Himalayan Footsteps

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Golden Triangle Tour with Goa and Mumbai 15 day tour

Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Goa

This holiday will take you to the highlights of India: Visit the Golden Triangle with Taj Mahal, go on a camel safari in Rajasthan, stroll through Bollywood metropolis Mumbai and swim in crystal clear waters in Goa! Experience India’s different lifestyles, past and present. Marvel at nature’s splendour from sea to desert. Hear timeless legends, charming myths and eternal truth. Follow the footsteps of emperors and Gods. Travel to the must see places in India with us on this tour!

Itinerary

Day 01
Arrive Delhi
Arrive at Delhi and meet our representative in the arrival lounge. Transfer to the hotel and rest of the day free.


Day 02 – B
Delhi
In the morning you will go on a guided sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. The magnificent Red Fort is built from red sandstone. It was created in 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal. The Jama Mosque is located just opposite the Red Fort and one of the largest and most elegant mosques in Asia with its black and white striped domes and minarets. Take a rickshaw ride through the bustling, historical Chandni Chowk. This famous market of Old Delhi is a chaotic and amazing criss-crossing of lanes and by-lanes that seem to stock everything under the sun, from spices to jewellery and dress materials.

Then you will continue towards New Delhi and drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, which is the president’s palace and former imperial residence of the British viceroys. You will visit the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of Indian soldiers, and Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Temple). Latter was built in 1938 by wellknown Indian industrialist R.B. Birla and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The temple has a large number of idols representing various gods of the Indian pantheon.

Afterwards you will see Humayun’s Tomb, another magnificent Mughal building. This tomb was built by emperor Humayun’s wife for him in 1565-66. Set in a square enclosed garden, the finely proportioned structure in red sandstone and marble served later as a model for the Taj Mahal and many other Mughal tombs. The imposing victory tower Qutub Minar  was built by Qutbuddin Aibak (1192-98) the founder of the Slave Dynasty. The tapering, fluted structure has five storeys, each marked by intricately carved projections and balconies. You will also get the opportunity to visit Raj Ghat, where the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was cremated.


Day 03 – B
Delhi | Agra
After breakfast we will set off towards Agra. The city is world famous as city of the Taj Mahal, the monument of everlasting love. But there are many more things to see in Agra!The royal Mughal has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many magnificent monuments that epitomise the high point of the Mughal architectural achievement. Not even Delhi, the seat of kings and emperors for over a thousand years, can boast such a heritage of architectural and cultural splendour from the golden age of the Great Mughals.

Upon arrival to Agra have a couple of hours to relax and later come with us to visit Taj Mahal. It stands serene and perfect in its garden of cypresses and reflecting pools on the banks of the River Yamuna. Its pure white marble shimmers silver in the moonlight, glows softly pink at dawn, and at close of day reflects the fiery tints of the setting sun. The Taj, in all its timeless beauty, was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their 14th child. This monument was fashioned by 20,000 skilled workers to make the emperor’s dream a reality. It took 22 years to complete — a symbol of eternal love where Shah Jahan, too, lies buried, re-united at last with his beloved Mumtaz.

Move later on to visit Agra Fort and hear its fascinating story:  Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace.  Situated 3 km upstream of the Taj Mahal on the right bank of the Yamuna, the Agra Fort was built under the direction of Akbar. It took eight years to complete and entailed an expenditure of three and a half million rupees.


Day 04 – B
Agra | Jaipur
In the morning you will drive towards Jaipur. En route you will stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, a ghost city made of red sandstone. The inner citadel is immaculately preserved: Its walls, palaces, baths, royal mint, courts and gardens still stand in splendid homage to a great visionary and builder. The heart of the palace complex even is very much alive.  Upon arrival in Jaipur, check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.


Day 05 – B
Jaipur
Jaipur is the first planned city of India, located in the desert lands of Rajasthan. The city that once had been the capital of the royalty, now serves as the capital city of Rajasthan. Today Jaipur is the major business centre for the people of Rajasthan with all the requisites of a metropolitan city. The city of Jaipur is painted in pink and will grasp the appreciation of every visitor. One can see that hoary charm still alive in the streets and avenues. This city is world famous for the gems, jewellery, blue pottery and handicrafts.

