India Holidays
Golden Triangle with Ranthambore
9 Night Itinerary from £2,147
Mogul Tour
Travel from Delhi to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Enjoy 4 x 4 safaris in Ranthambore National Park and discover the 'Pink City' of Jaipur.
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Tour Route
- Delhi - 2 Nights
- Agra & the Taj Mahal - 1 Night
- Fatehpur Sikri and Sawai Madhopur - 1 Night
- Ranthambore National Park - 1 Night
- Drive to Jaipur - 2 Nights
- Return to Delhi - 2 Nights
Travel Highlights
- A very popular introduction to India, seeing the most famous sites.
- Explore Delhi including the Red Fort, colourful bazaars and India gate.
- Visit Agra Fort and the mesmerising Taj Mahal.
- Admire Fathepur Sikri, another incredible world heritage site.
- Enjoy three 4 x 4 vehicle safaris in Ranthambore National Park in search of the Bengal Tiger and other wildlife.
- Visit the 'Pink City' of Jaipur including the imposing Amber Fort.
- Choose to upgrade to luxury, heritage hotels including amazing converted forts and palaces.
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Delhi - 2 Nights
Day 1 - Depart the UK on overnight flight to Delhi
Day 2 - Arrive in Delhi
Day 3 - Guided city tour of Delhi
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Saturday, 09 December 2023
Depart the UK to Delhi
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Delhi.
Sunday, 10 December 2023
Arrive in Delhi
When you arrive at Delhi Airport you will be met by our local Veloso guide and taken to your chosen hotel for a 2 night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Delhi is often distinguished as the old and new, the old referring to the pre–British control and the new is Lutyen’s Delhi, built to suit British sensibilities and the rapidly expanding city of independent India. However as we explore the city you will see that these demarcations are fluid with an intermixing of the old and new Delhi’s produce a fascinating city life.
Monday, 11 December 2023
Guided tour of Delhi
This morning, we explore Old Delhi, the former Imperial capital of the Mughal Emperor, though very little remains of the grandeur of the Emperor Shah Jahan’s city. Old Delhi’s backbone is Chandini Chowk. Today, it is a busy market selling an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewellery, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables. Apothecaries sell home grown medicinal items, and roadside dentists display their bizarre array of equipment and false teeth. Here, you will enjoy the walking tour near Chandini Chowk. We also visit India’s largest Mosque, Jama Masjid. This mosque is the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644, the mosque was not completed until 1658. It has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high. It is constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble.
Your next stop is the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the temple of the followers of the Sikh religion
The Sikhs, which means “disciples”, are one of the country’s most recognisable groups. Beards and turbans give them a distinctive look. Unlike Hinduism, they believe in one god, and that everyone, regardless of their station in life, should do “sevak” or rendering social services. This resulted in the “Langar” or community kitchen, where every member of the religion considers it an honour to come and put in a couple of hours cooking thousands of Indian breads, making huge vats of curry to feed the poor and underprivileged.
In the afternoon we visit Humayun’s Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former splendour and the working fountains, it is a very attractive site. Architecturally, the mausoleum drew its inspiration from the styles prevalent in Samarkand, and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb.
From here drive to Qutb Minar complex which has many historic monuments. The first mosque in India – The Quwwat-Ul- Islam – built from the dressed and carved stones of demolished temples lies in this complex. It establishes the political victory of Islam in northern India. The Qutub Minar itself was begun in 1199 by Qutub ud din Aibak and was completed by his successors. This fluted elegant tower is decorated with elegant balconies and carvings.
On your way back to the hotel, you will drive past some famous landmarks; Rajpath (Kingsway), the imposing approach to New Delhi sets the venue for the Republic Day parade every January 26th for millions of people to gather and enjoy the spectacle. Among the buildings you drive past are the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, Presidential Palace (Rashtrapathi Bhawan) and India Gate, a memorial to soldiers of the undivided Indian Army who died in the period between 1914 and 1921.
Sheraton New Delhi
Delhi - First Hotel
Located in the centre of New Delhi, the Sheraton offers spacious rooms and an excellent choice of restaurants.
There are 220 air-conditioned rooms and suites, each with private bathroom, hair dyer, minibar, bottled water, coffee and tea maker, safe and sitting area. Rooms have panoramic views of the city.
