Alaska
Super-sized wilderness
Antarctica
Expeditions to the ultimate frontier
Argentina
A seductive mix of tango, treks and history
Australia
Iconic cities, awe-inspiring outback and everything in between
Borneo
Untamed nature
Brazil
Samba rhythms and wild landscapes
Central Asia
Magical landscapes and Silk Road cities
Chile
The land of extremes
China
Beautiful chaos and ancient history
Costa Rica
The most biodiverse country on earth
Cuba
An old girl with a new heart
Ethiopia
Epic landscapes and divine history
Iceland
Dramatic landscapes and beautiful glaciers
India
A dazzling kaleidoscope of colour
Jordan
Forgotten cities and nomadic deserts
Kenya
More than just safaris
Kerala
Exploring God’s own country
Machu Picchu
Peru's archaeological rock star
Mexico
Fiestas, Frida and Maya mystery
Morocco
The hospitable gateway to Africa
Nepal
The country at the top of the world
New Zealand
Adventures at the end of the earth
Ontario
Embrace the Canadian wilderness
Patagonia
The wilderness at the end of the earth
Peru
Hidden treasures for those that look
Rajasthan
The Land of Kings
Rwanda
Everything in one perfect package
South Africa
Safari and beyond in the Rainbow Nation
Sri Lanka
Ancient civilisation and endless beaches
Tanzania
Mountains, safaris and spice islands
Thailand
Tropical beaches and beautiful temples
The Galapagos Islands
The islands that changed the world
Uganda
Unforgettable encounters
Uzbekistan
Mosques, mausoleums and madrasahs
Vietnam
Head-spinning contradictions and character
Western USA
Landscapes and legendsClassic Northern India
The Golden Triangle and Rajasthan by train, plane and automobile
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Agra
Your arrival into Agra will give you your first glimpse of the world-famous Taj Mahal...Read more -
Jaipur
Known as the pink city, Jaipur is a Rajasthani royal city that offers spellbinding sights and sounds...Read more -
Jaisalmer
...Read more -
Udaipur
The City of Lakes is undoubtedly the most romantic place in Rajasthan...Read more -
Mumbai
...Read more
![Activity]()
Activity
Culture & History, Luxury, Cities, Photography, Culinary
![Physical Level]()
Physical Level
Easy
Physical Level![Season]()
Season
January - December
SeasonDiscover fascinating Northern India and the Golden Triangle journeying by planes, trains and automobiles. Experience everything from the Taj Mahal to the silky sand dunes of Jaisalmer with the delights of Jaipur and Udaipur, two of Rajasthan’s most exciting cities, in between.
Suggested Itinerary
Recommended route & experiences
Day 1–3
Explore Old Delhi
Delhi
Start your Indian adventure in capital city Delhi. Your guide will introduce you to the sights of this grand city, starting with the World Heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb, Gandhi’s eternal flame and the imposing India Gate, a memorial to 82,000 soldiers who died during World War One.
Make sure to explore the narrow streets of Old Delhi, founded in 1639 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who moved the Mughal capital here from Agra. Try street food, marvel at the architecture and absorb your surroundings – it’s crowded and chaotic, but this is the real India.
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.
Featured Accommodation
Deluxe
The Imperial
A unique blend of Victorian, Old Colonial and Art Deco style, the iconic and historic Imperial is seriously good. Beyond the turbaned, mustachioed doormen, elegant interiors are adorned with fine art. Great rooms compiled with delicious understated elegance.
Deluxe
The Imperial
Deluxe
The Lodhi
Super hip, refined, elegant and contemporary, The Lodhi oozes luxury. There’s an art gallery, a library and cigar room, a spectacular sunken pool, a vast gym and health club. The restaurants are truly superb and the rooms simply the best in Delhi.
Deluxe
The Lodhi
Day 4–6
Take the train and marvel at the Taj Mahal
Agra
You’ll begin your trip to Agra early in the morning and that most Indian of transport – the train. India’s rail network is spread over 115,000km and transports 23 million people each day. You’ll be journeying from the comfort of a first-class carriage, but you’ll still take in the sights, sounds and smells of travel in India.
Your arrival into Agra will give you your first glimpse of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Spend a couple of days exploring this monument to love (Emperor Shah Jahan built it to house the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal), as well as Agra Fort and Chandni Bazaar. If time allows, visit the ancient ruins of the sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri.
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.
Featured Accommodation
Deluxe
Oberoi Amarvilas
A view with a room: the whole orientation of the Oberoi Amarvilas is towards the Taj Mahal, which is visible from much of the lobby and bar area. Rooms are exquisitely appointed. Superb pool area is a sunken step well. Two brilliant restaurants.
