Golden Triangle and the Tigers of Ranthambore
Explore this fascinating country of contrasts on a 9-Day, Golden Triangle and the Tigers of Ranthambore escorted tour. Your incredibly scenic journey travels from Delhi to Jaipur with visits in Agra and Ranthambore. Bustling cities, serene jungles, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fortresses, monuments and palaces are among the many highlights on this adventure.
Vivid colors surround visitors to India from gorgeous, brightly-hued clothing such as saris, kurtis and bandhgala to the deserted red sandstone 'Ghost Town' of Fatehpur Sikri. A thrilling rickshaw ride in Old Delhi transports you to Red Fort, dating back to Mughal Dynasty emperors and Chandni Chowk accompanied by the scent of spices wafting in the air. Visit Raj Ghat dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Learn about the Salaam Baalak Trust in Delhi, taking care of the city's street children. Tour such UNESCO-listed sites as Agra Fort, Humayun's Tomb, witness the ornate "Victory Tower" at Qutub Minar complex. Visit the breathtaking monument built from love, Taj Mahal. Explore the Maharaja of Jaipur's old hunting grounds, Ranthambore National Park. Shop for fabrics with kaleidoscope-colored embroidery at a local market. See the world's largest sundial at Jantar Mantar Observatory. You'll be fondly recounting stories and showing photos of this wonderful vacation for many years.
9 Days • fr. $2,350
Tour Highlights & Offers
Tour Includes
- GUIDED TOUR of Delhi
- CITY TOUR of Jaipur
- VIEW the Palace of Winds in Jaipur
- SEE the Red Fort, Parliament House and India Gate in Delhi
- RICKSHAW ride through Old Delhi
- VISIT a local market in Jaipur
- WALKING TOUR with a guide from the Salaam Baalak Trust
- LEARN about the daily lives of the street children of Delhi
- SAVOR dinner with a local family at their home in Jaipur
- UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world's largest sundial
- VISIT Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar in Delhi
- SUNSET at Taj Mahal
- TOUR Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore National Park, Amber Fort and City Palace in Jaipur
- ADMIRE Agrasen Ki Baoli stepwell
- SEE multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- WORKSHOP - demonstration and try your own hand-block printing
- VISIT Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world's largest sundial
- VIEW Raj Ghat - a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi
- STOP at Agrasen Ki Baoli, one of the most noteworthy stepwells in Delhi
- ADMIRE Mughal architecture
- Handcrafted Highlights
- Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- All porterage and local charges included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- VIP entry to many sights
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Not Included
- Gratuities are included for services during the land stay of your vacation unless otherwise noted. This includes wait staff at included meals, and porterage at hotels for one suitcase per person. Gratuities for your tour director, local hosts, guides, and drivers are not included in the vacation price (unless otherwise noted in pricing details) and are discretionary.
- All items of a personal nature (room service, beverages, telephone charges, laundry, special food requests, etc.) and meals not specified on the tour itinerary are not included and must be paid by the client.
- All rates exclude airfare unless expressly noted.
Meal Inclusions
Hotel Details
- Le Meridien New Delhi in Delhi, India (3 nights)
- Double Tree by Hilton in Agra, India (1 night)
- Clarks Safari in Ranthambore, India (2 nights)
- Hilton in Jaipur, India (2 nights)
- The hotels listed are intended to be used on all departures however Trafalgar Tours reserves the right to substitute other hotels than those listed. If a change becomes necessary for any reason, the hotel substituted will be of equivalent quality to those listed. No refunds are provided for hotel changes and full cancellation penalties apply.
Day 1
ARRIVE DELHI Location Information Description
Delhi, India
India's vibrant capital extends a lively welcome, launching an unforgettable journey through northern India's most exquisite sights. On arrival in Delhi, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you'll meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetizers this evening.
Dinner
Le Meridien New Delhi
Day 2
DELHI SIGHTSEEING Location Information Description
Delhi, India
Savor the scents of spice as you embark on an exhilarating rickshaw ride, navigating the busy streets of Old Delhi. See the Red Fort, a sandstone fortress which once housed the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for centuries.