Public facilities include a swimming pool, spa, gym and an Indian and Chinese restaurant. There is also a wide choice of Indian and International restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. as well as a major shopping mall.
The rates are on a bed and breakfast basis.
Maidens Hotel, New Delhi
Delhi - Luxury Hotel
The Maidens Hotel was established in 1903 and remains a stately survivor of the golden age - the sweeping driveway and the grand façade give an inkling of its star-studded past. Its architecture is the most glorious illustration of old-world European charm with its colonial impressions. A stay at Maidens Hotel is a historically and culturally enriching experience! Every corner in the hotel has a story to tell, whether it's unraveling the majestic royals of the princely states, the Delhi Durbar with its pre-independence coronation, or the ruling times of The British Raj.
The hotel is located in North Delhi within close proximity to the major attractions and has 54 rooms and suites all with high ceilings, air-conditioning, mini bar, tea-coffee maker, LCD TV, satellite channels, safe, hair dryer, FREE Wi-Fi and telephone.
Public areas include lush gardens, a gym and classic wining and dining in the Cavalry Bar, the elegant Curzon Room restaurant serving Indian dishes and the Garden Terrace restaurant.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
Oberoi, New Delhi
Delhi - Deluxe Hotel
The Oberoi, New Delhi is located in the centre of New Delhi, close to the major attractions including India Gate.
The hotel has 220 air-conditioned and spacious rooms and suites with marble bathrooms, teak floors and oak desks. Each room has a safe, FREE Wi-Fi, TV, telephone, 24 hour butler service, goose pillows (with choice), Nespresso coffee machine, tea making facilities and hair dryer.
Public facilities include all day dining at 360 degrees signature restaurant serving international dishes, Omya serving contemporary Indian cuisine, Baoshuan serving chinese fayre and the magical Cirrus 9, a famous rooftop bar with panoramic views of Delhi. There is also a club bar and cigar lounge, patisserie and delicatessen. The hotel also has a luxury spa, gardens and outdoor swimming pool.
The rooms are on a bed and breakfast basis.
Agra & the Taj Mahal - 1 Night
Day 4 - Drive to Agra and visit the Taj Mahal
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Tuesday, 12 December 2023
Agra and visit the Taj Mahal
We drive to Agra for a 1 night stay. Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire).
In the afternoon we visit Agra Fort. When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the fort as a beautiful fort palace. The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughal’s ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. His private quarters, where he was confined, has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna.
After High Tea at Taj Khema, we drive to the Taj Mahal, aptly described by the poet laureate Tagore as “A tear on the face of eternity”. Decorated with a mosaic of semi-precious stones and Persian calligraphy recreating verses from the Koran, the mausoleum is an important place of pilgrimage since the empress died in childbirth making her a martyr.
Tajview Hotel
Agra & the Taj Mahal - Tourist Hotel
Spread over six acres of manicured gardens, the Tajview, Agra is a relaxing base to explore and sightsee. For those who want the best vantage point, some with direct views of the Taj Mahal.
The rooms are a combination of superior, deluxe, Premium and suites. All are air-conditioned with private bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities, safe, hair dryer, tv, telephone and sitting area.
Public facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, shopping arcade and spa. There are 2 restaurants serving Indian, Chinese and International cuisine.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
Grand Imperial
Agra & the Taj Mahal - First Hotel
The Grand Imperial Hotel was built in the early 1900s by the British. It remains the only grand heritage boutique Hotel in Agra and as such will add a sense of occasion to your stay here. The hotel is central Agra with views, from the rooftop bar and cafe, of the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and other Agra landmarks. Every corner in the hotel has a story to tell , whether it’s unraveling the majestic royals of the princely states, with its pre-independence coronation, or the ruling times of the British Raj.
The hotel has 15 spacious deluxe rooms and 30 suites, each elegantly furnished with private bathroom, safe, minibar, hairdryer and sitting area.
Public areas include a swimming pool, spa, lounge, bar and evening entertainment. The hotel has an elegant restaurant, plus you can enjoy drinks and snacks on the rooftop terrace.
The rates are on a bed and breakfast basis.
ITC Mughal
Agra & the Taj Mahal - Luxury Hotel
The ITC Mughal, Agra is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. With 23 acres of luxurious gardens and located close to the Taj Mahal, it is the only Indian hotel to have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture. You will feel this as soon as you step into the grand lobby, dedicated to the great King Akbar.
