Golden Triangle-The Essence of India

Most Popular tourist destinations of any traveler to India is the Golden Triangle – Delhi (Capital city with history spanning over two thousand years), Agra (this medieval town is worldfamous for Taj Mahal) and Jaipur (the pink city with many Forts, Palaces and colorful markets). Pushkar is one of the holiest town frequented by pilgrims and tourists alike for it’s unique settingsurrounded by the Aravali Hills and on the banks of holy lake.





Tour No.Tour DatesPrices
GTP01Feb 2016$300
GTP02Mar 2016$350
GTP03Apr 2016$400
GTP04May 2016$350
GTP05June 2016$360
GTP06July 2016$380
GTP07Aug 2016$340

INCLUSIONS

  • 7 nights accommodation on Twin Sharing basis including Breakfast
  • 1 Dinner (at Dera Khairwa)
  • Non-AC Local Transportation in Delhi for Departure transfer on Day 1 and for arrival on Day 9
  • Non-AC Local Transportation in Bikaner for Arrival/Departure Transfers and for a ride from hotel to Old city & return on Day 2
  • Local Transportation in Jodhpur for arrival
  • AC Tourist Vehicle for two days (Day 5-6) to travel from Jodhpur to Udaipur
  • Non-AC Local Transport in Udaipur for city tour & Transfer to Train station
  • Guided walk in the old city of Bikaner & Jodhpur
  • English speaking local guide in Udaipur for half day tour of Jagdish Temple & City Palace including Entrance fee
  • Train Journeys:
    • Delhi / Bikaner in 3-tier AC Sleeper Class
    • Bikaner / Jodhpur in 3-tier AC Sleeper Class
    • Udaipur / Delhi in 3-tier AC Sleeper Class (Overnight journey – Bedding provided by the Indian Railways)
  • An experienced Unwind India tour manager for throughout the tour
  • Applicable Govt Service Tax
Itinerary – 2 Rajasthan: The Land of the Legends
08 nights – 09 days
Day 01 Delhi

Day-01

  • Group Meeting
  • Short Walk to Connaught Place
  • Transfer to your hotel
  • Overnight at Delhi hotel

Check-in at the Hotel Good Times (between 1100 to 1600 hrs).
Group Meeting at 1700 hrs with your Tour Leader and fellow travellers.
At 1900 hrs, take a ride on Delhi’s Metro to reach Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk Metro Station).
New Delhi, the capital city of India is a perfect fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain unwinds a picture amusing with rich culture, architecture and human diversity reflective in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, narrating the city’s Mughal past, Old Delhi, takes you through the tangled streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. You will also discover lively and colourful bazaars that boast to cater all sorts of good and items amidst a barely controlled chaotic ambience. The imperial city of New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture of British Raj. It generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting well-composed and spacious streets under the shade of beautifully lined avenues of trees and tall and imposing government buildings.
Spend an evening at one of the many restaurants / food joints of Connaught Place before returning to your hotel.

Day 02 Delhi – Bikaner

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Train to Bikaner (Train #22472 Intercity Express)
  • Evening walk in the Old City of Bikaner
  • Overnight stay at Hotel in Bikaner

After an early breakfast at your hotel, your leader will arrange local transport to reach Sarari Rohilla Train station.
Train #22472 Bikaner Intercity Express (3-Tier AC Sleeper Class):
Departure from Sarai Rohilla Train Station At: 0840 hrs
Arrival at Bikaner Junction At: 1635 hrs
Upon arrival, you will be provided a ride by local Auto-Rickshaws to reach your hotel.
Later in the evening (around 1900 hrs) will proceed on a short walk in the old city of Bikaner.
Bikaner, founded by Rao Bikaji in 1488, is the principal town of North West Rajasthan. Like many of Rajasthan’s cities it is surrounded by a high battlemented pink sandstone wall. It is famous for its large fort, and retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city’s lifestyle. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Surging lanes, colourful bazaars with bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience to explore. The city is also distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel Research and Breeding farms in the world.
Since Bikaner was formally a walled city. It could not spread horizontally. This resulted in tall buildings being constructed within the city. In the old red-brown residences four or five storeys high, the first floor is partially sunken with a door facing the road. These luxurious dwellings are called havelis, some of which, like the Rampuria Haveli are decorated as magnificently as palaces.

Day 03 Bikaner

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Full day free for Optional Activities
  • Overnight stay at hotel in Bikaner

Enjoy hearty breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure for optional activities.

