India’s Golden Triangle In-Depth
18 days from £6,888 pp
The classic India holiday where cities meet temples and forts, but with our Travel Differently twist. We’ve slowed down the pace and incorporated Ranthambore to search for Tigers, time staying at an incredible countryside Fort and a chance to spot leopards in beautiful rural India. Our expert guides will take you on amazing daily activities to see the real people, colours, cultures and food of Rajasthan.
Trip Highlights
- See the mighty Taj Mahal at sunrise
- Spot elusive Tigers in Ranthambore and Leopards in Jawai
- Explore Forts, Palaces, colouful cities and street markets
- Escape the bustle of cities and soak up the tranquility of rural India staying in a traditional Fort
Our Expert Tip
”India, especially Rajasthan is a busy place that offers a sensory overload. Be sure to give yourself a slow-paced day in the countryside to do very little and experience the more tranquil side of India.”
Sam, Rajasthan Expert
Detailed India’s Golden Triangle In-Depth Itinerary
Day 1-2: Delhi
Catch your international flight into Delhi to begin your Golden Triangle In-Depth Holiday. Meet your private guide and driver and transfer to your comfortable hotel to relax and settle into India. Enjoy a guided evening tour of the Lodhi Garden complex, to get a feel for the city.
The next day you will visit the medieval Jama Mosque followed by a walking/rickshaw tour of traditional business of Old Delhi, exploring centuries old arts and crafts. Wander through the old streets taking in the sights, colours smells and sensory wonders of this fascinating city.
Be driven past the famed Lutyens Delhi, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House) and the old Parliament House. Stop over at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a fascinating Sikh temple. Afterwards you will be taken to the Humayun’s Tomb – another magnificent Mughal building built in 1565-66.
Day 3-4: Agra – Chambal
Early this morning you will be driven to the railway station for your train to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal.
The iconic Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) has been described as a ‘tear on the face of eternity’ and as an enduring monument of love. The unique beauty of the Taj Mahal is blended with grandeur and its vast overall design really is a once-in-a-lifetime travel moment to experience.
Afterwards you will be driven to Chambal where your base for the next two nights is a charming rural safari lodge. With your expert guide, head to the Chambal River to experience a river safari. The gentle pace of the river offers spectacular sightings of the gharials, turtles, the many migratory and resident birds and the occasional Gangetic River Dolphin.
Enjoy a cultural visit to Holipura village and the nearby Bateshwar temple – both interesting places to explore and soak in while immersing yourself in quieter, rural India
Day 5-6: Ramathra
After breakfast be driven to Ramathra, a scenic five hour drive away deep into rural Rajasthan. The next two nights will be spent in a stunning fort-hotel with incredible views of the countryside and lake, delicious Indian cuisine and warm hospitality.
Choose from one of many excursions offered at the fort, from a boat trip across the lake to spot rich birdlife, or a jeep safari to discover forts, caves and wildlife. Be sure to go on the walking tour of Ramathra Village, through a small hamlet of farmers and herders. Away from tourists, this top Travel Differently experience offers a peaceful opportunity to appreciate rural life in India.
Day 7-8: Ranthambore National Park
Saying goodbye to your impressive Fort, drive a further two hours to Ranthambore National Park, where an incredible safari experience awaits. During your time here, stay in charming cottages located in the heart of the park, giving you fantastic access to the lake, palaces, cenotaphs, old fortifications and a majestic thousand- year-old-fort that overlooks the park.
Experience the thrill of an early morning open-top jeep safari in search of the elusive tiger and other incredible wildlife. When you are not out on safari, soak up the sounds and sights of the jungle and relax in your cottages after some delicious north-Indian food.
Day 9-10: Jaipur
Add contrast into your Golden Triangle In-Depth Holiday, changing from the jungle to the Pink City, as you drive around three hours to Jaipur. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is known as the ‘pink city’ due to the colour of the buildings in its old walled city. Steeped in history and culture, a visit to Jaipur is a real cultural treat as the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, where maharajas once lived.
Visit the incredible Amber Fort, stopping at the miraculous Palace of Mirrors adored with millions of tiny glistening mirrors. Continue to visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and drive past Hawa Mahal.
Finish this fascinating day with a walking tour of Old Jaipur, witnessing bazaars, colourful alleyways where artisans set up their handicrafts and of course, sample some traditional Indian street food.
Day 11-12: Jodhpur
Be driven around five hours to Jodhpur, where we have chosen a beautiful world-class hotel right in the heart of the city for your stay. With your guide, visit Mehrangargh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, peerless in terms of its grandeur and beauty.
Close to the fort is the 19th century royal cenotaph, Jaswant Thada, a stunning creation in white marble which houses rare portraits of Jodhpur’s rulers.
Be wowed by Jodhpur’s famed ‘blue city’ on a guided walking tour, down meandering alleyways, crowded bazaars, exploring each nook and cranny at your own pace.
Day 13-14: Jawai
Time for a real Travel differently highlight as you journey around three hours, deeper into rural Rajasthan through Rabari villages and past cattle-herders, into Jawai. This is the place to spot leopards, which you will hopefully be lucky enough to experience both on a jeep safari and roaming freely in the rocky wilderness.
Stay in one of our favourite luxury tented camps, surrounded by nature, peace and the distance sound of wildlife. Your time here is spent on exhilarating jeep safaris at sunrise and in the afternoon, looking out for these magical creatures. Enjoy down-time relaxing in camp, relaxing by the pool with a cocktail or treat yourself to a massage.
Day 15-16: Udaipur
This morning you will be driven around an hour to the stunning Jain temples of Ranakpur, one of the biggest and most important Jain temples in India. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are extremely well preserved and are one of the most holy places for Jain pilgrimage.
Continue towards Udaipur and check into your stunning palace hotel. Head out with your guide to explore Udaipur city – visiting the City Palace, Sahelion-ki-Bari and Jagdish Temple.
The huge city palace towering over the lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Be awed by the stunning gardens of Sahelion-ki-Bari, with beautiful lawns, lotus pools, marble pavilions and marble elephant-shaped fountains.
Day 17: Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi, where you will have a final day to soak up the city, go shopping, try some more delicious north-Indian cuisine, or simply sit, relax and watch the busy world go by outside your hotel.
Day 18: Depart
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. If you would like to add on some hiking in The Himalayas and witness the incredible Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan, speak to our experts about extending your time away.
When to Go
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
The classic India holiday, where cities meet temples and forts but with our Travel Differently twist. We’ve slowed down the pace and incorporated time in Ranthambore to search for Tigers and journey through rich jungle staying in the best wildlife lodges. Our local guides will take you on amazing daily activities to see the real people and cultures of Rajasthan.
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you'll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don't have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
