India is a country of mysticism and wonder, full of architectural delights and stunning wildlife. From the iconic Taj Mahal and bustling streets of Delhi to the birds and tigers of the beautiful Ranthambore National Park, discover India’s ‘golden triangle’ of delights for yourself on this exciting tour.

• Travelling - 1
  

  Fly overnight to Delhi. Throughout your holiday, your Tour Guide and local Specialist Guide will be able to point out all the best places to find mementos of your experience. You’ll find everything from saris and bangles to statues and spices. They will also introduce you to the delicious authentic Indian cuisine.

• Explore the streets of Old Delhi - 2
  

  The ancient walled city of Old Delhi is our destination today. Also known as Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi was built by its namesake, Shah Jahan, at the end of the 17th century. Inside the walls, you’ll find the spectacular Red Fort and vibrant Chandni Chouk, the street that runs through the heart of the town lined with stalls and shops selling all manner of goods, from spices and sweets to books, clothes and even electronics. Pay your respects at Raj Ghat, the simple black marble memorial to Mahatma Gandhi at the site of his cremation and admire Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, stood atop a hill with three impressive marble domes. Overnight Delhi.

• Lunch at Sariska Palace / Game drive in Sariska National Park - 3
  

  Situated at the heart of the Sariska National Park, Sariska Palace was built in 1892 as a royal hunting lodge, and today is renowned as a heritage hotel. Your lunch here today will give you a glimpse into Raj life at the end of the Victorian era.

  After lunch, step aboard a jeep for a journey into the park to view some of the wonderful wildlife resident here. After the discovery that the park’s tiger population had dwindled to zero, a repopulation project began a few years ago and now there are a handful of these majestic cats in the park. Overnight Jaipur.

• Morning jeep safari at Nahargarh / Jaipur and the Amber Fort - 4
  

  There’s an early yet rewarding start this morning as you board jeeps and travel through the forest of Nahargarh Biological Park. Here we enjoy breakfast at Sura Ki Baori, the step well, making sure you keep an eye out for Asiatic lions and sloths on this former stop on the ancient silk route.

  The imposing outer walls of the Amber Fort hold no clue towards the spectacular interiors you’ll find inside. From magnificently mirrored halls to beautifully carved marble panels and exquisite paintings, it feels like there’s no end to the grandeur of the Amber Fort as you’re walking around its maze of rooms. Discover the sights of Jaipur this afternoon on our guided tour. You’ll have the chance to explore the incredible collections of the City Palace Museum, admire the inspiring 18th century Jantar Mantar observatory and see the Hawa Mahal, the iconic Palace of the Winds, perhaps Jaipur’s most famous sight. Overnight Jaipur.

• Relax with a sundowner at Balas Sanctuary - 5
  

  For an evening with a difference, we head into the Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary in the stunning Aravalli Hills. From your viewpoint at Balas, in the heart of the sanctuary, enjoy a relaxing sundowner drink as you watch for some of the incredible wildlife resident here, from leopard to buzzards. Overnight Ranthambore.

• Tiger spotting in Ranthambore National Park - 6 to 7
  

  The centrepiece of India’s Project Tiger initiative, Ranthambore National Park is simply jaw-dropping in its beauty. From lush forests to decaying palaces, it’s like something straight out of one of Rudyard Kipling’s novels. And the wildlife is the icing on the cake. Our four game drives give you ample opportunity to spot Ranthambore’s famously inquisitive tigers – with little fear of humans, they have been known to waltz right up to safari vehicles. But if you don’t spot any tigers, don’t worry, there is plenty of other wildlife for you to admire, from foxes and hyenas to some incredibly rare birds. And with a picnic lunch at Ranthambore Fort at the heart of the park, you’ll feel like a maharaja surveying all your lands. Overnight Ranthambore.

• Bird-watching in Keoladeo National Park / Fatehpur Sikri - 8
  

  After travelling by train to Bharatpur, you’ll step aboard rickshaws for a journey around the Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a royal hunting reserve, but these days instead of gunshot, the only sound you’ll hear is that of the 230 species of bird that live here.

  Faded Moghul grandeur awaits as you visit this ghost city of red sandstone buildings. Although deserted for over 400 years, it’s surprising how well preserved the city is. As you wander around its streets, stop a moment to reflect on the history of the city that took 15 years to build, yet was deserted only 14 years after its completion. Overnight Agra.

• Experience the Taj Mahal / See a performance of its story - 9
  

  India’s most famous and iconic landmark, so much has been written about the Taj Mahal, and so many photographs and films portray its image it is easy to feel as if you’ve already been there countless times already. Until you actually step into its grounds, that is. No amount of research can quite prepare you for your first sighting of this shimmering white masterpiece, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate the life of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Surrounded by lush, immaculately kept gardens, the beautiful mirror pool and running streams, it really is an honour to visit and explore the entire mausoleum complex.

  During the evening, take your seat for a performance of Mohabbat the Taj, a spectacular re-enactment of the life and love of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. With spectacular costumes, energetic songs and dancing and an incredible set that includes a marble replica of the Taj Mahal, this is one experience that will stay with you forever. Overnight Agra.

• Explore New Delhi with former street children - 10
  

  Where Old Delhi is a maze of narrow streets and enticing markets, New Delhi, built by the British in the 1920s, is a city of beautiful wide boulevards and attractive green parks and gardens. Amongst the modern architecture, however, remain some historic landmarks, including Humayun’s Tomb and the amazing brick minaret of Qutub Minar. We then leave the world of adulthood behind and are joined by former street children who work with the Salaam Baalak Trust who take us on a short guided tour of Paharganj and the New Delhi railway station. They will take you on a journey into their world, uncovering hidden pockets of history in the places you’d least expect. All proceeds go towards this non-profit making organisation, which supports street and former street children in Delhi. Through this programme the young guides learn how to develop a range of skills and many have gone on to university and careers as a result. We are more than happy to support this worthy cause and the local economy. Overnight Delhi.

• Travelling - 11
  

  Return flight to the UK, arriving the same day.

Accommodation

• The Suryaa Hotel, Delhi (4-Star) - 2 Nights (Days 2 & 10)
• Country Inn & Suites, Jaipur (4-Star ) - 2 Nights
• Tiger Moon Lodge, Ranthambore (3-Star ) - 3 Nights
• Jaypee Pa Lace Hotel, Agra (4-Star ) - 2 Nights

• Flights are scheduled services of
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 6:30 pm

Includes

Not Included