Experience Overview
Uncover Northern India's highlights on this family-friendly tour of the Golden Triangle. Witness awe-inspiring sites, from the delights of new and old Delhi to the pink beauty of Jaipur and the regal grace of the Taj Mahal. With rickshaw rides through bustling bazaars and camel cart treks through national parks, there's adventure at every turn. At the end of the day, sleep like Maharaja in heritage properties that bring you closer to India's history and culture.
Iconic must sees - From the Taj Mahal to the Amber Fort, tick off the must-sees from each corner of India's famous Golden Triangle.
Sleep in a historic fort - Experience traditional Indian hospitality at a family-run hotel based inside a historic fort.
Summer Itinerary - Ranthambore National Park closes for the summer months so summer departures will run on an alternative itinerary
Highlights
- See the magnificent Taj Mahal and exotic palaces of Rajasthan|Experience the thrill of tiger tracking in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve|Discover the wilderness of the desert on a camel ride|Stay in a restored fort
- A 10-day adventure through India's Golden Triangle from exotic palaces to tiger tracking|Stay in a historic Rajasthani fort and visit the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise|Experience the thrill of searching for tiger, monkey and sloth bear in Ranthambore National Park (except summer)
Trip Details
Product Code: 20224
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bus4WDRickshawTrain
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator: Explore Worldwide
Supplier Code: FMG
Starts: India
Finishes: India
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Easy
Includes
- Explore Tour Leader
- Driver(s)
- Local Guide(s)
Accommodation
- Hyatt Centric Janakpuri New Delhi
- Hotel Amar
- Raj Palace Resort
- Pachewar Garh Fort
- Mandawa Haveli
- Ramada by Wyndham Gurgaon Central
- Hotel Bhanwar Vilas Palace
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,100 ($210 /day)
Itinerary
Arrive in New Delhi, India's bustling capital which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst the tall and modern skyscrapers, there are still the remnants of a bygone time with numerous monuments and temples.
For those arriving on time today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 1.30pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on our afternoon city tour which will visit the imposing India Gate (war memorial arch), the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President's residence as well as Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Our Leader will be on hand in the evening to suggest evening dining options.
If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport (airport code DEL), which is 18km, around 40 minutes from our hotel.
Please note that if you wish to join the city tour today, you must arrive at the hotel by 1.30pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around 40 minutes' drive, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 11am. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hyatt Centric Janakpuri New Delhi
- Grade - Premium
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - No
- Breakfast Provided - No
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: None
Compared to New Delhi the Old City is much closer to the image conjured up by Rudyard Kipling. We travel by cycle rickshaw to its hub at Chandni Chowk Bazaar, a jamboree of deafening barter and a wonderful introduction to the 'real' India. The major sights nearby are the Jami Masjid Mosque and we pass by the Red Fort on our way out of the city.
Mid-morning, head south from New Delhi to Agra, a bus journey of approximately three hours. In the afternoon we plan to visit Agra Fort, built by Akbar the Great, which contains the incomparable Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque). Before returning to the hotel we will get our first sight of the Taj Mahal in the evening light.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Amar
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
This morning we aim to visit the Taj Mahal, the world's most perfect and poetic building, at sunrise. Over 300 years have elapsed since its construction, yet it stands today unscarred by age; its beauty and symmetry seemingly beyond man, time and space. Created by Shah Jahan as a funerary monument to his favourite wife, Mumtaz, it took 22 years to build (1630-52). The Great Moghul lies beside his beloved under the white marble dome. Inlaid with precious gems, the building cost a fortune. Later Shah Jahan moved his capital to Delhi before being overthrown by his son, Aurangzeb.
Later in the day, drive to the entrance of Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Formerly a royal duck-shooting reserve and now an ornithologist's paradise, the 12 square miles of lakes and marshlands offer a safe habitat for large numbers of breeding waterbirds and migrants. More than 300 species have been sighted, among them herons, storks, geese and the huge and rare Siberian crane. We will be taken on a birdwatching tour by cycle rickshaw and we hope to see some of these magnificent birds. After lunch we continue our journey, taking the train to Ranthambore National Park (approximately 2 hours).
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Raj Palace Resort
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - Yes
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner
Ranthambore is one of the best examples of the country's tiger conservation projects. The best chance of sightings is between September and May. During this period water is scarce and the animals must stay close to the lakes and river. It is little wonder that this was once one of the best hunting areas of the Maharajahs.
We include a game drive this morning into the Reserve, in search of the wildlife which, as well as tiger, includes sloth bear, langur, jackal and fox as well as crested hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, jacana, parakeet and white-breasted kingfisher. The park itself is very picturesque with lakes, rivers and forests surrounded by steep cliffs and rocky outcrops.
In the afternoon there is another opportunity to do a game drive to get a chance to see more wildlife and views. The vehicles used for game drives are open top jeeps, with 6 seats and ideal for spotting wildlife. Due to regulations aimed at keeping traffic to a minimum in the parks we cannot guarantee exclusive use of the jeeps so you may be sharing with non-Explore customers. Please note that because the jeeps can only accommodate 6 people there is a chance we may have to split family groups up, this will depend entirely on the make up of your group and we will avoid this wherever possible.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Raj Palace Resort
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - Yes
- Lunch Provided - Yes
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning there is chance for an optional game drive before we drive to Pachewar (approximately 4 hours' drive). A small village, Pachewar is famous for cenotaphs, blue pottery kilns, metal toy makers and interesting surroundings. It is a lively place that was once ruled by Khangarot Rajputs. The caretaker of Khandar, Thakur Anoop Singh Khangarot, had captured the fort of Ranthambore from the captivity of Marathas and annexed the fort to the state of Jaipur.
