Cox and Kings Golden Triangle & Ranthambore

– 4- & 5-star accommodation
– International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
– Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
– Experienced local tour manager
– 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners
– Guided sightseeing & all entrance fees
– Porterage at airports and stations

– 3 nights in a heritage hotel in Jaipur
– Lunch overlooking Old Delhi
– Aarti ceremony at a Hindu temple in Jaipur
– Stay in a room with a view of the Taj Mahal
– Stay in 4- & 5-star accommodation
– Small group size – maximum 20
– Half-board

Day 1: Fly to Jaipur via Mumbai

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Jaipur via Delhi with British Airways.

Days 2: Jaipur

After arriving in Jaipur, transfer to Shahpura House where you will be staying for 3 nights. A former capital of the Rajput empire, Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II and is a colourful city with a fascinating blend of styles. This evening enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your group.

Day 3: Jaipur

Spend the morning just outside Jaipur in Amber, the ancient capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs. Here you will find a majestic fort-palace displaying both Mughal and Rajput designs. This afternoon, head back to Jaipur and explore the Pink City including visits to the sprawling City Palace and the curious astronomical observatory of Jantar Mantar. The observatory is home to a fine collection of 18th century astronomical instruments that can still be used with astonishing accuracy. Later, view the exterior of the iconic Hawa Mahal, or ‘Palace of the Winds’.

Day 4: Jaipur

This morning visit a local Hindu temple in time for morning puja or prayers. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax by the hotel pool or in the spa, explore Jaipur’s many bazaars or take a sunrise balloon ride over the peaceful countryside. Alternatively, take an optional visit the craft village of Sanganer, famous for textile printing, its handmade paper industry and exquisite Jain temples.

Day 5: Ranthambore

Travel to Ranthambore National Park for 2 nights at Hotel Abhyaran (or similar). Once the private hunting ground of royalty and a fine example of tiger conservation efforts, the park is celebrated for its tiger population, currently estimated to be 80, including 18 cubs. Afternoon at leisure or visit the rural village of Devpura, home to the beautiful Blackbuck deer. There is also the option to visit a local tie and dye textile artist to see the Bandhini and Lehriya artworks.

Day 6: Ranthambore

Today, enjoy wildlife drives in the early morning and late afternoon in search of the elusive Bengal tiger. Although well known for its tiger population, Ranthambore is also home to sambars, panthers, marsh crocodiles, sloth bears and leopards, as well as being a bird watcher’s paradise.

Day 7: Agra

Experience a train ride in India by taking a journey from Sawai Madhopur to Bharatpur. Continue to Agra visiting the ancient citadel of Fatehpur Sikri en route. This deserted, 16th-century sandstone city was built as a tribute to the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti, but was abandoned just 15 years after it was built due to a shortage of water. Afternoon visit to the magnificent and imposing Agra fort. Overnight at the Tajview Agra.

Day 8: Delhi

A trip to Rajasthan would not be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal and sunrise is the perfect time to see it, as the marble transforms its colour in the changing dawn light. Later, travel to Delhi where you will spend 2 nights at the Taj Palace. This afternoon explore Humayuns tomb, a fantastic early example of Mughal architecture; and the magnificent red sandstone edifice of Qutb Minar.

Day 9: Delhi

Morning tour of Old Delhi including the Jama Masjid mosque and the colourful Chandni Chowk, which is an excellent spot to pick up souvenirs before your flight home. Enjoy lunch at Haveli Dharampura overlooking Old Delhi. Drive through Lutyens’ New Delhi passing Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax at the hotel or sample the local markets.

Day 10: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for a direct flight to London with British Airways.

The Gateway Hotel, Agra

The Gateway Hotel Fatehabad Road Agra is a modern first-class hotel conveniently located only a short drive from the Taj Mahal. Some of the rooms on the higher floors offer views of the majestic marble mausoleum itself. Set within 3 hectares of landscaped gardens, the hotel has a restaurant serving traditional Indian and Chinese meals accompanied by live dancing or music performances. The rooftop terrace provides a small oasis from the buzz of the city of Agra below and offers views of both the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.

Taj Palace, New Delhi

The Taj Palace is spread out over two and a half hectares of lush gardens in New Delhi. Guestrooms are spacious and elegantly designed with subtle touches of Mughal-era influence. Guests have a wide variety of dining options to choose from, including several multi award-winning restaurants.

Clarks Resort Abhyaran, Ranthambore National Park

Located on the outskirts of Ranthambore, surrounded by the Aravalli Hills and lush countryside, Hotel Abhyaran offers immaculate rooms, a large garden and fantastic dining. The vast swimming pool has wonderful views of the surrounding area and is a perfect place to watch the sunset over the hills. Excursions into the local village can also be arranged.

Shahpura House, Jaipur

Originally the residence of the scions of the Shekhawat clan of Rajputs, Shahpura House is set in a relatively quiet residential area in downtown Jaipur. This converted hotel with its colourful Shekhawati frescoes and domes reflects the fusion of Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal-style architecture. Each of the 38 individually decorated rooms and suites are simply furnished and tastefully decorated by combining traditional features with essential modern amenities. Facilities include a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, a rooftop restaurant, which is open for dinner, a well-stocked bar serving Indian wines and liquor, an outdoor swimming pool and a spa.

Shimla & Amritsar – 5 nights from £795

Extend your journey by visiting Shimla, the summer capital of the British Raj and Amritsar, most famous for the spectacular Golden Temple.

Day 10: Shimla

Morning train from Delhi to Kalka before taking the toy train to Shimla. Transfer to the Oberoi Cecil for 3 nights.

Days 11-12: Shimla

Take a guided tour of Shimla. Following day at leisure.

Day 13: Amritsar

Drive to Chandigarh to board the express train to Amritsar. Spend 2 nights at the Hyatt Amritsar.

Day 14: Amritsar

Visit the Golden Temple and witness the Wagah border closing ceremony

Day 15: Fly home

Fly home from Amritsar to London via Delhi

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.