful and bustling lake city of Srinagar where a beautiful syncretic Sufi Muslim culture blending Persian and Central Asian stocks can be seen. Staying in the wooden, ornately carved houseboats on the lakes is in itself to experience paradise. Visiting the Mughal Gardens, the city and the market places, experiencing the famous handlooms and handicrafts is a joy and exploration. Driving through the alpine valles to Sonamarg and Gulmarg from where on clear days mountains of the Himalayas, Great Himalayan Divide and the Eastern Karakorams can be seen taking one's breath away. Like the Mughal Emperor said soulfully: "If there is paradise on Earth, it is here, it is here, it is here". So enamoured was he with this region that it is said that he visited it eight times in his lifetime when the journey was covered by horses and elephants only, taking months one way!
Destinations Covered
Delhi
The City of GloryDelhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Jerusalem and Varanasi. It is the Capital Territory of India and a modern-day citadel that's dotted with ancient monuments.
History and Culture
Legend estimates it to be over 5,000 years old. Over the millennia, Delhi is said to have been built and destroyed 11 times. The oldest alleged incarnation of the city shows up in the Indian mythological epic Mahabharata as Indraprastha.
Agra
The Majesty of the TajAgra is the city of the Taj Mahal, in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Agra has three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort in the city and Fatehpur Sikri on the outskirts of Agra. There are also many other buildings and tombs from Agra's days of glory as the capital of the Mughal Empire.
Gadoli, Aravali Hills
The Classical Indian Village in the Golden TriangleSet in the heart of India and nestled amidst the Aravalis, Gadoli village is located in the rural countryside of Rajasthan. One can easily move around on camels or by camel carts. Marvel at the beautiful scenery and potentially spot some of the desert wildlife. The vibrant culture and rich heritage of this place draws innumerable tourists from across the globe.Tucked away within a valley inside the Aravali Hills, home to the community of Meena Tribals, the joy and spirit of rustic life is palpable on the lively faces of the village folks.
Jaipur
The Pink CityJaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and was built in the eighteenth century by Sawai Jai Singh as India's first planned city. Jaipur is a major tourist attraction amongst Indian as well as international travellers. Jaipur is often called the Pink City in reference to its distinctly colored buildings, which were originally painted this color to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. The present earthy red color originates from repainting of the buildings undertaken for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876.
Srinagar
Srinagar, is the largest city and the summer capital of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchar lakes. The city is known for its natural environment, gardens, waterfronts and houseboats.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg (literally, the meadow of gold) is a tranquil place set in a valley amongst glaciers and placid lakes. The flower-laden meadows, panoramic view of the lofty snow-covered Himalayan peaks and a number of trekking and hiking trails one can enjoy. Combined with the alpine meadows that bloom in the summer as well as rivers and lakes stocked with fish, Sonamarg is a notable tourist destination.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg lies in a cup-shaped valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 2,650 m (8,694 ft). The natural meadows of Gulmarg allow the growth of wild flowers such as daisies, forget-me-nots and buttercups during spring and summer. The meadows are interspersed by enclosed parks and small lakes, and surrounded by forests of green pine and fir.Skiing and other winter sports in Gulmarg are carried out on the slopes of Apharwat peak at a height of 4,267 m (13,999 ft).
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Delhi
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Day 2
Delhi
Delhi
Delhi is a dynamic city where the past coexists with the present. While historic evidence shows that the area around Delhi was first occupied around 2,500 years ago, Hindu mythology predates that by another 500 years. The British captured the city in 1803 and when they decided to make it the capital of India in 1911, they commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans. The result is slightly surprising with spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with architecture which is among the most striking in the world.
On the tour of “Old Delhi,” you will head out to explore this exotic locale with its narrow dirt roads, myriads of people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous.
Drive past Red Fort and visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest Muslim mosques in India. A bicycle rickshaw will take you into the heart of Chandni Chowk (the silver square - so named because of the silver merchants).
Drive past India Gate, a 42-metre archway built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War and Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy. Today, it is the official residence of the President of India.
Thereafter, visit the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. It was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, a 17th century Indian ruler. It is open to people of all faiths, castes or creeds. The premises house a sacred pond in which devotees bathe. They believe that this would wash off their misdeeds and thus allow them to attain peace of mind. The 'Langars' or the community kitchen proves to be the ideal example of prodigious hospitality of the Sikhs. Anyone and everyone can have scrumptious meal irrespective of caste, color or class.
Conclude the day by visiting the Delhi's most striking monument, The Qutub Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed in 1192 by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Built in red sandstone and marble, it has a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 ft) and contains 379 stairs. A Soaring conical tower, it is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture and is the tallest minaret in India.
Lunch & Dinner are on own arrangements.
Overnight at hotel (B)
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Day 3
Delhi / Agra (Approx. 130 Miles / 210 Kms 4 Hours’ Drive)
Agra
After breakfast, depart for Agra.
