Golden Triangle & Ranthambore

Fly to Jaipur

Overnight flight from the UK to Jaipur, India. (N) 

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Jaipur

Arrive in Jaipur, the former capital of the Rajput empire founded in 1727. Transfer to the Royal Heritage Haveli for 3 nights. (D) 

Jaipur

Morning tour of Amber Fort, Anokhi Museum and Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell. After lunch, explore the City Palace, home of the present maharajah, the fascinating Jantar Mantar observatory and local bazaars. View the exterior of the iconic Hawa Mahal, known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’. This five-storey structure features over 900 latticed windows, designed to allow royal women to observe street festivals without having to reveal themselves to the public. (B, D) 

Jaipur

Your day is at leisure to relax at your hotel, explore Jaipur’s many bazaars, or take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the peaceful countryside. Alternatively, visit the craft village of Sanganer, famous for textile printing, handmade paper production, and exquisite Jain temples. (B, D) 

Ranthambore

This morning, visit a local Hindu temple in time for the morning prayers. Travel to Ranthambore National Park for 2 nights at Hotel Dev Vilas. Once the private hunting ground of royalty, the park is celebrated for its tiger population, currently estimated to be 80 – including 24 cubs. Your afternoon is at leisure, or visit the rural village of Devpura, habitat of the blackbuck deer. Visit a local tie-dye textile artist to see the bandhani and leheriya artworks. (B, D) 

Ranthambore

Today, enjoy wildlife drives in the early morning and late afternoon in search of the elusive Bengal tiger. Although well known for its tiger population, Ranthambore is also home to sambars, panthers, marsh crocodiles, sloth bears and leopards, as well as being a bird watcher’s paradise. (B, L, D) 

Agra

Take the train from Sawai Madhopur to Bharatpur. Enjoy lunch before visiting the ancient citadel of Fatehpur Sikri en route to Agra. This afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a Mughal-era fortress built with eye-catchingly red sandstone and enclosing multiple palaces. Overnight at Tajview Agra. (B, L, D) 

Agra & Delhi

See India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal, in the soft glow of sunrise. Then leave Agra for Delhi, where you will spend 2 nights at the Taj Palace. This afternoon, explore Humayun’s Tomb and the magnificent red-sandstone edifice of Qutb Minar. (B) 

Delhi

Morning tour of Old Delhi including the Jama Masjid mosque and the colourful Chandni Chowk market, which is an excellent spot to pick up souvenirs before your flight home. After lunch, drive through Lutyens’ New Delhi passing Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax at the hotel or sample the local markets. Optional visit to Akshardham temple for the sunset water show. (B) 

Fly to the UK

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)