India’s Golden Triangle - Taj, Ranthambore Safari & Shimla Train

Depart for India on this trip of a lifetime.

On arrival in Delhi, we meet our local guide and begin our journey through India's Golden Triangle and beyond. Depending on our flight time, we may begin exploring today or start sightseeing tomorrow.

Our introduction to Delhi includes time at the impressive Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing to Humayun's Tomb, an elegant example of Mughal architecture and the final resting place of Emperor Humayun.

After we return to our hotel and settle in for the evening.

Later we get together and enjoy our first group dinner at our hotel.

Please note re meals included: 

• Breakfast is included each day of your stay in India.  

  Dinner and Lunches includes : 

• 6 nights on a half board basis
• 2 nights on a full board basis (breakfast, Lunch and dinner) in Ranthambore, 
• 1 dinner in Jaipur at a cooking demonstration, 1 lunch included at a local restaurant. 
• Shimla  includes, 3 nights half board in your hotel and a local lunch at a village. 
• A light snack will be included on our train journey to Delhi from Shimla.

Delhi Delights

This morning enjoy some time exploring the contrasting sights of Old Delhi, where bustling streets and everyday life create a fascinating atmosphere. A cycle rickshaw ride takes us through its lively lanes, a thrilling way to discover Delhi.  After we visit the Raj Ghat, the peaceful memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

We continue our journey with an outside view of the impressive Jama Masjid Mosque before visiting the Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple, one of the city's most important places of worship and a place of quiet reflection.

Transfer to Jaipur

This afternoon, we travel to Jaipur, the colourful Pink City. The journey is around 270 kilometres and takes approximately five and a half hours, with comfort stops along the way. Enjoy some time to relax as the city fades into the countryside and we make our way to the next chapter of our Indian adventure.

Welcome to Jaipur, the colourful Pink City, where we spend the next three nights. Settle in, relax and enjoy the evening.

Let's discover more of Jaipur with a full-day guided tour, beginning at the hilltop Amber Fort overlooking Maota Lake. Its impressive courtyards and ramparts reflect in the water below, creating one of the city's most recognisable views.

After lunch, we take a guided walk through the village of Amber, offering an opportunity to experience everyday life and meet local people.

This evening will be at leisure to relax and unwind after your day of exploring Jaipur.

During our stay in Jaipur, the Diwali Festival of Light will take place. Diwali is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness. Included special activities to celebrate Diwali, including fireworks, flower work decoration & cultural folk dance. This will take place on 29th October 2027.

Traffic may be busier than usual at this time, adding a lively atmosphere as families travel. A relaxed, go with the flow approach will make the journey all the more enjoyable.

Enjoy another morning discovering Jaipur as we visit the Maharaja's City Palace, the former royal residence, now home to a fascinating museum, while part of the palace remains in use by the royal family. We also explore Jantar Mantar, the world's largest stone observatory, before passing the beautifully ornate Hawa Mahal, better known as the Palace of Winds.

Later, soak up the sights, sounds and atmosphere of Old Jaipur with a cycle rickshaw ride through its bustling bazaars, offering a glimpse of everyday life in the Pink City.

This evening, we visit the home of a local family for a traditional cookery demonstration. Discover the art of preparing authentic Indian dishes and bread before sitting down to share a home-cooked dinner together.

Today we travel through the heart of Rajasthan to Ranthambore, a journey of around 175 kilometres taking approximately four and a half hours, with a comfort stop along the way. As the countryside unfolds, enjoy views of rural villages, farmland and the colourful everyday life that makes this part of India so distinctive. On arrival, check into your hotel, enjoy lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at leisure.

Savour the moment as we enjoy our relaxed surroundings and facilities of our hotel, charge up the camera and polish off the binoculars ready for tomorrow’s game drive experience.

Please note:

Mobile phones are not permitted in Ranthambore National Park.
This mandatory rule applies to all safaris and includes taking photographs, recording videos or any active use of mobile phones. The restriction is in place to reduce noise and disturbance to wildlife, as this can cause stress and disrupt natural behaviour.

Cameras are permitted.

Passport details are required at the time of booking, as these are required to reserve your safari drives within Ranthambore National Park.

Let's discover the natural beauty of Ranthambore National Park as we set out on safari in search of the elusive Bengal tiger. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the park is now one of India's best-known wildlife reserves.

As we explore, keep an eye out for spotted deer, wild boar, langur monkeys and colourful peafowl, while enjoying the peaceful landscapes of this remarkable national park. With a little luck, you may even catch a glimpse of a sloth bear or the park's most famous resident, the Bengal tiger.

Enjoy another safari through Ranthambore National Park, giving us a second opportunity to look for the elusive Bengal tiger. As we explore the park's lakes, ancient forests and rugged landscapes, there is plenty to discover, from colourful birdlife and grazing deer to langur monkeys and other native wildlife.

Later, return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure, making the most of the hotel's facilities after another memorable day in Rajasthan.
 

Should we have a small group under 10 people, we may operate a shared safari vehicle and not a private Travel Department safari excursion in Ranthambore.

