Golden Triangle with Village Safari & Holi Festival
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Introduction
- Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotel
- All meals during the stay at Dera Village, The Clement Retreats
- One Rickshaw ride in Delhi
- Holi celebration with a local family in Jaipur
- Play holi for 2 hours, unlimited drinks and snacks served at same time, followed by lunch
- White Kurta pajama to celebrate Holi.
- All entrance fees at monuments as per the itinerary.
- Camel/Camel cart safari at Gadoli
- English speaking local guides during the sightseeing
- All currently applicable taxes.
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.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Delhi
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Day 2
Delhi
Delhi
After breakfast, experience the combined charm of Old and New Delhi.
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 the 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.
From here, visit the capital's most striking monument; the 70-meter high Qutab Minar. Post visit of monument return back to the hotel and relax, rest of the day will be at leisure.
Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements.
Overnight at the Hotel (B)
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Day 3
Drive Delhi / Agra (210 kms / 130 miles / 4 hrs approx)
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 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 on own arrangements.
Overnight at the Hotel (B)
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Day 5
Agra / Gadoli (160 kms / 99 miles / 3.5 hrs approx)
Gadoli, Aravali Hills
After breakfast, drive to Village Gadoli.
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/camel cart safari 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.
Lunch and dinner at the retreat.
Overnight at the Retreat (B, L, D)
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Day 6
Gadoli/Jaipur (103 kms / 64 miles / 2 hrs approx)
Jaipur
After breakfast, check-out and drive to Jaipur. Enroute visit spectacular 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’. BBC Travel called Abhaneri Stepwell, one of the 10 Great Unknown Wonders of the World.
On arrival, check-in to the hotel.
Jaipur 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. This royal place is also rich in heritage, culture and architecture with its splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis; Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewellery. These intricate works of art add life and color to this Pink City's uniqueness.
Jaipur city has been declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Today day is free to explore the colorful local markets of Jaipur on your own. Jaipur is famous for handicrafts, jewelry, pottery and textiles.
Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements.
Overnight at the Hotel (B)
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Day 7
Jaipur
Jaipur
After breakfast, transfer to a local family to celebrate Holi.
The Holi Festival of Colors in India is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, the destruction of the demoness Holika. It is celebrated every year on the day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna which is early March. People celebrate the start of spring and other events in the Hindu religion; they march the streets and spray people with colored powders while dancing and singing.
Meet a local family, and celebrate the festival Holi with Cultural Event, Chang (BEATING OF DRUMS) and Bollywood Music. Splashing and throwing wet and dry powders over the family and fellow guests. Refuel with snacks and drinks, and after the colorful cat-and-mouse game, savor a traditional Indian lunch.
Evening visit Birla Temple. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. The temple stands erect on a raised platform, at the footsteps of the Moti Dungri Hill. Birla Mandir is constructed in the finest quality of white marble. The attractive stained windows glass windows of the temple depict scenes from Hindu Mythology. The idols of the temple look so real as if, they would speak to the devotees. The fascinating exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly with beautiful sculptures based of mythological themes.
Dinner on own arrangements.
Overnight at the Hotel (B, L)
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Day 8
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 on own arrangements.
Overnight at the Hotel (B)
- Day 9 Jaipur/Delhi (270 kms / 167 miles / 5 hrs approx)
