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Golden Triangle India Holidays Delhi Taj Mahal Jaipur Rajasthan Tigers

Holidays & Tours, Rajasthan India: Delhi + Taj Mahal + Jaipur + Jodhpur + Udaipur

India: Golden Triangle + Rajasthan in depth
Holidays Tours Rajasthan India Delhi Taj Mahal Jaipur Jodhpur Udaipur
20 NIGHTS FROM:
$4,250
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
IPD20D
• Holidays & Tours, Rajasthan India
• Delhi - Old & New
• Taj Mahal, Agra
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
• Jaipur
• Amber Fort
• Jaisalmer
• Jodphur
• Udaipur

On our holidays & tours to Rajasthan in India you will travel with your own private driver/guides throughout. Visit historic Delhi, view the incredible Taj Mahal in Agra & the 'pink city' of Jaipur, before heading inland to Jaisalmer & Jodhpur in the great Thar Desert. Also visit Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. End your holiday in Udaipur, a beautiful city of lakes & palaces. English speaking driver/guides, all transfers, private jeep safaris & excursions included.

Day 1
You will be met at Delhi Airport and transferred to your hotel in this ancient capital of kingdoms and empires that is now a sprawling metropolis.
 
Delhi's strategic location was one of the main reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power and today it is a conglomerate of seven cities. The division between the old walled city and New Delhi marks a division in lifestyles, with the old city retaining its past traditions whilst New Delhi strives to match the pace of the 21st century.
Day 2
Today enjoy a full day private tour of modern New Delhi and the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi, which came to prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital here from Agra.
 
In Old Delhi enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through 300-year old Chandni Chowk market, a maze of lanes crowded with noisy shops selling an extraordinary variety of items and foods, and past the Jama Masjid (or Friday Mosque), the largest in India, and drive past the imposing walls & battlements of the Red Fort, once the most opulent palace in the Mughal Empire. We continue to the Raj Ghat - the simple but moving memorial on the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
 
In the afternoon our tour of New Delhi starts with a visit to the Qutub Minar, an ancient victory tower built of red sandstone and marble in 1199 and still the tallest minaret in India. With its imposing cylindrical towers and surrounding ruins, it is today a World Heritage Site. Our next stop is Humayun's Tomb, the beautiful mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, that inspired the Taj Mahal.
 
We drive along the Rajpath - the capital's broadest avenue - where you will see the imposing arch of the India Gate war memorial, Parliament House, the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential residence built for the Viceroy of India, and the government buildings on Raisina Hill.
 
Note: The Red Fort is closed on Mondays.
Day 3
This morning we drive 3.5-hours from Delhi to the ancient city of Agra, set along the banks of the Yamuna River and originally the capital of the Mughal Empire.
 
Along the way we visit the Agra Bear Rescue Centre. This facility provides sanctuary to over 200 orphaned and distressed sloth bears, including many rescued dancing circus bears.
 
Afterwards we continue to Agra, which is world renowned as the home of the Taj Mahal - that great symbol of love built by emperor Shah Jahan in the 16th century as a memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal.
 
In the late afternoon, visit the Mehtab Bagh Gardens that are located across the river from the Taj Mahal, to enjoys your first views of this magnificent edifice at sunset.
Day 4
Rise early this morning to visit the stunning Taj Mahal at sunrise. This magnificent white marble mausoleum took 22 years to build and, apart from its stunning design and perfect symmetry, it is noted for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best marble inlay work ever done. Sunrise and sunset are particularly good times to visit and see the dome subtly change its colour.
 
After returning to your hotel for breakfast, later in the day we visit Agra Fort, a massive structure with walls over 70-ft high and 1.5-miles long that encompasses an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Shah Jahan. After he was deposed by his son, he was imprisoned in this fort where he remained until his death - spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting place of his beloved wife.
 
Note: Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. You are allowed a maximum of 3-hours at the monument and cannot take in anything except your camera, water and essential medicine. From mid-January to mid-February there may be early morning fog, in which case you will visit the Taj Mahal a little later.
Day 5
This morning we leave Agra and travel 1-hour to the magnificent red sandstone royal city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by the emperor Mohammad Akbar as the capital of the Mughal Empire. The city was abandoned due to water shortage, when the capital was moved north to Delhi, and in more recent years the fort has provided a dramatic backdrop to several famous films.
 
