Royal Heritage & City of Lakes
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through India's famed Golden Triangle and the enchanting city of Udaipur — 'the most romantic city in India', as described by countless travellers who have fallen under its spell.
Begin in Delhi, where the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and the labyrinthine lanes of Chandni Chowk offer a vivid portrait of a city that has been at the centre of the world for three thousand years.
In Agra, the Taj Mahal at sunrise is the tour's defining moment — a view that photographs can never quite capture. The Agra Fort and the delicate Itimad-ud-Daulah extend a day already laden with the world's finest architecture.
Jaipur, the Pink City, follows — Amber Fort's amber-hued hilltop ramparts, the royal City Palace, the UNESCO Jantar Mantar observatory, and the extraordinary five-storey Hawa Mahal. Jaipur's gem and textile markets rival any in the world.
The final two nights unfold in Udaipur — built around the shimmering Lake Pichola, with the City Palace complex rising dramatically from its eastern shore. A sunset boat ride on the lake, with the Lake Palace Hotel floating impossibly in the middle of the water and the Aravalli Hills reflected below, is among the most beautiful scenes in India. The Jagdish Temple, the Saheliyon ki Bari garden, and Udaipur's old city lanes complete an experience of profound grace.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Welcome to India! Your Discover India representative meets you at the airport. Transfer to your hotel; afternoon free to explore Connaught Place or Janpath Market.
A full day across both Delhis. Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, and drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Old Delhi: the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat memorial, and a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk's ancient spice and silver lanes.
Drive to Agra (3–4 hours). Visit the imposing Agra Fort — UNESCO World Heritage — and the Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (the 'Baby Taj'), whose delicate white marble inlay is the Taj's architectural precursor. Evening: rooftop dinner with Taj Mahal views.
Rise early for the Taj Mahal at dawn — blush-pink marble, near-empty gardens, and perhaps the most beautiful 90 minutes in world travel. After breakfast, drive west toward Jaipur, pausing at the UNESCO ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Arrive Jaipur and check in.
A full day in the Pink City. Amber Fort by jeep, the still-inhabited City Palace, the UNESCO Jantar Mantar observatory, and the iconic Hawa Mahal. Evening in Johari Bazaar for gems, block-print textiles, and blue pottery.
Drive south through the Aravalli Hills — about 5–6 hours through Rajasthan's rocky, scrub-forest landscape — to Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Arrive and check in. Evening: the first views of Lake Pichola are stunning at sunset — the City Palace's white marble facades and the floating Lake Palace reflected in the still water. Take a sunset boat ride on the lake.
A full day in India's most romantic city. The City Palace complex is the largest in Rajasthan — wander through its museums, courtyards, and rooms decorated with mirrors, tiles, and miniature paintings, with Lake Pichola framed in every window. The Jagdish Temple (17th century, black stone, intricate carvings) sits at the top of the old city's main bazaar. Saheliyon ki Bari — the 'Garden of Maidens' — is an ornamental garden of fountains and marble kiosks. Afternoon at leisure: the old city's art galleries, silver jewellery shops, and rooftop restaurants.
A final morning in Udaipur — perhaps one last stroll by the lake or a final coffee on a rooftop with City Palace views. Transfer to Dabok Airport for your departure flight. The tour concludes in Udaipur, or connect via Mumbai or Delhi for your international flight home.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ Accommodation in handpicked 4/5-star hotels throughout
- ✓ Daily breakfast throughout the tour
- ✓ Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers
- ✓ English-speaking expert guide at every site
- ✓ All monument entry fees & applicable taxes
- ✓ Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- ✓ 24/7 on-ground support throughout
- ✓ Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International or domestic flights
- ✗ Indian visa fees
- ✗ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ✗ Lunches & drinks (except where specified)
- ✗ Personal expenses & shopping
- ✗ Gratuities for guides & drivers
- ✗ Domestic flight (Jaipur → Udaipur, if preferred over drive) — optional, priced separately
Your questions, answered
The Lake Palace Hotel (now a Taj property) is one of India's most iconic heritage hotels — an 18th-century marble palace built by Maharana Jagat Singh II that appears to float on the surface of Lake Pichola. Non-guests can visit for lunch or dinner (reservation required), and your guide can arrange this. Staying overnight at the Lake Palace is an extraordinary experience; we can include it as an upgrade to this tour on request.
October to March is ideal — comfortable temperatures across all destinations, clear skies, and optimal sightseeing conditions. We strongly advise against April–June (extreme heat) and July–September (monsoon). Our specialists can advise on the ideal timing for your specific combination of destinations.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust duration, swap destinations, change hotel categories, or add extensions. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will redesign the itinerary for you at no obligation.
We include carefully selected 4-star and 5-star hotels throughout — heritage properties, boutique stays, and well-appointed city hotels, all personally vetted by our team. Upgrades to palace hotels or luxury properties are available on request.
Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Processing takes 3–5 business days and costs $25–$80 USD. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Yes — our tours work well for families with children aged 6 and above. We can adjust the pace, add family-friendly activities, and ensure child-friendly meals. Please mention children's ages when enquiring so we can tailor the itinerary accordingly.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure: full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance. Full terms are provided with your booking confirmation.
