As your flight touches down in Delhi, the gateway to northern India, the next chapter of your India holiday begins. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be greeted in the arrivals hall by a friendly Lumle representative, ready to assist you with your transfer. There is no need to navigate the crowds or negotiate taxis; everything is taken care of so that your first impressions of India are relaxed and welcoming.

On the drive into the city, you’ll start to feel the unique rhythm of Delhi. Wide avenues, flyovers and modern glass-fronted buildings hint at the capital’s booming present, while distant domes, crumbling walls and the silhouettes of historic gates whisper of its imperial past. Rickshaws weave between cars, street vendors set up their stalls, and temples, mosques and shrines appear unexpectedly at busy junctions – an immediate reminder that this is a city where old and new India sit side by side.

On arrival at your hotel, Park Inn by Radisson, you will check in and have time to freshen up after your overnight journey. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind and gently adjust to your new surroundings. You might choose to enjoy a quiet moment in the hotel, catch up on sleep, or venture just outside for a short walk to absorb the sights and sounds of the neighbourhood – the honk of a distant horn, the aroma of masala tea, and the warm greetings of local shopkeepers.

This first afternoon in Delhi is about easing into your India tour at your own pace. Take a hot shower, reorganise your day bag for sightseeing, and perhaps jot down a few first impressions. This evening, as the city lights flicker on and the air cools, you can enjoy dinner either at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant, before returning to your room to rest. Tomorrow, you’ll begin exploring Delhi more fully, discovering the contrast between the winding lanes of Old Delhi and the broad boulevards of New Delhi.

Overnight: Park Inn by Radisson, Delhi

Meals: Bed & Breakfast

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your Delhi sightseeing tour begins in earnest with a journey into the atmospheric heart of Old Delhi. The day opens at the majestic Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest and most significant mosques. As you step into its vast courtyard, framed by sweeping arches and elegant domes, it feels as though time has slowed. The polished stone beneath your feet, the call to prayer drifting on the breeze, and the intricate Mughal details all combine to create a powerful sense of history and spirituality at the very start of your India tour.

From here, swap serenity for exhilarating chaos as you climb aboard a traditional cycle rickshaw and plunge into the tangled lanes of Chandni Chowk. This is Old Delhi at its most vivid: tiny shopfronts crammed with fabrics, jewellery and sweets, wires looping overhead, vendors calling out their wares, and a constant flow of people and tuk-tuks weaving through the streets. As you pass Asia’s largest spice market, the air fills with the unmistakable aroma of cardamom, cumin and chilli, layered with the scent of chai and street food. It is a sensory feast and a highlight of any Golden Triangle itinerary.

Leaving the hustle of Old Delhi behind, the mood softens as you visit Raj Ghat, the simple but deeply moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Set within tranquil gardens, this open-air black marble platform marks the spot where Gandhi was cremated in 1948. The gentle rustle of trees, the presence of eternal flame and the respectful quiet of visitors from around the world offer a moment of reflection on India’s modern history and the values Gandhi championed.

Your exploration of New Delhi continues with a visit to the exquisite Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Often described as a precursor to the Taj Mahal, this 16th-century garden tomb blends red sandstone, white marble and symmetrical gardens in a way that feels both grand and serene. Strolling along the tree-lined pathways, with the graceful dome rising ahead of you and water channels reflecting the sky, you gain a deeper appreciation of the imperial legacy that shaped so much of northern India.

As the day draws towards its close, you travel to the southern edge of the city to admire the soaring Qutub Minar, another UNESCO-listed monument and one of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks. This towering minaret of red sandstone and marble rises dramatically from a complex of ancient ruins, including the famous Iron Pillar and the historic Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. In the warm glow of late afternoon or early evening light, the intricate carvings and calligraphy stand out in sharp relief, and the whole complex takes on a magical atmosphere. It is an evocative place to end a full day tracing Delhi’s journey from medieval capital to modern metropolis.

Overnight: Park Inn by Radisson, Delhi

Meals: Bed & Breakfast

After breakfast, it is time to leave Delhi behind and travel by road to the fabled city of Agra, once the glittering capital of the Mughal Empire. As you drive through the plains of northern India, watch everyday village life unfold beyond the window: farmers tending their fields, roadside tea stalls doing brisk trade, schoolchildren in smart uniforms walking together along dusty lanes. This gentle transition from capital to historic river city adds another layer to your immersive India tour.

On arrival in Agra, you will check in at your hotel, Royal Sarovar Portico, before enjoying a tasty lunch of traditional Indian cuisine. This is a chance to sample fragrant curries, freshly baked naan and perhaps a tangy yoghurt raita – a perfect introduction to the flavours of Uttar Pradesh. After a short rest, your Agra sightseeing begins with one of the city’s great masterpieces: the imposing Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former seat of Mughal power.

