India

Thursday 10th September

Fly to New Delhi in India.

Friday 11th September

India is a complex tapestry of fascinating cultures, deeply rooted in an ancient land. Our Golden Triangle Indian tour is a perfect way to experience this kaleidoscope of a nation and there could be no better starting point than to begin at its beating heart. Through countless pages of history, Delhi has served as a capital of kingdoms and a hub of empires, and it now forms a vibrant and colourful metropolis, combining a rich history with contemporary culture.

We’ll arrive in Delhi and be met by a coach at the airport that shall take us for our first of many delightful Indian lunches. Following this we shall pass many of New Delhi’s monumental buildings realised by Edwin Lutyen, such as Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) on our way to our hotel.

Lunch and dinner included. Overnight in New Delhi.

Saturday 12th September

Our tour this morning begins in the walled city of Old Delhi, a district which goes deep into the very fabric of Indian tradition. We’ll visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan with a capacity for 25,000 worshippers. We’ll take to the streets of Chadni Chowk (Moonlight Square), one of Delhi’s oldest and most vibrant markets before boarding a rickshaw for a thrilling ride. We’ll take our lunch in a local restaurant before continuing into New Delhi.

This afternoon includes a visit to Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Once a 12-bedroom house, this is where Gandhi was staying when he was fatefully assassinated in 1948, which is marked by the moving Raj Ghat memorial. Our tour then continues to the red and gold Hindu Laxminarayan temple and the white and gold Bangla Sahib Sikh temple, both great examples of ornate oriental design. Our tour will conclude at the Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world built by Delhi’s first Muslim ruler.

Our tour then concludes back at our hotel where we’ll enjoy our dinner.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in New Delhi

Sunday 13th September

This morning we shall explore Humayun’s Tomb, constructed in the 16^th century, before journeying to the second point on the Golden Triangle, Agra, the Mughal’s second capital and home to the Taj Mahal.

Following lunch we shall arrive into Agra in the early afternoon and visit Itmad Ud Daula, a small tomb described as a ‘jewel box’ or the ‘Baby Taj’ due to its similarity to the world wonder we shall visit tomorrow. The Baby Taj offers wonderful views across the Yamuna river towards the Taj Mahal. We’ll then transfer to our hotel for dinner.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Agra.

Monday 14th September

This morning may prove to be the highlight of our adventure, as we visit one of the world’s most recognisable treasures, the Taj Mahal. We’ll wake up early and visit the gorgeous white mausoleum as the sun rises and casts its first light upon the shimmering domes. Built by Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved Queen, Mumtaz Mahal, this architectural gem took thousands of workers of 21 years to realise and is breathtakingly beautiful to behold. With its stunning design and perfectly balanced symmetry the Taj has become a global icon, resplendent with its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the finest inlay work ever accomplished by craftsmen, anywhere in the world. We’ll all receive a miniature sculpture of the Taj Mahal to bring this iconic structure alive in our imaginations.

We’ll then return to our hotel for breakfast before heading to Agra Fort, one of the finest Mughal structures in India. A combination of vivid red-sandstone and creamy marble, this military structure was transformed into a formidable, yet gorgeous palace in the 17^th century. Whilst in Agra we’ll also enjoy the clopping of a tonga ride. These two-wheeled carts driven by a single horse were once used extensively throughout India. Most tongas are covered and give the feeling of being a royal guest as you frolic around the city.

We shall take a restful lunch and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You may wish to embrace the hustle and bustle of the local market, discover one of the many museums on art and culture on offer or relax by the pool back at the hotel.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Agra.

Tuesday 15th September

Having seen the spectacle that is Agra, we’ll journey to Ranthambhore, which in years gone by was the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur until 1970. Now a famous National Park, this is Rajasthan’s best place to spot nature’s most powerful cat, the tiger as well as an array of other exotic birds and animals.

Along the way we’ll visit Chand Baori in Abhaneri, this is one of the oldest and grandest stepwells in India. A stepwell is a large, deep well which is reached by descending a set of steps, as opposed to using a rope and bucket down a shaft. Chand Baori consists of 3,500 narrow steps over 13 stories that form a geometric masterpiece 100 foot into the ground where water sits at the bottom. We’ll enjoy a break from the road for lunch along the way in a restaurant before continuing to the National Park where we’ll check into British Raj styled bungalows.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.. Overnight in Ranthambhore.

