Experience the richness of Indian culture on this classic tour of India's Golden Triangle taking in Delhi, both old and new, the famous Taj Mahal in Agra and the stunning Pink City of Jaipur.
Saturday. Upon arrival into Delhi, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or independently explore this bustling capital. Overnight - Delhi
This morning, our Welcome Meeting takes place. We’ll then enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi, taking in the impressive Red Fort, Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat - the site of Gandhi’s cremation and more. Tonight, we enjoy a group Namaste Dinner at a restaurant specialising in classic Indian cuisine. Overnight - Delhi (B, D)
Taj Express - 8 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Delhi - Agra. Departing Delhi, we journey to Agra, once India’s Mughal capital. Here, we visit the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind it's fortified walls. Later on we take a motorised buggy to the legendary Taj Mahal and witness a magical sunset. Built by Shah Jahan in the 16th century as an enduring memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz. Built entirely of white marble, the Taj Mahal has no peers. Overnight - Agra (B)
Agra - Jaipur. En route to Jaipur, we visit the ghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, abandoned due to lack of water. As we get closer to Jaipur we stop for a tasty lunch and visit Chandra Haveli, a charming haveli (mansion house) with small courtyard, lawned gardens and rustic appeal carefully being restored to the splendour of better farming years (if open, currently under renovation till July 2013). Once in Jaipur, we visit a cotton trading/tailor shop where you can get clothing tailored for delivery to your hotel before we leave! Overnight - Jaipur (B, L)
Maybe opt for an early morning balloon flight over
the pink city of Jaipur. Look out for the snake charmers that dot our route, as we travel to the 16th century Amber Fort. An exotic elephant ride transports us to the lofty fort, where we’ll enjoy a tour of this Rajput extravaganza. Later in the afternoon we tour the City Palace, which boasts an interesting museum of regal attire and Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory. Overnight - Jaipur (B)
Day 6: Village life, rural India
Jaipur - Surajgarh/ Shekhawati region. Today, we drive to the semi-desert Shekhawati region. The small towns in this region became important trading posts, a lasting legacy of which are the beautiful painted havelis (mansions) constructed by wealthy merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Afternoon village walk and time to relax. Overnight - Surajgarh (B, D)
Shekhawati region - Delhi. Returning to Delhi, the latter part of the afternoon is free for you to relax or independently explore more of Delhi. Overnight - Delhi (B)
Saturday. Hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to airport. (B)
Discover Amritsar & the Golden Temple
Discover beautiful
Amritsar on our 3 day/
2 night Golden Amritsar bolt-on. Home to the world famous Golden Temple and the seat of the Sikh religion. Built in 1803 and made of marble, copper and pure leaf gold, the temple is an amazing architectural feat. During your stay, we witness the sunset spectacle at Wagah Border - the only road crossing between India and Pakistan where the fascinating changing of the guards and ceremonial lowering of the flags take place with great pomp to a cheering crowd of thousands.
FROM USD $1,269
Prices & Departure Dates
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement.
All our scheduled tour departures are guaranteed subject to a minimum of 2 travellers.
This tour is also available on a private basis - for details please see the Supplementary Prices at the bottom of this page.
Family Departures - Families with teens, aged 12 and above are welcome to join our tours marked with the 'Family' icon below. The adult/ price per person cost applies.
Taj Express - 8 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Bolt-ons
Make the most of your time away! Listed below are the optional activities that are available on this trip. Please note that you will need to book these prior to travel as we cannot always guarantee availability of these activities once you are on holiday.
Sail within a breath of lofty hilltop forts and
fine regal palaces. Look down upon sleepy
villages waking to the early morning sun. Drift
past expansive waterside manors and intricately
stone carved temples with the Pink City of Jaipur in the distance on a magical hot air balloon
adventure.
Ride the narrow gauge railway aboard the Himalayan Queen Toy Train to Shimla. Nestled between lofty peaks and breathtaking scenery, the charming getaway was once the summer capital of British India. The natural beauty of Shimla will enchant you, being famous for its colourful bazaar, temples at soaring heights, stunning sunsets and verdant woods, contrasted with the quintessential English pomp and style.
For some lighthearted fun, join in the energy of a Bollywood dance class in Delhi! Bollywood dance has transformed over the years from a traditional, classical style into a modern, pop culture which is taking the world by storm! We have teamed up with the Delhi Dance Academy to offer you a simple and entertaining introduction to this wonderful dance form! Whilst we cannot guarantee you'll leave the class ready to star in the next big Bollywood Blockbuster, you're sure to learn a few sharp moves to impress your friends on the dance floor!
Home to the world famous Golden Temple and the seat of the Sikh religion, Amritsar
is one of the Punjab’s principal cities. Built in 1803 and made of marble, copper and
pure leaf gold, the temple is an amazing architectural feat. During your stay, enjoy
a visit to Wagah - the only road border crossing between India and Pakistan where
the fascinating sunset ‘retreat’ ceremony takes place with great pomp.
Formally known as Bombay,
exhilarating and charismatic
Mumbai is the most populated city
in the world, home of Bollywood
and the setting of the hit film ‘Slum
Dog Millionaire’. Discover this city
of contrasts where gleaming sky
scrapers stand side by side with run
down slums. Explore this bustling
city and immerse yourself in the
madness of Mumbai!
Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
We offer a range of opportunities for you to get to know the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle whilst travelling. The best way to learn about any culture is to live in the homes of the people, and participate in day to day activities. Whether its through community visits, accompanying Berbers in Morocco on their bi-annual migration or using homestay accommodation where you can experience real local warmth and hospitality.