Agra's history is largely recognized with Mughal Empire, the place was established much before it and has linkages since Mahabharata, the Mythological history. The golden age of the city began with the Mughals. Akbar made it the center of art, culture, commerce and learning. During the peaceful reign of Shah Jahan, his passion for architecture came to the fore and the world-famous architectural masterpieces were constructed including the Taj Mahal.
Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
Late afternoon visit the Itmad Ud Daulah tomb, popularly known as Baby Taj. From there proceed to visit the “Mehtab Bagh” situated north of the Taj Mahal complex on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, in the flood plains. The garden complex, square in shape, is perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank. The most important attraction of Mehtab Bagh is the Taj Mahal itself. This is a unique spot as you can get a picturesque view of The Taj from here.
Lunch & Dinner are on own arrangements.
Overnight at the Hotel (B)
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Day 4
Agra
Agra
This morning, savour a travel highlight as you embark on a tour of the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb of white marble built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who had implored her husband to build a monument symbolizing their undying love for each other. Some 20,000 labourers and artisans from around the world spent 21 years constructing what became Mumtaz’s mausoleum, which was begun in 1632. Along with its exquisite symmetry, the Taj features striking examples of pietra dura, a decorative art in which craftsmen embed precisely cut semi-precious stones in marble to form dazzling patterns.
After breakfast, visit the imposing Red Fort of Agra (also known as Agra Fort). A creative, architectural, and strategic masterpiece, the Fort is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In a cruel twist, Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and whose grandfather built the original Fort and who also assumed the throne himself, was imprisoned here at the end of his life by his own son – in a room looking out on the Taj Mahal across the river. Lunch & Dinner are on own arrangements.
Overnight at the Hotel (B)
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Day 5
Agra / Gadoli (Approx. 99 Miles / 160 Kms / 3 ½ Hours’ drive)
Gadoli, Aravali Hills
After breakfast, drive to Village Gadoli, Enroute visit spectacular Underground Step-wells ‘Chand Baori’ that lie hidden deep in the village of ‘Abhaneri’. This 10th century built zigzagged stepwells is a geometric wonder where Royals used to picnic, and today a popular spot through the film ‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’.
On arrival, check-in to Dera Village - The Clement Retreat. An eco-friendly Retreat, located in the lap of nature - where "Simplicity forms Art of Living" palable in Thought, Expression and Comfort. Away from hustle-bustle of the crowded cities, towards pristine and untouched lives of the real people of the land.
Set in the heart of India and nestled at the base of India's oldest range of Fold Mountains - the Aravali Hills, Dera Village - The Clement Retreat is located in the rural countryside of Rajasthan. The green paddy fields surrounding the Retreat, the bonfire place, the well-planned garden and organic farms - all add to make the retreat a perfect oasis of calm, away from the hustle and bustle of cities.
After lunch at the retreat, we set out on a camel safari (on camel cart) through the surrounding villages to meet the local Meena tribespeople who live in mud huts that they decorate inside with floral and animal designs. Largely an agricultural people, the Meena have maintained much of their traditional culture and customs, as we see for ourselves up close.
Tonight, enjoy dinner accompanied by a local folk dance performance. Folk dances epitomize the very soul of Rajasthan and are performed at every conceivable life event and festival. Unlike the classical forms of dance, these folk forms reflect the local ethos of the area.
Lunch and dinner at the Retreat.
Overnight at the Retreat (B, L, D)
- Day 6 Gadoli / Jaipur (Approx. 72 Miles / 115 Kms / 2 ½ Hours’ drive)
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Day 7
Jaipur
Jaipur
After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Jaipur including a visit to the Amber Fort, and a photo stop at the Palace of the Winds, the Hawa Mahal in the morning. Amber Fort, is a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Kachhawah Rajputs as their capital from 1037 to 1728 and considered the pinnacle of Rajput architecture.
We tour the unoccupied citadel this morning, to admire the fresco-covered portal, the impressive room of mirrors, walls of jewel-encrusted marble, and the royal apartments offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
We continue on to Jantar Mantar, the incredible open-air Royal Observatory (ca. 1728) housing oversized astronomical instruments and a UNESCO World Heritage site; and City Palace, former residence of the Maharajas of Jaipur, built in the shape of the city itself and now converted to a museum that houses the rulers’ magnificent art collections. Explore the local markets as Jaipur is most famous for its handicrafts.
Lunch & Dinner are on own arrangements.
Overnight at the Hotel (B)
- Day 8 Fly Jaipur / Delhi / Srinagar
- Day 9 Srinagar
- Day 10 Srinagar / Sonamarg (Approx. 63 Miles / 100 Kms / 3 ½ hours’ drive)
- Day 11 Sonamarg
- Day 12 Sonamarg / Gulmarg (Approx. 103 Miles / 165 Kms / 6 hours’ drive)
- Day 13 Gulmarg
- Day 14 Gulmarg | Srinagar (Approx. 41 miles | 65 Kms | 2 Hours Drives) & Fly To Delhi
- Day 15 Fly Delhi & Departure