Deluxe
Oberoi Amarvilas
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
Trident Agra
Day 7–9
Get cultural in Jaipur
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 Amer 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.
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.
Featured Accommodation
Deluxe
Rajmahal Palace
A dazzling reincarnation of a former Maharaja’s palace. Bespoke wallpapers, butlers pristine in white, scents of jasmine from the lush gardens, Art Deco pool, monogrammed linen, custom china… 14 suites, all unique but united by creative flair. And fabulous food to boot.
Deluxe
Rajmahal Palace
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.
Superior
Rambagh Palace
Day 10–12
Encounter desert nomads in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer
Travel to the far-flung western edge of Rajasthan to see the Golden City of Jaisalmer. Located in the heart of the imposing Thar desert, you'll encounter desert nomads, camel caravans, colourful clothing and a city full of charming buildings. With your guide, you'll explore the labyrinth of streets and the desert beyond.
Visit the camel markets of the Thar Desert
A visit to Rajasthan wouldn’t be complete without venturing into the vast blank canvas that is the Thar Desert. 40% of the state’s population reside in the desert, so take this opportunity to experience the folklore, crafts and vibrant camel markets of gateway towns like Jaisalmer.
Day 13–15
Float on the lakes of Udaipur
Udaipur
Home to five interconnecting lakes, Udaipur is known as the 'Venice of India' and is one of the country's most romantic cities. Float across Lake Pichola to your floating hotel, visit the City Palace and Jag Mandir and take a guided shopping trip down the mazy alleyways of the old city.
Featured Accommodation
Superior
Taj Lake Palace
The most iconic and romantic hotel in India. Set upon Lake Pichola, everyone from Jacqueline Kennedy to James Bond have enjoyed spectacular sunsets from its rooftop. Interiors are charming in their faded elegance. Sumptuous rooms come complete with Butlers.
Superior
Taj Lake Palace
Superior
Oberoi Udaivilas
In a league of its own, the Oberoi Udaivilas is a sensational creation of Mughal style domes, charming pavilions, reflection pools and ornate fountains with views over Lake Pichola, together with opulent interiors and exquisite dining. Linger and luxuriate.
Superior
Oberoi Udaivilas
Superior
Amet Haveli
With only 20 rooms, the Amet Haveli is a treasure trove of history dating back to 1752 set in a perfect location on Lake Pichola. Rooms are delightfully idiosyncratic with intricately carved windows and decorative coving. Small plunge pool and superb restaurant.
Superior
Amet Haveli
Superior
Trident Udaipur
A former hunting estate of the Maharana of Udaipur on the edge of the city, the Trident is a superb value-for-money option, ever reliable, with excellent service, good food and standards of cleanliness second to none. Brilliant location and wide-ranging facilities.
Superior
Trident Udaipur
Day 16–18
End in iconic Mumbai
Mumbai
Fast-paced Mumbai is the brash, celebrity-filled city of entertainment. Here, Bollywood stars mingle with cricket legends and you'll get a taste of luxury with your stay at the famous Taj Mahal hotel.
It's not all about modern Mumbai though — your guide will take you on a tour of Mumbai's rich culture and fascinating history, including its crumbling colonial-era architecture.
Featured Accommodation
Superior
Taj Mahal Palace
The Taj Mahal Palace hotel is not only a historic luxury hotel that has played host to the most illustrious of guests but it is Mumbai’s greatest landmark in its own right.
Superior
Taj Mahal Palace
Where to stay
Sample accommodations & classes
Superior
India's Superior class hotels offer spacious and finely-furnished rooms, friendly and personal concierge service, and 4* equivalent facilities such as a pool, sauna, gym, and excellent restaurants. They are located in prime locations with easy access to nearby highlights and they often occupy unique and historical buildings. Perfectly suited for those looking for an extra level of comfort and service.
Superior
India's Superior class hotels offer spacious and finely-furnished rooms, friendly and personal concierge service, and 4* equivalent facilities such as a pool, sauna, gym, and excellent restaurants...
Deluxe
India's Deluxe class hotels (five-star equivalent) are truly world class, and are guaranteed to be a highlight of the overall trip. These hotels offer exclusive and personal service and large, luxurious rooms with no detail spared. They are often major landmarks in their own right, situated in palaces, castles and colonial-era mansions. Ideally suited for couples, honeymooners, and those looking for something extra special.
Deluxe
India's Deluxe class hotels (five-star equivalent) are truly world class, and are guaranteed to be a highlight of the overall trip...
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