Golden Triangle & Tiger Experience 9D/8N

Delhi Airport Pick-up and Overnight in Delhi

We'll be waiting to warmly welcome you from Delhi Airport, and transfer you to your accommodation for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to settle in this city. In its 3000 years of existence; seven cities have risen where the present capital of India stands. In Delhi, you'll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary. Where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist beside a modern metropolis. It’s a city waiting to be explored.

City Tour of Delhi (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Transfer to the metro station and we’ll then start exploring the oldest part of the city. On arrival at the Old Delhi metro station, we’ll start exploring the old city by walking through the huge market lanes of Chandni Chowk - one of the biggest wedding markets that offers anything you could possibly need when attending a wedding! Visit the compact lanes of Kinari Bazaar - full of decorative pieces. Old Delhi’s marketplaces are like a trip back in time. Built by an emperor and sustained by its traders, this place has an old worldly charm, where heritage, culture, history, architecture and cuisine come together. After walking through the different alleys, you will arrive at Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656 at a cost of one million Rupees and with perfect proportions. Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. The interior of the prayer hall is divided into aisles by arches. The walls and floors are of marble inlay panels. Later in the afternoon, you’ll transfer to Mahatma Gandhi Museum followed by New Delhi where you will drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, once the Viceroy´s residence but now the official residence of the President of India. We’ll take a photo stop at the India Gate Built of Bharatpur stone, which commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13,516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Overnight in Delhi.

Delhi to Jaipur, stop at Shahpura Village (B)

Enjoy breakfast, then take a drive towards Jaipur. Maharaja Jai Singh II built Jaipur in the 18th century. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. The whole city was painted pink to welcome the visit of Prince Albert in 1853.

We’ll make a stop at Shahpura Village to visit of a beautiful Haveli, then take a jeep safari or a rural walk in the small alleys of Shahpura. We’ll also visit a craft house to admire the craftsmanship of local glass bracelet makers, and a small government school where 100 or so children attend to receive the education to attain their dreams. After the village walk, you will be taken to a farm for a special organic lunch with fresh vegetables cooked by local villagers. You can also walk around the farms. We’ll then continue on to Jaipur and transfer to your hotel. Relax, and in the evening you will be transferred to the old city for a rickshaw ride to better explore the pink city. This ride is planned to offer you an insight on the socioeconomic aspects of the city. It’s the best way to explore the city like the locals do. Overnight at your hotel.

Amber Fort, Monkey Temple and Birla Temple Ceremony (B)

After breakfast, we’ll visit Amber Fort. The Amber Fort was built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. It gives extensive views over a deep narrow valley and the wider plains beyond. We’ll also visit the famous Kali Temple. You’ll then be taken to the Sita Ram ji temple - colloquially known as the Monkey temple (Galwar Bagh) in travel literature, due to the large number of monkeys who live in here. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore. In the evening, you’ll visit the famous Birla Temple to assist an aarti (Evening Prayer) which is a fundamental part of Hindu culture. Representing the elements of fire, earth, water and air as well as the senses, the priest has a tray with a diya (lamp), offerings of food, water, flowers, incense and a small bell. An 'Aarti lamp' is passed around a deity and is generally accompanied by the singing of songs in praise of that particular god. In doing so, the plate or lamp is supposed to acquire the power of the deity which is then passed around the people when the priest circulates the plate or lamp to all those present. The ceremony ends with everyone sharing the food which has been offered to the Gods. The Birla Temple, a proud architectural landmark of Jaipur is built of pure white marble, whose interiors contain, beautifully sculpted idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, as well as other Hindu Gods and Goddesses and mythological events are engraved on its walls. Commonly considered a true work of art, this temple forms a wonderful backdrop to witness a traditional ceremony. Overnight at accommodation.

Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park (B/D)

After breakfast you will depart Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, one of the largest national parks of India. On arrival, check-in at your hotel. About 130 km from Jaipur, Ranthambore National park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see these majestic predators in their natural habitat. Tigers can easily be spotted during the daytime, busy hunting and taking care of their cubs. In the afternoon, you'll take an afternoon game drive to spot wildlife in the park, and enjoy a tasty dinner.

Ranthambore National Park Jungle Safari (B/L/D)

After early morning tea time, you’ll head out for another drive in Ranthambore National Park. Spread around 392 sq. kms, the park is one of the most popular tiger reserves in India. Here you can spot these magnificent predators and many other animals in their own natural habitat. You might come across some other wild animals such as leopard, nilgai or blue bull, deer, hyena, sloth bear, wild dogs, etc. Return and have breakfast, then enjoy a free day to explore or relax. Our suggestion is to walk up to Ranthambore Fort - it rewards you with a spectacular view and you may even be able to spot big cats! We’d recommend you bring a good pair of binoculars. The soaring Serpent eagles, vultures and other birds can be seen at eye level. Many animals can also be seen along the edges of bodies of water. The fort itself also offers many interesting architectural and historical sights worth viewing and photographing). Overnight at Hotel.

Ranthambore to Agra (B)

Today, we’ll transfer you to the train station by tuktuk, to catch your train to Bharatpur. From there, you’ll be driven to the magical Agra. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Agra Fort (1565-1573). This huge red sandstone fortress was begun by Emperor Akbar. Standing majestically on the banks of the Yamuna, it presents itself as a scholarly combination of power and elegance. This is where Shah Jahan ended his days, sadly contemplating his marble dream. On the other bank of the river further north stands the delicate mausoleum of Itimad-ud-Daulah, all marble with inlays of semiprecious stones, which prefigures the style of the Taj, begun four years later. In the evening, you’ll take a night walk with your guide and driver. There’s also the possibility of pub hopping in the city for a drink or two, with a view of the stunning Taj Mahal from one of the terrace pubs!

Taj Mahal Tour (B)

Wake up early this morning to visit the famous Taj Mahal at sunrise (please note it is closed on Fridays) . Explore this immense mausoleum of white marble built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631 at the birth of their 14th child. Begun in 1631, the Taj Mahal was not completed until 1653. The best workers were recruited from all over India and Central Asia, the Bordeaux artist, Venice participated in its decoration. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired UNESCO World Heritage masterpieces.

After the visit, return to your accommodation for breakfast, and enjoy some time to explore on your own. In the afternoon, you’ll take a rural walk of Kachpura, a rural village with the magnificent Taj Mahal as a backdrop. This is a community project orchestrated by young people from the community who have been trained as tourist guide. During a visit of around an 1:30 hours, they’ll take you through the village and give you a chance to truly immerse yourself in daily life, as elders smoking hookah sit casually in front of colorful houses. The evening will be yours to explore as you like.

Airport drop-off and end of trip (B)

It’s your last day! After breakfast, we’ll drive towards Delhi. The driver will stop along the way so you can explore Hauz Has Village. Explore the Hauz Khas heritage park and urban village in south Delhi. Stroll around the leafy Deer Park watching for free-roaming deer, peacocks, and rabbits, and take in the atmospheric, 13th-century monuments beside Hauz Khas Lake. Finish by exploring the hip-and-happening urban village of trendy shops, boutiques, creative studios, restaurants, and cafes. In the evening, visit a Sikh Temple (Gurudwara) - Bangla Sahib, with a chance to visit the community kitchen and interact with locals. If you want, you can can participate in community service by helping to cook some chapatis and serving them for the community meal. In the late evening, we’ll transfer you to the airport to catch your flight to your next destination.