Compare Golden Triangle by Encounters Travel vs Meaningful India by Sky Vacations

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi, possible introductory tour
We greet you at Delhi airport and provide a private transfer to your hotel or guesthouse. Our local manager will ensure you get settled in comfortably, introduce you to your driver and guide, and discuss the plans for the rest of your tour. Depending on your arrival time, we may include a short introductory sightseeing tour this afternoon.
OVERNIGHT:
Delhi hotel
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Delhi - pre-tour, Single Room Supplement (INTMGT)

Day 2: Tour of Old Delhi
Your tour of India's capital begins with a visit through the mediaeval streets around Old Delhi, taking in the world's second largest mosque, Jama Masjid, the Red Fort and the burial ghat of Mohatma Ghandi. We can either drop you back at your accommodation after lunch, or you can remain in Old Delhi to explore some more in the afternoon. This tour will be adjusted based on what you may have visited on your arrival day.
OVERNIGHT:
Delhi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast

Day 3: Drive to Agra, tour Sikandra & the Red Fort
This morning you leave Delhi and drive to Agra, stopping at Akbar's Mausoleum at Sikandra on the edge of Agra before checking into your hotel. In the afternoon you visit the Red Fort, and enjoy your first sight of the Taj Mahal from its ramparts. You may visit the Taj Mahal at sunset this evening if you wish (entry not included).
OVERNIGHT:
Agra hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast

Day 4: Taj Mahal at sunrise, Ranthambore via Fatehpur Sikri
Early this morning you head out to the majestic Taj Mahal and after a guided tour, you are free to explore Shah Jahan's monument to love at leisure, watching the light change as the sun rises. After breakfast back at the hotel, you check out and drive to Ranthmbore, with a stop off at Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted but wonderfully preserved former capital city of Akbar's Moghul empire. Next we drive to Ranthambore National Park which will be your base for several safaris into the park over the next two days. These are early in the morning to try and view the wildlife in the Park before it gets too hot, and later in the afternoon as it cools down and the wildlife becomes more active again. As well as its famous tigers, the park is home to many species of deer, Marsh Crocodiles, Hyenas, Jungle Cats, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara and Sloth Bears. There is also a sizeable bird population present throughout the year.
OVERNIGHT:
Ranthambore lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Ranthambore National Park, wildlife safaris
You enjoy two safaris into the park today, one of them by 'canter' and one by jeep. The morning safari is by 'canter'. These are open backed trucks that can carry up to around 16 people. While they can't get as far into the park, and you are sharing with several other people, the extra height means you can see better into the long grass. After returning to the hotel, in the afternoon, you do a jeep safari. There are only a restricted number of jeeps allowed into the park, so we need to book these well in advance for you. They do allow for a more flexible, and exploratory trip into the park and you have a more personal relationship with your guide. If you have time available, then adding extra days and safaris here will give you a better chance to see both the tigers and other wildlife.
OVERNIGHT:
Ranthambore lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Drive to Jaipur
You leave Ranthambore this morning and drive to Jaipur. Your next two nights are spent in the wonderfully opulent and charaterful Samode Haveli. A wide range of other fascinating heritage hotels are also available to suit lower budgets.
OVERNIGHT:
Jaipur heritage hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast

Day 7: Jaipur city tour
During a full day tour in the state of Rajasthan's 'Pink city' today, you visit the beautiful Amber Palace, and also tour the City Palace, Wind Palace and world famous Jantar Mantar Observatory. We also recommend a visit to the well known lassi-wallah. Jaipur is famous for its gems and is a great place to browse the markets and go souvenir shopping.
OVERNIGHT:
Jaipur heritage hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast

Day 8: Jaipur, Shekhawati Havellis
You have a little free time in Jaipur this morning when you can try some optional tours including kite flying, craft markets and food shopping and tasting. Late in the morning we head into the rural semi-desert Shekhawati region whose colourfully painted Havellis with frescoes showing animals and mythology, together with more modern interpretations, led to its reputation as the 'open art gallery of Rajasthan'. We spend the night in another heritage hotel, full of character, faded grandeur and history. These hotels are a real highlight of this tour and travelling through Rajasthan.
OVERNIGHT:
Shekhawati heritage hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Shekhawati, drive to Delhi
Today we leave rural Rajasthan and drive back to Delhi. En-route we'll stop at Cyber Hub or Ambience Mall at Gurgaon on the outskirts of Delhi for lunch and a taste of modern India. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to explore Delhi and do some final sightseeing or shopping.
OVERNIGHT:
Delhi hotel
EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (INSGTP) Day 10: Delhi, departure
transfer to airport
You have some free time in Delhi today before we transfer you to the airport for your departure
. If you wish, various extensions are available to the hill stations of northern India, to the holy city of Varanasi, or to the southern states and beaches of Goa and Kerala.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Goa beach extension, Extra day in Delhi - post-tour, Single Room Supplement

Day 01 Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met by your Sky Vacations ambassador who will assist with with your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore, unwind and rejuvenate.

