7-Nights Deluxe India Golden Triangle & Ranthambore from $1,701

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

Welcome to Delhi, the intriguing cultural and historical center of India's past and future, built over 450 years by a succession of empires - first the Hindu and Muslim dynasties, followed by the powerful Mughal dynasty which ruled until the British took over. Delhi offers its visitors glimpses of the stupendous power and wealth of its past. Where even the most modern parts of the city retain their distinctly Indian identity, here you will find a model of the latest car cruising through the streets and at the busiest intersection, you will find a herd of doe-eyed cows oblivious to the traffic. It is in Delhi that a Mercedes Benz and a cycle rickshaw co-exist in the same neighborhood. In keeping with this, Old and New Delhi are so different from each other but one complements the other.

Hotel: Le Meridien New Delhi (5 Star Rating)

Le Meridien New Delhi is a modern property located in the centre of the city, just a few minutes' walk from shopping, business and administrative districts. Le Meridien New Delhi is situated two kilometres from Rashtrapati Bhawan, the home of the president of India; the Presidential Palace; Parliament House; and the commercial hub of Connaught Place. Le Méridien offers a truly unique experience in every one of its stylish guest rooms and suites. Warm earth tones, in addition to the luxurious sitting and work areas, create an inviting ambience for you to experience and enjoy.

Today in the morning proceed to explore Old Delhi popularly known as The Walled City, was once the capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries. Drive past the magnificent Red Fort, an eternal symbol of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan's power and style are among the main attractions of Old Delhi and the imposing Jama Masjid, the great mosque of Old Delhi, with its onion-shaped dome and characteristically Mughal architecture.

Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk. Today it still contains its fabled, colorful bazaars and a myriad of narrow streets, of which Chandni Chowk, with its never-ending but ever fascinating chaos remains the most famous.

This afternoon you will notice the sharp comparison the architecture of New Delhi or "Lutyen's Delhi" commissioned in 1911 and inaugurated as recently as 1931 is a combination of British and Indian styles and this whole area of Delhi is magnificently planned. At one end of the avenue known as the Rajpath (literally the "King's Way") is the War Memorial Arch, better known as India Gate, a memorial to the 90,000 Indians who gave their lives in World War I. At the other end stands the Rashtrapati Bhavan, one of the largest and most grandiose of the Raj constructions, built originally for the British Viceroy and now the official residence of the President of India Visit Humayun's Tomb, Emperor Humayun, the father of Emperor Akbar, lies buried in this magnificent monument built in red sandstone. Haji Begum, Humayun's first wife and mother of Emperor Akbar designed and supervised the entire construction. Marvel at the Qutab Minar, India's tallest stone tower. At a height of 234 feet, the "Tower of Victory" is considered by some to be the world's most perfect specimen of tower architecture. A mathematical marvel, this building has remained standing for nine centuries.

Hotel: Le Meridien New Delhi (5 Star Rating)

Le Meridien New Delhi is a modern property located in the centre of the city, just a few minutes' walk from shopping, business and administrative districts. Le Meridien New Delhi is situated two kilometres from Rashtrapati Bhawan, the home of the president of India; the Presidential Palace; Parliament House; and the commercial hub of Connaught Place. Le Méridien offers a truly unique experience in every one of its stylish guest rooms and suites. Warm earth tones, in addition to the luxurious sitting and work areas, create an inviting ambience for you to experience and enjoy.

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning you will depart for Agra, the capital to the Mughals in the 16th and 17th Centuries. Though Agra's history is largely recognized with the Mughal Empire, this city was established much earlier and has links to the Mahabharat period in 1000 BC. However, the Golden Age of this city began with the Mughals and was known then as Akbarabad. Home to three generations of one of the most dynamic dynasties in the medieval world - with each generation playing a different role in its making! Agra is home to the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India, of which the Taj is simply the most famous. The beauty of these buildings will bowl you over, but knowing something of the dramatic history that played itself out on these stages makes the entire Agra experience come alive.

On arrival transfer to the hotel.

This afternoon you will visit the magnificent Agra Fort. Emperor Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1565-1573. With imposing gates, walls of red sandstone and moat, it dominates the center of the city.

Aurangzeb imprisoned his father, Shah Jehan, at Agra Fort, a mild punishment considering the luxury of the fort. Legend states that Shah Jehan died in Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony with an excellent view of the Taj Mahal.

After Agra fort visit proceed for sunset visit of the Taj Mahal, to experience its splendour and beauty graced by the light of the sunset. Visitors are asked to remove their shoes prior to entering the interiors of the Taj Mahal. This ethereal monument took 22 years and more than 20,000 men to build. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died at the age of 39 for giving birth to her fourteenth child. Its unique beauty and immaculately intricate execution all contribute to the breathtaking first impression as you pass through the arch of the entrance gateway.

Hotel: ITC Mughal (5 Star Rating)

Sprawled over 35 acres of luxurious gardens and in close proximity to the Taj Mahal, ITC Mughal, a 5 star hotel in Agra is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. This luxury hotel in Agra comprises of 233 opulent rooms and suites, recreating a paradise and perfection which was the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning you will drive to Ranthambhore stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri literally translated as "The City of Victory" where we find the site of the deserted city of Emperor Akbar. The vast, imperial capital with its 500 splendid buildings was abandoned after only fourteen years due to the drying up of the city's water supply.

