Royal Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle
From the Taj to the City of Lakes: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.
11 Nights, 12 Days
Duration
5
Destinations
The Golden Triangle carried deep into Rajasthan: Jaipur, the Blue City of Jodhpur and the lake palaces of Udaipur.
Regions on this journeyUttar PradeshRajasthan
Overview
This 12-day journey is the fullest expression of the Golden Triangle and royal Rajasthan, tracing a route from the historic lanes of Old Delhi and the marble splendour of the Taj Mahal deep into Rajasthan: the rose-pink streets of Jaipur, the mighty hilltop fort of Jodhpur, and the romantic lake palaces of Udaipur.
Beginning in Delhi, guests explore the city's contrasts on a guided heritage walk through Chandni Chowk, before turning to the grandeur of New Delhi and the Qutub Minar. In Agra, they visit Agra Fort and the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah before rising early for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal.
Jaipur brings the hilltop Amber Fort, the City Palace and Hawa Mahal, and a hands-on Rajasthani cooking class in a local home, before the journey continues to Jodhpur, the Blue City, crowned by the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort.
The final stretch visits the marble Jain temples of Ranakpur on the way to Udaipur, where guests explore the City Palace and the shores of Lake Pichola before flying back to Delhi for their journey home.
Throughout, guests stay at their choice of The Leela Palace or The Oberoi hotels (in Jodhpur, both packages stay at RAAS Jodhpur), with a private English-speaking guide and air-conditioned vehicle for the whole journey.
Highlights
- A guided heritage walk and cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk
- A sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the world's most celebrated monuments
- The hilltop Amber Fort and a hands-on Rajasthani cooking class in a local Jaipur home
- Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's largest and most dramatic forts, towering over the Blue City of Jodhpur
- The Ranakpur Jain temples, with their 1,444 intricately carved marble pillars
- The romantic lake palaces and old city of Udaipur, on the shores of Lake Pichola
- A choice of five-star hospitality throughout, at The Leela Palace or The Oberoi hotels
Itinerary
A suggested journey
This is one way to experience the journey, not a fixed itinerary. Your specialist will adjust the pace, order and stops around you before anything is confirmed.
- Delhi
Day 1Arrival in the Capital of Empires
Touch down in Delhi, the city that has been capital to empire after empire. You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel for a smooth check-in. The rest of the day is yours: put your feet up, settle in and get ready for the twelve memorable days ahead.
- Airport meet and greet with private transfer to your hotel
Day 2Spice, Silver and the Soul of Old Delhi
After breakfast, dive into the wonderful bustle of Old Delhi on a guided heritage walk and cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk (best on any day except Sunday, when many shops are closed). Follow your nose through the spice mountains of Khari Baoli, said to be one of the largest spice markets in Asia, browse the centuries-old jewellers of Dariba Kalan, and admire the sparkle of wedding trimmings in Kinari Bazaar. Round off the morning at the magnificent Jama Masjid, then drive past the Red Fort and Raj Ghat, the peaceful memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
- Heritage walk of Chandni Chowk (Khari Baoli, Dariba Kalan, Kinari Bazaar) with a cycle rickshaw ride
- Jama Masjid, with a drive past the Red Fort and Raj Ghat
Breakfast
Day 3Boulevards of Empire, Towers of Time
Swap yesterday's winding lanes for the wide, stately boulevards of New Delhi. Drive past the presidential Rashtrapati Bhavan and along the ceremonial Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) to India Gate, then continue to the extraordinary Qutub Minar, a fluted sandstone tower begun in the late 12th century and carved with verses from the Quran. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool or explore at your own pace.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan, Kartavya Path and India Gate (photo stops)
- Qutub Minar
Breakfast
- Agra
Day 4Along the Yamuna to the City of the Mughals
After breakfast, say goodbye to Delhi and settle in for the drive south to Agra, around four hours. After checking in, spend the afternoon at Agra Fort, a mighty red sandstone stronghold rising above the River Yamuna, and at the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, nicknamed the "Baby Taj" for the delicate marble inlay work believed to have inspired the Taj Mahal itself.
- Private drive to Agra (approximately 4 hours)
- Agra Fort
- Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah (the "Baby Taj")
Breakfast
- Jaipur
Day 5Dawn Over the Taj, Dusk in the Pink City
Rise early for one of travel's great moments: watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal (closed every Friday). Often called a poem in white marble, Emperor Shah Jahan's eternal tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal is every bit as breathtaking as its reputation. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then drive to Jaipur, around five hours, arriving in time to check in and enjoy a first taste of the Pink City.
- Taj Mahal at sunrise (closed every Friday)
- Private drive to Jaipur (approximately 5 hours)
Breakfast
Day 6Forts, Palaces and the Stars of Jaipur
This morning, head for the hilltop Amber Fort, a honey-coloured citadel overlooking Maota Lake, arriving by jeep. In the afternoon, explore the City Palace, a striking blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, and the Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory, before driving past the beautifully restored Jal Mahal, a palace that appears to float on its lake. Round off the day with free time in the colourful Bapu Bazaar.
- Amber Fort, with a jeep ride on the approach
- City Palace and Jantar Mantar
- Drive past Jal Mahal
- Free time at Bapu BazaarNot guided
Breakfast
Day 7Winds, Worship and a Rajasthani Feast
Continue exploring Jaipur with a stop at the honeycombed Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, whose latticed windows once let royal women watch street life unseen. Later, visit the white marble Birla Temple to witness the Aarti, a moving ritual of light and devotion. This evening is the highlight of the stay: a hands-on Rajasthani cooking class in a local home. Your host, Geetanjali Singh, leads a stroll through the fragrant food, spice and vegetable markets of the Pink City before you roll up your sleeves to cook, and then enjoy, a delicious home-cooked feast with soft drinks.
