This budget tour provides a fantastic introduction to exploring Northern India and could form the perfect start to a longer stay in India, or as a complete tour in itself. The tour combines the famous ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur with time in Ranthambore National Park. You’ll start with a fun rickshaw ride around Delhi, trying some local snacks and getting the hang of making your way around in an Indian city. You’ll see the beautiful Taj Mahal of course (we visit at sunset when the light is at its best), the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, and also have time to explore the ‘Pink City’ of Rajasthan, Jaipur. On top of this we add in several wildlife safaris in search of tigers and other wildlife in Ranthambore National Park. Options are available to add a wide range of further sightseeing tours and extensions.
The tour finishes in Jaipur, the capital of the desert state of Rajasthan, from where we can arrange further tours of Rajasthan (e.g. to Pushkar, Udaipur & Jaisalmer), arrange transport back to Delhi, or tours to other areas in northern and southern India. Alternatively, you can continue your travels independently, with the backup of local contacts nationwide who are available to provide assistance if necessary.
DAY 1 Arrive into Delhi. Transfer to hotelUpon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Delhi for the start of your trip (24 hour service). After check-in our local reps will then go through the itinerary with you and introduce you to the local area.
OVERNIGHTDelhi budget hotel
EXTRASSingle Room Supplement, Extra night - pre-tour
DAY 2 Delhi. Sightseeing tour of Old and New DelhiA half-day tour to explore the sights of India’s capital. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the intricate and chaotic streets around Old Delhi and visit the Jama Masjid mosque, Red Fort and Rajghat, site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation ground. The tour will include an introduction to Indian street food and tips on using rickshaws and other local transport.
In the afternoon explore further independently or take a further half day tour exploring the Lutyens inspired wide avenues of New Delhi, the Indian parliament buildings as well as India Gate and Humayun’s Tomb.
OVERNIGHTDelhi budget hotel
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 3 Delhi to Agra. Visit to Taj MahalThis morning we depart Delhi by private AC minibus/coach for the journey to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra we visit the UNESCO world heritage site at Agra Fort. Later in the afternoon we enjoy a full sightseeing tour of the beautiful Taj Mahal at sunset. Truly one of the wonders of the world this elaborate monument to love was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and took over twenty two years to complete.
OVERNIGHTAgra hotel/homestay
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 4 Agra to Ranthambore. Fatehpur Sikri visitYou have the option this morning to revisit the Taj Mahal at sunrise when the changing light makes the monument look truly magical.
After leaving Agra, we break today’s journey to Ranthambore to visit the strange and well preserved city of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned city, constructed by Emperor Akbar, served as the Mughal Empire's capital from 1571 until 1585.
OVERNIGHTRanthambore lodge/hotel
MEALSBreakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 Ranthambore – morning and afternoon wildlife safarisGet ready to explore the jungle as we enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives into Ranthambore National Park. These shared canter (open-backed truck) rides enable us to travel deep into the park as we begin the quest for sightings of India’s unique wildlife, hopefully spotting a tiger. The park is one of the largest national parks in northern India and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973.
OVERNIGHTRanthambore lodge/hotel
MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 Ranthambore to JaipurThis morning there is time to go on the hunt for tigers one more time if you wish (subject to availability and payment locally). We then continue our exploration through rural India, arriving into Jaipur in the afternoon. The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is the capital of the desert state of Rajasthan and forms a perfect gateway to explore this fascinating region further.
OVERNIGHTJaipur budget heritage style hotel
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 7 Amber Palace. Afternoon Jaipur tourThis morning we visit the nearby Amber Palace and tour the ramparts and interior. In the afternoon take a guided tour of Jaipur, taking in the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), Jantar Mantar (Observatory), City Palace and some local temples and street life.
OVERNIGHTJaipur budget heritage style hotel
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 8 Jaipur. Free time. Tour endsYour tour ends after breakfast this morning.
A wide range of further touring options are available in Jaipur, such as kite flying, craft & food market tours. You could also take in a fun Bollywood movie. Extension options are available to return to Delhi or explore more of Rajasthan.
OVERNIGHTN/A
MEALSBreakfast
EXTRASExtra night - post-tour, Goa Extension