The Golden Triangle & Tigers (10 days)

This is the classic itinerary which is the perfect introduction to India. After opening in Delhi the tour continues to cover Agra and the dazzling Taj Mahal before completing the ‘Golden Triangle’ in Jaipur. A detour will be made between Agra and Jaipur to include a two-night stay at Ranthambore National Park for a chance to spot tigers in the wild. This itinerary works well ‘off the peg’ if you’re short on time, but if you have the option of a longer trip the itinerary could be tweaked to include stops at a rural property such as Ramathra or Karauli; or you could venture deeper into Rajasthan to the cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur.

Guide Price

From £2,320 per person.

Day by Day Itinerary

Click on each day to expand the itinerary detail. Or click on the print itinerary button above to preview the tour in full.

Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Delhi

Flight: VS300 London Heathrow - Delhi 20:00 - 10.20 (overnight)

Day 2: Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel

Meet & greet, transfer to hotel: Welcome to India! You will be met on arrival in Delhi by a local representative and introduced to your private driver. Together, they will take you to your city hotel to check in. You have the rest of the day to relax and recover from your flight.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Haveli Hauz Khas (Deluxe Room)

India Gate, Delhi

Day 3: Guided tour of Old & New Delhi

Guided tour of Old & New Delhi: This morning, meet up with your guide and set out to explore Old Delhi. Start at Jama Masjid which is the largest mosque in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. Its construction started in 1644 and it ended up the final act of architectural extravagance of legendary ruler Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Head outside the mosque and into the surrounding bazaars (closed on Sundays), which can be explored on foot or by rickshaw. Here you can witness centuries-old arts and crafts, where present owners may be of the 6th or 7th generation to ply the family trade. There are many typical and fascinating businesses here, including a marvellous old-fashioned shop where you can test Indian perfume (attar) from cut-glass bottles. You may also saunter through the main bridal street of Old Delhi, Kinari Bazaar, with its dazzling display of embroidered silk wedding sarees, beautiful bangles and colourful turbans for the bridegroom. Move on to the Khari Baoli, which is all about spices, and where dealers of rice, dal, dry fruits, nuts, and saffron have traded for more than 150 years. The smell of the spices will remain with you even after you have left the market and at this point you may want to stop for lunch (payable locally).

In the afternoon you will explore New Delhi taking in Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and a drive through Lutyens’ New Delhi. Humayun's Tomb is yet another magnificent Mughal building built in 1565-66 and set in a square enclosed garden. This finely proportioned sandstone and marble structure served as a model for the Taj Mahal. Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the city's famous landmark - the Qutab Minar. This imposing victory tower (73m) has five storeys, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies. Elaborately carved pillars embellish the courtyard of the nearby mosque, at the centre of which is the amazing Iron Pillar (4th-5th century A.D). Round out the day with a drive or walk through Lutyens’ New Delhi, taking in the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House), and Parliament House. After the sightseeing you will return to the hotel for some time at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Haveli Hauz Khas (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Jama Masjid, Delhi

Day 4: Road journey to Agra, guided tour of Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal

Road journey to Agra: Head south from Delhi on the Yamuna Express Toll Road to Agra, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours.

Guided tour of Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal: After checking in, you will be taken for a tour of Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Many of the events which led to the construction of the Taj Mahal took place in the famous Agra Fort. Construction of the Fort was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, with embellishments continually added until the time of his grandson Shah Jehan. The magnificent palaces, towers, bastions, ramparts and gateways symbolise the power of the mighty Mughals, and with its red sandstone wash Agra Fort is a striking partner to the Red Fort in Delhi.

