First, 3 nights in Delhi
The Imperial New Delhi
The Imperial New Delhi is a 1936 heritage hotel on Janpath with a vast art collection, celebrated restaurants, and five-star comfort.
Delhi · Hotel · Luxury★★★★★
Luxury Accommodation10 NightsLuxuryRecommended
Golden Triangle, Rishikesh & the Ganga — Luxury
About This Journey
Golden Triangle, Rishikesh & the Ganga — Luxury
Eleven days that treat Rishikesh not as a stop on the way to the Golden Triangle, but as the trip's real centre of gravity. Delhi gets two full days at the start, then the route climbs to Rishikesh for four nights — rafting and the Ganga Aarti, a full day given over to Ayurveda and yoga, and a further day through the ashrams, Laxman Jhula and the site known as the Beatles Ashram, before the road returns to Delhi and on to Agra and Jaipur.
It's the deepest version of this pairing on offer: real time by the Ganges rather than a single overnight, alongside the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and Amber Fort that any Golden Triangle traveller expects. The result reads less like two trips joined together and more like one journey that moves, deliberately, from history into stillness and back again.
- 01
A full day of Ayurveda and yoga
One day in Rishikesh is set aside entirely for Ayurveda and yoga, at a pace that leaves real space between sessions rather than scheduling them as an add-on around sightseeing.
- 02
Laxman Jhula, the ashrams and the Beatles Ashram
A second Rishikesh day covers the town's spiritual landmarks on foot — the suspension bridge at Laxman Jhula, its riverside ashrams, and the abandoned ashram where the Beatles famously studied meditation in 1968, its walls now covered in murals.
- 03
Four nights by the Ganges, not one
Where the shorter Golden Triangle & Rishikesh itineraries give the town a single night, this route gives it four — rafting and the evening aarti, the wellness day, and the ashram day, at Ananda in the Himalayas or Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa.
- 04
Delhi's Old City, given real time
The trip opens with two full Delhi days rather than one, pairing the arrival day's Mughal landmarks with a second day through the Old City — a fuller start than most Golden Triangle routes allow before the road heads north.
Chapter Two — Where You'll Stay
4 Real Stays, In Order
Handpicked along your own route — not a hotel chain repeated city to city.
Next, 4 nights in Rishikesh
Ananda in the Himalayas
A former Tehri Garhwal palace estate above the Ganges near Rishikesh — Ayurvedic physicians, yoga, and a hillside spa, run as a structured wellness retreat.
Rishikesh · Resort · Luxury★★★★★
Next, 2 nights in Agra
The Oberoi Amarvilas
The Oberoi Amarvilas sits 600m from the Taj Mahal, with unrestricted views from every room and Mughal-inspired architecture.
Agra · Hotel · Luxury★★★★★
Finally, one night in Jaipur
Rambagh Palace
Stay at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur — the former Maharaja's residence. 47 acres of gardens, royal suites and Taj service on our luxury Rajasthan tours.
Jaipur · Hotel · Luxury★★★★★
Chapter Three — Day by Day
Real Golden Triangle & Uttarakhand Attractions in This Itinerary
9 of your 11days — the full itinerary follows below. Scroll to travel the route.
Day 2 · Delhi
Delhi — Old City & the Imperial Capital
A full day across two Delhis. The morning is Shahjahanabad on foot — the Jama Masjid, the spice market, a cycle-rickshaw through Chandni Chowk. The afternoon is the imperial city the British built: the long axis of Rajpath, India Gate, and the sandstone government buildings on Raisina Hill. Humayun's Tomb or the Qutub Minar fills the gap between them. It is a long day and worth it.
Day 3 · Delhi → Rishikesh
Delhi to Rishikesh — up to the Ganges
A drive of about six hours north from Delhi, through Meerut and Muzaffarnagar before the road starts to climb toward the Himalayan foothills. Haridwar, where the Ganges leaves the mountains, makes a natural stop along the way for an hour at Har Ki Pauri. The last stretch follows the river itself into Rishikesh, the yoga town where the Ganges runs clear and green under Laxman Jhula. You arrive by evening, in time for the aarti at one of the riverside ghats.
