XCLU02 India’s Golden Triangle with Ranthambore National Park

This morning, we arrive in Delhi, the first stop on our Golden Triangle tour. After a little time for refreshment and relaxation, we head out to soak up the sights and sounds on an afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi. We’ll see the India Gate memorial, built to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died during the Great War, and pass the official residence of the President of India. Later we’ll continue to UNESCO-protected Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world.

Excursions & visits:

Guided tour of New Delhi (afternoon)

Our morning tour concentrates on Old Delhi. We’ll see the black marble memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and the grand Jama Masjid - one of India’s biggest mosques. We’ll also stop by the UNESCO-listed memorial to the Mughal emperor Humayun, the first example of Persian-inspired Mughal architecture in India and the historic Red Fort, the one-time residence of the Mughal Emperor. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to the riverside city of Agra.

Excursions & visits:

Guided tour of Old Delhi (morning)

Have your very own Princess Diana moment in front of the white marble Taj Mahal today. This great world wonder dates back to the glory days of India’s Mughal emperors. It took 20,000 skilled labourers to create this mausoleum and memorial to Shah Jahan’s favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Some see it as a sad and mournful creation, but others celebrate the romance and love behind its story. After a morning here, we move on to Agra’s imposing fort - a walled city of palaces, mosques, halls and residences occupied for more than 900 years.

Excursions & visits:

Visit to Taj Mahal (morning) Visit to Agra Fort (afternoon)

Our journey continues with a visit to the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of the Mughal Empire. Although it lay abandoned and virtually unknown for hundreds of years, its palaces, pavilions, mosques and residences are remarkably well preserved and visually stunning. Later, we continue by road to Bharatpur. We’ll board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur, then journey on to Ranthambore National Park, known for its 1,000-year-old fort (which is surrendering slowly to the encroaching jungle), its picturesque lakes and, of course, its Bengal tiger reserve.

Excursions & visits:

Visit to Fatehpur Sikri (morning) Train journey to Sawai Madhopur (afternoon)

Ranthambore National Park is a wildlife haven, and we’ll head out in search of leopards, monkeys, birds and sloth bears on two game drives today. As we take in the sounds and smells of the jungle, we may even spot the shy and elusive Bengal tiger - a greater possibility nowadays thanks to the conservation work of the Ranthambore Foundation.

Excursions & visits:

Game drive (morning) Game drive (afternoon)

After a final game drive, we’ll make our way north-west to Jaipur, known as the ‘pink city’ for its rose-red palaces.

Excursions & visits:

Game drive (morning)

A full-day tour of Jaipur reveals why this great city is considered one of India’s foremost cultural attractions. After an early start, we drive up to the Amber Fort, a beautiful sandstone palace perched on a hilltop. We’ll tour the fort, then head to the foothill lake. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants - they sometimes like to bathe in the lake. Back in Jaipur itself, we’ll explore the City Palace (a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture) and the 18th-century Jantar Mantar observatory, and admire the latticed façade of the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds.

Excursions & visits:

Jaipur city tour (all day)

Today we’ll journey from Jaipur back to Delhi. Enjoy a final night in Delhi.

After one last cup of chai, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Bangalore. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.