Experience the richness of Indian culture on this classic tour of India's Golden Triangle. Kick off in Delhi, both old and new. Explore the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra and the stunning Pink City of Jaipur. Combine this with a night at a Maharaja's Palace and you have the perfect one week Indian adventure.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Old & New Delhi
This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. See the eternal flame at Raj Ghat, which was the site of Gandhi’s cremation and is now a place of peaceful contemplation. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King’s Way’ and see the famous India Gate monument. This evening we enjoy a group Namaste dinner.
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast, Dinner
Taj Mahal
Delhi - Agra. Travel to Agra today and visit the impressive walled Agra Fort. Our day continues with a tour of the legendary Taj Mahal, India’s most famous site. This iconic white monument was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in memory of his beloved wife. It is perhaps the most extravagant symbol of love the world has ever seen and has no rival.
Overnight: Agra | Breakfast
Fatehpur Sikri
Agra - Karauli/Dholpur. This morning we visit the eerie former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which has laid abandoned for more than 400 years. Continue to the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas in Karauli, or the Raj Niwas Palace in Dholpur stopping for lunch en route. Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds. This evening, perhaps opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer).
Please Note: If staying In Dholpur you will visit Fatephur Sikri on the morning of Day 5 on the way to Jaipur.
Overnight: Karauli or Dholpur | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jaipur
Karauli/Dholpur - Jaipur. We travel to a local school this morning (if open) to meet the pupils and teachers. Our ‘Change for Children’ program operates here and any donations you can spare help make a real difference to the lives of underprivileged children. You may wish to consider bringing some educational gifts with you on your tour (see trip notes) to give out to the children - they will be greatly appreciated.
Later, we continue to the vibrant UNESCO listed Pink City of Jaipur where the rest of the day is free to explore. Perhaps catch a Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir Cinema or explore the buzzing walled city center - look out for monkeys scampering across the rooftops.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast
Jaipur sightseeing
Enjoy an unforgettable experience early this morning with an optional balloon ride over Jaipur. Sail with the wind over the surrounding region and pass above hill-top forts and regal palaces. Later, enjoy a jeep ride to Amber Fort for a guided tour and visit a cotton weaving house for an authentic demonstration of fabric dyeing. We also tour the UNESCO-listed Jaipur City Palace and Jantar Mantar space observatory, which is home to the world’s largest stone sun dial.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast
Return to Delhi
Jaipur - Delhi. Return to Delhi today where the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the impressive Akshardham - the world’s largest Hindu temple.
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast
Delhi
Saturday. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today with an included transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates marked with a 'G' are operating. All departure dates from 1 Apr 2023 are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. Prior to this date a departure is guaranteed with 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
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.
Park Inn by Radisson New Delhi, Delhi
Set in the heart of one of the most popular neighbourhoods of Delhi, the Park Inn by Radisson offers a comfortable stay in India’s bustling capital. With contemporary guestrooms which feature en suite bathrooms, high speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning and flat screen TVs. Enjoy al fresco dining and drinks at the 24-hour RBG Bar & Grill, which serves tasty traditional Indian fare and international cuisine. After a busy day of sightseeing, unwind with a swim in the hotel's sparkling pool or work up a sweat in the fitness centre. Ideally located just 20 minutes from the airport and a short walk from a metro station, it's easy to reach popular sites such as the Lotus Temple, India Gate and Connaught Place.
Holiday Inn Mayur Vihar, Delhi
Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida is a modern hotel, located in the heart of bustling Delhi NCR. With Mayur Vihar Metro Station less than 550 yards away, providing easy access to the commercial hubs of Noida, South Delhi and Connaught Place. Comfort is guaranteed in the contemporary guest rooms, which feature an ergonomic chair, high speed WiFi, in room safe and LED TV. Relax and unwind in the outdoor infinity pool and workout at the 24 hour Fitness Centre. There's a choice of dining options, with Café on 3, offering Indian and international delicacies, overlooking the infinity pool and a beautiful alfresco area, while the Kylin Experience restaurant serves delicious Asian cuisine and tasty signature cocktails
Royale Regent Hotel, Agra
The stylish Royale Regent hotel offers views of the magnificent Taj Mahal from its rooftop pool, so guests can gaze at this World wonder while sipping on a cocktail and retreating from the hustle and bustle of the city. Each comfortable air-conditioned room features a minibar with tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV as well as excellent en-suite facilities. Guests can also enjoy an array of flavours in the onsite garden or mutli-cuisine restaurant.
Hotel Royale Residency , Agra
Situated a stone’s throw away from the legendary Taj Mahal, the Royal Residency Hotel is perfectly located for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Agra’s famous monuments. Each comfortable air-conditioned room features a minibar with tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV as well as excellent en-suite facilities. Guests can enjoy an array of flavours around the world in the multi-cuisine restaurant, or perhaps sip on a cocktail next to the outdoor pool.
Bhanwar Vilas Palace, Karauli
Built in 1938, this stunning property is the residence of the Maharaja (181st in the Royal Dynasty) and Maharani of Karauli. Both the architecture and furniture have been designed in fitting with colonial styles and the property offers a fantastic insight into the history and elegance of a bygone era. The property offers deluxe rooms and luxury suites, each including a range of modern amenities such as a mini bar, a well-appointed ensuite and a plush king-sized bed. In the evenings, guests can tuck into an array of regional specialties as well as international cuisine in the hotel's restaurant.