Day 4 · Rishikesh
Rishikesh — Rafting and the Evening Aarti
A morning of white-water rafting on the Ganges, a run of roughly two to three hours through named rapids from Shivpuri or Marine Drive down toward the town, grade two to three and suited to first-timers. The afternoon is free, or given to a yoga class at one of the riverside ashrams. The evening returns to the ghats for the aarti, either at Triveni Ghat or the quieter Parmarth Niketan.
Day 5 · Rishikesh
Rishikesh — a Day of Ayurveda and Yoga
A day set around treatment rather than sightseeing, built for a stay at Ananda or a similar wellness-focused property. It opens with a morning yoga or pranayama session, followed by an Ayurvedic consultation and one or two therapies through the day, from the resort's own physicians. Meals follow the individual programme rather than a standard menu. The pace is deliberately slow, with long unstructured time on the terrace or in the gardens.
Day 6 · Rishikesh
Rishikesh — Ashrams, Laxman Jhula and the Beatles Ashram
A day given to the town's yoga history. A guided walk through the overgrown, graffiti-painted huts of the former Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram, where the Beatles studied in 1968, followed by a visit to a working ashram along the riverbank. A crossing of Laxman Jhula for the view up the Ganges, and time in the cafes and yoga-shop lanes on the eastern bank. The evening returns to the ghats for the aarti.
Day 7 · Rishikesh → Delhi
Rishikesh to Delhi — Back to the Capital
The same road south, about six hours, back down from the Himalayan foothills to Delhi. The drive is usually timed to leave after an early breakfast, reaching the capital by mid-afternoon with time to rest before the Golden Triangle leg begins. It is a full driving day, and the last of the trip's long transfers before the shorter hops between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Day 8 · Delhi → Agra
Delhi to Agra — The Yamuna Expressway
The drive to Agra runs about 165 kilometres down the Yamuna Expressway and takes three to three and a half hours. It is flat, fast and unremarkable, which is the point — it replaced a full day on the old road. You reach Agra by early afternoon. The rest of the day is Agra Fort, in the long light, with the Taj Mahal visible downriver from its marble balconies — a first sight of it before tomorrow's sunrise.
Day 9 · Agra
Agra — The Taj at Sunrise, then Agra Fort
The gates open at first light, and the first hour is the coolest, the quietest and the best for photographs, as the marble shifts from grey to pink to white. A private guide handles the tickets and the queue. Back to the hotel for breakfast. The rest of the morning is Agra Fort, Akbar's red sandstone citadel, including the rooms where Aurangzeb held his father prisoner within sight of the Taj. The Taj is closed on Fridays.
Day 10 · Agra → Jaipur
Agra to Jaipur — Fatehpur Sikri & Chand Baori
A morning drive out to Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's capital of 1571, abandoned within twenty years and left almost untouched since. The Buland Darwaza is the tallest gateway in India. The road then runs on towards Jaipur. Near Abhaneri it passes Chand Baori, a stepwell that drops thirteen storeys into the ground. Its walls are a lattice of some 3,500 steps. It is one of the oldest and deepest in the country. Jaipur by evening, about five hours of driving in all.
Chapter Four — The Full Itinerary
11 Days, In Full
Every day, start to finish — including the transfers the day-by-day chapter above skipped.
Delhi
Arrival in Delhi — Mughal Landmarks
A private airport pickup in Delhi, then a first afternoon among the city's Mughal landmarks. Humayun's Tomb, finished in 1570, was the first great garden tomb built in India. Its design was later echoed in the Taj Mahal. Qutub Minar rises more than 70 metres and dates from the 12th century. It is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Old Delhi adds the Red Fort and the broad steps of the Jama Masjid. The evening is free before the drive to Rajasthan.
