Golden Triangle with Ranthambore and Rishikesh Tour

Day 1 :

Arrival in Delhi – Transfer to Hotel

Upon your arrival at New Delhi Airport, an Optima Travels representative shall warmly receive you at the terminal exit, bearing a placard inscribed with your name. You will be courteously escorted to your hotel in the heart of India’s bustling capital. Assistance shall be provided for a seamless check-in experience.

Delhi - India’s grand political and cultural epicenter—is a city steeped in history, its foundations traced back to at least the 6th century BCE. Nestled along the Yamuna River, it rose to prominence as a vital hub connecting the Gangetic plains with north-western India. Home to a wealth of ancient ruins and medieval marvels, Delhi has witnessed the ebb and flow of empires. Following independence in 1947, New Delhi was declared the capital of sovereign India. Today, it thrives as a vibrant mosaic of cultures, customs and cuisines.

Overnight stay is scheduled at the Delhi hotel.

Day 2 :

Delhi Sightseeing Tour

After breakfast, your guided journey commences with a drive past the imperial landmarks of Lutyens' Delhi. Admire the grandeur of India Gate, built in memory of the 70,000 Indian soldiers who perished during World War I. Nearby stand the stately Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan, once the Viceregal Lodge, now the Presidential Palace. Constructed in 1929, it is a marvel of colonial architecture, boasting 340 rooms spread across 130 hectares.

Your next destination is Gurudwara Bangla Sahib , crowned with a glistening golden dome. Originally the haveli of Raja Jai Singh, the shrine commemorates Guru Har Krishan and is revered for its holy Sarovar (pool).

Proceeding to Old Delhi, marvel at the mighty Red Fort—a Mughal stronghold built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1647, viewed from outside. Close by, explore Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, housing sacred relics of Prophet Muhammad. Navigate through the labyrinthine alleys of Chandni Chowk, a 17th-century market designed by Princess Jahanara. A manual rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk through its bustling bazaar offers a truly immersive cultural encounter.

Later, visit the modern marvel Akshardham Temple , a tribute to traditional Indian artistry and spirituality, its intricate carvings echoing timeless craftsmanship.

Conclude your day at the soaring Qutub Minar, a 72.5-metre-tall stone-built tower of 12th century and a 1500 years-old rust-free Iron Pillar , a magnificent example of Hindu alchemy in ancient India.

Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

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Day 3 :

Delhi – Agra - Agra sightseeing

After a nourishing breakfast in Delhi, set forth by road to Agra — a city steeped in Mughal legacy and famed for its architectural masterpieces. Agra proudly hosts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the ethereal Taj Mahal, the commanding Agra Fort, and the abandoned imperial capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Ancient texts, including the Mahabharata, mention Agra, while Ptolemy was among the first to call it by its present name.

Upon arrival, you shall be met and warmly received by our representative, who will assist with a seamless check-in at your pre-booked hotel. Following a short rest, the afternoon shall be devoted to a guided exploration of Agra’s historic gems.

Your first stop is the mighty Agra Fort , poised on the banks of the Yamuna. Enclosed within massive red sandstone ramparts extending 2.5 kilometer, the fort houses splendid halls and palaces, entered through the imposing Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. Thereafter, proceed to the delicate tomb of It Mad-ud-Daulah — oft dubbed the 'Baby Taj'. A precursor to the Taj Mahal, it honours Mirza Ghiyas Beg, father of Empress Noor Jahan. Crafted in luminous white marble, its intricately latticed screens exude a fragile, ivory-like elegance.

After luncheon at your hotel or a refined local restaurant, the late afternoon takes you to Mehtab Bagh — the fabled Moonlight Garden. Situated directly across the Yamuna, it offers a sublime, less trodden vantage of the Taj Mahal at dusk — a scene adored by photographers and poets alike.

Return thereafter to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 4 :

Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambhore

The following dawn, rise early for a soul-stirring visit to the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, this marble mausoleum took 22 years, 22,000 artisans, and 1,000 elephants to complete. A marvel of Islamic architecture, it glows with transcendent beauty at sunrise.

Having visited Taj Mahal, return to hotel. After breakfast and checkout, drive onward to Ranthambhore. En route, pause at Fatehpur Sikri — Akbar’s abandoned dream city. Explore its exquisite palaces and sacred spaces, including the Jama Masjid, Salim Chishti’s dargah, and the colossal Buland Darwaza — rising 43 meter high, among the tallest gateways in the world.

By late afternoon, reach Ranthambhore . Check in to your jungle lodge, where a refreshing welcome drink awaits. Nestled in the Aravalli, this tiger reserve is teeming with wildlife — a haven for birders, botanists, and seekers of the elusive Bengal tiger.

Dinner and overnight stay at Ranthambhore.

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Day 5 :

Jungle Safaris in Wilds of Ranthambhore

Begin the morning with a hearty breakfast at your Ranthambhore hotel before setting off on an early safari adventure. From 7:00 to 10:30 a.m., traverse the rugged terrain of Ranthambhore National Park in a shared jeep or canter. This celebrated wildlife reserve, once the royal hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, offers a rare chance to glimpse the elusive Bengal tiger in its natural habitat.

Return to the hotel for lunch, then prepare for another exhilarating jungle expedition from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. The park, where dense forests meet ancient ruins, is also home to leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, and myriad bird species. As twilight descends, retire to your resort for evening tea by a crackling campfire. Dinner and a restful overnight stay follow.