Encircled by thick red sandstone walls, Agra Fort feels like a city within a city. As you pass through its mighty gateways and walk along polished stone courtyards, you will discover elegant audience halls, marble pavilions and balconies that once overlooked the royal gardens. It was here that emperors planned military campaigns, received foreign ambassadors and, in Shah Jahan’s later years, gazed longingly towards the distant Taj Mahal. Your guide will bring these stories to life, helping you imagine the daily rituals, political intrigue and family dramas that played out within these atmospheric chambers.

Later, you continue to the exquisite Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, often affectionately nicknamed the “Baby Taj”. Set beside the tranquil Yamuna River, this delicate marble mausoleum was commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father and is considered an important stepping stone in the evolution of Mughal architecture. Its finely carved lattice screens, intricate pietra dura inlay and light, airy proportions hint at the style that would later reach perfection in the Taj Mahal. Walking through its garden pathways, you can admire the craftsmanship up close and enjoy a quieter, more intimate monument away from the main crowds.

As the heat of the day softens, you may like to round off your Agra experience with a gentle stroll through the local markets. These bustling streets are lined with shops selling handwoven textiles, marble inlay souvenirs and colourful bangles that catch the light at every turn. Do take the opportunity to taste petha, Agra’s famous translucent sweet made from ash gourd, flavoured with rosewater or cardamom – a local favourite and a memorable treat. Later, return to your hotel to relax and prepare for one of the ultimate highlights of your India holiday: tomorrow’s visit to the Taj Mahal.

Overnight: Royal Sarovar Portico, Agra

Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Today is one of the most memorable highlights of your India tour. Before dawn, you leave your hotel and drive through the quiet streets of Agra towards the gates of the Taj Mahal. Passing through the security area, you step into the stillness of the gardens just as the first light of morning begins to colour the sky. Ahead, the Taj slowly emerges from the soft pre-dawn haze, its white marble turning from pale blue to blush pink and then to warm gold as the sun climbs higher – a moment that truly has to be seen in person to be believed.

Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is far more than a postcard image. Up close, you can admire the extraordinary craftsmanship: semi-precious stones inlaid into marble, verses of calligraphy framing the great archways, and perfect symmetry wherever you look. Walking along the reflecting pool, pausing on the famous marble bench, or standing on the main platform to look back across the gardens, you are surrounded by the story of a love that has echoed across centuries. The early morning visit also offers cooler temperatures and a calmer atmosphere, allowing you to soak up the beauty at a gentler pace.

After plenty of time for photographs and quiet contemplation, you return to the hotel for breakfast and a short rest before checking out. Leaving Agra behind, your Golden Triangle journey continues towards Jaipur, with an important stop en route at the remarkable abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar as his imperial capital, it was mysteriously deserted after only a few years, yet remains incredibly well preserved – a red sandstone ghost city frozen in time.

Exploring Fatehpur Sikri, you wander through grand courtyards, audience halls and intricately carved pavilions. Highlights include the vast Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the more intimate Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) with its famous central pillar, and the graceful palaces built for Akbar’s queens. Your guide will share stories of court life, religious debates and the practical challenges that ultimately led to the city’s abandonment, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful monument to Mughal ambition and architectural genius.

Continuing your drive, the landscape gradually shifts as you enter the colourful state of Rajasthan. By late afternoon or early evening, you arrive in Jaipur, the famous Pink City, where many of the old buildings are washed in a soft terracotta hue. After checking in at your hotel, Ramada By Wyndham Jaipur, you have time to relax or take a gentle walk in the surrounding area. If you wish, you can stroll past local shops and markets, where stalls overflow with textiles, jewellery, blue pottery and handicrafts. The aroma of sizzling snacks and masala chai drifts through the air, offering a tempting introduction to Jaipur’s street food scene. It is a wonderful way to absorb the city’s warm and vibrant atmosphere before returning to your hotel for a well-earned night’s rest.

Overnight: Ramada By Wyndham Jaipur, Jaipur

Meals: Bed & Breakfast

After breakfast, your day in the Pink City of Jaipur unfolds with a journey into Rajasthan’s royal past. You begin at the magnificent Amber Fort, a sprawling hilltop citadel that rises dramatically above Maota Lake. As you approach along the winding road, the fort’s honey-coloured ramparts and ornate gateways come into view, hinting at the power and prestige once held within its walls. Stepping through the main entrance, you find yourself in a series of courtyards, palaces and gardens that tell the story of Rajput rulers and their lavish lifestyle.