In the morning you will go on an excursion to the Amber Fort. Feel like a Royal when ascending to the fort on elephant back! It is set in picturesque and rugged hills and consists of a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1952 and completed by Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is built from red sandstone and white marble. The forbidding exterior hides an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture.

In the afternoon you will be given a guided city tour of Jaipur. The City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. Jantar Mantar is the largest stone observatory in the world and contains a remarkable collection of architectural astronomical instruments. It was built between 1727 to 1733 by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. The Palace of Winds, or Hawa Mahal, offers a beautiful sight. The splendid Rajputana architecture still speaks the glory of the royal family and blends perfectly with glimpses of Mughal architecture, making it stand out from other Rajputana architecture. The palace was built in 1799 for the royal ladies, so they could watch the royal processions without being seen.


Day 06 – B
Jaipur | Bikaner
Today you will drive to Bikaner through spectacular countryside. Upon arrival at Bikaner check-in at your hotel. Bikaner is a 500-year old town that seems to have stood still in time. The rulers have built beautiful forts that echo of opulence and images of monsoon clouds in this dry land. The wealth of its architectural heritage lies in its forts, palaces and temples – magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone. In the afternoon take a guided tour of Bikaner. The Junagarh Fort has a 986m long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances. Its most unusual feature, however, is that it was built at ground level instead of elevated. The fort and its palaces are elaborately defined with magnificent stone carvings.


Day 07- B
Bikaner | Jaisalmer
After Breakfast drive to Jaisalmer and upon arrival check-in at your hotel. In the desolate beauty of the desert Jaisalmer stands proud, welcoming visitors to an enchanting world of fable, colour and history. It abounds with its golden sandstone fort. From shops to the palaces and the old temples, the entire town of Jaisalmer glows in bright golden colour. Centuries ago the strategic position on the camel trade route between India and Central Asia brought wealth to the area. Over the centuries, the merchants and local people constructed beautiful houses and mansions, all elegantly carved from the yellow sandstone. Today camel safaris around Jaisalmer take visitors to historic places and villages inhabited by traditional camel and sheep herders. Rest of the day is at leisure.


Day 08 – B D
Jaisalmer
Take a city tour of Jaisalmer. The fort crowns the 80 metres high Trikuta hill. About a quarter of the old town’s population resides within the fort walls. The intricately carved trellises, doorways, wall niches, steps and staircases are a testimony to the expertise of the stone carvers of the region. From the fort walls you can have a very fine view of the old city and surrounding areas.  As you move out of the fort, a short walk takes you to the narrow lanes dotted with a number of beautiful havelis (mansions) built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer. Afternoon is free to explore the town. In the evening take a short ride on camelback to Sand Dunes, a once in a lifetime experience.  No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a visit to the most picturesque dunes. Here you will get a deep insight into desert life and its hidden surprises. Enjoy a dinner in the camp under the stars.


Day 09 – B
Jaisalmer | Jodhpur
Morning drive for Jodhpur and upon arrival check-in at your hotel. Standing at the edge of the Thar Desert lies the 2nd largest city of Rajasthan: Jodhpur. It houses a number of palaces, temples and other architectural monuments. Jodhpur, which was founded in 1459 A.D., was once the capital of former princely state of Marwar. In the afternoon take a guided city tour of Jodhpur. The old city is surrounded by a 10 km long wall, which can be seen from the fort. Meherangarh Fort is considered the most impressive fort in Rajasthan and one of the largest in India. It is sprawled atop a perpendicular hill, 5km above the main city. The new city has rapidly grown around this fort. Jaswant Thada is an architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial, built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The whole monument is built from intricately carved sheets of marble. These sheets are extremely thin and polished, so that they emit a warm glow when the sunrays dance across their surface.


Day 10 – B
Jodhpur | Mumbai
Today you will fly from Jodhpur to Mumbai. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Mumbai is a major metropolitan city of India and the state capital of Maharashtra. It is the country’s business capital and the principal financial and communications centre. Indias largest stock exchange, which ranks as the third largest in the world, is situated in Mumbai. The city also has the largest and busiest port, handling India’s foreign trade, and a major international airport.