Continue driving toward Ranthambhore.

Ranthambore National Park originally was the hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Jaipur and it was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1972 this park came under Project Tiger and finally in 1980 it became a National Park. Ranthambore is one of the best locations to get a close view of the tigers with a viewing sometimes as near as 30 feet.

Arrive and transfer to the hotel. You will enjoy dinner at the resort.

Hotel: The Tigress Ranthambore (4 Star Rating)

The Tigress Ranthambore is a premium heritage resort adjacent to Ranthambore National Park. The suites and villas include spacious living areas with central air conditioning, personal outdoor space and complimentary WiFi internet. Facilities include a restaurant serving Indian and international cuisine, a rooftop barbeque restaurant, coffee shop, pool bar and fusion bar, and an on-site spa.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Early this morning you will enjoy a pre-booked game drive through the Ranthambore National Park. You will be accompanied by a naturalist. This is the perfect time and place to indulge in wildlife photography.

Numerous animals are found in this park and it is common to spot antelopes, nilgai, sambhar and chital (different species of deer). Down by the lake and at the water holes many other animals can be sighted like the sloth bear, wild boar, porcupine, jackal, leopard, jungle cat and crocodile. A large number of birds are also found within the park and there are over 300 different species of birds here. But of course it is the tigers that everyone comes to see. And seeing these magnificent animals in the wild is a fantastic experience. Ranthambore is one of the best locations to get a close view. They are sighted almost daily somewhere in the park especially early in the morning. The luckiest visitors may catch a glimpse of tigers hunting, and the females taking care of their cubs.

Return to your hotel for lunch.

This afternoon you will set out on another game drive.

Dinner is served at the resort.

Hotel: The Tigress Ranthambore (4 Star Rating)

The Tigress Ranthambore is a premium heritage resort adjacent to Ranthambore National Park. The suites and villas include spacious living areas with central air conditioning, personal outdoor space and complimentary WiFi internet. Facilities include a restaurant serving Indian and international cuisine, a rooftop barbeque restaurant, coffee shop, pool bar and fusion bar, and an on-site spa.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

This morning you will enjoy a visit to the Ranthambore Fort, balanced on a hilltop and often shrouded in mist at the time of early morning game drives. A visit to its thousand-year-old ramparts provides a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Built by the Mughals, the fort was given as a gift to the Maharaja of Jaipur in the 17th century. Its breathtaking interiors display intricate workmanship, and the Hammir Court is known for its acoustics - even a whisper can be heard at the other end of the building. A visit to the Gupt Ganga, a series of steps cut into the rock and leading down to the source of a perennial stream, is also a must.

After early lunch drive to Jaipur, a city, whose past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city". Jaipur, whose past is never too far from hand.

The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city". There is a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs.

Arrive and proceed to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Hotel: ITC Rajputana (5 Star Rating)

ITC Rajputana is a luxury hotel in Jaipur, blending traditional Rajasthani architecture with modern comforts. The hotel offers elegant rooms, fine dining, a lavish spa, and serene courtyards, providing a regal retreat in the heart of the Pink City. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring Jaipur’s historic landmarks.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

The morning you will drive along the streets of Jaipur to the Amber Fort, set atop a rugged hilltop and overlooking Lake Moata. The fort has been constructed in white and red sandstone. The Fort is unique in that it's outside, an imposing and rugged defensive structure, is markedly different from its inside, an ornate, lavish interior influenced by both Hindu and Muslim styles of ornamentation.

This afternoon you will explore the city stopping first to view and photograph the Palace of Winds. Completed in 1799, the Palace was originally built to allow the sequestered ladies of the court to view the bustling life of the city. It is popularly known as Hawa Mahal, because of the perforated screen facade which catches the welcome breeze or Hawa. Continue on including a visit to the City Palace complex that continues to evoke the splendour of a bygone era. In an unending series of delights, from its grand aged entrance to the play of ornamental fountains, the City Palace is a dazzling showplace of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Next to the city palace is Jantar Mantar, literally translated as Calculation Instrument. This Observatory was built between 1728 and 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh, Jantar Mantar was built on a grand scale and was way beyond its time. This was modeled after the one that was built in Delhi, the then Mughal capital. He had constructed a total of five of which the one in Jaipur is the largest.

After your tour explore the local markets. Jaipur is a shopper's paradise, renowned for gems and jewelry: precious and semi-precious stones set in gold, 'meenakari' (enamel work), antique and chunky silver jewelry; and Colombian emeralds which are actually brought to Jaipur for cutting and polishing and are available at reasonable prices. Other finds include carpets, 'Pechwai' and miniature paintings on silk and paper, a unique type of blue pottery and even glass bangles. Fabric-wise, there are brocades, tie-and-dye, block printed, and the famous 'mirror work' embroidery, also used in table linen, cushion covers and readymade garments.

Hotel: ITC Rajputana (5 Star Rating)

ITC Rajputana is a luxury hotel in Jaipur, blending traditional Rajasthani architecture with modern comforts. The hotel offers elegant rooms, fine dining, a lavish spa, and serene courtyards, providing a regal retreat in the heart of the Pink City. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring Jaipur’s historic landmarks.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and drive to Delhi. On arrival transfer to the Delhi airport in time to connect your onward flight.

Meal(s): Breakfast