Compare Northern India Family Holiday by Intrepid Travel vs India’s Golden Triangle Featuring Oberoi Hotels by Sky Vacations

Day 1 Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India. Begin your adventure in the one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world, Delhi. There will be a welcome meeting today at 1 pm – you can arrive any time before, as there are no activities planned. After a chance to meet the rest of the families and buy some lunch, take a guided sightseeing tour to explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi. In the narrow streets, everything competes for space – squeeze through the Old City’s fortified walls on the way to Jama Masjid. Dominating the city’s skyline, this mosque is a social hub as much as a place of worship, and a fascinating insight into Delhi’s way of life. If you’d like, why not catch a rickshaw through the throbbing streets, packed with buses, trucks, people and cows, on the way to the brilliantly coloured Red Fort. Then, leave the crowds behind and breathe a little easier in contrasting New Delhi – broad, tree-lined avenues, and former monuments to British power. Visit the main sights – Parliament House, President House, and India Gate, before returning to the hotel.

Day 2 Agra

Rise early to catch the morning sun and a train to Agra (approximately 3 hours). The city alternated with Delhi as the capital of the Moghul Empire, and it still grips to its glory days, inextricably linked with the most famous of India’s rulers. When you arrive, take some time to relax after the early start until mid-afternoon, before heading out to see the city’s big hitters. Agra’s not just all about the Taj Mahal, it’s also home to one of the finest looking forts in India, a Friday Mosque and royal tombs. Sitting along the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra Fort is part stronghold, part palace and part prison. Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, it was converted to a palace by Emperor Shah Jahan, and it eventually became his jail when he lost power. Enter the dark red sandstone fort by crossing the (now empty) crocodile-infested moat. Search through throne rooms and tiny but incredibly decorated mosques and climb to the top to get your first tantalising glimpse of the Taj across the river.

Day 3 Ranthambhore National Park

Not many people like really early mornings, but this one is definitely worth it. Get up before the sun to see it rise over the Taj Mahal. Watch the iconic building bathed in early morning light. Many people believe it to be the most perfectly proportioned building ever constructed; at first glance it appears to be simply white marble, but closer inspection reveals that the surface is inlaid with semi-precious stones that form stylised flowers and bowers. This is truly magical. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Next, head east and pass the Kos Minar medieval milestones, which point the way to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri (approximately 2 hours). Deserted after only a few years because there wasn’t enough water, the incredibly well preserved 16th century royal complex is a haven of courtyards, pavilions, ornamental gardens, the striking Jama Masjid mosque, and home to the intricately carved Rumi Sultana palace. Continue on to Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambhore National Park (approximately 2 hours) – the 'Jungle Book' brought to life!

Day 4 Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambhore National Park is one of the premier national parks of India – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples, and that is also is teeming with wildlife to spot. You will make a couple of game drives during your stay here, with hopes of getting a sighting of the majestic Bengal tigers that survive among the ruined forts and temples and stalk through the jungle. Game drives take place early in the morning and in late afternoon, as this is when animals are most active. Even if the tigers are being too stealthy, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for.

Day 5 Jaipur

Head northwest to the dazzling pink city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan (approximately 4-5 hours) in time for lunch. In the afternoon, head to the Jantar Mantar observatory – a favourite with children. The observatory houses a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II and was completed in 1734. In the afternoon, you will have some free time as a family. Perhaps take a swim in the hotel pool or wander through the Pink City’s streets, busy with camels, motorbikes, rickshaws, and traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches. Enjoy a free evening in Jaipur tonight. Perhaps hit the streets of the old town for raj kachori chaat – a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato - and cool off afterwards with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road, Jaipur's oldest and most famous lassi shop. Look out for camels carting goods and be careful of the monkeys climbing wires overhead!

Day 6 Jaipur

Visit the sprawling City Palace, once home to the Maharaja: an amazing complex that's home to various colourful courtyard gates, fascinating museums displaying royal costumes and weaponry. The palace continues to be a royal residence even after the Jaipur kingdom merged with the Indian Union in 1949. Then it’s on to the distinctive five-storied Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, with its detailed honeycombed facade filled with concealed windows. The impressive structure makes it the most photographed building in the country, after the Taj. Royal maidens once watched the streets below through the fabulous jali (lattice screens), which hid them from prying male eyes. Today snake charmers and fortune-tellers ply their trade below the same hideaway. The rest of the day is free to explore or to find a spot to people watch and relax.