Day 6 :

Ranthambhore – Jaipur – Jaipur city exploration

Following breakfast, bid farewell to Ranthambhore and depart for Jaipur, the fabled Pink City. Designed in a nine-grid pattern as per Vastu Shastra, Jaipur is a kaleidoscope of culture, architecture, and colour.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and later embark on a guided afternoon tour of Jaipur’s architectural marvels. Begin with the City Palace , an opulent complex blending Mughal elegance with Rajput grandeur, featuring Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and the Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-Aam halls.

Next, marvel at the Hawa Mahal , the "Palace of Winds" – not a palace per se but a stunning lattice of 593 ‘jharokhas’, behind which royal ladies once watched city life unfold unseen.

Conclude with a visit to the Jantar Mantar , an astronomical observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1718, where stone instruments like the Ram Yantra defy time.

Later, stroll through Jaipur’s vibrant markets before attending the evening aarti at Govind Dev Ji Temple, devoted to Lord Krishna. Steeped in legend and devotion, the deity’s image is said to resemble Krishna’s earthly form.

Return to your hotel for a serene overnight stay.

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Day 7 :

Jaipur sightseeing – New Delhi

Begin your morning at first light with a guided walking tour through the beating heart of Jaipur’s old city. At 6:00 AM, set off with your guide to explore the Flower Market, where fresh jasmine, marigolds and roses perfume the air. The vivid hues and animated trading scenes offer a vivid glimpse into Jaipur’s early rhythm.

Continue to the vegetable market, or Sabji Mandi, a frenetic ballet of vendors, colours and earthy aromas. Women in vibrant sarees balance produce-laden pots with graceful poise, weaving through the stalls. Next, step into the rustic Doodh Mandi, Jaipur’s milk market, where farmers—having travelled up to 50 kilometer—offer unpasteurized milk. Watch as locals test the milk’s consistency by dipping their fingers into it, a practice both curious and time-honoured.

Satisfy your palate with Jaipur’s irresistible street fare: golden, flaky aloo samosas drizzled in tangy chutney; syrup-soaked jalebis, and a warming glass of masala chai served by a local tea-master. This sensory-rich morning closes with the uplifting aarti at Govind Dev Ji Temple—an unforgettable devotional ritual held in the City Palace complex.

Return to your hotel for breakfast and brief repose. Around 9 AM, set out for Amber Fort, pausing enroute at Jal Mahal , the “Water Palace,” rising ethereally from Man Sagar Lake. Constructed by Maharaja Madho Singh in 1750 for royal leisure and duck hunting, its Rajput-style architecture stands serenely amid the Aravalli Hills.

At Amber Fort , enjoy a regal ascent by elephant to the main gate. Commissioned in 1592 by Man Singh I and completed by Jai Singh I, the fort’s austere exterior guards exquisite interiors—a harmonious blend of Mughal and Rajput artistry.

Post-visit, explore Panna Meena ka Kund , a geometrically marvellous stepwell built in the 16th century for rainwater harvesting. Its zigzagging steps, used to gauge water levels, create a hypnotic visual effect.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, embark on a six-hour drive to New Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

Day 8 :

New Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh

After a sumptuous breakfast, depart by late morning for Rishikesh. En route, arrive at Haridwar , the "Gateway to God," nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas where the sacred Ganga first enters the plains.

Here, visit Har Ki Pauri , a revered ghat where legend holds that nectar from the celestial Amrit Kumbh once fell. This sanctified spot draws countless pilgrims, particularly during the 12-yearly Kumbh Mela. At dusk, witness the breathtaking Ganga Aarti — an ethereal ceremony of lamps, chants and devotion performed nightly on the riverbanks.

After absorbing this divine spectacle, proceed to Rishikesh , a short drive away. Known globally as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh blends spiritual heritage with natural serenity. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and unwind amidst the tranquil Himalayan foothills.

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Day 9 :

Rishikesh – Sacred Explorations

Begin your day in the spiritual capital of India with a tranquil session of yoga, asana, pranayam, and meditation. After a wholesome breakfast, embark on a guided discovery of Rishikesh’s most revered ashramas and sacred spaces.

Your first stop is Parmarth Niketan, a serene sanctuary along the banks of the Ganga, offering more than 1,000 rooms and a tranquil setting for spiritual healing. Here, seekers from around the world find solace in divine vibrations and the age-old wisdom of saints and sages.

Continue to the famed Beatles Ashram, once home to the legendary band during their spiritual retreat under Guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Set within the lush expanse of Rajaji National Park, the site still resonates with the peaceful ethos of yoga and transcendental meditation.

Then, cross the river via the iconic Ram or Shivanand Jhula to visit Swarg Ashram, a spiritual township filled with temples, caves, and traditional hermitages. Inside Geeta Bhawan, experience daily rituals – from chants and aartis to life-cycle ceremonies – all steeped in deep Hindu tradition.

The remainder of the day is yours to absorb the atmosphere, stroll through vibrant alleys, or engage with local life and spirituality. At sunset, witness the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Rishikesh.

Day 10 :

Rishikesh – Delhi – Departure

Greet the morning once more with yoga and meditation. Post breakfast and a final market stroll, depart for Delhi. On arrival, you will be transferred directly to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your onward journey.

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