Optional Tours:

1) Junagarh Fort: a century after the city of Bikaner was designed, a new palace walls as the existing one was too small. Construction was completed in 1593, but additions to the palace continued and what finally resulted was an imposing. Five-storeyed structure. The surrounding wall is more than 1 km in length. The only entrance Suraj Pol or Entrance of the Sun faces east as in Jaisalmer and other places. At the entrance is a large courtyard, which leads to more entrances and courtyard.
This design feature serves a dual purpose: defence against invasion, as well as preserving the privacy of the residents. All palaces have delicately carved jalis (stone lattice screens) and jharokhas (extended windows); important feature in the palace architectural style of western India. The oldest building is the Lal Nivas.
The flower pattern on the walls and ceiling of this palace bears eloquent testimony to the skill of the artisans of those times. The red and gold interior of the colourful Jewel Throne Room in Anup Mahal inspires awe.

2) Deshnoke Rat Temple (32 kms) : Deshnok is a small village situated south of Bikaner city along the Jodhpur Road. It is connected by national highway and rail. It is a pilgrim centre of Karni Mata– said to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga- who lived here in the fourteenth century and performed many miracles.
Originally, the village was called ‘dus-nok’ meaning ten corners as it was formed by taking ten corners of ten villages.
In front of the temple is a beautiful marble facade, which has solid silver doors built by Maharaja Ganga Singh. Across the doorway are more silver doors with panels depicting the various legends of the Goddess. The image of the Goddess is enshrined in the inner sanctum.

3) National Research Center on Camel (10 km): Camel – the indispensable ship of the desert, know more about it at the camel research and breeding centres which is only one of its kinds in Asia. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semi-arid land and is managed by the Government of India.

4) Camel Safari: You can enjoy a thrilling experience in Infinite Ocean of Sand in Bikaner.

Day 04 Bikaner – Jodhpur

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Train to Jodhpur
  • Afternoon walk in Jodhpur around Clock Tower & Sardar Market
  • Overnight stay at hotel in Jodhpur

After breakfast transfer to Bikaner Junction train station.

Train #14707 Ranakpur Express (3-Tier AC Sleeper Class):
Departure from Bikaner Junction At: 0930 hrs
Arrival at Jodhpur Junction At: 1430 hrs

Upon arrival your leader will arrange a local transport to reach your hotel.

Jodhpur: The Bustling desert city of Jodhpur is the second largest city (first is Jaipur) in Rajasthan and was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. This spectacular land of great natural beauty is situated in the extreme eastern part of the Thar Desert and in the heart of Rajasthan. The massive fort dominates the city, topping a rocky hill that rises in its centre. The old city is surrounded by a 10 Km wall, from which eight gates give entry and exit.

Late in the afternoon proceed for a short walking tour of Sardar Market.

Sardar Market Jodhpur: Sitting at the base of the hill, under the famous Mehrangarh Fort, you’ll find Jodhpur’s bustling main bazaar, Sardar Market. Spice-traders, sari-sellers, and produce-pushers radiate out in concentric circles around a central clock tower. Known as one of the vibrant market in Jodhpur, one can get to wander amongst the tiny shops which have dotting narrow lanes in the heart of the town. Through these lanes, one can get to see the life and color of the Marwar people. One can shop for the jewelry, wedding clothes, steel utensils, and kitchenware along with leather shoes too in this market.

Day 05 Jodhpur – Khairwa

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • AM Free for Optional Activities
  • PM Drive to Khairwa
  • Late afternoon take a village walk
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Dera Khairwa (a heritage hotel)

Morning Free in Jodhpur.

Optional Activities for Morning:

1) Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada Visit (3-4 hrs)
The majestic Mehrangarh Fort dominates the city skyline. It houses an excellent museum which has an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Located atop a 125 m high hill, magnificent Mehrangarh is one of the largest forts in India. Its construction was originally started around 1459 by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. However, most of the extant fort dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638-78). The walls of the fort are up to 36 m high and 21 m wide; they enclose some exquisite structures. The ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort provide not only excellently preserved cannons but also a breath-taking view of the city.

Continue visit of Jaswant Thada which is a 19th century royal cenotaph, built in white marble. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun’s rays dance across their surface.

2) Jeep Safari to Bishnoi Villages (3+ hrs)
A morning jeep safari to explore a traditional village at the outskirts of Jodhpur city visiting the Bishnoi tribals. The name is derived from bis (twenty) and nai (nine) i.e. followers of 29 principles given by Guru Jambheshwar. Guru Jambheshwar gave the message to protect trees and wildlife around 540 years ago, prophesying that harming the environment means harming yourself. He formulated twenty nine tenets. The tenets were not only tailored to conserve bio-diversity of the area but also ensured a healthy eco-friendly social life for the community. Following his principals, over three hundred Bishnoi men, women & children sacrificed themselves by hugging the trees in the year 1730 when Jodhpur king sent his men for cutting the trees.

