Discover the spectacular sights of India's famed Golden Triangle including both old and new Delhi, the Pink City of Jaipur and Agra - home to the magnificent Taj Mahal as well as sampling traditional rural Indian life in the quaint village of Peharsar.
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. Tonight, we enjoy a Namaste Dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight - Delhi (B, D)
Taj Traveller - 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 - Jaipur. Today, we drive to Jaipur. Affectionately known as the Pink City as Maharaja Ram Singh had all of the Old City painted a welcoming pink in 1876 to herald a visit by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), it is also the bustling capital of the state of Rajasthan. We enjoy a tour of the City Palace, (watch out for snake charmers that dot our route) and Jantar Mantar - an old yet cleverly designed space observatory. Overnight - Jaipur (B)
Early-risers can opt for a morning hot air balloon ride over Jaipur, and sail over hilltop forts, regal palaces, sleepy villages, and stone carved temples. After we travel beyond Jaipur to the stunning 16th century Amber Fort - a sprawling Rajput concoction which hugs the hill on which it was built and overlooks the hot plains below. We’ll ascend the road leading to the palace in princely style, aboard Indian elephants, - subject to regulations/availability as the elephants are limited to the number of trips that can make up the fort each day. Arriving at the top we'll tour the fort’s well-preserved interior and grounds. Back in Jaipur, enjoy the remains of the day your way. Overnight - Jaipur (B)
Jaipur - Bharatpur via Abhaneri and Peharsar. Departing Jaipur we stop in the village of Abhaneri to see Chand Baori, which is the largest and deepest step well in the world. This incredible well has a staggering 3500 steps and is 13 stories deep. Next, we drive on to the rural village of Perharsar, where we walk the backstreets discovering local life, traditions and (if open) visit the village school where we operate our ‘Change for Children’ programme. Here, we visit Chandra Mahal, 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). After hotel check in at Bharatpur and time to freshen up we visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll enjoy a leisurely bicycle rickshaw ride through the park. Overnight - Bharatpur (B, D)
Bharatpur - Agra. En route to Agra, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, former imperial capital of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. Built between 1569 and 1585, it has been deserted for more than four centuries, by all accounts abandoned in 1600 due to a meagre supply of water. In Agra, we visit the impressive Agra Fort before touring the legendary Taj Mahal and witnessing a glorious golden sunset. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth in 1631, the Taj Mahal in Agra is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols. Overnight - Agra (B)
Agra - Delhi. After breakfast we return to Delhi, the latter part of the afternoon is free for you to relax or independently explore more of Delhi. Overnight - Delhi (B)
Saturday. Our tour concludes after breakfast. Goodbye India! Included departure transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)
Golden Triangle & Kerala Tour
Uncover the delights of India’s famed Golden Triangle - Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, then head south to tropical Kerala. Visit historic Fort Kochi and the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations, relax in sleepy Kumarakom and spend a night aboard a house-boat, gliding along the palm fringed backwaters.
Our Golden Triangle & Kerala tour includes the arrangements of our Taj Traveller tour coupled with a week of sightseeing and relaxing in captivating Kerala. For ore info on this tour - click here!
Holi & Festival of Jaipur tour...
Combine a tour of the famous Golden Triangle with the exuberant festivities of Holi - India’s most dazzling celebration, and the vibrant Festival of Jaipur, a colourful display of local culture through its people, with folk dancers, melodious music, and exciting traditional competitions.
If travelling on our Taj Traveller tour departing Thursday 13 March 2014 ending Thursday 20 March 2014, we will be attending the Jaipur Festival at the Rambagh Polo Ground on the afternoon of 16 March and will be taking part in Holi - the festival of colour celebrations in the rural village of Bharatpur the following day. A small supplement has been added to our tour price for this departure. For more information on the events and our touring itinerary please see to our Taj Traveller tour Go Guide.
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.
NOTE: If departing on Thu 13 March 2014 we will be attending The Festival of Jaipur and celebrating Holi in Bharatpur. Please visit our 'Festival Tours' section on the web and see our 'Holi & The festival of Jaipur' tour for more info.
Taj Traveller - 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.
The Festival of Light is the happiest festival of the Hindu calendar. At night, countless oil lamps are lit to show Rama the way home from his period of exile. In all the festival lasts five days.
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!
Experience Eastern spirituality on this 4 day/3 night bolt-on to Haridwar and Rishikesh - two of the holiest
cities in India. Haridwar - the ‘Gateway to the
Gods’, attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world who come to cleanse
their sins by bathing in the Holy Ganges River and Rishikesh - the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
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.
Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
Found across Asia and Africa, the largest concentration of elephants can be spotted in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa. Track elephant with us on safari in Africa and India, visit the elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka or ride an elephant on safari in Nepal.
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.
Rickshaw ride around Keoladeo Ghana National Park - a UNESCO Heritage site famous for its amazing array of birdlife.
Abhaneri Step Well - famous and iconic 9th century stepwell.
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
Agra - the beautiful Agra Fort and the Mughal mausoleum known as Baby Taj.
Perhasar village - famed for friendly locals and charming havelis.
What's Included
7 breakfasts and 2 dinners (including Namaste Dinner in Delhi)
Buggy ride to Taj Mahal - Agra
Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 8
Specialist local guides at some sights
All relevant transfers and transportation
7 nights - 3-4 star and heritage hotels
Elephant ride to Amber Fort - Jaipur (*Subject to Government regulations and availability)
Touring of Delhi, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Agra and Peharsar village
Taj Mahal, Jaipur City Palace and Jantar Mantar entrance fees.
English speaking Indian tour leader for groups of 6 or more
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
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
Laxmi Vilas - Bharatpur
Converted from a Palace into a hotel in 1994, the Laxmi Vilas is an elegant combination of Rajput and Mughal styles, set in 50 acres of gardens.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Heritage
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
Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
Taj Traveller - 8 days
I really enjoyed this tour. I appreciated all the cultural and historical information both on the bus and at sights.
Candice McElhaney ,
Taj Traveller - 8 days
I really enjoyed this trip the small group (5) got along very well. Samir did a great job, very knowledgeable about all sorts of topics regarding Indian customs, rituals, practical information for us. Samir is very friendly and has a great relationship with local guides giving us the best experience and enjoyable times, meeting the needs of all in the group.
Anita Rubin ,
Taj Traveller - 8 days
Thank you so much for the experience. It was definitely an INCREDIBLE INDIA!
Cyril Nhleko ,
Taj Traveller - 8 days
Hi Charlie,
We had a great trip! Divendra, our guide, made sure of that! He was very good and very kind as were all the city guides. The drivers were excellent and the hotels all good. We especially liked the Pugmark, the staff and food were so good. AND we saw a tiger, up close and personal- about 8 metres away.
Best wishes
Lesley,
Taj Traveller - 8 days
Overall the experience was amazing. Atul was wonderful from day 1 and it was a pleasure to have him as the guide.
Mark Byrne ,
Taj Traveller - 8 days
It was my 1st experience with On The Go tours, and 1st trip in India. Really enjoyed my experience. The group I traveled with had shared interest which helped. Atul, our tour guide made the trip more adventurous. I would like to come back and would like Atul as a tour guide.
Susanna Roig ,
Taj Traveller - 8 days
A very well organized and enjoyable tour. The tour leader was outstanding and could not have done more to have the holiday such a success.
John Martin Smith,
Taj Traveller - 8 days
Our guide was exceptional.
Highly knowledgeable, wonderful manner & personal skills and the ability to solve problems quickly and easily - even those things beyond his duties as a guide.
Vey enjoyable tour, I have learnt loads about India, it's people and culture.
Thank you.