Day 02 Delhi

This morning after breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Old Delhi. Hop on to a cycle rickshaw and ride through the rugged-rustic lanes of Old Delhi. The tours take you through some iconic streets like Chandni Chowk and other important landmarks of Old Delhi including mansions and colourful bazaars. During the tour you will be savouring some hot Jalebi’s a traditional Indian sweet and Samosa at a nearly 200-year-old sweet shop. Drive past the Red Fort made of Red sandstone built by Emperor Shahjahan. Drive around Lutyens Delhi which was also designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Drive past India Gate which was built to commemorate the undivided British Indian Army who died in World War I (1914-21). A stone’s throw away from India Gate lies the Rashtrapati Bhavan or Presidential Palace built between 1919 to 1925.

Post Lunch visit Mukti Ashram Founded in 1991 by Nobel Peace Laureate Mr. Kailash Satyarthi and managed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, Mukti Ashram was formed as the first centre in India for rescued child laborers. It is a transit center where children stay for a short period of time till their repatriation. The transit rehabilitation center provides a holistic support for rebuilding lives of these children. The ashram receives custody of rescued child laborers on the order of Child Welfare Committee (CWC). In addition to care and protection, the centre also caters to medical, psychological, recreational, social and learning needs of Children.

Day 03 Delhi / Agra

After breakfast its time to head to the medieval city of Agra located on the banks of the Yamuna River, founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1506. 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. Check in and have lunch.

Following lunch 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 is a UNESCO site and 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.

At sunset visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) – Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, a monument of love built by the Mughal Emperor Shāh Jahān in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, also known as Mumtāz Mahal. It took 22 years to build. 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. Post the tour return to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Abhaneri / Jaipur

Post breakfast check out and proceed to Jaipur. Enroute, stop at 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.

Post lunch continue to Jaipur , stop at Abhaneri village and visit Chand Baori the oldest surviving step well in Rajasthan and the most photogenic step well in India. It was built by the King named Chanda or Chandra of the Nikhumbha dynasty and therefore named after the King. The time of the stepwell is 8-9th CE making it 1200-1300 years old. Yes, it is older than Taj Mahal. The city back in the days was called Abha Nagri. When you stand next to this 13 story deep step well with 35,000 symmetric triangular steps leading to the water at the bottom, you cannot but be mesmerized. After the visit continue to Jaipur.

Day 05 Jaipur

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Jaipur, Stop for a photo visit of the honeycomb designed Hawa Mahal also known as the “Palace of Winds”. Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. It is an integral part of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana (women’s chambers) from where the royal ladies, who lived in seclusion, observed life on the outside without showing themselves.

Continue your tour and visit the Amber Fort – where you ascend the hill “Maharaja-style” on Elephant back. The Fort is known for its exquisite mirrored halls and lofty ramparts and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. It is strategically located on a hilltop overlooking the lake. This magnificent fort has recently been wonderfully restored bringing back some of its past glory. During return, Continue and enjoy a photo-stop at Jal Mahal Palace.

Post lunch proceed for shopping. At around 5 pm proceed to Dera Mandawa where we shall arrange for Rangoli an art form, originating in the Indian subcontinent, in which patterns are created on the floor or the ground using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. It is usually made during Diwali, Onam, Pongal and other Hindu festivals in the Indian subcontinent. Designs are passed from one generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive.

Later participate in cooking demo followed by dinner with a respected Indian family.After dinner return to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 Jaipur / Rohet

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, its time to head to Rohetgarh, enroute visit Tilonia, a small village in the desert regions of Rajasthan, India, is home of the Barefoot College. Since 1972, the College has worked to improve the lives of the rural poor by addressing basic needs for water, electricity, housing, health, education and income. Tilonia helps these rural artisans to market their products in India and around the world. With new markets for their crafts, their livelihood is improved and the traditional crafts are continued. Nearly 400 artisans earn supplemental income through sewing, needlework, embroidery, tie-dying, block printing and weaving. Designs and production methods draw on Indian craft traditions that are centuries old – but create modern opportunities for these rural women and men.