3) Umaid Bhawan Palace (2 hrs):
The Umaid Bhawan Palace is yet another fine piece of architecture. It stands on a hillock overlooking the city and is the residence of the erstwhile royal family of Jodhpur. This lavish art deco monument to royal living had an improbable conception: it was built as a public relief and employment project during a long period of drought. Over one million square feet (90,000 m²) of the finest marble was used in the construction of the palace. A special type of sandstone, called Chittar sandstone, has been used in constructing the palace and this gives it a special effect. For this reason, it is also referred to as Chittar Palace by the locals. Its style of construction, with beautiful balconies, charming courtyards, green gardens and stately rooms, makes it a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The project employed three thousand artisans over a period of 15 years (1929-1943). The palace is named after its builder, Maharaja Umaid Singh (1876-1947), who was incidentally the president of the British Royal Institute of Architects. In 1977, the palace was segmented into the royal residence, the Heritage Hotel and a museum. It has a total of 347 rooms making it the biggest private residence in the world out of which 98 air-conditioned rooms have been elegantly decorated with antique furniture as well as all the other amenities to operate as a super luxury hotel under India’s premier hotel company Taj Hotels.

We check out from the hotel by noon.

Afternoon we drive from Jodhpur to Khairwa Village (105 kms / 2 hrs) in an air-conditioned private vehicle organized by Unwind India to enhance your experience.

Dera Khairwa is a small Fort-Palace set in the rural Rajasthan giving an experience of royal legacy with simplicity and style. The rugged historic structure amalgamates with the stunning red sandstone, it is a mesmerizing example of the Mughal-Rajput period architecture. The unique feature of this family–run hotel is that the royal family and the guests reside within the Fort-Palace. Thus, guests are entitled to personalized and intimate service.

Later in the afternoon enjoy a village walk. The Village lifestyle, the culture, professions and the attire in Khairwa speaks. Every stitch and pattern in the clothes of the people from different communities, tell a story. It’s a story centuries old, being woven continuously to this day. Brightly coloured “odhnis, chunris” with exquisite “Salma-Sitara” embroidery – work and proud turbans tell a tale that you will see, not hear.

Day 06 Khairwa – Udaipur

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Morning Free
  • Drive to Udaipur
  • Overnight stay at Hotel in Udaipur

Late in the morning we drive to Udaipur (approx. 185 kms / 3-4 hrs) in the comfort of an air-conditioned private vehicle organised by Team Unwind India.

Option to visit Ranakpur Jain Temple (open between 1200-1700 hrs).

Ranakpur is a small village located in the thick of green Aravali Hills situated between the two erstwhile Rajput Kingdoms of Mewar and Marwar. While Marwar (Jodhpur being it’s capital) is more arid with semi-desert conditions, Mewar is lush green with Lakes and reservoirs in the hills.

Famous for its marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone Ranakpur is one of the five most holy places of the Jain community. These temples were built around 15th century during the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall. The central temple “The Chaumukha” is dedicated to the Tirthankar Rishbhji. Open on all four sides, it enshrines the four faced images of Adinath. The temple is spread over 48,000 sq. feet and has 29 halls and 1444 pillars – no two of which are similarly carved.

By afternoon you will arrive Udaipur, the ‘City of lakes” and also known as Venice of the East, is interspersed with shimmering lakes, marble palaces and fountains and is often referred to as the most romantic city in India. It was built in traditional Rajput style in 1559 A.D. by Maharana Udai Singh and was originally the capital of the State of Mewar. It’s beautiful lake setting, graceful architecture, bustling bazaars and historical past make Udaipur rather special. Succeeding Maharanas added several palaces and structures to the complex retained a surprising uniformity to the design. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, craft and its famed miniature paintings.

Day 07 Udaipur

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • AM Visit Jagdish Temple and City Palace
  • PM Free for Optional Activities
  • Overnight stay at hotel in Udaipur

After having breakfast at hotel, leave for a guided city tour in the morning.

Udaipur was the last capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar, ruled by the Sisodia clan. The founder of Udaipur was Rana Udai Singh, father of Maharana Pratap. The ancient capital of Mewar was Nagda, located on the Banas River northeast of Udaipur. Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot and it would be well protected. Udai Singh established a residence there. In 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar captured Chittor, and Udai Singh moved the capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of Udaipur. As the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia Ranas, and later Maharanas, reasserted their independence and recaptured most of Mewar except the fort of Chittor.