Delhi
Delhi — Old City & the Imperial Capital
A full day across two Delhis. The morning is Shahjahanabad on foot — the Jama Masjid, the spice market, a cycle-rickshaw through Chandni Chowk. The afternoon is the imperial city the British built: the long axis of Rajpath, India Gate, and the sandstone government buildings on Raisina Hill. Humayun's Tomb or the Qutub Minar fills the gap between them. It is a long day and worth it.
Delhi → Rishikesh
Delhi to Rishikesh — up to the Ganges
A drive of about six hours north from Delhi, through Meerut and Muzaffarnagar before the road starts to climb toward the Himalayan foothills. Haridwar, where the Ganges leaves the mountains, makes a natural stop along the way for an hour at Har Ki Pauri. The last stretch follows the river itself into Rishikesh, the yoga town where the Ganges runs clear and green under Laxman Jhula. You arrive by evening, in time for the aarti at one of the riverside ghats.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh — Rafting and the Evening Aarti
A morning of white-water rafting on the Ganges, a run of roughly two to three hours through named rapids from Shivpuri or Marine Drive down toward the town, grade two to three and suited to first-timers. The afternoon is free, or given to a yoga class at one of the riverside ashrams. The evening returns to the ghats for the aarti, either at Triveni Ghat or the quieter Parmarth Niketan.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh — a Day of Ayurveda and Yoga
A day set around treatment rather than sightseeing, built for a stay at Ananda or a similar wellness-focused property. It opens with a morning yoga or pranayama session, followed by an Ayurvedic consultation and one or two therapies through the day, from the resort's own physicians. Meals follow the individual programme rather than a standard menu. The pace is deliberately slow, with long unstructured time on the terrace or in the gardens.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh — Ashrams, Laxman Jhula and the Beatles Ashram
A day given to the town's yoga history. A guided walk through the overgrown, graffiti-painted huts of the former Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram, where the Beatles studied in 1968, followed by a visit to a working ashram along the riverbank. A crossing of Laxman Jhula for the view up the Ganges, and time in the cafes and yoga-shop lanes on the eastern bank. The evening returns to the ghats for the aarti.
Rishikesh → Delhi
Rishikesh to Delhi — Back to the Capital
The same road south, about six hours, back down from the Himalayan foothills to Delhi. The drive is usually timed to leave after an early breakfast, reaching the capital by mid-afternoon with time to rest before the Golden Triangle leg begins. It is a full driving day, and the last of the trip's long transfers before the shorter hops between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Delhi → Agra
Delhi to Agra — The Yamuna Expressway
The drive to Agra runs about 165 kilometres down the Yamuna Expressway and takes three to three and a half hours. It is flat, fast and unremarkable, which is the point — it replaced a full day on the old road. You reach Agra by early afternoon. The rest of the day is Agra Fort, in the long light, with the Taj Mahal visible downriver from its marble balconies — a first sight of it before tomorrow's sunrise.
Agra
Agra — The Taj at Sunrise, then Agra Fort
The gates open at first light, and the first hour is the coolest, the quietest and the best for photographs, as the marble shifts from grey to pink to white. A private guide handles the tickets and the queue. Back to the hotel for breakfast. The rest of the morning is Agra Fort, Akbar's red sandstone citadel, including the rooms where Aurangzeb held his father prisoner within sight of the Taj. The Taj is closed on Fridays.
Agra → Jaipur
Agra to Jaipur — Fatehpur Sikri & Chand Baori
A morning drive out to Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's capital of 1571, abandoned within twenty years and left almost untouched since. The Buland Darwaza is the tallest gateway in India. The road then runs on towards Jaipur. Near Abhaneri it passes Chand Baori, a stepwell that drops thirteen storeys into the ground. Its walls are a lattice of some 3,500 steps. It is one of the oldest and deepest in the country. Jaipur by evening, about five hours of driving in all.
Jaipur
Jaipur — Amber Fort & the Pink City, then Departure
The morning is Amber Fort, on its ridge above the lake, reached on foot or by jeep up the ramp. Inside are the mirrored hall, the painted gates and the older palace behind. Back in the city, a drive past the Hawa Mahal and a walk through the bazaars around the City Palace fills the rest of the day. Your driver times the transfer to the airport or the train. This is the usual last day of a Golden Triangle trip.
