Asia & the Pacific / India
India's Golden Triangle Multi Sport Tour
Hike, Bike, Ride Camels and Experience a Zipline in India's Golden Triangle
This adventure highlights the mighty lands of Northern India. From the expansive desert sand dunes to the lavish Art Deco facades of Jodhpur and the mighty ramparts of Amber, the ancient kingdom of Rajputana-Rajasthan continues to allure visitors with its kaleidoscope of experiences. We explore this region by foot, cycle, zip line, and camel ending the journey at the eternal monument of love, the Taj Mahal.
Days 1-3: Delhi
We're met upon arrival at Delhi international airport and transported to the elegant Claridges Hotel. We begin the next morning with a bike ride through the narrow streets with a glimpse into the life of Old Delhi. Later we visit the Birla House, the museum dedicated to the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Our final morning in Delhi begins with a walk through the Lohi Garden which is laid out around the tombs of 15th century sultans and is used today by people of all ages for daily exercise. A late morning flight delivers us to Jodhpur followed by a transfer to the Manvar Desert Camp. Here we enjoy stunning sunrises, mesmerizing sunsets, dazzling night skies, and lively evenings of dinner and music.
Days 4-7: Thar Desert-Jodhpur-Deogarh
Our time in the Thar Desert is spent with 4x4 jeep rides through the dunes where we search for free-roaming herds of gazelles, walks to the Temple on the Hill and to the hamlets of Bishnoi and finally an evening camel ride as the sunk sinks beneath the horizon. Upon our return to the city of Jodhpur, we tour the intricate Meharangarh Fort and then it's on to an exhilarating zipline tour across Rani Ser Lake, with 6 lines ranging from 230 to 980 feet. The following morning has the option for a walk through the walled city to experience the local culture and morning prayers or a bike ride to the temples and high rock terraces of the Mandore Gardens. A drive to Deogarh includes a stop at Adinath Temple, with 1,444 exquisite, uniquely carved marble pillars from the 14th century. The following day is free to pursue activities of your choosing--yoga classes, hikes, boating, bird watching with a naturalist, biking through the countryside or horseback riding.
Days 8-10: Jaipur
We drive to Jaipur, the "Pink City", our second stop in the Golden Triangle, with its stunning hilltop forts and royal palaces and bustling craft markets. We enjoy an elephant safari through the bird-filled Aravali Forest in the evening folloed by sundowners. We hike the next morning to Nahargarh Fort with breathtaking views of Jaipour city below. We descend through an 18th century tunnel to Amber, once the ancient capital. A short afternoon drive takes us a picturesque gorge that cradles Galta Kund--an 18th Century religious site. The area is also home to the celebrated and mischievous rhesus macaque monkeys. Our final day in Jaipur is spent with a morning sightseeing tour of bazaars, palaces and museums and the afternoon is free for some shopping and relaxation.
Days 11-12: Agra-Taj Mahal
We visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary with 370 bird varieties in rickshaes or an bicylcles. Upon arrival in Agra we explore the city's bazaars and that evening visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This "dream in marble" is at ists finest as the sun bathes the monument is the bold colors of sunset. An optional return visit can be made at sunrise or enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel. A late morning departure for Agra fort is folloed by a transfer to Delhi, arriving in time for our flights home.