Next, ride through the colorful Chandni Chowk market and watch it come to life as the day's trading begins amidst the sounds of enthusiastic salesmen and endless traffic. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India and admire its ornate façades.
Board a waiting vehicle to drive to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Pay tribute to this beloved figurehead, who led the campaign for India's independence from Britain. You'll come face-to-face with the site where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. Today the simple square platform of black marble is surrounded by a tranquil park, befitting of its status as a place of contemplation.
Your next stop is Agrasen Ki Baoli, one of the most noteworthy stepwells in Delhi. Hidden amidst the cacophony of Delhi's streets and business towers, this ancient water reservoir rises from the depths of the earth to stand atop 103 stone steps. Spend a few moments of serenity amidst its centuries-old ornate arches before returning to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure or consider purchasing an Optional Experience.
Breakfast
Le Meridien New Delhi
Day 3
DELHI SIGHTSEEING Location Information Description
Delhi, India
'Dive Into Culture' this morning and join a guided walking tour run by one of the rehabilitated street children who were taken in by the Salaam Baalak Trust in Delhi. Your visit will 'Make A Difference' to this non-profit organization and the street children for whom it cares.
Later, walk through Paharganj Bazaar, rubbing shoulders with the locals who flock to the market to shop every day. Escape the noise and head to New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920s. Your first stop here is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former glory, you'll see first-hand why it served as the inspiration for the design of the famous Taj Mahal.
Enjoy local flavors for lunch at a restaurant near India Gate, then head to the Qutub Minar complex, also a UNESCO listed site. This fluted 'Victory Tower' is decorated with elaborate inscriptions, geometric carvings and elegant balconies. Returning your hotel later, you'll drive past Lutyens' Delhi to view the elegant colonial façades leading British architect Edwin Lutyens left behind on the cityscape. You'll have the rest of the afternoon free, or perhaps purchase one of the Optional Experiences.
Breakfast, Lunch
Le Meridien New Delhi
Day 4
DELHI - AGRA Location Information Description
Agra, India
It's time to leave Delhi behind, bound for the Uttar Pradesh city of Agra. While there are many reasons to love Agra, its own 'monument to love', the Taj Mahal is perhaps the most captivating. You'll have an opportunity to see its sun-kissed white marble façades just before sunset, watching as its elegant walls glow with rose and golden hues. Admire this well-preserved landmark from all sides. Step away from your fellow travelers for a minute and contemplate the magnificence of this man-made wonder before re-joining your group.
This evening, you could choose to end a memorable day with a purchased optional sound and light show prior to dinner.
Breakfast, Dinner
Double Tree by Hilton Agra
Day 5
AGRA - RANTHAMBORE Location Information Description
Agra, India
There's more to Agra than the Taj Mahal as you'll come to discover this morning during your visit to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Stroll through the chambers of a royal residence that was built in the 16th century and served as the principal residence of four generations of the influential Mughal emperors until the capital was moved to Delhi.
Location Information Description
Fatehpur Sikri, India
Continue on to the long-deserted 'Ghost Town' of Fatehpur Sikri, which was built at great expense by Emperor Akbar in 1569 only to be abandoned soon afterwards because of a lack of water. The city remains beautifully preserved, albeit with an air of melancholy - a rusty-red sandstone masterpiece without a population.
Location Information Description
Ranthambore, India
Later, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bharatpur. Then experience first-hand a quintessential experience of getting around in India when you board a train bound for Ranthambore where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Clarks Safari
Day 6
RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK Location Information Description
Ranthambore, India
Start the day with an early morning visit to Ranthambore National Park, which was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Before the heat of the day sets in and the wilderness awakens, keep a keen eye out for the resident animal and birdlife that find sanctuary here. You'll also want to have your camera ready in case the park's tigers make a brief appearance.
