Family Adventure in India's Golden Triangle - 14 Days

Day 2: Tour of New Delhi, National Rail Museum & Humayun's Tomb

After a relaxed breakfast, take the family out on a guided tour of New Delhi. Your first stop will captivate the younger ones and any train enthusiasts in the family―the National Rail Museum. With a simulated working railway yard and life-size exhibits, your family will learn about 166 years of rail history as you explore a collection of diesel, electric, and steam locomotives. There's even a mini steam-train ride, sure to be a favorite with the kids. Dine at the on-site cafeteria, or, even better, bring a few things and picnic on the grounds.

Next, take in the historical monuments of New Delhi in a whistle-stop tour of the last few hundred years. Your guide will take you to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, past colonial-era buildings along the Rajpath, the Presidential Palace and India Gate (a memorial to Indian soldiers who fell in World War I), and finally, to Humayun's Tomb. Built in 1564 by emperor Humayun's widow, Haji Begum, you'll be impressed by this beautiful mausoleum and its gardens. Finally, it's on to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh place of worship. See the famous Sarovar, the temple's pool, and the inspiring community kitchen where over 20,000 people eat for free every day.

Day 3: Transfer to Agra, Sloth Bear Rescue Center & Taj Mahal

Get the kids up and fed early today, as you're heading to Agra. The drive is four hours, but it'll be broken up with a stop-off that the kids will love―the Sloth Bear Rescue Center. The whole family will be enchanted as you watch over 200 sloth bears (rescued from "dancing") forage, play, climb, and dig in their natural habitat. When you hit the road again, you'll be driving back into the era of the Mughals―you'll see some amazing architecture in Agra, the most famous, of course, being the Taj Mahal. Once you get there, take a bit of time to settle into your accommodation and refresh yourselves.

When you're ready, take a tuk-tuk to the "Moonlight Garden" of Mehtab Bagh. The kids will love riding on the motorbike taxi, but the views from the garden are even more impressive. The perfect place to view the Taj Mahal without all the crowds, you'll find the outlook framed by a beautiful garden replete with fountains, ponds, and ornamental domes, with plenty of space for the kids to scamper around. Afterward, make your way to the Agra Bazaar and meet descendants of the families who worked on the Taj Mahal―many of whom still carry on the traditional work of making beautiful inlays of precious stones and white marble. 

Day 4: Transfer to Bharatpur via Fatehpur Sikri

Today you'll head onward to the city of Bharatpur, famous for its extensive bird sanctuary. On the way, you'll stop off at the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. This was once the capital of the Mughal Empire, and the reason for its abandonment is unclear (theories include a military campaign, a fragile water supply, or a simple loss of interest on the part of the emperor). A marvel of architecture, savor the sense of mystery and the comparative lack of crowds as the kids scamper around the well-preserved buildings. You'll take a lunch break here before continuing to Bharatpur.

Although you're here mainly for the wildlife outside the walls, it's worth spending the rest of the day exploring the city itself. Head to the historic Lohargarh Fort. There you'll find the Government Museum and artifacts of past Bharatpur royalty―an intriguing collection of sculptures, terracotta, coins, weapons, and local art. There's a collection of tiny miniature paintings on peepal tree leaves sure to enchant the younger ones. Head to your accommodation afterward and relax for the evening. 

Day 5: Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Transfer to Ranthambore

Spend the morning in the UNESCO World Heritage bird sanctuary of Keloadeo. Traveling by cycle rickshaw, you and the kids will enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you keep your eyes peeled for up to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, fish, lizards, frogs, and turtles. As if this isn't abundant enough, as you travel through the varied landscape of grassland, woodland, and wetland, you'll also find larger mammals―hyenas, gazelle, boar, wildcats, and nilgai (antelope). Afterward, head to your next destination, Sawai Madhopur, stopping for lunch on the way. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and relax over dinner. 

