India's Golden Triangle by Rail & Tigers of Ranthambhore

India's Golden Triangle by Rail & Tigers of Ranthambhore

Discover India's famed "Golden Triangle" of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur by rail, with an exhilarating visit to Ranthambhore to hopefully spot its most famous residents; the Bengal Tigers.

What's Included:

• Return economy flights from London (regional departures available on request)
• 2 nights' 5-star accommodation in Delhi with breakfast
• Full-day tour of Delhi Old and New
• Rail Journey: Delhi to Agra on the air-conditioned Gatimaan Express
• Overnight 5-star accommodation in Agra with breakfast
• Guided visit to Agra including the Agra Fort
• Guided sunset visit to the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays)
• Transfer by road from Agra to Bharatphur via Fatehpur Sikri
• Rail Journey: Bharatphut to Ranthambhore on the air-conditioned Shatabdi Express
• 2 nights' 5-star accommodation in Ranthambhore with breakfast, lunch and dinner
• 3 x Tiger Safaris Drives in Ranthambhore National Park
• Transfer by road from Ranthambhore to Jaipur
• 2 nights' 5-star accommodation in Jaipur with breakfast
• Guided tour of Jaipur including the Amber Fort, and evening cooking demonstration with local Indian family
• Journey Jaipur to Delhi by Road
• Overnight 5-star Delhi airport accommodation with breakfast
• All overseas transfers
• 1 litre of bottled water per person per day when in India
• ABTA and ATOL bonded for your financial protection

Days 1-2 - London > Delhi, India

On arrival at Delhi airport after your overnight flight (you make request a day-time flight if you prefer, supplement may apply) you will be met by our local English-speaking representative and taken by private transfer to your beautiful 5-star hotel where you will spend two nights in this bustling city of contrasts; where old meets new amid the skyscrapers and heritage buildings.

Day 3 - Delhi

Our hand-picked local guide will introduce you to the sights and delights of Old and New Delhi. You will visit the 17th century Jama Masjid, the Mughal Empire’s most opulent fort, the Red Fort and perhaps enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow winding lanes of the colourful market area of Chandni Chowk. Later, you will visit Raj Ghat, the site where revered "Father of the Nation" Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon you will head to New Delhi, to view the exterior of the Presidential Palace; - once the residence of the British viceroys - followed by the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war, and a drive along the Rajpath past the Parliament House and secretarial buildings.

There is also time to see Qutab Minar, the 12th century tower of victory built by a slave king, and the 16th century Humayun’s tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal.

Day 4 - Delhi > Agra by Rail > Tour of Agra > Visit the Taj Mahal

Private transfer to the train station where you will be escorted to your train by your guide. Journey time from Delhi to Agra is under two hours by air-conditioned Gatimaan Express train. On arrival in Agra your dedicated guide and driver will be there to greet you and transfer you to your 5-star hotel where you will stay overnight. Later in the day you will proceed to the imposing Agra Fort, a citadel built by the Emperor in the 16th century from red sandstone and surrounded by a moat, in a combination of Persian (Islamic) and local Hindu styles. To complete your visit to Agra in the most spectacular way, you will of course visit the incredible Taj Mahal just before sunset (closed on Fridays). A marvel in marble to behold in the fading light, embedded with semi-precious stones -the Taj Mahal is the finest example of this special process called "pietra dura".

Day 5 - Agra > Bharatpur > Ranthambhore (by Road and Rail)

A private car journey (approx. 1 hour, air-conditioned vehicle) to Bharatpur with a visit en route to glowing abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri - after which you will head to a local hotel for lunch (payable locally). On arrival in Bharatpur you will be taken to your onward train to Ranthambhore (luggage will travel ahead of you to the hotel so you will only need to take one bag of your valuables/passport with you on the train).

Day 6 - Ranthambhore Tiger Safaris

Ranthambore National Park Covering 410 km squared and runs along the easternmost spur of the Aravalis to the Vindhya ranges. The dry deciduous forest covers open valleys with lush vegetation around lakes - and open grasslands in the higher slopes. This varied flora supports a large number of animals including a variety of deer, the sloth bear, the shy caracal, leopards and of course, the tiger - we cannot guarantee you will see them as they can be elusive, but there is nowhere better to try! Today you will have two included shared jeep tiger safaris in the National Park; one in the morning and one in the afternoon, either side of your included lunch.

Day 7 - Ranthambhore Tiger Safari > Jaipur (by road)

Another safari this morning after breakfast, and after lunch you will head to Jaipur by road (approx. 4 hours comfortable air-conditioned vehicle), for a two-night stay.

Day 8 - Jaipur

After an early breakfast embark upon a fully-guided visit of the Forts and Palaces of Jaipur, the capital of Royal Rajasthan. Early in the day you will see the elaborately-carved pink sandstone facade of the Palace of Winds on the way to visit the spectacular hilltop Amber Fort. The sprawling complex sits high on the hill - but don't worry, you will reach the top by Jeep for your comfort and convenience! In the afternoon you'll enjoy the City Palace complex of decorative palaces, courtyards and gardens, ahead of your final visit of the day to Jantar Mantar, one of five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. In the evening, you will have the privilege to enjoy a cooking demonstration and meal with a local Indian family in their own home.

Day 9 - Jaipur > Dehli

Travel by road today (approx 6 hours by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle) to return to Delhi, where you will spend the night at an airport hotel ahead of tomorrow's flight home.

Day 10 - Return to the UK

Head over to the airport for your flight home.