Return to your hotel for a late breakfast, followed by some time to relax or consider purchasing an Optional Experience. After lunch, there's another opportunity to explore the park for glimpses of the various species of bird and wildlife on your second game drive of the day. Dinner is served this evening at your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Clarks Safari
Day 7
RANTHAMBORE - JAIPUR Location Information Description
Jaipur, India
Continue your journey to Jaipur, the Pink City. After some free time for lunch, join a workshop on hand-block printing, one of the most famous traditional art forms of Rajasthan. A skilled 'Local Specialist' will show you the tricks of the trade as you observe how the prints are handmade using small wooden blocks and hone your own block-printing skills.
Later, you'll see the talents of local craftspeople on display during a visit to a local market. Admire the colorful textiles and perhaps buy a memento or two to take home. Jaipur is particularly renowned for its embroidery and blue pottery.
This evening, join a local family for an exclusive 'Be My Guest' dinner in their home. 'Connect With Locals' and savor some of the regional delicacies.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hilton Jaipur
Day 8
JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING Location Information Description
Jaipur, India
One of today's highlights is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort. But first, stop to admire the red and pink façades of the Palace of Winds, whose latticed windows once revealed the outside world to the sheltered ladies of the royal household.
Continue with a visit to the ornate City Palace, an impressive complex of buildings from different eras and gardens in the heart of the Old City. You'll have some free time for lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world's largest sundial.
Later, you could choose to join an optional Aarti ceremony, offering a blessing to one of the Hindu deities and hopefully receiving one in return. This evening, our memorable encounter with northern India at its end, you'll toast to shared memories over a delicious local Farewell Dinner.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hilton Jaipur
Day 9
DEPART JAIPUR Location Information Description
Jaipur, India
Bid a fond farewell to your Travel Director and fellow travelers at the end of an epic journey from Delhi to Jaipur. Transfer to Jaipur Airport for your onward flight or alternatively return to Delhi by coach departing at 10:00 and arriving to Delhi at approximately 16:30. The coach will drop off at Delhi International Airport and the Trafalgar post-night airport hotel; the Pride Plaza Aerocity.
Breakfast
Important information:
Important Information
Cancellation Policy
- 60 days or more prior to departure the deposit is non-refundable
- 59-16 days prior to commencement of services: 30% of total price*
- 15-8 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price*
- 7-1 days prior to commencement of services: 90% of total price*
- On departure day and later: 100% of total price*
- *Total price does not include any Instant Purchase Air or Instant Purchase Air service fees, which are non-refundable after 24 hours from purchase. Intra-vacation air is non-refundable after final payment.
- Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including extra night accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions reserved prior to, during, and after the tour. If flight changes, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations or name changes, are requested after full land and air deposits are received, revision fees, change fees, or airline cancellation fees will apply.
- In many instances, airline revision or change fees can be up to $300, but in some instances may be up to 100% of the ticket price. Cancellation penalties will be quoted at time of cancellation.
- All cancellations must be received in writing prior to tour departure. The cancellation policy will apply according to the date that the cancellation notification is received. The MINIMUM cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.
- The purchase to trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
Terms and Conditions
- Land only “from price” is per person based on two people sharing a room together and does not include airfare unless expressly stated.
- All prices are in US Dollars.
- A $200 non-refundable, non-transferable, per-person, per-vacation deposit is required to reserve space for you, with some limited exceptions, as noted below. Payment of the deposit indicates you have read and accepted theseall Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit payment is processed and you receive a confirmation invoice.
- Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure, with some limited exceptions, as noted below. Within the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land, cruise, and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the due date. The payment policy may vary for group reservations.
- Additional deposits or payments are required for international air added to the start and/or end of your vacation and/or for intra-vacation air, as specified in the itinerary (“air-inclusive vacations”). Air-inclusive vacation pricing is guaranteed upon receipt of full land plus air deposit or land deposit plus full airfare price, depending on type of airfare purchased (Flex-Air or Instant Purchase Air).
- For complete terms and conditions please visit the Trafalgar Terms & Conditions for more information.