Eclectic temples and imposing forts. Pristine wildlife refuges and lively metropolises. Pink cities and golden triangles. Fairytale monuments and tantalizing cuisine. This is India, a land of color and contrast—and this is Monograms, the very best way to discover this incredible subcontinent. There’s no better introduction to India’s famed “Golden Triangle” than this incredible 8-day vacation. Your adventure includes hotel accommodations, private guided sightseeing in each city, breakfast daily, four lunches, and private transportation throughout. Plus, in each city, a Local Host® is at your service—a friendly face and expert on the local scene who is there for you to answer questions, give recommendations, and to help make your vacation all you want it to be.

From the moment you arrive, Monograms is there to pave your way for an amazing journey. Your Local Host will greet you with a warm welcome and plenty of tools to help acquaint you with the wonders of Delhi. Relax over a hearty breakfast, then enjoy a rickshaw ride through the famed Chandni Chowk bazaar—a market that’s been around for more than three centuries. Spend time here shopping for exotic spices, gold, fabrics, and a host of trinkets and souvenirs. Feeling hungry? We treat you to a scrumptious lunch of traditional Indian fare, so dive right in! With Monograms, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Perhaps take an excursion to visit some of the grand area temples.

The following day, your private tour with a Local Guide stops at Qutub Minar and Ghandi Smirti; visits Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh house of worship in Delhi; and explores the lavish, 16th-century garden-tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun (a precursor to the Taj Mahal).

Southeast in Agra, be sure your camera’s fully charged for your private guided sightseeing tour. Travel via tonga (horse-drawn carriage) for a truly unforgettable sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. You’ll also visit the ancient red sandstone Agra Fort, which guarded the imperial city of the Moghul rulers. Explore more on your own later or you could join the optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city’s beautiful “Baby Taj.”

Head southwest, stopping to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, home to one of the largest mosques in India. Then, explore the splendid Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, one of the finest bird parks in the world, where cormorants, storks, eagles, and more than 370 other migratory bird species have been recorded. During the nesting season, bird calls can become so loud that it drowns out human conversation! Also keep your eyes open for wild boars, mongoose, jackals, hyenas, civets, and porcupines, too!

In the “Pink City” of Jaipur, your private sightseeing takes you to the amazing Amber Fort with the glittering walls and ceilings in the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), the City Palace, and the stunning Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Join a walking tour through the local market to pick up mementos, and check out the fascinating bigger-than-life Jantar Mantar astronomical observatories.

India’s Golden Triangle is truly a feast for the senses—and your Local Hosts is there to help you make the most of every moment! Monograms takes care of all the planning, arranging, and logistics, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.

City Highlights

Private guided sightseeing with your Local Host as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary; inside visits, and special features are shown in UPPERCASE

Meals

American breakfast daily; 6 lunches

Transportation

Private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flight; private vehicle transfers from Delhi to Agra and Agra to Jaipur; intra-vacation flight not included

PRODUCT_LINE: MONOGRAMS-IAIF-2019