Day 6: Tiger Safari in Ranthambore National Park, Ranthambhore Fort

Day 7: Transfer to Jaipur, Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Village Trip & Bollywood Movie

It's time to head to the third city in India's Golden Triangle, Jaipur. The capital of Rajasthan, the "Pink City" has captivated countless visitors with its palaces, forts, and blend of architectural styles. Check in to your accommodation and then head to one of the most famous monuments, the "Palace of the Winds," Hawa Mahal. With an incredible honeycomb of 953 windows, this facade allowed the royal harem to watch street processions unseen. Next up is the Amer Fort. The kids will love exploring the ornate fort, a former royal residence―but the biggest drawcard for them is likely to be the elephant ride to the top!

In the late afternoon, you'll get a hands-on experience of a very different lifestyle, that of a farmer in a traditional village. Experience the warmth of local hospitality while you observe daily life in the village, with all its tasks, traditions, customs, and ceremonies. You'll have the privilege of meeting people in their own homes and, with a little help from the guide, ask them any questions you may have. On the way home, your family has the option of heading to Kerala Ayurveda Kendra to experience another aspect of Indian culture―a traditional Ayurvedic massage. 

In the evening, relax in Jaipur's Art Deco-style Raj Mandir Cinema with a Bollywood movie. The cinema is a destination in itself, with a striking and opulent interior. The film will be in Hindi but is nevertheless an enjoyable spectacle of color, music, and dancing. Even if the kids won't last the full movie, it's worth heading there just for the experience―your driver can pick you up early from the cinema and take you back to your accommodation once the younger ones have run out of patience!

Day 8: Tour Jaipur,  Block Printing, Elephant Experience & Cooking Class

Experience the vibrancy of Jaipur today with a multi-faceted cultural tour. Your family will begin by ticking off a few more of its most beautiful sights. Arrive at the City Palace early to enjoy it before the crowds and take your time admiring the ornate pink architecture and artwork. There's a delightful maze of courtyards, doorways, and corridors―perfect for you and the kids to explore. On-site, you'll also find displays, a museum, and an art gallery. Time it right, and you'll catch a traditional puppet show. Next, drive to Jantar Mantar, a 17th-century solar observatory and museum home to the world's largest sundial. 

Next up, you and the kids will explore your creative sides with a block printing lesson from some of the city's artisan printers. Learn the tricks of one of India's oldest printing techniques while you craft your own souvenirs: handkerchiefs that won't be any trouble to squeeze into your suitcases! From here, you'll head to what is bound to be a trip highlight―a guided tour of an elephant sanctuary. You and the kids will not only meet the elephants, but you'll also feed, paint, walk, and bathe them. Learn the traditional methods of caring for them in a relaxed environment as you get to know these magnificent creatures.

Alternatively, explore Jaipur's famous food culture, which is ideal if your family has a culinary bent. Take a guided tour of the city's markets, browsing the stalls at your leisure. Take part in a fun henna demonstration for women and a turban-tying class for men. Afterward, head to a local family for a cooking class―you'll learn the basics of Rajasthani cooking before producing a meal of home-baked bread, vegetarian dishes, and a dessert. You and the kids will be able to enjoy your creations, of course―relax with your hosts while you eat, and learn about daily life in Jaipur. 

Day 10: Transfer to Jodhpur, Explore the "Blue City"

This morning you and the kids will transfer to Rajastan's second-largest city, Jodphur. Known as the "Blue City" for its azure-stained housing, this centuries-old city is known as the region's cultural capital. With temples, forts, and palaces in abundance, there is plenty to explore.

When you arrive, there should still be some time to see the sights, so check in to your hotel and head out for a walk with your guide. The evening is the perfect time to take a sunset stroll around the landmark Clock Tower, at the foot of which you'll find the Sardar Market, a great place to immerse yourselves in the city's atmosphere as you breathe in the smell of the spices and take in the colors of the fabrics and jewelry on sale. Explore the winding streets, keeping an eye out for those famous blue buildings, before heading back to your accommodation.

Day 11: Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada, Explore the Bazaars

Day 12: Transfer to Udaipur, Boat Ride on Lake Pichola 

Day 14: Fly to Delhi & Depart