We then drive 15-minutes to Bharatpur Station to board the express train (air-conditioned chair car) travelling for 2.15-hours to Sawai Madhopur in southeast Rajasthan.
 
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel situated near Ranthambore National Park. This world famous tiger sanctuary was originally the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Today it is the largest wildlife reserve in northern India, covering an area of over 250 sq miles (400 sq km).
 
Note: At Fatehpur Sikri there is a short transfer from the car park in a local bus, that will be very full and will not be air-conditioned.
 
When you board the train take only a small day pack, as your main luggage will remain with your driver. To avoid unnecessary stress, on the train you will be accompanied by a local helper who will ensure you disembark at the correct stop. Please note he is not a guide and may have limited English. Always be alert for possible theft (eg do not wear expensive watches or jewellery & never leave your belongings unattended); do not buy any food or drink from hawkers and know the toilets are likely to be in a poor condition. Because of the very short (2-minute) stops at each station, train travel in India is not recommended for the elderly or those travelling with children, where a road transfer will be substituted. This will also be done during adverse weather conditions.
Day 6
This morning enjoy a private jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park.
 
Early morning is the best time to see tigers, but be aware that it is extremely difficult to find them in the jungle and sightings are never guaranteed. Best viewings are generally at the end of the dry season (March to May, although it is extremely hot from April onwards), when the tigers search out the waterholes - but you need to take at least 4 game drives for a good chance of a sighting.
 
Other animals you can hope to see include leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, caracal, civet, desert cat, mongoose, ratel, sloth bear, langur & macaque monkeys, wild boar, palm squirrel, flying fox, porcupine, long-eared hedgehog, marsh crocodile, tortoise and softshell turtle. Also antelope such as sambar deer, chital, nilgai, chinkara and black buck.
 
In the afternoon return to the park for another game drive. In addition to the many mammals and reptiles, there are over 270 bird species - including eagles, falcons, owls, greylag geese, flamingos, parakeets, fly catchers, bee-eaters, grebe, terns, woodpeckers, hornbills and kingfishers.
 
Note: Zones 1 to 5 are closed every Tuesda and during Holi and the monsoon season (July to early October). Zones 6 to 10 are closed every Wednesday, but otherwise remain open all year
 
You will need to take a copy of your passport with you to enter the national park. Please note that we have no control over the driver and vehicle allocated to you, as this is done by the local park authorities according to a rota. In the winter months wear warm clothes, including woolly hats and gloves to protect you from the wind chill in your open vehicle.
Day 7
Today we drive 4-hours from Ranthambore National Park to the chaotic and colourful "Pink City" of Jaipur that is home to over 3 million people.
 
On arrival enjoy a tour of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan which has been declared a World Heritage Site due to its cultural heritage. Our first stop is to view the magnificent Hawa Mahal (the "Palace of the Winds") designed in the form of the crown of the Hindu god Krishna. This five-storey frontage looks like a bee's honeycomb with 953 small windows, each decorated with intricate latticework so that the court ladies living in secluded purdah could watch royal processions, without being seen themselves. Built of red and pink sandstone, it is particularly striking early in the morning when lit by the sunrise.
 
We then visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world and also a World Heritage Site. It is the best preserved of five observatories built by Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. It has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.
 
Our day finishes with a visit to the nearby City Palace, the former Royal Residence part of which is now a museum. One of the major attractions here is the armoury with its impressive array of pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers used by the Maharajas of Jaipur. The Textile and Costume Museum on the first floor is another fine display, with items from all over India.
Day 8
This morning we visit the imposing Amber Fort - another World Heritage Site.
 
This magnificent royal palace was built from pale yellow & pink sandstone and white marble and is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. You will enter via the main courtyard (Jaleb Chowk) where returning armies would display their war booty and women could view them from the veiled windows of the palace. Once inside explore the amazing Palace of Mirrors and Hall of Public Audience.
 
After lunch (own account) enjoy an Elephant Interaction, spending time up close and personal with an Asian elephant cared for by a mahout family. You can touch and feed him, and learn about elephant decoration, medicines and treatment. During the summer you can also see him being bathed.
 
In the evening enjoy the unique experience of dining with a local family, where you will taste spicy Rajasthan food and gain insight into their lifestyle, with different generations living under the same roof.
 