Inside, highlights include the enchanting Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), where thousands of tiny mirror fragments and glass mosaics sparkle across the ceilings and walls. In days gone by, a single flame would have been enough to set the entire hall glimmering like a starlit sky. As you move between pillared halls, frescoed chambers and cool inner courtyards, the blend of Hindu and Mughal design becomes clear, making Amber Fort one of the most impressive stops on any Jaipur sightseeing tour.

Back in the heart of the city, you pause for that quintessential Jaipur postcard view: the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds. This extraordinary five-storey façade, with its pink sandstone latticework and tiny screened windows, was built so that royal women could watch everyday life and processions in the street below without being seen. From the roadside, the honeycomb pattern of jharokhas (balconies) creates a mesmerising backdrop for photographs, especially when touched by the warm glow of the Rajasthani sun. Even a short stop here gives a strong sense of Jaipur’s architectural flair and royal etiquette.

Your exploration continues at the majestic City Palace, a graceful complex that still serves as the residence of Jaipur’s royal family. Passing through its impressive gateways, you enter a world of marble courtyards, painted archways and beautifully proportioned buildings that blend Rajput and Mughal influences. Inside the palace museum, displays of royal costumes, weaponry, manuscripts and artefacts offer fascinating glimpses into courtly life – from intricately embroidered garments and ceremonial swords to giant silver urns and historic photographs. Walking through these spaces, it is easy to imagine the pomp and pageantry that once filled these halls.

You round off the day with a visit to the remarkable Jantar Mantar Observatory, another of Jaipur’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Built by the scholarly Maharaja Jai Singh II, this open-air observatory is home to a collection of enormous stone and marble instruments designed to measure time, track stars and predict eclipses with extraordinary precision. Here you will find the world’s largest stone sundial alongside other intriguing devices, proving that Jaipur’s heritage is not only royal and artistic, but also deeply scientific. As you stand among these giant geometric forms, you gain a deeper appreciation of India’s rich astronomical tradition.

Overnight: Ramada By Wyndham Jaipur, Jaipur

Meals: Bed & Breakfast

This morning you bid farewell to the royal palaces and desert colours of Jaipur and head to the airport for your flight south to Goa, India’s legendary coastal escape. As you leave Rajasthan’s rugged hills behind and fly over the shimmering Arabian Sea, your journey takes on a new dimension: from forts and Mughal monuments to palm-fringed beaches and lazy tropical afternoons. It feels almost like starting a second holiday within the same trip.

On arrival in Goa, you are greeted by warm, humid air and a slower, more relaxed rhythm of life. After meeting your local representative, you transfer to your hotel, Adamo The Bellus, where you can check in and freshen up. Stepping outside later, you’ll notice how different Goa feels from the north: coconut palms swaying overhead, the distant sound of waves breaking on the shore, and the scent of sea breeze mingling with the aromas of seafood, garlic and fresh coriander from nearby beach shacks.

The rest of the day is yours to get acquainted with India’s most famous coastal state. You might choose to wander down to one of Goa’s golden-sand beaches, kick off your shoes and walk along the shoreline as the water laps softly at your feet. Colourful shacks line the sand, offering cold drinks, simple Goan dishes and a front-row view of the sunset. The atmosphere is wonderfully laid-back – couples strolling hand in hand, families playing in the surf, and fishermen pulling in their nets as the light begins to fade.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you could hire a scooter or take a short taxi ride to explore the surrounding area. Goa’s charm lies not only in its beaches, but also in its unique blend of Indian and Portuguese heritage: whitewashed churches with red-tiled roofs, sleepy villages shaded by banyan trees, and old mansions with bright, shuttered windows. Tucked away in winding back-lanes you’ll find tiny chapels, local bakeries selling fresh pão bread, and small markets where stalls spill over with spices, cashew nuts and vibrant sarongs. As day turns to evening, the sky glows orange and pink over the Arabian Sea, providing a perfect, gentle finale to your first day in India’s tropical paradise.

Overnight: Adamo The Bellus, Goa

Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Today is a wonderfully relaxed day to enjoy Goa at your own pace. Wake to the sound of birds in the trees and the promise of sunshine outside your window at Adamo The Bellus. After a leisurely breakfast, make your way towards one of Goa’s pristine beaches, where soft golden sand meets the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. Spread out a towel, feel the sand between your toes and let the gentle rhythm of the waves wash away any lingering traces of city life from the north.

If you enjoy being in the water, take a refreshing swim in the sea or simply wade along the shoreline, watching fishing boats bob in the distance. For something a little more adventurous, many beaches offer a range of Goa water sports, from parasailing and jet skiing to banana boat rides. Whether you stay firmly on the sand with a good book or head out onto the waves, the easy-going atmosphere and wide open views create a sense of pure holiday freedom.

