India's Golden Triangle & Goa Tour - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi, Lodhi Garden Walking Tour

Welcome to India! Your guide will meet you at New Delhi International Airport, and you'll be given a traditional swagat (welcome) before driving to your hotel in Delhi. Once you've settled in, enjoy some free time exploring. India's capital is a huge and densely populated city where ancient culture meets modern life. Head to the winding alleyways of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, a vibrant bazaar full of spice shops, sweet vendors, and food carts. In New Delhi, explore Dilli Haat with handicrafts, food, and music, and Janpath Market with crafts, clothing, jewelry, brassware, and leather goods.

Later You'll have the option to join a guided walk of Lodi Garden in New Delhi. One of the city's most popular parks, this 90-acre (36 ha) scenic garden is home to 15th-century tombs, mosques, and bridges, as well as a wide variety of trees and birds. After a relaxing stroll, enjoy a cup of chai (sweet, strong milky tea) with locals at a tea shop in the center of the gardens. Delhi's iconic monument, India Gate, is nearby.

Day 2: Old Delhi City Tour, Transfer to Agra

Today you'll learn about the culture and history of Old Delhi on a full-day sightseeing tour. Old Delhi is busy, crowded, and still influenced by the Mughals, who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. Make your way to this UNESCO-listed fort first thing to admire its massive red sandstone walls. There are actually two forts here. One was built as the palace fort of the Mughal Emporer, Shah Jahan, and Islam Shah Suri built an older fort in 1546. Next, visit Jama Masjid, the largest 17th-century mosque in India.

From here, take an exhilarating rickshaw tour of the bustling Chandni Chowk Market, which was the center of the city of Shah Jehanabad in the Mughal times. After the tour, a private driver will take you to Agra, a city that grew in prominence under the rule of the Mughal Empire from the 16th century. Mughal emperor Akbar, reigned over the city when it became a leading center of art, science, commerce, and culture, drawing intellectuals and artists to its darbars (royal courts) and havelis (traditional townhouse mansions). When you arrive, check into your hotel and relax for the evening. 

Day 3: Transfer to the Pink City of Jaipur

You'll be driven to Jaipur first thing today and will check in at your next hotel. Known as the "Pink City" due to its many buildings painted this color, Jaipur is famous for its forts, palaces, and architecture, which has Mughal, Jain, and Hindu influences. You can relax in your hotel after your journey or go on a spiritual walking tour around Jaipur to visit colorful temples and discover some of the city's best-kept secrets. You can also visit Jaipur's vibrant bazaars.

Day 4: Jaipur City Tour

Your tour will begin at the 18th-century Hawa Mahal, a striking pink sandstone structure that was built to allow royal ladies to watch the action below through its 953 windows. Then, you'll go to the UNESCO-listed Amer Fort, a hilltop fortress that's famous for its blend of Hindu and Muslim design and spectacular views. After exploring the fort, you'll visit the City Palace, which has a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture and is still home to the royal family. Your tour ends with a trip to Jantar Mantar, a giant 18th-century solar observatory, and Nahargarh Fort on the edge of the Aravalli Hills.

Day 5: Fly to Goa, Visit Beaches & Spice Plantations

It's time to pack up your memories and leave behind the shimmer of Rajasthan. Get ready for the beaches of Goa today! After you check out from your hotel, take a private transfer to the airport and catch your flight to this tropical beach paradise. A driver will greet you and take you to your hotel. Once you've had a chance to settle in, the rest of the day is yours. The western state of Goa sits on the coastline of the Arabian Sea and has a long history as a Portuguese colony. Despite being India's smallest state, it's a popular destination with beautiful beaches, 17th-century churches, and gorgeous architecture. 

If you don't want to lounge on the beach, take a tour of one of Goa's many famed spice plantations, some of which date back over 200 years. Enjoy walking along the lush tropical pathways, and you'll all learn about the spices grown on the plantations and how they are incorporated into Goa's cuisine. 

Day 6: Full-Day Tour of Goa

Today, your guide will show you some of their favorite Goa sights, starting with the European-style churches and cathedrals of Old Goa—collectively a UNESCO Heritage Site. You'll start the morning with a visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where Saint Francis Xavier's remains lie in a casket, before walking on to the towering Baroque Se Cathedral, completed in the mid-17th century. With its vaulted ceiling, 14 gold embossed altars, and dazzling Doric arches, it's considered the most beautiful cathedral in Goa.

In the afternoon, you'll stroll to Dona Paula, a pier and picnic spot named after a historical figure in Portuguese India, which delivers a sweeping view of Miramar Beach. From here, it's on to Panjim, Goa's capital on the bank of the Mandovi River, where Portuguese influence defines the squares, tree-lined avenues, and cobbled lanes. A highlight is the Church of the Immaculate Conception, reached by a switchback stairway to the top of a mound.

Day 7: Dudhsagar Falls & Jungle Jeep Safari 

Be sure to have a hearty breakfast before heading out on a full-day adventure to Mollem National Park, 150 square miles (240 sq km) of wildlife-rich jungle bordering the state of Karnataka in the east. Take a Jeep safari deep into the jungle, and stop at Dudhsagar Falls, one of India's tallest at 107 feet (310 m) and nicknamed the "Sea of Milk" thanks to its translucent-white water. As you drive along, be on the lookout for native species at every turn.

While it's rare to spot the big cats of the park, such as tigers, panthers, and leopards, you'll have a good chance of seeing a plethora of birdlife, such as the golden oriole and great Indian hornbill, as well as monkeys and deer. Your final destination is Keri, a remote village known for its spice crop fields. Soak up its tranquil ambience while you refuel with a traditional Goan meal.

Day 8: Food Walk in Old Goa, Free Afternoon

No trip to Goa would be complete without an introduction to its renowned cuisine: one of the most culturally diverse in India. Today you'll join your guide to dive into a street food crawl around Old Goa. Over 2.5 hours, you'll have a chance to sample at least seven regional specialties easily bypassed by tourists, from sizzling meat cutlets to zingy chaats (starch-based spicy snacks, like puffed rice or samosas). The walking tour also provides an overview of Goa's fascinating heritage. This area was once considered the "Rome of the East," and the grandeur of those 16th to 18th-century boom years remains.

After watching the skilled preparation of food at stalls and snacking in traditional cafés, the remainder of the day is free. Enjoy wandering the streets of Portuguese architecture and marvel at the imposing churches. Since it's your last full day, you might also want to spend it on the beach— don't forget to catch a perfect sunset.

Day 9: Depart Goa

Today marks the end of your wonderful holiday in India. Pack your bags and spend one more quiet morning in Goa. Following that, you will be driven to the airport to continue your journey home. Safe travels!

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