Wednesday 16th September

This morning will commence with an early game drive in Ranthambhore National Park. Safaris are tense, thrilling and above all, unpredictable. The sight, sound and smell of wild animals in their natural habitat are the highlights of many travel adventures. We’ll be equipped with listening devices so we can hear the words of our natural tour guide whilst still remaining silent as we head out in search of tigers.

The powerful tiger is iconic for its reddish orange fur and dark stripes. This apex predator is endangered and isolated to small pockets of parkland in India. Featuring prevalently in the mythology and folklore of many cultures, the tiger is both feared and loved by East Asian Countries. Whilst on safari all our senses will be heightened by our proximity to nature; if we are lucky enough to encounter this majestic beast it will be an incredibly memorable experience.

Following lunch and a lazy afternoon we’ll embark on an evening game drive in search of more fauna and flora that emerge when the temperatures begin to cool.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Ranthambore.

Thursday 17th September

This morning we’ll depart Ranthambhore National Park and head west to the peaceful town of Bundi, an up and coming hang-out for those who wish to experience the rare and magical atmosphere of the India we imagine from the bygone era of centuries past. A quieter destination than the other cities of the Golden Triangle, Bundi is a tranquil blend of blue houses, lakes, hills, bazaars and temples on every corner. We’ll enjoy lunch in our hotel and then head to Bundi Queen’s stepwell, a fabulously ornate construction with places of worship on every descending floor to the water. Following this we’ll head to the local market which will be a cacophony of bartering, bargaining and gossiping and a fragrant succession of exotic spices and herbs.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Bundi.

Friday 18th September

Waking up refreshed in peaceful Bundi we’ll enjoy breakfast before departing for Udaipur, visiting the colossal Chittorgarh Fort enroute. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex encircles an area of 700 acres on a 180 metre hill top and dates from the 7^th century, containing 1400 years of intrigue and history within its walls. There is still a small village in a corner of the fort occupied by locals, with the rest of the plateau occupied by spectacular towers, palaces and temples as a glorious reminder of the heyday enjoyed by the area’s Mewar rulers.

Following lunch our journey continues to Udaipur, a romantic city of marble palaces that rises out of the shimmering water of Lake Pichola.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Udaipur.

Saturday 19th September

This morning we’ll stroll through the Old City of Udaipur. We’ll enter Sahelioyon-ki-Bari (Courtyard of the Maidens) which is a monumental garden space featuring lotus pools, marble elephants and spindly fountains. Constructed for a Princess and her ladies in waiting, the gardens are fed by multiple water ducts that each have their own distinct sound, complementing the exotic ambience imbued by the courtyard.

Our walk continues to Jagdish Temple, a towering Hindu place of worship from the 17^th century and we shall visit Maharana Pratap’s memorial and hear about this Rajput hero. Our tour continues with a drive to Fateh Sagar Lake before we take to the water and cruise across Lake Pichola on a boat, accompanied by a local flute recital to create a truly magical experience.

We’ll enjoy our lunch in the city centre and have the afternoon to enjoy at leisure, either further exploring the delights of Udaipur or relaxing back at the hotel.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Udaipur.

Sunday 20th September

Today we’ll depart Udaipur and journey through splendid Indian countryside. Along the way, we’ll stop at spontaneous points of interest which could be a school, a cottage industry or perhaps a passing group of Hindu pilgrims who we may interact with.

We’ll enjoy a lunch in the countryside along the way before arriving in the Pink City of Jaipur.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Jaipur.

Monday 21st September

Also known as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur’s old town is famous for its glowing pink buildings that reflect the colourful culture of the locals. Our visit will include the imposing Hindu and Mughal Amber Fort which we’ll ascend in a Jeep. Next, we’ll have a brief stop at the beautiful Hawa Mahal for photos. Known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, the ornately carved façade of fine latticework is a particular wonder owed to the privileged Maharajahs who once called Rajasthan their home.

We’ll also enjoy visiting the City Palace which contains numerous courtyards, gardens and palatial rooms right in the centre of the Old City.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Jaipur.

Tuesday 22nd September

Today we’ll depart from Jaipur and complete our ultimate version of the Golden Triangle by road to New Delhi. Along the way, we’ll stop for a delicious Indian lunch and visit sites of interest.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in New Delhi.

Wednesday 23rd September

Transfer to the airport and journey home.

Breakfast included.

Single Supplement is £500.

British passport holders are required to apply for an e-visa at least 4 days before travelling to India.