- Hawa Mahal (photo stop)
- Birla Temple Aarti
- Rajasthani cooking class and dinner with Geetanjali Singh, with soft drinks
Breakfast and dinner (cooking class)
- Jodhpur
Day 8Into the Blue City of the Rathores
After breakfast, check out and head into the Rajasthan countryside for the drive to Jodhpur, around 330 kilometres and six hours. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan, Jodhpur grew up beneath a towering rocky hill crowned by its great fort, and once flourished on the caravan trade routes that crossed the Thar Desert. Its old city is encircled by a wall around 10 kilometres long, pierced by historic gates. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
- Private drive from Jaipur to Jodhpur (approximately 330 km, 6 hours)
Breakfast
Day 9Mehrangarh: The Citadel Above the Blue City
This morning, explore Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, rising sheer from its rocky hill above the city. Built by Rao Jodha from 1459, it is approached through a series of seven gates, and within its walls lie palaces of intricately carved sandstone, the work of generations of Jodhpuri craftsmen. The fort's museum holds a remarkable collection of palanquins, howdahs, arms and paintings, while cannons still line the ramparts, with sweeping views over the city below. Afterwards, wander the winding lanes of the walled Old City, where houses washed in shades of blue have given Jodhpur its famous nickname, and visit the landmark Clock Tower at the heart of the bustling Sardar Market.
- Mehrangarh Fort and museum
- Old City walk and the Clock Tower
Breakfast
- Udaipur
Day 10A Thousand Marble Pillars on the Road to the Lakes
After breakfast, check out and drive towards Udaipur through the green valleys of the Aravalli hills, around 250 kilometres and six hours in total. On the way, stop at Ranakpur, home to one of the most beautiful Jain temples in India and one of the five holiest sites of the Jain faith. Tucked away in a secluded valley and dating from the 15th century, the main temple rests on 1,444 exquisitely carved marble pillars, no two of them alike, beneath a forest of domes and delicate carvings. After the visit, continue to Udaipur and check in to your hotel, with the evening free to enjoy at leisure.
- Ranakpur Jain temples (usually open to non-Jain visitors from around midday)
- Private drive to Udaipur (approximately 250 km, 6 hours in total)
Breakfast
Day 11Udaipur: Palaces Reflected in Lake Pichola
Founded in the 16th century by Maharana Udai Singh II, Udaipur sits on the shores of Lake Pichola, ringed by the green hills of the Aravalli range, and is often called the most romantic city in Rajasthan. Enjoy a guided tour taking in the magnificent City Palace and its museum, the ornate Jagdish Temple, the island palace of Jag Mandir, and Saheliyon ki Bari, the graceful Garden of the Maidens with its fountains and lotus pools. Spend the rest of the day by Lake Pichola, which shines like a jewel in the city's crown, perhaps with a sunset cruise on the lake or a wander through the shops that line Udaipur's narrow, winding streets.
- City Palace and City Palace Museum
- Jagdish Temple
- Jag Mandir
- Saheliyon ki Bari
- Sunset boat cruise on Lake PicholaOptional
Breakfast
Day 12A Fond Farewell from the City of Lakes
All good things must come to an end. After breakfast, check out and transfer to Udaipur airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the international terminal for your flight home, taking with you memories of forts and palaces, sunrise over the Taj Mahal, and the colours of Rajasthan.
- Airport transfers
- Domestic flight, Udaipur to DelhiPriced separately
Breakfast
Accommodation
Where you'll stay
The hotels we recommend for this journey are shown below for The Oberoi, the standard you have chosen. Your specialist will confirm the most suitable options and availability when your journey is planned.
Delhi
3 nights
Or The Leela Palace, New DelhiThe Leela Palace
Agra
1 night
Jaipur
3 nights
Or The Leela Palace, JaipurThe Leela Palace
Jodhpur
2 nights
Udaipur
2 nights
Or The Leela Palace, UdaipurThe Leela Palace
Breakfast is included at every hotel. In Jodhpur both packages use RAAS Jodhpur. Hotels are as listed or similar, subject to availability.
The detail
What the price covers
Included
- 11 nights' accommodation at the hotels listed, or similar, on a twin sharing basis
- Breakfast daily, plus dinner at the Jaipur cooking class
- Airport transfers with staff assistance
- Private, air-conditioned transport for all transfers and sightseeing
- A private English-speaking guide for the whole tour
- Monument entrance fees for all sightseeing named in the itinerary
- A cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
- Amber Fort jeep ride
- Two bottles of packaged water per person per day during drives and sightseeing
- All currently applicable taxes (5% GST at the time of writing, subject to change)
Not included
- International flights
- The domestic flight from Udaipur to Delhi (priced separately)
- Travel insurance and visa services
- Personal expenses such as drinks, telephone calls and laundry
- Tips and porter charges
- Any additional costs arising from flight delays or cancellations, weather, political closures or technical faults
When to travel
October to March, when temperatures across Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan are at their most comfortable for sightseeing. April to June is very hot and July to September brings the monsoon. The tour is not offered between 20 December 2026 and 5 January 2027, and the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday, whatever the season.
11 Nights, 12 DaysPrivate
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur
The Oberoi hotels
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