Day 7 Alsisar

Climb the twisting roads of the Aravalli Hills and round the final bend to see the massive Amber Fort loom into view (approximately 30 minutes). Pass Maota Lake before turning uphill, past the elephant stables, to Jai Pol (Victory Gate). This is the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs, who gave their loyalty to Moghul overlords. From the spoils of war, they gradually built a fabulous complex of royal rooms, which now make up the Amber Fort. The fallen empire’s legacy, the opulent palace is packed with elaborate rooms of lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Don’t miss the sparkling Mirror Palace, covered floor-to-ceiling in thousands of reflective tiles, looking down over the picturesque Moata Lake. Later in the day, head deeper into the princely state of Rajasthan. Then, leave the city behind and travel to the relaxed village of Nawalgarh (approximately 3 hours). Catch glimpses of life in the most colourful of India’s regions – sari-clad women carrying terracotta pots of water, bangles tinkling as they walk. Take a walk around the village and meet the locals before continuing to your final stop for the day, the small town of Alsisar (approximately 1.5 hours).

Day 8 Alsisar

The semi-arid village of Alsisar is full of legendary stories with its many hand-painted havelis. This morning, join your leader on a walk around the village to discovery these beautiful and ornately decorated buildings, and perhaps say hello to some of the local residents along the way. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this peaceful town or enjoy your splendid accommodation, the Alsisar Mahal, built in the 17th century. With its grand courtyards, colourful dining arcades and heritage rooms it will certainly be a highlight of your trip. And the kids will love the pool!

Day 9 Delhi

After breakfast this morning, leave the countryside behind and get back into the beating rhythm of Delhi by mid-afternoon (approximately 9 hours). Use the rest of the day however you like. Practice your bargaining skills in Chandni Chowk in the maze of shops and kiosks that sell everything imaginable, buy local crafts straight from the hands of the artisan in Janpath market, or gobble down street chaats (Indian snacks, including deep fried fritters and flatbread). Hear the story behind the man at Gandhi’s house, see one last ancient structure at Qutb Minar, or relax in the Mughal gardens. No doubt you’ll like to get together in the evening with your group leader and the other families for a special dinner. Your leader will have great recommendations on where to eat.

Day 10 Delhi

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If your family would like to spend some more time in Delhi, why not book into an Urban Adventures tour? The Made In Delhi Shopping Tour takes you to the best markets to shop, so you can find some bargains. Better yet, it’s child-friendly! Find out more information at urbanadventures.com/destination/delhi-tours. We would be more than happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Welcome to Delhi. Upon arrival and immigration clearance, you will be met by our Sky Vacations ambassador to assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Sprawling on the banks of the River Yamuna, the capital city of India – Delhi typifies the soul of the country. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by a line of Kings and Emperors – each a chronicle of the glory of its time and an imprint of each ruler’s character. Today, the city is a curious blend of modern and traditional- skyscrapers, beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined avenues that perpetuate. Rest of the day at will be at leisure.

Day 02: Delhi

This morning, proceed for tour of Delhi starting with Old Delhi. Your first stop for the day will be Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid, which can hold a mind- blowing 25,000 people. Towering over Old Delhi, this 17th century mosque has three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high. It is constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the famous Chandni Chowk Bazaars, once the shopping avenue for Mughal royalty and the oldest marketplace of the city. Later drive past the Red Fort, also built by Emperor Shahjahan.

Afternoon proceed for tour of New Delhi visiting the Qutab Minar is built in Indo- Islamic style and has five stories. It is one of the highest stone towers in India and has a diameter of about 14.32 meters/47 feet at the base and about 2.75 meters/9 feet the top, Humayun’s Tomb, built by the orders of Humayun’s widow, Hamida Banu Begum, starting in 1562. Later proceed for drive past tour of India Gate, The war memorial arch, India Gate, was built by the British in the honor of the 70000 Indian soldiers, who lost their lives in the First World War and Second Afghan War, Rashtrapati Bhavan (President Palace) and adjoining Government Buildings, Parliament house. Post the sightseeing return to the hotel.