The hotel has 233 opulent rooms and suites, each designed in the style of the great Mughal architecture of the past. All room are air-conditioned, very spacious and include a private bathroom, tv, safe, hair dryer, sitting area, minibar and luxury amenities.
The public areas including beautifully maintained gardens, a stunning swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and a salon. The excellent 3 restaurants serve Indian and international cuisine and there are lounges and 2 bars in which to relax.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
Fatehpur Sikri and Sawai Madhopur - 1 Night
Day 5 - Fatehpur Sikri and Sawai Madhopur
- Full Description
Wednesday, 13 December 2023
Deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri
This morning we visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City' including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendor of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.
In the afternoon, take the train to Sawai Madhopur where we overnight at your chosen hotel.
Ranthambore National Park - 1 Night
Day 6 - Ranthambore National Park
- Full Description
Thursday, 14 December 2023
4 x 4 safaris
This famous national park is the best place to spot wild tigers in Rajasthan. Comprising 1334 sq km of wild jungle scrub hemmed in by rocky ridges, seeing a tiger (around 52 to 55 in 2016) is partly a matter of luck; but remember there’s plenty of other wildlife to see, including more than 300 species of birds.
The morning safari starts at 6:30 AM and the afternoon safari is at 2:30 PM. Both safaris last approximately three and a half hours.
Drive to Jaipur - 2 Nights
Day 7 - Drive to Jaipur
Day 8 - Guided tour of Jaipur
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Friday, 15 December 2023
Drive to Jaipur
This morning we drive to Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City’, because of the terra cotta coloured lime plaster that coats the old part of the city's walls, buildings and temples. The reasons for painting the town pink are unknown; some say it is because Maharaja Jai Singh II’s was a devotee of Lord Shiva and pink was his favourite. The most popular reason is that pink is the traditional colour of hospitality, and the old part of the city was freshly painted and paved with pink gravel to warmly welcome Edward VII for his visit here in 1876.
We check into your chosen hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Saturday, 16 December 2023
Guided Tour of Jaipur
We start your full day guided tour with a drive to the famous Hawa Mahal, the ornate pink façade an icon of the city for a quick photography stop. This five-storied high “screen” composed of projected windows and balconies protected by fine latticed screens, was destined to enable the ladies of the harem to observe the lively street scenes of the city from a position of privacy. Next, visit Jantar Mantar. It’s the world’s largest observatory carved in stone and marble. Many of the huge ancient instruments here are still in working condition.
We continue to the Maharaja's City Palace. This sprawling palace is a superb marriage of the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. The seven storied Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) is a sprawling complex with multiple courtyards, public buildings, astronomical observatory and zenana mahals (harems). Within the palace complex are several museums; including an interesting textile gallery exhibiting a fine selection of textiles and costumes from the royal collection.
In the afternoon, we visit Agra Fort. Hill forts were always important to the Rajput rulers. Belonging to the Hindu “Kshatriya” or warrior class, they believed that “a fort is the strength of a king”. They built a number of such forts all over the state of Rajasthan; some made for purely defensive purposes, but most built as fort palaces. Amber is one of the finest examples of a fort palace, built similar in style to the surrounding richly decorated Mughal courts.
Trident Hotel, Jaipur
Jaipur - Tourist Hotel
The Trident Hotel is an excellent tourist class hotel in Jaipur with views of Mansagar Lake and Jal Mahal. Ideal for couples and families.
The 132 air conditioned rooms and suites are well appointed, including private bathroom, TV, minibar, FREE Wi-Fi and panoramic views of the lake or the landscaped gardens, with the Aravalli mountain range forming a dramatic backdrop.
Public areas include a swimming pool, spa, kids club, bar, Jal Mahal restaurant serving Indian and International cuisine and a pool terrace serving snacks and drinks.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
Diggi Palace, Jaipur
Jaipur - First Hotel
Diggi Palace was built in 1860 by Shri Thakur Saheb Pratap Singh Ji Diggi of the then ruling family of Diggi principality. In 1991, the palace was converted to a heritage hotel. It is a wonderful place to stay for an authentic experience of Jaipur, set in large grounds away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Choose from a Heritage rooms or Courtyard or Palace suite. Each is air-conditioned with private bathroom, hair dryer, FREE Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker and bottled water. The suites have a minibar and outdoor seating.