The pace of the trip slows as we stay two nights at a family run heritage hotel, Pachewar Garh. This fort with its huge ramparts, turrets and gates, was built about 300 years ago and bears testimony to its rich heritage. After checking in, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore the village and sample first hand traditional rural life, you may even see villagers partaking in a game of cricket! This evening there is a puppet show at the hotel.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Pachewar Garh Fort
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
This morning head out exploring the village on foot, visiting the local temple and a village home where we have a cooking demonstration showcasing traditional Rajasthan cuisine.
Later in the afternoon head to a farm giving us a great opportunity to meet local families and see more of rural life in India, this is India's most colourful regions, it's not uncommon to witness sari-clad women carrying terracotta pots of water. There is ample time to relax at our heritage fort hotel, for an added bit of fun the hotel provides traditional Indian costumes to wear at dinner.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Pachewar Garh Fort
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
After breakfast we drive to Jaipur taking about three hours, there is always something new or different to see along the roadside in rural India.
Sometimes called the Pink City, Jaipur was first painted terracotta pink by Maharajah Sawai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. This afternoon we will take a city tour with our Explore tour leader. We will visit the lavish and well preserved City Palace with its fine collection of textiles, costumes and armoury and the Palace of the Winds, a 5-storied façade (built about 1760) which has been the subject of countless Indian posters. Jai Singh, the great Maharaja astronomer, built his extraordinary (and very accurate) stargazing Observatory here. The Old City has several fine gates let into the pink walls, and there are many opportunities for photos and shopping.
There is an optional puppet show at the hotel this evening or you may wish to see a Bollywood movie at the local cinema.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Mandawa Haveli
- Grade - Premium
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - Yes
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner
Today, we drive the short distance to the foot of Amber Palace and drive up to the gateway. This impressive hilltop fortress possesses what must be the world's finest Chamber of Mirrors and also affords glorious views of the surrounding plains. We will visit the palace after which we will return to Jaipur. Sometimes called the Pink City, Jaipur's palaces and fortified walls were first painted terracotta pink by Maharajah Swai Ram Singh to celebrate the visit of Prince Albert in 1853.
This afternoon has been left free to explore more of Jaipur in your own time. You may choose to visit one of the famous bazaars which are bursting with delights, from marble statues to antique textiles; traditional print blocks to local musical instruments.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Mandawa Haveli
- Grade - Premium
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast bid farewell to Jaipur, driving back to Delhi. An hour north east of Jaipur we make a stop at Samode Palace in the Aravalli hills. Blending elements of Mughal traditional architecture, this 475 year old former royal residence is a treasure trove awaiting to be explored with twisting narrow stone staircases, lavish mosaics, fountains and hidden courtyards.
We have a tour of the grounds on a camel cart and have lunch (included) at the palace before continuing our journey by bus to the modern Gurugram district of New Delhi, next to the airport; arriving early evening.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Ramada by Wyndham Gurgaon Central
- Grade - Premium
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - Yes
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in New Delhi.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from New Delhi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport (airport code DEL), which is 8km, around 20 minutes from the hotel.
Accommodation:
- Type -
- Accommodation Name -
- Grade -
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Sue - Traveled, July 2023
Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Also seeing the local culture. Meeting families from rural Rajasthan, they were so friendly and welcoming
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Amy - Traveled, October 2023
Tiger in the national park Experience of Indian village life Taj Mahal Nature reserve also excellent
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2023
Louise - Traveled, October 2023
Hard to pick out one highlight as this is a spectacular tour. Seeing a tiger in Ranthambore, Jaipur, of course the Taj Mahal, all exceptional
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Leigh - Traveled, December 2019
We really enjoyed this trip - it was excellent, an amazing experience. Every day was enjoyable and memorable and we saw so much on the trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2020
Michael - Traveled, December 2019
We had a fantastic holiday and we would highly recommend our tour leader Indu Singh.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2020
Kathryn - Traveled, March 2018
A great time with an experienced and lovely guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2019
Robert - Traveled, March 2018
The trip was great with so many things to see and do. Maybe a little more free time would enhance the experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2019
Peter - Traveled, December 2017
I may have not seen information about money.Using Bancomats in India even with a prepaid card was very expensive so changing cash would have been much cheaper. We also had problems in paying a large amount for a taxi fare in Rupees because we hadn't kept invoices from bancomats--? could you include this information in trip information. Also support in organising taxis and accommodation when we were delayed joining our trip for health reasons from Suneeta Grover at Cox and Kings was superb.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2019
Shirley - Traveled, March 2018
A mesmerising trip! Pretty much the perfect balance for me as a first time visitor to India. Prem our guide was very knowledgable; respectful and took great care of us. I think we had a butvuf a “sugar coated” version of India, but it has given me a strong desire to go back and explore some more. It was fantastic to go on a trip organised for families with teenagers. As a widow with a 17 year old I am only sorry that my daughter will be too old to do a similar trip next year. The teenagers made it great fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2019
Simon - Traveled, March 2018
My wife, my son and I had such a fantastic time on this tour. It has certainly whetted our appetite for exploring more of this beautiful country. I cannot stress enough what a difference having Bhanu as our Tour Leader made. He turned a special trip into an unforgettable one. We will certainly holiday with EXPLORE! again hopefully in the near future. Well done and thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2019
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