India’s Golden Triangle: Taj Mahal & Ranthambore Safari
Your Guided Group Holiday To India's Golden Triangle
Travel with us to the cities of India’s Golden Triangle and we’ll discover the vibrant cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. We’ll visit Ranthambore National Park, once a Maharaja hunting ground and now a conservation nature reserve, where there’s a fantastic opportunity to see incredible wildlife and possibly spot tigers. On this 10-night holiday in India, we’ll take a guided tour of Old Delhi, taking a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets, visit Humayun’s Tomb, Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi and explore the vibrant markets of Chandni Chowk. We’ll explore the Amber Fort in the Pink City of Jaipur and visit the remarkable Amber Fort on a full day guided tour. During our trip to Agra we’ll wake up early to see the Taj Mahal, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World and monument of love, at sunrise. We will also enjoy a guided excursion to the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take this trip of a lifetime to India and experience the highlights of this exciting and colourful country.
Please Note:
- In order to preserve the beauty and integrity of the iconic monument, the Taj Mahal, cleaning and restoration work is ongoing at this site. Some phases of the restoration involve scaffolding and mud treatment, thus a clear view of the entire monument may not be possible.
- Visas are required for travel on this tour. Please visit our visa information page for more information.
- For departures from Dublin, outbound and return flights will be via Doha or Dubai depending on your chosen date.
- For departures from Glasgow, outbound and return flights will be via Doha, Dubai or London Heathrow depending on your chosen date.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Busy
Day
Travel to India
Depart for Delhi
Depart for India on this trip of a lifetime.
Delhi & New Delhi
Half Day Tour of Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our local representative in the airport before being transferred to your hotel. Begin your first day in India with a half day tour of New Delhi. See the Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, before visiting the fascinating Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful 16th century building and the tomb of the Emperor Humayun.
Free Time at Leisure
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further or relax in your hotel. Evening meals are included every night – 8 nights in your hotel, 1-night cooking demonstration in Jaipur with dinner included and 3 lunches (one in a local restaurant).
Old Delhi & Jaipur
Guided Tour of Old Delhi
After breakfast you will see all the sights and sounds of bustling Old Delhi, beginning with a cycle rickshaw ride through the busy and colourful market of Chandni Chowk. After your ride, you will drive past the 17th Century Red Fort and then visit Raj Ghat. This is the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, where you can see an eternal flame burning at the spot of his cremation. From here we go to the Jama Masjid Mosque (from the outside) and visit the Bangla Sikh Temple (2024 we visit the Bangla Sikh Temple). Drive through the British era bungalows, government offices, Presidential Palace and India Gate, ending the city tour with a visit to the beautiful Humayun’s Tomb, which is said to be the inspiration for Taj Mahal. After your sightseeing tour you will transfer by coach to the "Pink City of Jaipur" the transfer will take six and a half hours approximately (270km) with some comfort stops along the way.
Transfer to Jaipur
In the evening you will arrive to your hotel in Jaipur.
Jaipur - Amber Fort & Village
Guided Tour of Amber Fort & Village
Today’s full-day guided tour of the ‘Pink City’ takes in the spectacular Amber Fort perched on a hill overlooking the Maota Lake. The terraces and ramparts of the Fort are reflected beautifully in the lake below, displaying a marvellous example of Rajput architecture. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and meet local people as you take a walking tour of the village of Amber.
Free Time at Leisure
This evening will be at leisure to relax and unwind after your day of exploring Jaipur.
Jaipur
Trip to Jaipur
Enjoy a morning visit to the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence that is now a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur, one of the major attractions is the Armoury Museum. See the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar (largest stone observatory in the world) sundial, and drive past Hawa Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of Winds.’ Today we will also have a cycle rickshaw ride in the crowded bazar of Old Jaipur town.
Experience the Indian Cuisine
In the evening, you will be taken to a local family for a cookery demonstration. Here you will learn the art of making local Indian dishes, bread making and afterwards enjoy a dinner with your group.
Ranthambore
Transfer to Ranthambore
Today you will travel to Ranthambore, the drive will take around four and a half hours (175km), there will be a stop along the way to stretch your leg before continuing to Ranthambore. Check into your hotel, have lunch, relax and enjoy your afternoon at leisure.
Free Time at leisure
Enjoy the surroundings and facilities of your hotel, charge up the camera and polish off the binoculars ready for tomorrow’s game drive experience.
Ranthambore National Park - Tiger Safari
Morning Safari drive
Today we enter Ranthambore National Park in search of the elusive king of the jungle, the Indian Bengal Tiger. Ranthambore was once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas in Jaipur and is now one of the finest tiger reserves in India. The sanctuary has a range of free roaming animals from Chital (Indian deer), Wild Boar, Peafowl, Langur (monkey) and you may even be lucky enough to spot a Sloth bear or just enjoy being in the natural beauty of this enchanting park.
Afternoon Safari drive
This afternoon we have another chance to look for Tigers in Ranthambore National Park. Your evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel.
Agra & Fatehpur Sikri
Transfer to Agra
This morning you will transfer by coach to Agra, it will take around six and a half hours (265km), along the way with a visit the deserted red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri en-route. Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar and is often referred to as the "city of brightness".
Free Time at Leisure
Check in to your hotel in the evening and rest after today's journey to Agra. Tomorrow will be an early start to see the world-famous Taj Mahal.
Agra & The Taj Mahal
Visit to the Taj Mahal and tour of Agra
This morning is an early start to visit the monument of the greatest love story ever told the "Taj Mahal". You will arrive just around sunrise, in time for some excellent photo opportunities. You will return to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast enjoy a guided tour of the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest Mughal forts in India. Built in the 11th century, era marked by invasions and battles, this red stone-fortified castle was the site of the India Rebellion of 1857.
Free Time at Leisure
The afternoon is at leisure, spend your time further exploring all that Agra has to offer. Take home some memories of India with some last-minute souvenir shopping or simply relax at your hotel.
Transfer by Coach to Delhi
Last night in Delhi
You will have a guided coach transfer to your hotel in Delhi, the drive will take around five hours (230km) to arrive in Delhi, for your final night in India.
Return Home
Depart India
It’s time to say goodbye to India. You will transfer by coach with guide assistance for your flight home.
Arrive Home
Arrive Home
Arrive home from your holiday of a lifetime.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.