India’s Golden Triangle & Tiger Safari

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred into the heart of India’s bustling capital, home to around 25 million people. Here, you will spend three incredible nights.

Stay: Three Nights, The Suryaa New Delhi

Enjoy a free day to see Delhi at your own pace. Perhaps visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Temple, a Sikh temple with Delhi’s largest kitchen, free for those seeking a meal or looking to volunteer. This evening, meet your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and fellow travellers for a Welcome Briefing followed by dinner.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Today you will have your first taste of rail travel in India as you board the Gatimaan Express to Agra, home to the truly magical Taj Mahal. On arrival, head to the enormous Agra Fort, an impressive maze of buildings constructed in 1565 under Emperor Akbar. Afterwards, it’s time to see the iconic Taj Mahal. A sight to behold, this enormous mausoleum took over 22 years to build. Its glittering white marble domes inspire awe, and almost seem to change colours throughout the day.

Stay: Agra, Tajview Hotel

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Your day begins with an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th century as the brand new capital city of India, Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned after only 14 years of rule. The deserted city has been preserved in almost the exact state it was left in 400 years ago, and provides a fascinating glimpse into life during the time of the Mughal Empire. After time to explore, continue to Bharatpur to have lunch at a local restaurant. Later, travel by train to Sawai Madhopur, then transfer to your hotel.

Stay: Two Nights, Ranthambore Kothi

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Discover the incredible Pink City of Jaipur.

Start your day with free time. You’ll then travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the Pink City. In 1876, the reigning Maharaja ordered the entire city to be painted pink, the colour of hospitality, to celebrate a visit by Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales. The tradition has been followed by the residents of the old town, who are now obliged by law to maintain the pink colour. On arrival, check in to the Hilton Hotel in Jaipur, your home for the next two nights.

Stay: Two Nights, Jaipur, Hilton Hotel

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Travel to Amber Fort by Jeep and enjoy free time to stroll through the complex of courtyards and halls. Bask in the incredible views of the fortifications on the surrounding mountains.

Today, head to the ancient village of Amer to visit the remarkable Amber Fort. Located high on a hillside, the fort traditionally served as the royal stronghold, before Rajasthan’s capital relocated to Jaipur. The imposing exterior of Amber Fort contrasts with its intricate interior. Many of the rooms have elaborately painted walls inlaid with decadent mirrors and precious stones. This afternoon, embark on an exciting sightseeing tour of Jaipur. First, head to the grand City Palace, which is home to the current Maharaja of Jaipur, and visit the early 18th-century Astronomical Observatory, a splendid complex featuring a number of early geometric devices for tracking locations of planets. Next, have your camera ready as you drive past the spectacular ‘Palace of the Winds’, an opulent red and pink sandstone building.

• Breakfast
• Dinner