Note: If you would like to take a gift for your hosts, we suggest flowers. Avoid edible items, because of varying religious and dietary restrictions.
Day 9
At leisure to explore more of the city of Jaipur with your driver providing your transport. You can walk through the old walled city, explore its many bazaars and shop for textiles.
 
Alternatively enjoy an optional Market Tour with a cooking demonstration by a local chef, or an optional elephant interaction.
 
You can also take an optional morning or afternoon jeep safari in Jhalana Wildlife Sanctuary, which is known for its leopards, or visit the town of Sanganer known for its textiles and paper prints (pay entrance fees locally).
Day 10
A full day on the road today as we drive for 6-hours to Bikaner, travelling through the deserts of Rajasthan - "the Land of Kings".
 
Along the way we stop to visit the Deshnok Temple famous for its rats, which are treated as sacred and given protection here. This 600-year old temple, with its huge intricately carved silver gates, is dedicated to Karni Mata.
 
Continue to Bikaner, tucked away in the desert and characterised by its beautiful sandstone architecture. In the late afternoon we visit a Camel Farm.
Day 11
This morning we visit the impressive Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh in the 16th century on the desert plain, but many palaces were added over the next three centuries. The outer wall, built of light red sandstone, is surrounded by a moat and within are beautifully designed palaces with balconies, kiosks and fine jali (lattice work) screens with richly decorated interiors. The Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds) inside the fort has walls covered with stories from the life of Lord Krishna, whilst the walls of the oldest palace, the Lal Niwas, are elaborately decorated in red and gold.
 
After our visit we travel 6-hours to the golden city of Jaisalmer and enjoy the scenery of the Great Thar Desert with its vast expanses of sand dunes and thorny shrubs. Here you will see Rajasthani women dressed in colorful skirts, veils and heavy silver jewellery balancing a number of pots on their heads, as they march in a group to the nearest water-head, while men in turbans lead their camels.
 
We check into our hotel in Jaisalmer. Named after its founder, the Rajput king Maharawal Jaisal Singh, this fortified hilltop town stands on a ridge of yellow sandstone, crowned by its fort. Many of the houses are finely sculptured and the fort contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples.
Day 12
This morning we expore Jaisalmer, a city untouched by time and a major staging post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert.
 
We visit commanding Jaisalmer Fort, called the "Golden Fort" because of its honey-coloured sandstone walls that rise out of the hot barren desert. The fort encloses elaborately carved 12th to 16th century Jain temples and several palaces decorated with delicate jali (lattice work) screens, flora carvings and carved doors.
 
The narrow streets of the fort and the city are lined with exquisite havelis (private mansions). Similar in style to the homes of Venetian merchants, these were the mansions of wealthy traders. Each haveli has an inner courtyard, surrounded by richly decorated apartments with beautifully carved facades, screens and windows. Three of the most famous are Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, with its beautiful arched roof with carved peacock brackets; Patwon-ki-Haveli with its elaborate latticed façade and Salim Singh-ki-Haveli.
 
Outside the walls of the fortified town is the small oasis of Gadi Sagar, which led Prince Jaisal to found his city. It is well worth visiting to see the large number of shrines around it and the migratory birds, which it attracts. You can also visit the markets of Jaisalmer with their handicrafts, tie and dye products and camel leather footwear.
 
In the late afternoon a special treat awaits - a Camel Ride into the sand dunes at sunset.
Day 13
Today we leave Jaisalmer and travel 6-hours to the historic city of Jodhpur, the second largest in Rajasthan and known as the 'Blue City' because of its many blue-painted houses.
 
Along the way we stop at Bishnoi Village to witness the rural life of the people living in the hamlets ('dhanis'). They are staunch worshippers of nature in all its forms, but especially plant and animal life. Witness the potters making pottery and see a demonstration of an opium ceremony, traditionally performed to celebrate special occasions & festivals.
 
Afterwards we continue to Jodhpur. This old walled and gated city encircles Mehrangarh Fort, with the modern city sprawling outside its walls.
Day 14
This morning enjoy a half day city tour of Jodhpur whose magnificent palaces, forts and temples reflect its feudal past.
 
We visit the 15th century impregnable Mehrangarh (Majestic) Fort towering above its 6-mile (10-km) wall, with soaring archways and many beautiful palaces, each decorated with exquisite engravings, lattice and mirror work. It has a museum with an unusual collection of miniature paintings, glided palanquins and a solid silver howdah presented by a Mughal emperor to the Maharaja.
 
