Golden Triangle Tour with Goa

Breakfast, and then a day of discovery in Delhi. Start in Old Delhi at the glorious Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Zoom past the hot and colorful Chandni Chowk bazaar—the ancient shopping street of the Mughal court—on cycle rickshaws. Then the massive Red Fort (from the outside) followed by Raj Ghat, the serene Gandhi memorial.

In the afternoon, drive through New Delhi’s wide avenues past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House), and Parliament House. Visit the stunning Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, two of Delhi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and stop by the Lotus Temple for peaceful reflection. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Leave early morning from Agra to Delhi via the useful Yamuna Expressway. Check-in and be prepared to visit Agra Fort, one of the beautiful red sandstone forts which was once the imperial palace of the Mughal emperors. Afternoon: Visit the Mehtab Bagh to get a view of the equally nice view of the Taj Mahal behind the Yamuna River in the evening—a lead-in to the actual showstopper tomorrow. Overnight stay at Agra.

Break of dawn to witness the dawn break over Taj Mahal, when its marble is pale pink with dawn colors—a perhaps most romantic experience in India. Breakfast, and drive on to Jaipur. Along the way, visit old great Mughal capital Fatehpur Sikri now pleasant preserved ghost town with fanciful Mughal architecture and holy shrine of Salim Chishti.

Jaipur tour, pink city or the royal capital of Rajasthan. Drive to Jaipur (geared towards a delayed night departure). Check into hotel. You could choose to go to a local handicraft bazaar or relish Rajasthani folk dinner at Chokhi Dhani (optional). Overnight in Jaipur.

From breakfast, depart for a day of imperial exploration. Drive to the imposing Amber Fort by jeep or elephant along Maota Lake and hill country landscapes. Glittering courtyards and mirror halls of the fort reveal the opulence of Rajput architecture.

Next proceed to the City Palace compound, which is still inhabited by the erstwhile royal family, and Jantar Mantar, an old astronomical observatory with equipment that continues to accurately forecast time and heavenly movement. Take a picture stop at the formidable Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storey facade behind which royal ladies once peered over street celebrations.

Day outing to explore the colorful bazaars of Jaipur famous for textiles, gold jewelry, and blue pottery. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Goa. Upon arrival in this beach paradise, our local representative will assist with hotel check-in. The day is yours to relax at the beach, enjoy a coconut drink, or simply stroll along the coast as the sun sets. Overnight stay in Goa.

Start your trip to Goa at North Goa, the party city of Goa. Visit Fort Aguada, Portuguese fort of the 17th century, featuring stunning sea scenery. Move towards Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, and Anjuna—synonymous with golden sand, bazaar shopping, and beach houses. Even go shopping at the Anjuna Flea Market for shopping gifts, cloth, and knick-knacks. Unwind at the beach and indulge yourself in seafood or café-hopping. Overstay in North Goa.

Today's pick is serene multicultural South Goa. Begin the day by exploring colonial Old Goa's churches such as Basilica of Bom Jesus (housing St. Francis Xavier's remains), Se Cathedral, and Church of St. Cajetan. They constitute the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Goa state.".

Then visit Panaji's Latin Quarter, painted houses of the Portuguese era with cobblestone roads. Move on through Fontainhas and get a glimpse of the authentic Goan architecture and arts. Move on to peaceful Colva or Palolem Beach for a laid-back beach holiday. You may opt to culminate the day with sunset cruise of Mandovi River with Goan folk dances in the evening. Overnight at South Goa.

This day is free. You may relax on the beach, take a spice plantation tour, or treat yourself to yoga or Ayurveda massage therapy. If you are an adventure-seeker, you can try water sports like parasailing, jet-skiing, or scuba diving (on an add-on basis). Alternatively, drive through the countryside of the scenic villages and rice fields that dot the Goan landscape. Overnight in Goa.

Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Goa airport for further journey. As you take a leave of sun-kissed beaches, take with you memories of grand monuments, throbbing cultures, and healing waves of Goa with the Golden Triangle Tour—everything in safe custody by Chetram Holidays.