Day 03: Delhi / Agra

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Agra this morning. Agra is a medieval city, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1506. It was during the Mughal reign, began the golden age in Agra. It remained the capital of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan later shifted his capital to Shahjahanabad in 1649. Arrive and check in the hotel.

Afternoon proceed to visit The Agra Fort. The Fort was built by Akbar in 1565 and further developed by successive generations. This well-preserved fortress built of red-sandstone dominates a bend of the river Yamuna– with a magnificent view of the Taj. The interior boasts of many grand buildings which include the Royal Pavilions, the Diwan-e-Am (hall of public audience) and Diwan-e-khas (hall of private audience) usually reserved for other kings and dignitaries. Post the sightseeing return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 04: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur

At sunrise visit The Taj Mahal – a monument of love from the Mughal Emperor Shāh Jahān, which took 22 years to build and was completed in 1653, in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, also known as Mumtāz Mahal. Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal stands at the northern end of formal gardens. The white marble came from Makrana in Rajasthan and the red sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri. Precious stones like jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire, jade, coral and diamonds were brought from far-flung places in Tibet, China, Sri Lanka, Persia and Afghanistan. It is believed that a fleet of 1000 elephants was used to transport the material.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and then continue to Ranthambhore. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri – the Ghost Capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fortress is a UNESCO world heritage site and built entirely of red sandstone, except the tomb of the saint Salim Chisti, which in stunning contrast, is made of pristine white marble. Arrive Jaipur and check in the hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure.

Day 05: Jaipur

This morning proceed to visit Amber Fort, enroute visiting the honeycomb designed Hawa Mahal also known as the “Palace of Winds” built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, and one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. The “Palace of Winds” was built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the processions passing on the street without showing themselves. Continue to Amber Fort. The Fort is known for its exquisite mirrored halls and lofty ramparts and is a superb example of Rajput architecture.

Afternoon continue your sightseeing trip and visit The City Palace, the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. A complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings, the impressive City Palace is a center-point of the Old City. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh. The interior of the palace has been enlarged and adapted over the centuries. Continue to the amazingly accurate Jantar Mantar Stone Observatory, the largest of Maharaja Jai Singh’s remarkable Observatories – still in perfect working condition.

Day 06: Jaipur / Udaipur

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival at Udaipur airport you will be met upon and transferred to the hotel.

In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the old town where you can walk around and see the artists painting the famous miniatures depicting the glory of the Mughals , we shall arrange for a short tuk tuk ride in the old town. This evening enjoy boat ride [sharing basis] on the Lake Pichola (subject to water level in the Lake permitting). View the Lake Palace from outside the Palace – a Palace established at the center of Lake Pichola, now converted into a luxurious heritage. After the boat ride return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 07: Udaipur

This morning visit the grand large City Palace complex which stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola and encompasses several palaces added by the various Maharanas between the 16th to 20th centuries. Also visit the lively Jagdish Temple built in 1651 with an entrance flanked by stone carved elephants. Your next visit will be to Sahelion Ki Bari built by Maharana Sangram Singh, which is a beautiful garden with large flowerbeds, lawns, pools, fountains and trees. It offers fantastic glimpses of the lifestyle of the yesteryear court ladies. In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the old town where you can walk around and see the artists painting the famous miniatures depicting the glory of the Mughals.

Afternoon proceed for tour of Udaipur visiting the Crystal Art Gallery, the world’s single largest private collection of crystal under one roof, housed in the Fateh Prakash Palace is the world-famous Crystal Gallery. It’s spread across the upper-gallery of the glittering The Durbar Hall Sabhaghar. Crystal Gallery has been hailed as probably the single largest private collection of crystal anywhere in the world. The visitors here are privy to one of the most exclusive and exquisite crystal collections.

Later a short vintage car ride around Fatehsagar Lake awaits you. Post the ride return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 08: Udaipur / Delhi

Morning is at leisure. This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi airport you will be met upon and transferred to hotel . Rest of the day will be at leisure.

Day 09: Depart Delhi

This day you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.