WHY TRAVEL WITH US
explore North India
BEYOND GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Route at a Glance: Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Ramathra - Chambal - Amritsar - Delhi
Only half a century ago, the mere mention of the word Chambal would send shivers down one’s spine. Like the American Old West of the 19th century, the dry desolate ravines of Chambal in the Indian heartland were ruled by vicious dacoits on the strength of their Martini-Enfield rifles. At the time, the dusty gullies often reverberated with the bangs of the .303s as police and the brigands exchanged gunfires. Fortunately, all this is a distant memory and the region, now at peace, is fast emerging as an ecotourism hub with tourists heading for the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bateshwar Temples complex; while the annual cattle fair at Bateshwar attracts farmers and cattle merchants all within the once dreaded valley.
The visit to explore Ranthambore NP in search of Tigers and other rich Wildlife will bring in the spiritual experience and inner peace!
For years ‘The Golden Triangle’ tour has been the quintessential North Indian excursion, highlighting the best of Indian culture and history. But Epiconic Travel with its penchant for the extraordinary offers you a little extra on this classic itinerary. Like a digital picture is composed of millions of pixels that create an image, myriad events running parallel to the main events of a country add up to make up its history and even embellish it. ‘The Golden Triangle & Beyond’ merges the archetypal program (Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur) with new destinations and draws attention to hitherto little aspects of this land known as INDIA!
Highlights
- Explore Delhi by visiting historic monuments (Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb)
- Immerse in the hospitality of Pink City Jaipur and visit City Palace, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, etc.
- Get close to the Royal Bengal Tiger at Ranthambhore Wildlife Sanctuary
- Spend a luxurious night like a king at Ramathra Fort Hotel
- Witness the magnificent example of Medieval Mughal architecture – Taj Mahal
- Taste Langar (community kitchen) at the famous Sikh shrine – Golden Temple
- Visit Jallianwala Bagh and witness Guard of Honor Ceremony at Wagah Border.
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi:
Arrive at New Delhi International airport. After completing the immigration and customs, proceed towards the arrival hall. Meeting and assistance upon arrival with a traditional welcome of garlanding and transfer to the hotel (room being held from 1400 hrs).
Overnight in Delhi
Day 2 - Delhi Sightseeing:
After a leisurely breakfast, set off to explore Old and New Delhi and see what India’s Capital Delhi has to offer. The visit of Old Delhi includes a drive past of the Red Fort (closed on Monday), built in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jehan in red sandstone, which gave the fort its name. Jama Masjid is India's one of the largest mosques, built of red sandstone and white marble in the middle of the 17th century. Chandni Chowk is one of the liveliest places in Old Delhi which happened to be the imperial avenue where Emperor Shah Jehan rode at the head of the royal parade. Now, Chandni Chowk is full of shops, ateliers and stalls. Later, we explore New Delhi to include the visit to India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. After this, we will head to New Delhi to visit India Gate which was built as a war memorial for the soldiers who were killed during WW I. Next, we will visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Viceroy’s imperial residence which was built in the 20th century. Today, it is used as Parliament and official residence of the President of India. After exploring this royal building, we will explore the first Mughal garden tomb, Humayun’s Tomb built in the 16th century. The emperor’s senior widow and mother of Akbar, Hamida Begum built this tomb. We will finish our day after visiting Qutub Minar, 70 meter high minaret standing majestically since 1311 AD.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 03 - Delhi to Jaipur: Shatabdi Train (0610/1045 hrs)
Early morning departure transfer to Delhi railway station to board the high-speed train to the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur. The City of Victory was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is a well- planned city built from rose-colored terra cotta. Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Jaipur railway station and transfer to the hotel. (Rooms will be available only from 1400 hrs) Afternoon, visit Jantar Mantar, Palace of Wind (Hawa Mahal) and the City Palace. Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century by the astronomer king Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, consisting mainly of 18 stone instruments that help to interpret the position of celestial bodies and calculate local time. It is no longer a working science center but is maintained as a monument by the archeological department and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The City Palace Museum which includes the Mubarak Mahal (The Palace of Reception) that now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum displays a plethora of unique collections including royal costumes, delicate Pashmina shawls, Benaras silk sarees and other dresses with Sanganeri prints and embroidery. Evening, visit Hawa Mahal before participating in the evening prayer ceremony in the Govindji Temple. The peaceful transcending end to the day is by a visit to the Govind Devji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in the City Palace. It is one of the most followed temples of Jaipur and the royal family is a great devotee. There is daily aarti (prayer) at different times of which the most spectacular is in the evening.
Overnight in Jaipur
Day 04 - Jaipur to Ranthambore: 200 km about 4 to 5 hrs
This morning after an early breakfast, drive to the nearby 16th-century hilltop fortress of Amber, ascending the tortuous paved pathway to the fort on a four-wheel. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Raja Man Singh began this medieval capital of Rajputs with highly decorated palaces and apartments and was used as a stronghold. When Sawai Jai Singh II became the king, he moved the capital to Jaipur which was newly created. After the visit drive to Ranthambore National Park - one of the country’s celebrated wildlife reserves where you can catch a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger (The National animal of India) amongst various other species.
