India Tours
India Golden Triangle Holiday
Explore India's Golden Triangle: a tailor-made holiday taking in culture, history and wildlife in 11 relaxing days.
The Golden Triangle Holiday
Imagine standing mesmerised by the Taj Mahal's immaculate marble. Then picture breathing in Delhi's vibrant history at ancient forts. You could also search for elusive tigers in Ranthambore's wild embrace. Finally, witness the ethereal sunrise over the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, India's spiritual heart.
This immersive 11-day holiday runs as a small group tour, but we can also craft it just for you. It goes beyond the usual tourist trail and ventures into the very soul of India. For example, you delve into Jaipur's kaleidoscope of colours and intricate architecture. You also feel the whispers of the Mughal era in Fatehpur Sikri's abandoned grandeur. Finally, you find peace at Sarnath, where Buddha first shared his wisdom.
Spend evenings immersed in local art forms. These range from the intricate patterns of Rajasthani folk paintings to the soulful melodies of classical music. You can also engage with artisans who craft timeless pieces. For those seeking adventure, consider an additional hot air balloon ride over Jaipur's stunning landscapes. Alternatively, take a jeep safari through the gripping terrain of Ranthambore.
If you opt for our tailor-made option, you can modify the itinerary to suit your needs. For instance, you may want more wildlife encounters or a more profound cultural experience. Either way, we'll guide you through local customs and traditions, ensuring an authentic experience.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International Airport for a traditional "Swagat" (welcome). Our representative will assist you and then transfer you to your hotel. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to relax.
Overnight in Hotel in Delhi
DAY 2
Delhi
A half-day sightseeing tour of Delhi starts with Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Old Delhi. Emperor Shah Jahan built it between 1644 and 1658. Then continue to Rajghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, driving past the President's House and India Gate. After that, visit Humayun's Tomb, the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, in the evening, transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Varanasi.
Overnight in Overnight train
DAY 3
Varanasi
Arrive in Varanasi in the early morning and transfer to your hotel. Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world and a holy city of Hinduism. Therefore, pilgrims come here from across India to bathe in the sacred river. In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. There is also an optional evening visit to the Ganges Ghats for a puja ceremony.
Overnight in Hotel in Varanasi
DAY 4
Varanasi
Just before dawn, take a boat ride on the Ganges River to witness the extraordinary spectacle on the ghats. These are the riverfront steps where thousands of pilgrims bathe, pray and meditate daily. Then, after a free afternoon, transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Agra.
Overnight in Overnight train
DAY 5
Agra
Arrive at Agra railway station and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the imposing Red Fort of Akbar. Its mighty red sandstone walls enclose the white marble Pearl Mosque. Afterwards, enjoy a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal (closed Fridays).
Overnight in Hotel in Agra
DAY 6
Ranthambore
First, make an early return visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Then drive to Ranthambore (around 280km), stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri. Emperor Akbar built this wonderfully preserved "ghost town" as the Mughal capital. However, it was abandoned after just 14 years due to a lack of water.
Overnight in Hotel in Ranthambore
DAY 7
Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park lies at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hills. It became a Project Tiger reserve in 1973 and a national park in 1980. It is also home to one of the largest banyan trees in India. There are two game drives today, morning and afternoon. During both, you hope to spot one of Ranthambore's mighty tigers.
Overnight in Hotel in Ranthambore
DAY 8
Jaipur
We can arrange an optional morning game drive at extra cost. Then drive to Jaipur (around 180km), the "Pink City" and colourful capital of Rajasthan, with its rich cultural heritage. Later, in the evening, explore Jaipur's colourful bazaars.
Overnight in Hotel in Jaipur
DAY 9
Jaipur
Drive to Amber, 11km from Jaipur, home to the massive Amber Fort. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha dynasty for six centuries. Then continue to the City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. After that comes Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory whose solar devices still give accurate predictions. Finally, see Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storey pink sandstone structure.
Overnight in Hotel in Jaipur
DAY 10
Delhi
Drive back to Delhi (around 280km) and check in to your hotel. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to relax or explore local markets for last-minute shopping.
Overnight in Hotel in Delhi
DAY 11
Depart Delhi
Transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport at a suitable time for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your holiday with a beach stay in Goa or Kerala. Ask a travel consultant for details.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
8 nights hotel accommodation in standard category hotels or similar, on bed & breakfast basis. Breakfast and dinner are included at Ranthambore.
2 overnight train journeys in 2-tier AC sleeper class
All monument entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
2 safaris by shared Canter at Ranthambore National Park with forest guards
2 boat rides at Varanasi – evening and early morning
English-speaking local guides for the city tours mentioned in the itinerary
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with driver, including fuel and road taxes for the whole trip. Arrival and departure transfers, plus drinking water in the vehicle, are also included.
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Alcoholic drinks and drinks not mentioned
Any photography and video fees
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Any meals (lunches/dinners) except those mentioned above
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
This is a private tour, so we can arrange it for any time of year. You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise the tour to your own budget and requirements. For example, flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, and hotel category. We can also meet any specific requirements you may have.
From £1090 per person, based on two people sharing a twin/double room
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for India.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into India. It must also be machine-readable and have 2 blank pages for your visa. You need a visa to travel to India, unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. Therefore, apply for the right visa category for your trip, as either a regular (paper) visa or an e-visa. You can apply via the eFRRO, the Bureau of Indian Immigration or the High Commission of India in London.
Laws on alcohol vary by state, and it's an offence to drink in public places. Moreover, alcohol is banned entirely in Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Lakshadweep. Smoking is banned in most public places, and e-cigarettes are banned entirely. Drug offences carry a minimum sentence of 6 months for personal-consumption amounts, and 10 years for other amounts. Be careful with cameras and binoculars near military sites, government buildings, airports and railway stations. In addition, satellite phones require a licence.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice for India. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever occur year-round. In addition, severe air pollution is a major hazard in winter (October-February), particularly in North Indian cities.
What to Bring
Bring lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing, because cotton and natural fibres are best. It should cover the body appropriately when you are in the company of local communities. In other words, it doesn't need to be fancy, but it needs to be respectful. Walking shoes or boots plus sandals are the ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, suncream, a torch, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle and a power adapter.
While You're There
India's currency is the Rupee, which is non-convertible and cannot be taken out of the country. Therefore, exchange money at the airport, banks, large hotels or ATMs once you arrive. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. However, check with your card provider about foreign transaction fees. There may also be limits on cash withdrawals within a 24-hour period.
The best time to visit is between October and March. During these months, the weather is more likely to be warm, sunny and dry. However, December and January are much cooler, with potential fog. India uses type C, D and M plugs. Mobile data coverage is also relatively good throughout the country, and local SIM cards are widely available.
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