Today we continue our journey by coach through Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh as we travel to Agra, home of the iconic Taj Mahal. The journey takes around six and a half hours, covering approximately 265 kilometres, with time to enjoy the changing scenery along the way as we leave the countryside behind and travel through local villages and landscapes.

En route, we visit the fascinating deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar. Known for its striking red sandstone architecture, this historic site offers a glimpse into India's Mughal past before we continue onwards to Agra.
 

On arrival in Agra, settle into your hotel and enjoy some time to relax after the day's journey. Tomorrow brings an early start as we experience one of India's most iconic landmarks, the magnificent Taj Mahal.
 

Begin the day with an early visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, arriving around sunrise when the soft morning light creates a beautiful atmosphere and wonderful photo opportunities. This iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a lasting symbol of love and one of India's most celebrated landmarks.

Return to the hotel for breakfast before continuing to Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's finest examples of Mughal architecture. Explore its impressive red sandstone walls and discover the history of this remarkable fortress, which has witnessed centuries of royal life and changing times.

Please note: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, and the visit may be arranged at sunset instead.
 

Our day is not over, let's savour a cup of tea while taking in a beautiful view of the Taj Mahal in the distance. Time to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.

The afternoon is at leisure, spend your time further exploring all that Agra has to offer. Take home some memories of India with some last-minute souvenir shopping or simply relax at your hotel.

Today we travel from Agra to Delhi, completing the final journey of our Golden Triangle adventure. The coach transfer takes around five hours, covering approximately 230 kilometres, as we leave behind the historic city of Agra and travel through the changing landscapes of Uttar Pradesh.

Enjoy views of rural villages, farmland and everyday life along the way before arriving in Delhi, India's vibrant capital city. 

We have arrived in Delhi! Settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at our hotel.

Enjoy an early start as we head to Delhi Railway Station for our train journey to Chandigarh. Settle into your seat for the three-hour journey and watch the scenery change from the bustling streets of Delhi to open countryside, local villages and colourful glimpses of everyday life along the way.

On arrival in Chandigarh, we continue by coach towards Shimla, travelling through the foothills of the Himalayas. Enjoy winding roads, forested slopes and beautiful mountain views as we climb towards this famous hill station.

Arrive in Shimla and breathe in the cool mountain air as we settle into our surroundings for the next three nights. Enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner at the hotel.

Please note: the Shimla extension is based on an individual rather than a group format.

Let's discover the heritage and mountain charm of Shimla on a guided walking tour through this beautiful Himalayan hill station. Set among pine-covered hills at 2,205 metres, Shimla is known for its elegant architecture, scenic surroundings and refreshing mountain atmosphere.

Explore some of the town’s most interesting landmarks, including the State Museum and Library, the Viceregal Lodge (now the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies and closed on Sundays), the Victorian Gaiety Theatre, the colourful Mall and the historic Loreto Convent School.

Afternoon at Leisure

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to experience Shimla at your own pace. Stroll along Mall Road, enjoy a cup of authentic Indian chai in a local café, browse the shops or simply take in the sweeping Himalayan views, the choice is yours. For those who wish, a walk through the cedar forests to Jakhoo Temple offers panoramic views across the surrounding mountains.

Dinner is included this evening.

Let's discover the peaceful beauty of the Mashobra Hills on a scenic journey by coach through the forests, orchards and mountain landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. Enjoy the changing scenery as we travel through this tranquil region, surrounded by fresh mountain air and beautiful Himalayan views.

Visit the peaceful meadow of Talai before exploring Craignano Nature Park, home to diverse plant life, woodland trails and beautifully landscaped gardens. Continue to the Regional Horticultural Research Station, known for its apple orchards and collection of temperate fruit trees.

Complete the experience with a gentle village walk and a traditional home-cooked lunch with a local family, offering a chance to experience the flavours, customs and warm hospitality of rural Himachal Pradesh.

After we return to our hotel and enjoy the rest of our day at leisure to relax or discover more beyond our hotel.

Dinner is included this evening.

Enjoy a memorable journey aboard the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla Himalayan Narrow Gauge Railway as we travel from Shimla to Kandaghat. This scenic mountain railway winds its way through the lower Himalayas, offering beautiful views of pine-covered hills, hillside villages, historic tunnels and impressive stone bridges along the route.

The train is simple in style and does not have air conditioning, adding to the charm and authenticity of this historic rail experience. Sit back, relax and enjoy the slower pace as the railway follows its winding route through one of India's most picturesque mountain landscapes.

Kandaghat Train to Delhi

After a relaxing comfort break in Kandaghat, continue by coach to Kalka Railway Station to board our train to Delhi. Settle into your seat and enjoy the changing landscapes of northern India as we travel through the countryside on this memorable four-hour rail journey.

A light snack is served on board this evening (included) as we make our way back towards Delhi. Arriving later tonight, we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay, bringing a day of mountain and rail travel to a close.

Today we say farewell to India after an incredible journey through the Golden Triangle, Ranthambore National Park and the Himalayan hill station of Shimla. Transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight home, taking with you memories of India's culture, wildlife and mountain landscapes.