We also visit Jaswant Thada, a graceful white marble mausoleum built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. We finish with a visit to the Clock Tower and Sardar spice market.
 
Afternoon at leisure to relax at your hotel or visit a colourful street bazaar, where you may be able to buy a pair of jodphur riding trousers that originated here.
Day 15
A full day on the road today as we drive 7-hours from Jodhpur through the mountains to beautiful Udaipur.
 
Along the way we view the vast and impregnable 15th century Mewar fortress at Kumbalgarh. Built by Rana Kumbha, this was the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these great walls extend over 24 miles (38 km) and are second only in length to the Great Wall of China. They are wide enough to take eight horsemen riding abreast and the fort offers a superb bird's eye view over the surrounding countryside.
 
We also stop at Ranakpur to visit its famous Jain Temple. Constructed of light coloured marble, this grand temple has very distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas that rise majestically from the hill. Over 1,444 marble pillars support the temple, each one carved in exquisite detail and no two are the same. It is said that it is impossible to count the pillars. There is one beautiful carving made out of a single rock of marble, with 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails where you cannot find their end.
 
Continue to Udaipur and check into your hotel in this serene city of lakes.
 
Days 16 To 17
This morning enjoy a half tour of Udaipur, the former capital of the Mewar kingdom that offers unique history and culture, as well as some lovely scenery. It is famous for its many Rajput palaces, such as the Lake Palace that covers an entire island and is now a luxury hotel.
 
We visit the City Palace, the focal point of the city, with areas of interest including the Suraj Gokhada balcony, Badi Mahal garden palace, Sheesh Mahal palace and the Mor Chowk peacock courtyard. Here you can enjoy an optional high tea at Zenana Mahal, the queen's palace (pay for this locally).
 
The Crystal Gallery at Fateh Prakash palace has possibly the largest collection of crystal in the world including objects d’art, furniture, washing bowls and even a crystal bed. Next we visit the Jagdish Temple, with its imposing sculpted figures and heavily ornamented interiors and Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, constructed for 48 maids who accompanied the wife of Maharaja Sangram Singh II as dowry.
 
Your afternoon is at leisure to relax at your hotel or enjoy some shopping.
 
In the evening enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola (subject to water levels).
Day 18
At leisure to relax at your hotel, or explore more of the beautiful city of Udaipur with your driver (pay any entrance fees locally).
Day 19
Transfer to Udaipur Airport for your flight to Mumbai.
 
You will be met at Mumbai Airport and transferred to your hotel conveniently situated near the airport in this bustling city. Formerly known as Bombay, this is the most populous city in India and its commercial capital, as well as the home of the Bollywood film industry.
Day 20
Today enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Mumbai, starting with a 1-hour ferry ride to Elephanta Island - originally called Gharapuri ("Fortress City") but renamed by the Portuguese, who found a large stone elephant here.
 
The Elephanta Caves date from between 450 to 750 AD and are now a World Heritage site, containing gigantic rock effigies of the Hindu faith. One of the most interesting of the large sculptured panels is the three-headed Shiva - shown as the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer. Another Shiva panel shows the God dancing the 'Tandava' and thereby causing the world to shake.
 
After lunch (own account) enjoy a private City Tour, starting with a photo stop at the Gateway of India and a drive past Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum). This is one of the premier art and history museums in India and the building itself is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. We also drive past the beautiful old buildings of Mumbai University, the Rajabhai Clock Tower and Mumbai High Court, with another photo stop at the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Railway Terminus, built in an exuberant Italian Gothic style and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 
We then take the Marine Lines flyover to Chowpatty, with its lovely seaside promenade, and the beautiful Hanging Gardens perched on the top of Malabar Hill. We drive past a Jain Temple and the circular Parsi Tower of Silence to the Mani Bhavan Museum, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed when visiting Mumbai.
Time permitting we also drive to Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai's open-air laundromat, which remains very popular despite the creation of the modern washing machine! We then board a local train for the short ride to Churchgate Station in southern Mumbai, an area known for its Art Deco buildings. Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel.
 
Note: Elephanta Island and Price of Wales Museum are closed on a Monday.
Day 21
Transfer to Mumbai Airport for your flight home.