Overnight in Ranthambore
Day 05 - Ranthambore:
Early morning and afternoon embark on a safari through the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, which expands over almost 400 sq km of thick foliage with an experienced naturalist.
Note - Ranthambore National park is closed on Every Wednesday.
Overnight in Ranthambore
Day 06 - Ranthambore to Ramathra: 85 km about 2 hrs
Early morning embark on another safari through the Wildlife sanctuary. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, drive to Ramathra in Rajasthan to relax and to enjoy a royal experience in the splendidly restored medieval residence of the Maharaja. Situated in the very scenic and peaceful countryside, the fort offers a spectacular view of Kalisil Lake abounding in migratory birds. The visit to Ramathra gives a deep insight into rural Rajasthan. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Ramathra covering Temple trail visiting various old temples, nature walk along the lake, boating ride in the river. Evening enjoys the view of Sunset from the Fort.
Overnight in Ramathra
Day 07 - Ramathra to Chambal: 275 km about 6 to 7 hrs
This morning after an early breakfast, drive to Chambal Safari – an attempt to acquaint visitors with a land that has retained its unique landscapes, rugged charm and rare wildlife. This evening, we will proceed for the visit of Bateshwar - a Hindu pilgrimage centered on the bank of the river Yamuna situated 70 km from Agra. It is associated with many myths and legends and is said to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna’s mother and also of the 22nd Jain Tirthankar Neminath. There are more than 100 temples in Bateshwar all lined on the river bank with several Ghats (steps) leading down to the river.
Note - Bateshwar Fair – 09 to 15th November 2023
Overnight in Chambal
Day 8 - Chambal:
This morning, we will take you on a relaxing RIVER SAFARI with a naturalist in the calm and gentle waters of the Chambal River which offers awe-inspiring opportunities to experience the wildlife. provides spectacular opportunities for viewing wildlife. Afternoon, we will proceed for jeep safari.
Overnight in Chambal
Day 09 - Chambal to Agra: 75 km about 2.5 hrs
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, drive to Agra - India’s capital during the 16th and 17th centuries, the city is home to an outstanding collection of Mughal architecture. Later during the day, visit the Agra Fort - on the west end of the Yamuna River, Akbar’s magnificent fort dominates the center of the city. At Sunset, visit the long-standing symbol of love and devotion, The Taj Mahal, was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan in the image of his deceased queen.
Note - Taj Mahal is closed on Every Friday.
Overnight in Agra
Day 10 - Agra to Amritsar: By Overnight Train
This morning repeat visit to the greatest Indian monument of all – The Taj Mahal during Sunrise. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Late morning, visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, The tomb is also referred to as the ‘Baby Taj’, as it was the very first Mughal structure to be built from marble and make extensive use of Pietras. (Room being held till 1200 hrs or Noon hrs) Late afternoon, departure transfer to Agra railway station to board an overnight train to Amritsar - home of Sikh community and their beauteous, most holy shrine: the Golden Temple.
Overnight on board the train
Day 11 - Arrive Amritsar:
Arrival at Amritsar Railway Station during the morning hours. Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Amritsar station and transfer to the hotel. (Room will be available at 1400 hrs). In the meantime, you can use the facilities of the hotel. Late afternoon drive to Wagah Border to see Guard of Honor Ceremony or Ceremonial lowering of the flag of the two countries (India and Pakistan). Later drive back to Amritsar during sunset. Late evening visit Golden Temple under beautiful lights to feel the spiritual solace and also to witness the Bed Chamber Ceremony of the Religious book (Guru Granth Sahib).
Overnight in Amritsar
Day 12 - Amritsar:
This morning after a leisurely breakfast, we set off to explore Amritsar, (Pool of Nectar). The city is known for the holiest Sikh shrine, the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib (Temple of God) is the main spiritual site of the Sikh religion. The temple has Akal Takht which is the seat of the religious committee of Sikh faith. Also, the temple has a shrine dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh who was the last guru (10th guru) of Sikhism. Here you can observe the Langar (one of the world’s largest kitchens for charity). Also, visit Jallianwala Bagh, noted for the most notorious massacre under British rule. From Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh is at a distance of around a quarter-mile. The Jallianwala Bagh is located about a quarter of a mile from the Golden Temple. The place is now a memorial dedicated to the people (children, men and women) who sacrificed their lives in the brutal killing when the British soldiers opened fire at them while they were present there on April 13, 1919. This afternoon, you are free to explore the city on foot – the colorful bazaars are the highlight.
Overnight in Amritsar
Day 13 - Amritsar to Delhi: Flight
This morning you are at leisure.
Today you will be transferred to the airport to board flight to Delhi or Mumbai for your onward international flight back home taking back heartful of fond memories of the trip Golden Triangle and beyond.