Around lunchtime, follow your nose to one of the many beach shacks that line the coast. These informal, characterful eateries serve freshly prepared Goan seafood, aromatic curries and simple grilled dishes, often just a few steps from the water’s edge. You might try a classic Goan fish curry with rice, crispy calamari, or a plate of spicy prawns, all best enjoyed with bare feet in the sand and a cool drink in hand as you watch the sea shimmer in the midday light.

In the afternoon, you may wish to swap the beach for a dose of culture and history. Goa is dotted with old Portuguese forts and historic churches that reveal its unique colonial past. Depending on your location and interests, you might visit a coastal fort with sweeping views over the cliffs and ocean, or wander through the hushed interiors of centuries-old churches, with their whitewashed façades, carved altars and cool, echoing aisles. These monuments tell the story of traders, missionaries and sailors who once connected this small coastal state to the wider world.

As the heat of the day softens, consider ending your explorations with a leisurely stroll through one of Goa’s vibrant local markets. Here, stalls overflow with colourful sarongs, handwoven bags, costume jewellery, spices, cashew nuts and quirky souvenirs. It is a wonderful place to pick up small gifts or keepsakes that will remind you of your time in Goa. The combination of gently fading daylight, the buzz of bargaining and the scent of incense and street snacks in the air makes for a memorable close to your day by the sea.

Overnight: Adamo The Bellus, Goa

Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Your final full day in Goa is all about slowing down and savouring the gentle rhythm of life by the sea. Wake to the soft light filtering through the curtains at Adamo The Bellus and the distant sound of waves rolling onto the shore. After a relaxed breakfast, wander down towards the beach while the sand is still cool beneath your feet and the day is just beginning to stir. A peaceful morning stroll along the shoreline, with fishing boats heading out and seabirds wheeling overhead, is the perfect way to ease into the day.

If you are inclined, you might join a gentle yoga session by the sea or practise a few stretches on the sand yourself. The sound of the surf provides a natural soundtrack as you focus on your breathing, helping body and mind to unwind after the busy sightseeing days in North India. As you look out across the Arabian Sea, it is a wonderful moment to reflect on how far you have travelled – from Delhi’s bustling bazaars and Agra’s Mughal monuments to the relaxed palm-fringed coast of Goa.

Later in the morning or early afternoon, you may wish to explore a little further afield for a taste of local Goan life. Nearby villages offer a glimpse into everyday routines: whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs, tiny shrines adorned with flowers, and narrow lanes where neighbours stop to chat in the shade of mango and coconut trees. If you are comfortable on two wheels, a scenic scooter ride (or a relaxed taxi tour) can take you along the coastline, past secluded coves, viewpoints and backwater inlets where traditional fishing boats rest quietly between tides. These quieter corners of Goa feel a world away from the more developed resort areas and reveal the softer, more traditional side of the state.

As your last evening in Goa approaches, the focus turns to celebrating your time by the sea. You might choose to embrace the colourful Goan nightlife, with music drifting from beach bars, fairy lights strung between palm trees and a friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Alternatively, you may prefer a quieter farewell: a simple beachside dinner at a favourite shack or restaurant, with fresh fish on the grill, the sky turning shades of orange and violet, and the rhythmic sound of waves in the background. However you spend these final hours, they provide a fitting close to your tropical retreat – a calm, contented pause before your journey home continues.

Overnight: Adamo The Bellus, Goa

Meals: Bed & Breakfast

After your final breakfast at Adamo The Bellus, it is time to say a fond farewell to Goa and to the unforgettable journey you have made through India. The morning carries a gentle mix of contentment and nostalgia as you take one last look at the palm trees, listen to the distant sound of the waves, and reflect on the diverse experiences that have filled the past days – from Delhi’s bustling markets and Agra’s timeless monuments to Jaipur’s royal grandeur and Goa’s laid-back beaches.

After checking out of your hotel, you are transferred to the airport for your onward or return flight. As you travel through Goa one last time, small vignettes of daily life pass by the window: schoolchildren in crisp uniforms, women in colourful saris chatting at the roadside, fishermen mending their nets, and church spires rising above clusters of red-tiled roofs. These simple scenes, combined with the vivid memories of India’s iconic landmarks, form a rich tapestry of impressions that you will carry home with you.

On board your flight, as the coastline of India slowly recedes beneath the wing, there is time to look back on everything you have experienced: the first glimpse of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the mirrored splendour of Amber Fort, the hum of rickshaws in Old Delhi, the soft sand of Goa’s beaches under your feet and the warmth of the people you met along the way. This journey has woven together history, culture, architecture, food and relaxation into one memorable India holiday. While your trip comes to an end today, the stories, photographs and moments of quiet wonder you have collected are likely to inspire you long after you have returned home.