The Indian Golden Triangle
From the sacred ghats of Varanasi to the eternal marble of the Taj Mahal, a journey to the heart of Mughal and spiritual Inde.
Duration
10 days
From
€930/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Family, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
This relaxing journey explores India's Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), combining fascinating culture, monumental architecture and historical splendor of Hinduism's sacred cities. Delhi, starting and ending point, unveils the Red Fort, Gandhi's memorial and the Jama Masjid. Jaipur, the Pink City, captivates with its warring past and architectural elegance, while Agra is home to the must-see Taj Mahal. The circuit also offers an encounter with wildlife at Ranthambore National Park, searching for tigers, as well as a stop at the Mughal ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri. The journey continues eastward to Varanasi, the cradle of Hinduism, where visiting the ghats on the Ganges and a boat ride at sunrise offer an unforgettable experience. The itinerary concludes at Sarnath, a sacred site of Buddhism.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Let's Visit the Fortified City of Old Delhi
In the morning, we visit the fortified city of Old Delhi: today popular and bustling with activity, this neighborhood continues to reflect the reign of the Mughals who once governed from the heights of the ramparts of the magnificent Red Fort. We take a rickshaw ride. We visit in particular Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, built in the 17th century. Next, we pass through New Delhi to visit the India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (the Presidential Palace), Parliament and other colonial buildings built by British architect Edwin Lutyens, during the first half of the 20th century.
Arrival in Varanasi and excursion to Sarnath
Varanasi → Sarnath
We arrive in Varanasi in the morning and transfer to the hotel.
Varanasi is one of the seven holiest cities in Inde, built on the banks of the Ganges. It is located at the center of the Hindu universe. Always vibrant with the passage of thousands of pilgrims, wandering holy men (Sadhus), ancient religious monks and occasional visitors. Since the city lives and breathes Hinduism, it is visited by more than a million pilgrims each year. Immerse yourself in the heart of this city by exploring its maze of narrow streets, visiting temples and observing the rituals and ceremonies performed by the faithful on the Ghats.
From the Ganges to the Taj
Varanasi → Agra
Just before dawn we board a boat and sail on the Ganges to witness the events on the Ghats, the steps leading to the river. The boat ride takes us along several Ghats of Varanasi, thus offering an insight into the city in its religious aspect. Every day, thousands of pilgrims and Hindu devotees visit this city to perform sacred prayers, meditate and purify themselves by immersing in the holy river.
Agra, Land of the Taj Mahal
Arrival in Agra, transfer and check-in at the hotel.
In the afternoon, visit to the Red Fort of Agra, a semi-circular red sandstone fort complex richly decorated with double ramparts and monuments.
Free evening and/or optional visit to the market.
In the evening, we will attend the 'Taj Mohabbat Show' (Optional), we will join the show entitled 'Mohabbat Taj Show' from 6:30 PM and it is a live theatrical performance of the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz for approximately 80 minutes.
From Taj to Tiger
Visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a true masterpiece in white marble from the 17th century. Symbol of love, it stands on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was built by the fifth Moghul king Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died at the birth of his fourteenth child.
Fatehpur Sikri → Ranthambhore
We return to the hotel for breakfast before hitting the road towards Ranthambore. On the way, we visit Fatehpur Sikri the deserted royal city built by Mughal emperor Akbar. This impressive and well-preserved citadel served as Akbar's political capital for 14 years. In 1585, Akbar abandoned Fatehpur Sikri due to a water shortage.
In Nature - Safari Day
Two safaris have been planned in the park, one will take place early in the morning and the other in late afternoon.
Welcome to the Pink City
Ranthambhore → Jaipur
In the morning, wildlife enthusiasts will have the opportunity to go on another small safari (optional).
In the afternoon we take the road to Jaipur. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the colorful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich cultural heritage and colorful past, it is one of the most important cities in Inde with a rich heritage. The city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of America. Also known as "The City of Victory", Jaipur was the first urbanized city of its time with imposing forts, dazzling palaces, beautiful gardens, lakes and markets.
After settling into the hotel, the rest of the day is free. Go explore the colorful bazaars of Jaipur.
Visit Jaipur's Sites
Visit of Amber, which was originally the capital of the state before Jaipur. It is an old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. It is highly appreciated by visitors just like the Amber Palace. The Amber Fort was built in red sandstone and marble. The presence of Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort.
Visit of Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its five-story pink sandstone facade. It was built in 1799 to allow the royalty to attend processions and festivities discreetly with its 953 "jharokas" (small windows), without being seen by the public.
The City Palace of Jaipur was the place where the Maharaja reigned. This palace also includes the famous "Chandra Mahal" and "Mubarak Mahal", and other buildings that are part of the palace complex.
Next, we visit Jantar - Mantar, a solar observatory built in the 18th century; a house of astronomical treasure that measures time according to the movement of the sun with an error of only 2 seconds, with solar devices that give accurate astrological predictions to this day.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- The package indicated above is not valid during the period: From December 20, 2019 to January 10, 2020. There will be a supplement for Christmas and New Year during this period.
- Indian visa fees
- Lunch and Dinner during the trip
- Personal expenses, souvenirs and beverages
- Usage Rights for Cameras and Video Equipment on Tourist Sites
- Insurance for luggage loss and repatriation, as well as rescue expenses insurance
- Tips for the Driver and Other Staff
- Other services not included in the "the price includes" column
Included
- Accommodation for 07 nights in the mentioned hotels or similar in double room with breakfast except breakfast on D:03 and D:05
- All ground transportation included in the program in a private air-conditioned vehicle, with an English-speaking driver
- The two safaris in Ranthambore National Park - Based on shared seating in Jeep
- Tickets for air-conditioned second class trains for the next leg: (Delhi - Varanasi and Varanasi - Agra)
- Boat ride in Varanasi
- A rickshaw ride in Delhi
- The entries to the monuments mentioned in the program
- The English-speaking guide throughout your trip to India (Applicable if there is a minimum of 06 people)
- Government Taxes
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to India for a tourist stay. Entry rules may evolve, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter India, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist Visa – e-Visa (Tourist eVisa)
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must be in possession of a valid visa to enter India. There is no visa exemption for a tourist stay.
The most common solution is the Tourist eVisa, available online on the official Indian government portal. It is available for several durations:
Tourist eVisa 30 days (double entry),
Tourist eVisa 1 year (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit),
Tourist eVisa 5 years (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit).
The application must be submitted online at least 4 days before your arrival date and at most 120 days before. The eVisa is linked to your passport and is available only at certain designated airports and ports of entry.
Arrival and Immigration
When passing through immigration, Indian authorities may ask for:
confirmation of your eVisa (printed document or digital version),
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
the address of your first accommodation in India.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccine is officially mandatory to enter India from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada, except in the case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever (a yellow fever vaccination certificate will then be required).
As a preventive measure, health authorities generally recommend the following vaccinations:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
tetanus-poliomyelitis,
rabies (depending on planned activities),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on regions and length of stay).
Antimalarial treatment may be recommended depending on the regions you visit and the time of year. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport and their own eVisa covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the Indian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance policy, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims notification procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. The e-visa can be applied for online before departure (approximately 25 USD). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and you must have two blank pages available. We guide you through the process. Before booking, verify the specific conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and English-speaking guide. International flights (600-900 euros round trip) are additional. India offers incredible diversity of experiences at varying price points.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Golden Triangle
India's Thousand Faces Expert, based in Inde
India can surprise, disorient or amaze you all in one day. My role is to help travelers find their own pace to truly enjoy the country.
— Mandeep