Want to see how the other half live? Then take a look at our selection of tours that visit all the best palaces and forts around the world. Many of the wonderfully ornate edifices that we visit are now historical museums and sites of interest allowing you to have a good old look around. And when you've had your fill of sightseeing, it's time to live like a king and stay in one of the many hotels that have been converted from a palace or fort!
One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and an enduring Indian icon, the elegant structure known as the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who sadly died in 1631, giving birth to their 14th child. In her dying breath, Mumtaz Mahal urged Shah Jahan to build a mausoleum for her, more beautiful than any the world had ever seen. In 1632 building began on the world’s greatest monument to love, which, even today, undoubtedly has no peer. In order to ensure the perfection of the Taj Mahal could not be replicated anywhere else on earth, the artisans and workers who created it, are said to have later had their hands or thumbs amputated.
Highlights & Inclusions
Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.
Trip Highlights
Old and New Delhi - the magnificent Red Fort, India's largest mosque Jama Masjid, and Gandhi's crematorium Raj Ghat.
The Pink City of Jaipur - the lofty Amber Fort, the very regal City Palace and the ancient observatory of Jantar Mantar.
Fatehpur Sikri - an ancient abandoned Mughal city.
Agra - the beautiful Agra Fort and the Mughal mausoleum known as Baby Taj
The spectacular Taj Mahal - India's most famous monument in all its glory at sunset.
An exotic elephant ride into Jaipur's Amber Fort - just like the Raj would have done
India's rural Shekhawati region famed for its beautiful Rajasthani architecture and classic havelis.
Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 8
English speaking Indian tour leader for groups of 6 or more
Taj Mahal, Jaipur City Palace & Jantar Mantar entrance fees.
7 nights - 3-4 star and heritage hotels
Elephant ride to Amber Fort - Jaipur (*Subject to Government regulations and availability)
Touring of Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Shekhawati region
Specialist local guides at some sights
All relevant transfers and transportation
What's Not Included
International flights and visas
Entrance Fees: $50-60 USD
Tip for your tour leader. We suggest $13-$20 USD per person for this tour. Tipping your leader is an entirely personal gesture.
Tipping Kitty: $15-20 USD
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary.
Almondz Hotel - Delhi
The modern and smart Almondz Hotel offers guests good sized well appointed rooms which all come with complimentary Wi-Fi. The in house restaurant is highly recommended providing diners with delicious food and a friendly service.
The hotel is located in the heart of the Delhi in the lively Karol Bagh area and Patel Nagar Metro station is within walking distance giving you fast and efficient access to the rest of India’s buzzing capital.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Raj Mahal Hotel - Agra
The charming and elegant Raj Mahal hotel offers guests clean and spacious rooms with hard wood floors and stylish design. On a clear day some rooms benefit from a view of the legendary Taj Mahal. The roof top restaurant comes highly recommended with delicious food and magnificent views across the city.
Perfectly located near to the Eastern Gate of the Taj Mahal.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Mandawa Haveli - Jaipur
The beautiful heritage style Mandawa Haveli is a fine example of typical Rajasthan architecture - set in terraced gardens with pretty courtyards. All rooms are well appointed with intricately carved wooden beds and king-size royal portraits. An evening spent enjoying a lavish Rajasthani dinner in front of a traditional folk dance is highly recommended.
Well located in the heart of Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, just a few minute’s drive from the Palace of the Winds.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Heritage
Surajgarh Fort - Surajgarh
Surajgarh Fort offers beautiful accommodation - part of the old Surajgarh Fort was converted and the buildings and facilities are covered with frescoes typical of the area.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Heritage
Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
Taj Express - 8 days
Our holiday with on the go has been absolute fabulous, we have made many wonderful friends.
Teresa Morley ,
Taj Express - 8 days
It was an excellent tour. I am definitely an 'on the go' fan and will use them again. I knew what to expect regarding the standard of accommodation so I was perfectly fine with it. I loved the character of the accommodation in jaipur and surajgarh. This adds to the entire experience. The tour guide Yusuf was excellent. His knowledge of his country is best and you know he is proud of his country. The people are very friendly all over.
Lizeth Du Preez ,
Taj Express - 8 days
Tour guide was absolutely excellent. In hindsight, I probably would have preferred to travel independently so had less fixed timings and would be able to have some free time and walk more. However if going on an organised tour, then would use on the go. It did make travel in India easy. Yusuf was very knowledgeable and had an excellent way with the group. He was a joy to be with and made the trip come alive. very good knowledge of culture + religion.
Melanie Davies ,
Taj Express - 8 days
Hey Cherylyn,
What a great holiday – loved every minute of it – hopefully will travel to India again next year to different parts!
Kim Fraser,
Taj Express - 8 days
Organisation excellent. our guide - Yusuf was extremely patient and very knowledgeable and a good person. Very mixed group which added to the experience.
Helen Davies ,
Taj Express - 8 days
I've had an amazing time on the Taj Express trip and felt very safe and comfortable which is very important for a woman travelling alone. I hope the rest of my travels through India are just as wonderful. Our guide Yusef was very helpful and knowledgeable, a credit to on the go India. Great start to my travels. Thank you!
Vivien Brannan,
Taj Express - 8 days
Had a great, relaxing holiday. Never stressed. Thanks.
Renee Bishop,
Taj Express - 8 days
Hi Ryan
Thanks very much for handling my booking efficiently. The tour of India was amazing with everything running smoothly.
Yusuf, our tour leader, was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of India and very passionate about this amazing country, which made the tour all the more interesting. He was also very helpful to everyone’s needs.