Public facilities include a restaurant, gardens and pool. You can also eat al fresco.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Jaipur - Deluxe Hotel
Built in 1745, the Jai Mahal Palace is a stunning piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, a great example of Indo-Saracenic architecture set amidst 18 acres of landscaped Mughal gardens. Jai Mahal Palace has been the residence of three Prime Ministers of the princely state of Jaipur. Painstakingly restored and recently refurbished, it is now a luxury five-star Taj heritage hotel equipped with all modern-day comforts.
The 94 rooms and six suites offer you unbeatable views of the city and palace gardens. Perfectly located in the heart of the Pink City close to the main shopping areas and prime historical sites such as Amber Fort, HawaMahal and City Palace.
The hotel has two speciality restaurants; Cinnamon serves the most authentic Royal Indian cuisines from four princely states, while Giardino is Jaipur's finest contemporary Italian restaurant. The popular all-day-dining multi-cuisine restaurant Marble Arch offers a medley of flavours; and the fashionable Marigold Bar houses a selection of single malts and cigars alongside innovative cocktails.
The hotel also has a luxury spa, delightful gardens, lawns, a swimming pool and offers a wide range of activities including yoga.
The rates of on a room and breakfast basis.
Return to Delhi - 2 Nights
Day 9 - Drive to Delhi
Day 10 - Fly back to the UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Sunday, 17 December 2023
Drive to Delhi
This morning we return to Delhi and check into your chosen hotel for your last night in India. Rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore Delhi at your leisure and do some last minute shopping.
Monday, 18 December 2023
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to Delhi Airport for your daytime flight back to the UK.
Sheraton New Delhi
Delhi - First Hotel
Located in the centre of New Delhi, the Sheraton offers spacious rooms and an excellent choice of restaurants.
There are 220 air-conditioned rooms and suites, each with private bathroom, hair dyer, minibar, bottled water, coffee and tea maker, safe and sitting area. Rooms have panoramic views of the city.
Public facilities include a swimming pool, spa, gym and an Indian and Chinese restaurant. There is also a wide choice of Indian and International restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. as well as a major shopping mall.
The rates are on a bed and breakfast basis.
Maidens Hotel, New Delhi
Delhi - Luxury Hotel
The Maidens Hotel was established in 1903 and remains a stately survivor of the golden age - the sweeping driveway and the grand façade give an inkling of its star-studded past. Its architecture is the most glorious illustration of old-world European charm with its colonial impressions. A stay at Maidens Hotel is a historically and culturally enriching experience! Every corner in the hotel has a story to tell, whether it's unraveling the majestic royals of the princely states, the Delhi Durbar with its pre-independence coronation, or the ruling times of The British Raj.
The hotel is located in North Delhi within close proximity to the major attractions and has 54 rooms and suites all with high ceilings, air-conditioning, mini bar, tea-coffee maker, LCD TV, satellite channels, safe, hair dryer, FREE Wi-Fi and telephone.
Public areas include lush gardens, a gym and classic wining and dining in the Cavalry Bar, the elegant Curzon Room restaurant serving Indian dishes and the Garden Terrace restaurant.
The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.
Oberoi, New Delhi
Delhi - Deluxe Hotel
The Oberoi, New Delhi is located in the centre of New Delhi, close to the major attractions including India Gate.
The hotel has 220 air-conditioned and spacious rooms and suites with marble bathrooms, teak floors and oak desks. Each room has a safe, FREE Wi-Fi, TV, telephone, 24 hour butler service, goose pillows (with choice), Nespresso coffee machine, tea making facilities and hair dryer.
Public facilities include all day dining at 360 degrees signature restaurant serving international dishes, Omya serving contemporary Indian cuisine, Baoshuan serving chinese fayre and the magical Cirrus 9, a famous rooftop bar with panoramic views of Delhi. There is also a club bar and cigar lounge, patisserie and delicatessen. The hotel also has a luxury spa, gardens and outdoor swimming pool.
The rooms are on a bed and breakfast basis.
Price Guidelines
| Season | High Season | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | October - March | |
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £2,147 | £2,855 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £3,218 | £4,297 |
Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- Guidelines prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a twin room
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- 8 breakfasts
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees
- National Park entrance fees and three 4 x 4 game drives
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