Golden Triangle and Rajasthan extended

Destinations	Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan (4 more) Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park, Udaipur
Activity	Luxury, Nature & Wildlife, Culture
Physical Level	Easy
Season	January - December

Suggested itinerary

Get a taste of Old Delhi

Day 1–3 in Delhi

Start your Indian adventure in capital city Delhi. Join your guide in a rickshaw to explore the narrow lanes and alleyways of Old Delhi. Expect myriad colours, sounds and smells as your tuk-tuk winds in and out of the narrow streets. Make sure to sample some street food, where stuffed parathas (deep-fried stuffed bread) or sticky jalebis (sugary deep-fried dough).

Your guide will also introduce you to the sights of this grand city, starting with the World Heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb and the imposing India Gate, a memorial to 82,000 soldiers who died during World War One.

Don't miss

Get lost in old Delhi in the Chandni Chowk

Visit Old Delhi, the symbolic heart of India’s capital, and get lost in one of its oldest and busiest markets, the Chandni Chowk. Explore its fascinating history, temples and famous colourful bazaars, selling everything from sweets and saris to jewellery and the delicious jalebis.

View Agra's Taj Mahal

Day 4–6 in Agra

Begin your trip to Agra early on that most Indian of transport – the train. India’s rail network is spread over 115,000km and transports 23 million people each day. Granted, you'll be travelling in air-conditioned first-class carriages, but this is a great opportunity to experience commuter life in such a populous city.

Once in Agra, you'll settle into your hotel with a direct view of the world-famous Taj Mahal. With your guide, you'll explore the architecture and history of this monument to love built by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz. Take the time to see Agra's other sights, including the Agra Fort and Chandni Bazaar. If time allows, visit the ancient ruins of the sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri on the outskirts of Agra.

Don't miss

Visit India’s most impressive fort in Agra

Agra may be more famous for a certain monument to love (hint: the Taj Mahal), but it is also home to the imposing, red sandstone Agra Fort. Built in the 16th century, it was once the residence of the Mughal emperors.

See the Taj Mahal (and beyond)

The Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan, may be the best-known of Agra’s historical sights, but it’s certainly not the only one. A visit to the Taj Mahal is a given, but try to spend a little longer in the area and make time for other highlights such as Akbar’s Tomb, Agra Fort and the mosque of Fatehpur Sikri.

Take a trip to Ranthambore National Park

Day 7–8 in Ranthambore National Park

View the Rajasthani countryside on your four-hour drive from Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park, where you'll stay in a luxurious tented site in the outdoors — complete with site butler.

This will be your base for exploring Rajasthan’s most beautiful national park. You'll take two morning and two afternoon guided game drives in search of Ranthambore’s tigers, but make sure to look out for the leopards, crocodiles and many other animals that call Ranthambore home.

Don't miss

Go on tiger safari in Ranthambore

Wander among the enchanted banyan trees of the Ranthambore National Park. Famous for its population of Bengal tigers which can be spotted in their natural habitat, the park is also home to quintessential Indian forests where you can relax, explore and enjoy the sights and sounds.

Marvel at Jaipur's architecture

Day 9–11 in Jaipur

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is a Rajasthani royal city that offers spellbinding sights and sounds. Its palaces, observatories and merchant buildings are painted in hues of red and pink, but its crowning jewel is the spectacular Amber Fort which towers over the city on a hillside a short drive from the city. Spend a couple of days exploring Jaipur, including its rich arts and crafts scene, before flying back to Delhi to connect with your international flight.

Don't miss

Marvel at the architecture of Jaipur's Amber Fort

Perhaps Rajasthan’s best known city, Jaipur is renowned for its stunning architecture. From the imposing Amber Fort to the Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal palaces, the city oozes history. Jaipur is also Rajasthan’s cultural centre, making it a great place to take in traditional folkloric dance and music.

Shop for handcrafted fabrics in Jaipur

Rajasthan is one of India’s richest states when it comes to traditional arts and crafts. From block-printed and tie-dyed fabrics to jewellery and Jaipur’s distinctive blue-dyed pottery, Rajasthan is an art enthusiasts dream.

Experience rural Rajasthan

100kms from Jaipur nestled in the Aravelli Hills is the tiny village of Ajabgarh where life hasn’t changed for generations, tribesmen tend their goats and the sight of a foreigner is certain to raise a wave and a smile from local children. If there’s such a thing as ‘real’ India, this must be pretty close.

See Rajasthani palaces in Jodhpur

Day 12–13 in Jodhpur

The beautifully preserved Blue City of Jodhpur is home to one of India's best forts. Perched high on a rock above Jodhpur's Old Town, Mehrangarh Fort's collection of palaces and art galleries are beautifully maintained.

Then, head to the Old Town to view its landmark clocktower, before exploring the bazaar and street stalls. Live like royalty by staying at the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Constructed in 1944, it is one of the last grand palaces to be built in India and parts of it are still occupied by the royal family of Jodhpur.

Don't miss

Tour historial Jodhpur

Bizarrely overlooked by mainstream tourists, Jodhpur is the blue sapphire to Jaipur’s ruby. The beautifully preserved Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1460, is a magnificent sight and an architectural triumph. Surrounding it is a bite-sized old city enclosed by massive walls with squares and step wells all waiting to be discovered on foot.

Float on Udaipur's romantic lakes

Day 14–15 in Udaipur

Set over five lakes, romantic Udaipur is known as the Venice of India. You'll stay in the Lake Palace in the middle of Lake Pichola, the former summer palace of the Mewar dynasty. From here, you'll be able to explore the lakes and labyrinthine streets of Udaipur. Take the time to see the various havelis (merchant houses) of Udaipur — they're known for their ornate architecture.

From Udaipur, you'll take an internal flight to Delhi before connecting to your international flight.

Where to stay

Superior

Trident Agra

A little island of cleanliness and calm in the middle of the Taj Mahal mayhem. With this chain, you can be sure of excellent service, flawlessly clean rooms and a tickbox list of facilities. Lacking a little character, perhaps, but excellent value for money.

Superior

Rambagh Palace

This jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunning grand luxury rooms and suites, once the chambers of the Maharaja. The palace retains its splendour with vintage cars, guards on horseback and exquisitely uniformed staff. Mughal gardens and exceptional cuisine.