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Home > Destinations > The Golden Triangle
Explore the sights and sounds on this 9-day tour encompassing 3 of India’s most famous cities. Rich in culture and architecture, there will be many opportunities to take some memorable snaps during your stay and enjoy wandering around the colourful markets. Known for its tigers, Ranthambore National Park offers you a good chance to see these majestic animals.
Fly overnight with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow to Delhi.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel for rest of the day at leisure or you can hail a cab to one of the many colourful markets. Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which combines the ancient with the modern. Accommodation is at The Doubletree Hilton Hotel for 2 nights.
After breakfast enjoy a combined city tour of Old and New Delhi, beginning with a visit to the Red Fort. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built between 1638-1648 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. Later visit Raj Ghat, Ghandi’s memorial, and drive past India Gate, the Parliament building and the President’s Residence, before visiting Qutb Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Early morning departure by Shatabdi Express train to Agra, which was once the capital of the Mughal Emperors. Visit Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Empire under successive generations. Continue to Itmad-ud-Daulah (‘Baby Taj’), followed by a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal and see this masterpiece at sunset. Emperor Shah Jahan built this exquisite white marble mausoleum for his favourite queen, Mumtaz Mahal. The monument was commissioned in 1631 and took 20,000 artisans, 22 years to complete. Overnight at the Clarks Shiraz Hotel. (B)
Drive to Bharatpur this morning via the deserted 16th-century city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Akbar the Great and abandoned on the emperor’s death. In the afternoon, board the Express train to Sawai Madhopur and proceed by road to Ranthambore National Park. Stay 2 nights at the Ranthambore Regency. (B/D)
Early morning and late afternoon game drives, with the opportunity to see some of India’s richest and most diverse wildlife with over 270 species of birds, 12 reptiles and 30 mammals. This is one of the best places in India to see the Royal Bengal Tiger. Also visit the Dastkar local community project supporting villagers in the making, marketing and selling of their specialist crafts enabling them to be self sufficient and help break the cycle of poverty. (B/L/D)
After an early morning game drive that will conclude your visit to Ranthambore, drive to Jaipur. The vibrant 18th-century capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the pink coloured buildings in its old city. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Jaipur, home to cultural delights and also a shopper’s paradise! Watch artisans produce jewellery, tie-dyed textiles, stone carvings and leather shoes. The main markets are at the Jauhari Bazaar and Badi Chaupar. Stay 2 nights at the Fortune Select Metropolitan. (B)
Take a morning tour of Amber Fort, a honey-coloured fortress palace in the Aravalli Hills. Possessing a chamber of mirrors, the interiors are a decorative arts paradise and there are striking views of the gorge. In the afternoon, visit the Observatory and City Palace which boasts courtyards, impressive gateways and temples. (B)
Transfer to Jaipur airport for your flight to Delhi before flying onwards to London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic, arriving later the same day. (B)
