India's Golden Triangle - Himalayas Hike, Yoga & Safari

Our adventure begins as we board our flight to Delhi, the vibrant capital and gateway to the sights, culture and experiences that await us on our India holiday.

We’ve arrived in Delhi! On arrival, we’ll meet our local guide and transfer to our hotel. 

Take some time to settle in and relax before we get together later for our first welcome dinner at a local restaurant and a chance to meet everyone.

We spend the first two nights of our adventure in Delhi.

• Breakfast is included each day of our stay in India at our hotel, or a boxed breakfast for early departures. 
• Five evening meals are included at local restaurants or in our hotel to experience local dishes, traditional flavours, and appreciate the culinary preparations found on our journey.

This morning, we’ll head out to explore Old Delhi and some of the city’s most iconic sights.

• Take a guided walking tour of Old Delhi.
• Visit the impressive Red Fort.
• Ride a rickshaw through the colourful lanes of Chandni Chowk.
• Visit Humayun’s Tomb.
• Explore Akshardham Temple.

Enjoy the evening at leisure to soak up the bustling Delhi atmosphere.

We’ll leave Delhi behind this morning and travel by coach to Agra, the historic city on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh.

• Enjoy views of rural India, passing farmland, villages and small towns along the way. 
• Journey time is approximately 4½ hours, including a comfort stop. 
• On arrival in Agra, check in at our hotel and enjoy some time to settle in.

We’ll enjoy a guided visit to Agra Fort, one of India’s finest Mughal landmarks.

• Explore its impressive red sandstone walls, courtyards, palaces and fortifications. 
• Discover Agra’s rich Mughal history and learn about the rulers who shaped the city. 
• Take in views of the iconic Taj Mahal in the distance and hear its stories of power and betrayal. 
• Experience a Mughlai dinner (included) at a local restaurant, sampling traditional dishes and the rich flavours of northern India.

Experience the story of the Taj Mahal at the Mohabbat The Taj Show.

• Enjoy an optional cultural performance celebrating the Taj Mahal and Mughal heritage through music, dance and storytelling. 
• See a miniature replica of the Taj Mahal showcasing the craftsmanship of this iconic monument. 
• The show is performed in Hindi, with English audio dubbing available through earphones.

Please note: Minimum numbers apply and availability cannot be guaranteed locally. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Rise very early this morning for a guided tour of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the soft morning light creates a beautiful setting for this iconic monument. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is one of India’s most celebrated landmarks and a highlight of the Golden Triangle.

After our early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, we return to the hotel for breakfast before checking out and travelling to Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan. 

• Travel approximately 250 km from Agra to Jaipur. 
• Visit Chand Baori, one of India’s largest stepwells, in the village of Abhaneri en route to Jaipur. 
• Journey time is approximately 6½ hours, depending on traffic, with comfort stops along the way.

We’ll arrive in Jaipur, the famous Pink City and capital of Rajasthan, where we’ll spend the next three nights. After the journey from Agra, check in to the hotel and settle in for the evening. Relax and soak up the new surroundings.

This morning, explore Jaipur, the historic Pink City, on a guided tour. 

• Discover Amber Fort Palace and its impressive Rajasthani architecture. 
• Explore the grand City Palace Museum, former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. 
• Visit Jantar Mantar, home to impressive astronomical instruments and a sundial.
• Take in Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), an iconic Jaipur landmark. 
• Enjoy an exhilarating tuk-tuk ride through the lively streets, old city and bazaars of Jaipur before returning to our hotel.

This evening, we’ll visit a local Jaipur family home for a hands-on Rajasthani cooking experience. Learn to prepare traditional Rajasthani dishes before enjoying an included home-cooked dinner with your hosts.

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Jaipur beyond the main sights. Wander through local streets, browse colourful bazaars, stop at a café or sample local food as you take in the sights and sounds of the Pink City. Or experience more with a choice of optional excursions and local experiences.

Optional Pre-Bookable Jaipur Experiences

• Jaipur by Dawn – Experience the Pink City as it comes to life in the early morning.
• Bagru Village & Block Printing – Discover Rajasthan’s traditional hand-block printing techniques.
• Market to Kitchen – Explore Jaipur’s local markets before learning about traditional Rajasthani cooking.
• Jaipur Night Safari – Experience Jaipur after dark and see the city lit up at night.

Please note: Minimum numbers apply and availability cannot be guaranteed locally. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Experience Jaipur as the city wakes, exploring its bustling streets and local communities steeped in tradition by e-rickshaw on this pre-bookable optional tour.

• Begin with an early morning e-rickshaw ride past Jaipur’s iconic landmarks.
• Visit the Krishna Temple, where we may hear the echoes of devotional chants resonating through the air.
• See a local sports complex as the city gets into its daily routine.
• Enjoy hot tea and local snacks.
• Meet the metal-beating community and see traditional artisans at work.
• Discover a different side of Jaipur’s local life and culture.