Day 11 – B
Mumbai
This morning you will take an excursion to the remarkable Elephanta caves. Found about 10km off the eastern coast of Mumbai these caves have been given the World Heritage status by UNESCO.
In the afternoon you will go on a guided city tour of Mumbai. The Flora Fountain was built in honour of Governor Sir Bartle Frere in 1869. Visit Dhobhi Ghat, the best-known and biggest laundry service in Mumbai. The unique thing about them is that it is an open air laundry. Also visit the Gateway of India, the landmark of Mumbai city. The monument is situated on the waterfront in the southern part of the city. It is an arch with a height of 26 metres, made up of yello basalt and reinforced concrete. Later drop in to the Prince of Wales Museum and then have the rest of the day free for shopping.


Day 12 – B
Mumbai | Goa
Flight to Goa and upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Variously known as “Pearl of the Orient” and a “Tourist Paradise”, the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. It is a tropical paradise and unique from the rest of India because of its history and geography. The people of Goa are friendly, fun loving and peaceful.

India’s unchallenged beach capital, Goa’s coastline is generously sprinkled with sand and surf: From popular tourist spots where one usually sees more skin than sand, to untouched havens that are worth taking the time to discover.

Starting from Calangute in North Goa, clustered around Panaji, the capital of Goa, and further down, Margao in South Goa, are the most popular beaches on the tourism circuit. These are thickly surrounded by the usual agencies of tourism – hotels and facilities offering modern day luxuries, restaurants, shops, resorts, entertainment centers, spas, resorts, the works. Outside this ring, moving either North from Calangute or South of Margao the beaches become refreshingly pristine and unpopulated.


Day 13 – B
Goa
Full day city tour of Goa. Goa is much more than just beaches and sand. Having been ruled by the colonial Portuguese for over 450yrs there is still visible a distinct Portuguese flavour that has permeated all aspects of Goa’s life including its food, religion, language, festivals, dances and of course names. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its ancient temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. It is a vibrant carnival city and the original refuge of the hippies. It has a soul, which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.


Day 14 – B
Goa
Day at leisure in Goa.


Day 15 – B
Goa Departure
Drive to the airport, your guide will help you and bid you farewell.

Dates & prices

J F M A M J J A S O N D

14 nights/15 days
From £1205 p/p*
*on twin share basis

Cost Includes
Accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast at all places
A/C Large car Innova for tour from Delhi to Jodhpur
Transfers and sightseeing in Mumbai and Goa
Local English speaking guides during city tours
All entrances to monument + 01 time elephant ride at Amber and one short camel safari program
All applicable taxes

Cost Excludes
Any meal unless specified above
Any international air fare
Any personal nature expenses such as telephone/laundry/drinks/food etc
Any customary/ tipping etc
Services not specified above.
Domestic flights – Jodhpur – Mumbai – Goa – Delhi – £283 per person

Flight options

International Flights
If you wish us to book your international flights, we are able to quote you a price and move ahead if you are happy. We’d also like to inform you that we are finding our flight prices not as competitive as they used to be and that cheaper fares can be found more readily with online companies or with a specialist high-street flight agents. It is absolutely fine to book your own flights if that means a better deal for you, all we need is to take a note of your flight details to organise our representative to meet you at the airport on arrival at your destination.

We strongly recommend that you book tickets from an ATOL holder, you can check by looking for the ATOL logo in advertisements, brochures and websites.

Domestic Travel
All domestic travel arrangements are included in your trip; such things can include bus journeys, domestic flights, and airport transfers.

Arrival
You will be met at the airport by our representative who will arrange transportation to the hotel and help you get checked in.


Add-ons

Maps

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"Himalayan Footsteps’ service in the UK and in India was excellent! I am very happy to have taken this trip, and to have booked with your exceptional company! The staff in India took very warm care of me, and when I was ill for a couple of days Gurmet was like a nurse for me! Is there any possibility that we can send a small present to him?"

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