India isn’t a destination of bite-sized proportions; it’s a country that requires some choices. Do you head north or south, and then into which region? In India’s north, the three cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur stand, in Indian terms, a relatively tiny matter of 125 to 155 miles (200 to 250 km) apart. Connect them by straight lines and you have the Golden Triangle — India boiled down into one manageable route. A three-pointed area defined by the Taj Mahal, some of the best bazaars I’ve wandered around, and heritage and architecture ranging from Mughal to colonial.
Tour highlights
- Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
- Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park.
- Take a guided tour of the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur.
Itinerary
Arrive in Delhi, where you will be met by one of our local representatives and your private driver. Your driver will stay with you during your time in India and will drive you to your Delhi hotel. After check-in, depending on the time, you may have the afternoon at leisure. The Lodi Gardens are a nice spot for an afternoon stroll. The hotel staff will be able to give you directions.
Arrive in Delhi, where you will be met by one of our local representatives and your private driver. Your driver will stay with you during your time in India and will drive you to your Delhi hotel. After check-in, depending on the time, you may have the afternoon at leisure. The Lodi Gardens are a nice spot for an afternoon stroll. The hotel staff will be able to give you directions.
Stay at: Maidens Hotel
Explore India's vibrant capital on a private guided tour. This includes Humayun's Tomb, one of the city's Mughal landmarks, and inspiration for the Taj Mahal. See the monumental buildings set along wide boulevards of Lutyens' New Delhi, including India Gate and the President's residence ahead of a local lunch.
Stay at: Maidens Hotel
Leave Delhi in good time this morning to travel south to Agra with your private driver (a three-hour trip on the express highway). In the afternoon, take a private guided walk around Agra's sights, such as the impressive Mogul Red Fort. The Red Fort is a great preview of visiting the Taj Mahal in the morning — the two were built during the same period and have much shared history.
Stay at Trident Agra
It is an early start this morning, but it is worth it for sunrise views of the Taj Mahal with your private guide. It's also the quietest time to visit before the crowds arrive. There can be fog at some times of the year; your specialist will advise you. After breakfast back at your hotel, continue your travels with a drive to the nearby Bharatpur railway station. Board your train and travel to Sawai Madhopur — a journey of just over two hours. This is the nearest station to Ranthambhore National Park, which is your location for the next two nights.
Stay at Khem Villas
Head into Ranthambhore Park twice to enjoy game drives through the rugged terrain which is home to lots of wildlife, including the elusive Bengal tiger. Your game drives are early in the morning and then early evening, when temperatures are at their coolest and animals at their most active.
Stay at Khem Villas
Enjoy your final game drive in the park this morning before a leisurely breakfast back at your hotel. After breakfast, drive to the Pink City of Jaipur, which will take around four hours. On arrival, enjoy meeting your homestay hosts and relax in the courtyard.
Stay at Dera Rawatsar
Begin your sojourn of fascinating Jaipur with a trip to the impressive Amber Fort located 11 km (6.8 miles) outside the city, where you can explore chambers, dungeons and gardens. Relax on your return to the hotel, before a guided evening food walk through the old city, a worthy alternative to a usual sit-down dinner.
Stay at Dera Rawatsar
Your morning is at leisure to relax and take a break in the peace of your hotel. This afternoon you have the chance to explore the city with your private guide — visit the majestic city palace and museum, the UNESCO site of Jantar Mantar and stop by the iconic Palace of the Winds, known locally as the Hawa Mahal.
Today drive back to Delhi, a journey of approximately five to six hours. The rest of the day is at your leisure, enjoy using the facilities of your airport hotel. Although lacking charm or history, an airport hotel is convenient and comfortable, and means you can avoid the bulk of Delhi's traffic.
This morning, your driver will transfer you to Delhi Airport for your onward flight.