Guest Stories
What Our Travelers Say
Real words from real journeys — rated 5.0 across 310 Google reviews.
Verified
Guest
Guest
“
An absolutely flawless experience. We felt like royalty from the moment we landed in Delhi until our departure.
Sarah & James
United Kingdom
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Guest
Guest
“
Truly exceptional — Brijesh, our tour planner, was incredibly attentive, professional, and meticulous in organizing a flawless itinerary.
Milly Witcomb
United Kingdom
Mentions guide Brijesh
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Guest
Guest
“
Nothing short of magical. Brijesh crafted a seamless itinerary that balanced sightseeing, culture, and relaxation, making our journey truly special.
Shakira Tabizi
United States
Mentions guide Brijesh
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Guest
Guest
“
Everything went beyond our expectations. Our driver Rajesh kept us comfortable in every city, and Vicky was endlessly knowledgeable.
Melissa
Australia
Mentions guide Rajesh & Vicky
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Guest
Guest
“
From the moment we landed until we left, our driver Manish made us feel so taken care of — he made the trip even more memorable.
Rossen Milanov
United States
Mentions guide Manish
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Guest
Guest
“
Brijesh is a super good man! A comfortable journey through six cities, exactly to our desires and limits.
Michelle de Matheu
United States
Mentions guide Brijesh & Manish
Verified
Guest
Guest
“
Excellent hotels and tour guides. Our driver Manish was superb in every way — reliable, and full of local knowledge.
James Boochame
Australia
Mentions guide Manish
Chapter Five — Terms & Conditions
Straightforward, In Writing
Cancellation windows, refund timing, and rescheduling terms for this journey follow our one sitewide policy — nothing package-specific to dig through.
Read the Return & Refund PolicyFrequently Asked
Before You Book
Is this trip built around yoga and wellness, or history?
Both, deliberately — two full Delhi days and the classic Agra and Jaipur circuit sit alongside four nights in Rishikesh with a dedicated Ayurveda and yoga day. It suits travellers who want real time in each register, not a token version of either.
Do we need prior yoga experience for the wellness day?
No, sessions are suited to all levels. Tell your trip designer about any preferences or limitations when you enquire, and the day can be shaped around them.
How does this compare to the seven-day Golden Triangle & Rishikesh trip?
This eleven-day version gives Rishikesh four nights instead of one, with dedicated wellness and ashram days, plus a second day in Delhi — a considerably deeper trip for travellers who see Rishikesh as the main draw rather than a stop along the way.
Chapter Six — Similar Journeys
More of Golden Triangle & Uttarakhand, Privately
Other ways to see it
Routes in Golden Triangle & Uttarakhand
Before you go
Planning Golden Triangle & Uttarakhand
Golden Triangle Travel Guide
Romantic Places in Delhi for Couples: Gardens, Tombs and Rooftop Dinners
Destination GuideGolden TriangleHoneymoon
Golden Triangle Travel Guide
Golden Triangle Adventure Activities: Cycling, Walking and Safari Add-Ons
Golden TriangleItinerary InspirationPlanning Guide
Rajasthan Travel Guide
Rajasthan Trip for Couples: Romantic Stays and Sunset Spots
HoneymoonItinerary InspirationPalace Stays
Why Choose Us
The Same Trust, Sized to This Trip
01
Planning, Built Around You
This route was shaped around Golden Triangle & Uttarakhand's real places, not lifted from a fixed template.
13 years — Brijesh Sharma, Bespoke Itinerary Specialist
02
Handpicked Hotels
Every stay on this trip was chosen in person, not off a ratings page.
4 real stays, 5★
03
A Private Fleet, Always Yours
One driver, air-conditioned, for the whole route — no shared shuttle.
Premium sedans & SUVs · One driver, the whole trip
Kashmir to Kanyakumari
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