The Taj Mahal has been described as a 'tear on the face of eternity’ and is an enduring monument of love. The unique beauty of Taj Mahal is its blend of grandeur: a massive overall design, matched with immaculately intricate execution. Built by Mughal Emperor Shan Jehan in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal complex took 22 years to be completed and is today counted among the Seven Wonders of the World. Coated in shimmering white marble, the Taj is a mirror of daylight conditions and in the late afternoon it is bathed in delicate hues of amber and cream, giving way to a rich golden red as the sun falls. After time to look around and take pictures you will return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Ekaa Villa (King Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Taj Mahal, Agra

Day 5: Road journey to Ranthambore

Road journey to Ranthambore: This morning, you will set off for Ranthambore National Park. The drive will take around 5 hours. On arrival, check into your camp and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Ranthambhore Kothi (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Ranthambore National Park

Day 6: Jeep Safaris in Ranthambore National Park

Jeep Safaris in Ranthambore National Park: Early this morning and again in the afternoon, you will join shared jeep safaris inside the National Park in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the elusive tiger and other wildlife that inhabits the park. Besides tiger, Ranthambore has large number of sambhar, chital and nilgai. Wild boar and an occasional gazelle can also be seen, along with the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. Among other local fauna that you may see are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile. The lakes and pools at the park are where the deer congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals. Riding in shared open jeeps with a local naturalist each safari lasts 3 hours and in between, you will be returned to your accommodation to relax and enjoy the facilities.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Ranthambhore Kothi (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tigers, Ranthambore National Park

Day 7: Road journey to Jaipur

Road journey to Jaipur: This morning, you will set out on the drive to Jaipur. The journey will take around 3.5 hours and on arrival in the 'Pink City', you will be transferred to your hotel to check in and relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jas Vilas (Heritage Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Day 8: Guided tour of Jaipur

Guided tour of Jaipur: Start today with a visit to Jaipur’s intriguing milk market, where dairy farmers from across the region congregate to trade on a wholesale basis. Observe the intriguing ways by which the buyers judge the purity of milk, and take a front row seat as negotiations unfold. Afterwards continue to Amber Fort – a stunning fort which holds a hilltop position above the city. ‘Amer’ was the former capital of Jaipur state; construction of this key fort began in 16th century, with embellishments continually added by successive rulers. A comprehensive look around the Fort should include the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience, and the beautiful manicured gardens.

In the afternoon, you will continue uncovering Jaipur’s highlights with visits to visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar (a medieval observatory) and a drive past Hawa Mahal (palace of winds). The City Palace is situated in the heart of the city. The whole complex is wonderfully laid out with large courtyards, balconies, cupolas, arched entrances and gardens, which are a combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The museum here displays the rich heritage of the Jaipur family in miniature paintings, textiles, garments, books & manuscripts, carpets, palanquins and weapons dating back to the 15th century. Moving on to Jantar Mantar, this medieval observatory has a curious collection of sculptures which were used to calculate astronomical and astrological events. Each of these structures were built following relentless study of books, manuscripts and discussions with scholars from all over the world. Finally, you will take a quick look at Hawa Mahal. Constructing in 1799, the Palace of Winds is a landmark of Jaipur city, although it is little more than a façade. The five-storey structure, built to enable the women of the harem to observe of the comings and goings of the outside world, without being seen themselves. After the sightseeing return to your hotel to relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jas Vilas (Heritage Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Day 9: Road journey to Delhi

Morning at leisure: This morning and early afternoon is at leisure to relax at the hotel, or potter around central Jaipur unaccompanied. We recommend a stroll around the bazaars of the walled city, or perhaps joining a local cooking class.

Road journey to Delhi: After a leisurely morning, you will be picked up and transferred by road back to Delhi. You will spend the final night of your trip at a comfortable hotel close to Delhi's International Airport. This will be a journey of approximately 5 hours, depending on local traffic. On arrival, check in and relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Novotel New Delhi Aerocity (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Woman in City Palace, Jaipur

Day 10: Fly back to London Heathrow

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, you will be collected from your hotel by your guide, and transferred to Delhi International Airport in time for your onward flight.

Flight: VS301 Delhi - London Heathrow 12:35 - 17:05

Meals: Breakfast

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The Golden Triangle & Tigers (10 days)

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