Proceed to Rohet and remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 07 Rohet

After breakfast, it’s time to explore an unknown side of India by taking a rural day drive seeing the unspoilt, simple, and pure rural countryside in its full glory. You traverse barren landscapes and witness colourful communities with varied wildlife and avian life. You experience the simplicity and purity of the Indian village life that inexplicably will make you question the complexity of your own. This unique and authentic rural experience is complete with the opportunity to interact with different people from different communities first hand, visit their dwellings, understand their lives, sample rural cuisine and witness other aspects of their day.

Start off-roading and begin with a thrilling dry riverbed drive. The dry riverbed drive is a unique signature experience of Overlander India. Experience 4×4 exhilaration first hand as you power and navigate your way through the cracked crevasses and uneven challenges of a dry riverbed. Various species of birds and some antelope like black buck can be observed as part of the natural habitat. Visit to the Dhani of a family from the Bishnoi community, agricultural communities live in family hamlets of hutments in the midst of their lands. A visit to such communities including the Bishnois, who are known for their conservation and preservation of the environment, provides you with the rare inside into the lives of the world’s first environmentalists and the founders of the “Chipku” movement. Visit an elementary village school to see what the government does for children, we organize a stop at a rural elementary school. Here, a small rural school greet you with a cheerful “good morning” and a prayer as your host explains everything about educating village children. Visit to the Dhani of a family from the Pittal community. See a rural kitchen in action with bread making and sampling. Inspite of being a desert void of fresh produce, the Thar is known for its delicacies, flavours and spices. You get the privilege of seeing a functioning rural kitchen and sample freshly made local breads. Your lunch comprises of vegetables grown in an organic garden, but made in a “smoked” wood village stove. Learn how to craft and Indian “chapatti” with your hands and enjoy lunch in the pure village air. After a truly unforgettable experience you return to your hotel by sundown with memories of a rural visit completely off the beaten path unlike anything else you will experience during your visit to India. Stay overnight at your hotel.

Day 08 Rohet / Ranakpur / Udaipur

This morning post breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Udaipur. Enroute visit Ranakpur, renowned for some marvellously carved Jain temples in marble, created in the 15th century AD during the reign of Rana Kumbha. Later we continue our drive to Udaipur. Arrive Udaipur and check in hotel. Udaipur is a city built around shimmering, clear blue-water lakes that reflect the green of the surrounding Aravalli hills. The famous Lake Palace, that seem to emerge from the peaceful Lake Pichola, whisper memories of tradition and glory. The city of Udaipur is gathered around three lakes – Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 Udaipur

This day proceed for tour of Udaipur visiting City Palace, built in 1725, is actually a conglomerate of eleven palaces overlooking the sprawling Lake Pichola. Next visit The Crystal Gallery, one the most lustrous attractions for tourist showcasing the rare and precious crystal from the royal treasure. The gallery is nearly 129 years old (at the time of writing) with the magnificent collection of Oslers Crystals. These precious crystals were ordered by Maharana Sajjan Singh from the famous manufacturers F and C Osler Company, Birmingham, England around 1877 A.D. These treasured crystals are kept in the charismatic City Palace Complex.

Afternoon proceed for 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.

Later in the evening you enjoy boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat you can see the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. During the boat ride you also visit Jag Mandir Palace. An unforgettable sight on Lake Pichola is the island of Jag Mandir. Maharana Karan Singhji built the palace in 1622 A.D, as a pleasure palace for royal parties and functions. This magnificent monument with its domes, marble pillars and fountains has a special approach of a row of marble elephants that seem to be guarding the island. . Post the ride return to the hotel.

Day 10 Udaipur

This morning we drive 30 mins to visit Sadhana. The three hour tour includes the Delwara Heritage and Community Walk and a visit to the Sadhna facility for a guided stitching and block printing workshop.

Sadhna was established in 1988 to provide alternative incomes for women in Udaipur’s rural, tribal and urban slum belts. As these communities were not dependent on agriculture, handicraft was chosen to be introduced to them. Sadhna taught Patchwork, Appliqué and Tanka embroidery skills to the women for them to earn a secure living. Today, Sadhna provides continuous training to women artisans to improve their skills, a support network to them in their villages and a respectable position in their family and society. Drive back, rest of the evening at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Udaipur / Delhi

This morning it’s time for some fun in the old town with a short tuk tuk ride. Later you will be transferred to the airport to board flight to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport you will be met upon and transferred the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 Depart Delhi

It’s time to say goodbye to India. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.