Udaipur remained the capital of the state, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur was the only royalty who did not attend the Delhi Durbar for King George V in 1911. This fierce sense of independence earned them the highest gun salute in Rajasthan, 19 against the 17 each of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bundi, Bikaner, Kota and Karauli. After India’s Independence in 1947, the Maharaja of Udaipur acceded to the Government of India, and Mewar was integrated into India’s Rajasthan state.

Start the city tour with a visit to Jagdish temple in the middle of the old town. A big tourist attraction, the temple was originally called the temple of Jagannath Rai, but is now called Jagdish-ji. It is raised on a tall terrace and was completed in 1651. It attaches a double storied Mandapa (hall) to a double – storied saandhara sanctum.

Continue on foot to the City Palace – standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of the “Jag Niwas” (the Lake Palace Hotel). They also have great views of Jag Mandir on one side and the city of Udaipur on the other. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate – the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens.

Optional Activities for the Afternoon:

1) A Boat Ride on the Lake Pichola:
Among the water bodies for which Udaipur is famous for, the Lake Pichola is perhaps the most famous and has two islands, Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. This lake is 4 km long and 3 km wide, and was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh II. There are many ghats on the Pichola which offer an interesting sight from early morning right till late evening.

2) Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)
This hilltop palatial residence was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884 to watch his ancestral home of Chittaurgarh (120 kms away from Udaipur). Later kings used this Palace during the monsoons to look at the clouds and looking down at the city of Udaipur and their Palace from the hilltop. The palace provides a beautiful view of the sunset.

Day 08 Udaipur – Train to Delhi

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Day free for Optional Activities
  • Evening train to Delhi
  • Overnight on board the Train
  • Breakfast at hotel.

Late morning check out from the hotel (around 1030 -1100 hrs).

Day at leisure (for optional activities /shopping etc).

Late afternoon transfer from Hotel to Udaipur City Railway Station.

Train #12964 Mewar Express (3-Tier AC Sleeper Class):
Departure from Udaipur City At: 1815 hrs
Arrival at Hazrat Nizamuddin At: 0635 hrs (on Day 09)

Day 09 Delhi – Departure

  • Transfer from Train Station in Delhi to Hotel
  • Wash & Change at Hotel
  •  Breakfast
  •  Tour Ends.

Arrive Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin Train Station at 0635 hrs, transfer to Hotel in Delhi where some rooms are blocked for Wash & Change.

A leisurely farewell Breakfast.

End of the Tour

TOUR COST

Twin Sharing Basis Single Room Option*
GBP 575 Per person Supplement of GBP 125 per person

COSTs DO NOT INCLUDE:-

  • Porterage / Tips (travel light specially for the train platforms which are usually user unfriendly and many stairs to climb)
  • Camera Fee (most of the monuments under Archaeological Survey do not charge for still cameras, however most of the privately managed monuments have a separate fee for all kinds of Cameras including Smart Phones).
  • Meals (keep a budget of GBP 5 to 8 per meal, though it’s possible to spend less or splurge at some places).
  • Optional Activities (ask your Tour Manager for the Optional Visits/activities and their prices)
  • Expenses of personal nature (drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc)
  • Travel Insurance (Important to have a valid Travel Insurance with emergency numbers handy at all times, you will be required to share the details with your Tour Manager at the Group Meeting at the beginning of the tour)
  • Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusions
  • NOTES:

    Single Travellers but sharing accommodation
    Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

    Single Occupancy of Room
    You have option of choosing to have your own Room on Single Occupancy basis by paying the Single Room Supplement at the time of booking the trip. Those deciding for a Single Occupancy upon arrival in India must immediately inform your Tour Manager who can make the room request to all the hotels of your trip and will collect charges on the basis of availability at each hotel individually.

    Tipping
    It is customary in South-Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is not compulsory however it shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Manager will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from GBP 1 per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your Tour Manager for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Unwind India Tour Manager did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline GBP 10-20 per person, per week can be used.

    Dressing
    Though the big cities in South-Asia has seen a rapid change in dressing more modern dresses (denims, skirts and shorts etc), but the mindset is still more conservative. As a general guideline shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. Since the region is predominately having followers of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam, we recommend that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting rural communities or visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites as this may restrict your entry.

    NB: It could be very cold during the months of December and January in the plains of Northern India.

    Visas
    Visas for India are the responsibility of the individual traveller. All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad.

    All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through Online application link (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ ) or directly with the Indian Embassy in your country.

    VISA IS NOT AVAILABLE AT PORT OF ENTRY AND must be obtained in advance. For correct and up to date information