Take an optional excursion to Bagru, a village renowned for its traditional textile printing. Explore local village life and discover the craft of hand-block printing on this guided tour.

• Explore Bagru village and meet local residents. 
• Visit a local workshop and see artisans at work. 
• Discover how wooden blocks and natural dyes are used to create intricate designs. 
• Learn about the traditional Bagru block-printing process. 
• Try your hand at block printing and create your own souvenir.
• This tour is approximately 3.5 hours.

Discover the flavours of Rajasthan with a local market visit, hands-on cooking experience and dinner with a local family on this pre-bookable optional excursion.

• Explore a traditional vegetable and spice market with a local guide. 
• Discover how locals shop for fresh ingredients and everyday groceries. 
• Select ingredients before heading to a local family home. 
• Learn traditional Rajasthani cooking techniques during a hands-on cooking experience. 
• Enjoy dinner with your hosts and learn more about local food, traditions and culture.

See a different side of the Pink City after dark on an evening open-jeep tour through Jaipur and the surrounding hills. Take in illuminated landmarks before heading into the hills for panoramic night-time views.

• See the beautifully illuminated Hawa Mahal. 
• Pass the impressive Albert Hall Museum at night. 
• Drive along Amer Road with views of Jal Mahal. 
• Enjoy panoramic views across Jaipur at night. 
• See the impressive entrance to Amber Fort lit up after dark. 
• Travel by open jeep, with approximately 4–5 guests per jeep.

After breakfast, we check out and transfer to Jaipur airport for our flight to Dehradun, nestled at the base of the Himalayas. We have arrived in Rishikesh, considered a spiritual city on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, famous for its ashrams, yoga and meditation traditions, and riverside temples.

We make our way to our hotel and check in during the afternoon.

Explore Rishikesh on foot and by tuk-tuk, taking in its lively local markets and spiritual landmarks.

• Explore the local market and experience everyday life in Rishikesh. 
• Visit Shivanand Ashram. 
• Discover Beatles Ashram. 
• Walk across the iconic Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge over the Ganges. 
• Return to our hotel.

Please note - Pending our arrival flight time, this excursion may take place the following day.

This evening, take in the spiritual atmosphere of Rishikesh at the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat.

• Experience traditional chanting, drums and bells.
• Watch diyas (earthen lamps) being released onto the sacred Ganges.
• Return to the hotel for an Ayurvedic-inspired dinner (included).

We’ll greet the day with a guided yoga and meditation session in the crisp mountain air, finding stillness and focus through breathwork and movement.

Head into the Himalayas for a guided village walk and hike to Kunjapuri Temple, combining local life and mountain scenery.

• Drive approximately 1 hour from Rishikesh to Hindolakhal village.
• Walk through the village, passing farmland and traditional homes with your local guide.
• Meet local residents and experience everyday village life.
• Hike uphill to Kunjapuri Devi Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site at 1,676 metres.
• Enjoy 360-degree views of the Himalayas on a clear day.
• Hiking distance: approximately 10 km.
• Hiking duration: approximately 4 hours.

Return to our hotel in the afternoon and relax for the rest of the day. Soak up your surroundings and make the most of your time in Rishikesh.

We’ll leave Rishikesh behind and travel towards Jim Corbett National Park, gateway to the Himalayan foothills.

• Travel approximately 200 km from Rishikesh to Corbett, with a journey time of around 5.5 hours including comfort stops.
• Watch the scenery change from the Ganges valley and forested hills to rural villages, farmland and the landscapes surrounding Corbett.
• On arrival, check in before heading out on an afternoon jeep safari in Corbett Tiger Reserve.
• Look out for elusive tigers, elephants, deer and a variety of birdlife on your safari drive.

After our search for wildlife, return to the hotel and relax for the evening. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Kumaoni dinner (included), with earthy lentils, millet breads and pickled vegetables among the dishes showcasing the flavours of the region.

Please note: Mobile phones are not permitted in the National Park. This mandatory rule applies to all safaris and includes taking photographs, recording videos or any active use of mobile phones. The restriction is in place to reduce noise and disturbance to wildlife, as this can cause stress and disrupt natural behaviour. This is now becoming standard across India's national parks.

Cameras are permitted.

Head out for one final jeep safari in Corbett National Park before continuing our journey to Delhi.

• Keep watch for elephants, deer, birds and, if we’re lucky, the elusive Bengal tiger in their natural surroundings.
• After the safari and breakfast, travel approximately 265 km towards Delhi, with a journey time of around 6.5 hours including comfort stops.
• Take in views of Uttarakhand’s forests, rural villages and Himalayan foothills along the way.

Arrive back in Delhi in the evening, check in to our hotel and enjoy a final evening at leisure.

Today, we’ll say farewell to India and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.