Raj Niwas Palace, Dholpur, Karauli
With vibrant history and a rich heritage, Dholpur Palace also known as Raj Niwas Palace, is a mesmerizing journey back in time. Once home to generations of Royals, this converted palace still reflects the magnificence of the Rajasthani architecture of that era. Guest rooms offer a refreshing mix of Indian heritage and modern facilities including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a mini bar. Set in 13 acres of garden, the Palace grounds are full of peacock and bird life that nip over from the National Chambal Sanctuary nearby.
Mandawa Haveli, Jaipur
Made of pink and red sandstone, the beautiful heritage-style Mandawa Haveli is a fine example of typical Rajasthani architecture. All rooms are well appointed with intricately carved wooden beds and king-size royal portraits, with modern amenities such as free WiFi and ensuite bathrooms. Spend an evening dining on continental, Indian or Rajasthani cuisine on the outdoor terrace or request a private, candlelit dinner on the rooftop under a star-studded sky. Well located in the heart of Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, this hotel is just a few minute’s drive from the Palace of the Winds.
I've just come back from the Taj Express tour in India. It was amazing!
Our tour leader Yusuf was the best. So knowledgeable, kind and one of life's gentlemen. The tour was the right balance of sightseeing and time out. The hotels were a great blend of old and new. I highly recommend On The Go and will definitely be using your company again. ”
I enjoyed the trip but felt the entertainment and meals and hotels were poor. I have been on a trip to Vietnam and China with On The Go and this wasn’t a patch on them. The guide was good and did what he could to make the trip enjoyable. But the hotels, restaurants and entertainment provided was of a poor standard ”
It was truly amazing. Got a real feel for India. Thank you. Could not have asked for a better guide. Yusuf Khan was amazing! ”
Although this was an ‘express’ tour I felt we covered a lot in the time available and with the distances covered. I was surprised by the travel time for each leg of the trip - the trip notes didn't include estimated durations for all travel days. Other companies do this routinely so this is one improvement that On the Go could make so travellers have full information before they book. I note that road and traffic conditions are not the same as the U.K. and there were sufficient toilet and food stops which shows the guides’ consideration for the group.
The hotel on the last day in Delhi was disappointing. The rooms were great however the location wasn’t and as there was no bar or spa at the hotel (unlike the starting point hotel) spending the last night together was not as much fun as it could have been and relaxing after a busy week would have been better with spa, or a gym! The breakfast was also poor with mostly Indian food and only bread and cereal other than this.
Our guide was fantastic. He looked after everyone with great care and consideration, including finding pharmacy’s and phone shops for travellers, offering more frequent stops for those who weren’t well and re-planning portions of the trip where journeys took longer than expected or It was a foggy day. He shared some personal stories to help explain aspects of the Indian culture and provided excellent information on all aspects of history, culture, etc. There were times when Yusuf sat away from the group for meals, which we felt uncomfortable with as we wanted him to be part of the group - by the end of the week he was doing this and I think this made him feel more comfortable sharing stories with us, which was nice for everyone. My one criticism of Yusuf would be that he would often move the group on in quite a quiet manner so we didn’t always know we were supposed to follow - I think this may be down to the quiet nature of the Indian people, whereas lots of loud Brits and Aussies probably need a loud voice to get them to listen!! He was excellent at advising us on how to stay safe and not get taken advantage of by locals and stepped in several times to assist when money was stolen and people approached us. He made the trip very successful.
Having water available on the bus was another added bonus as we didn’t need to find shops to buy it at - another small detail that helped make a difference to the overall quality of the tour.”
Excellent tour excellent guide, very professional , kind and helpful”
I expected the Taj Express to be fast paced and deliver all the highlights in a short space of time and I was not disappointed! Our tour guide, Satendra, assisted with arranging any additional sightseeing I had planned. He is an exceptional tour guide - I had spinal surgery prior to the tour and he went out of his way to assist me in any way possible. ”
Excellent tour guide. India is daunting but with Yussef in control we had the best experience possible.”
He was amazing, very knowledgeable and a credit to your company.”
Yusuf was a very good tour leader who was always helpful and consisderate of individuals on the tour. He was very knowledgeable about his country and explained the history thoroughly. He would rearrange the order of the tour at various times to make the tour flow more easily for the benefit of the participants. He would provide a buffer zone from some of the local vendors for us at times which was very helpful and useful to us.
I can say with certainty that he was one of the best tour leaders we have ever encountered. With our visit to India we have been to 80 countries so we have encountered many tour leaders throughout the years. Even though we were very tired by the end of the tour, it was a wonderful experience to see a small part of India. The heat at this time of the year coupled with our age lead to our being very exhausted at teh completion of the tour. Thanks to Yusuf for our pleasurable trip and great experience of India.”
What a great holiday! This was our third group tour with On The Go and could not recommend them enough. India was fantastic with so many amazing sights to see. After the Taj Mahal being the most enjoyable highlight of the trip, the walk in the streets of Karauli was the second highlight. Getting away from all the big tourist attractions and just being able to walk through the streets was a great experience. Yusuf our guide is truly exceptional at his job.”
At a Glance
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I've just come back from the Taj Express tour in India. It was amazing!
Our tour leader Yusuf was the best. So knowledgeable, kind and one of life's gentlemen. The tour was the right balance of sightseeing and time out. The hotels were a great blend of old and new. I highly recommend On The Go and will definitely be using your company again. ”
