Golden Triangle, Tigers and The Ganges
Golden Triangle, Tigers and The Ganges
Golden Triangle, Tigers and The Ganges
11 Days Starting in New Delhi and ending in Varanasi
Visiting: New Delhi, Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Varanasi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
INGAA17
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 54
Age range:
5-99
Trip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Cruise, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Activities:
From:
$2325
$1971 (USD)
Operator discount: -$251
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$104
-15%
Tour Overview
This spiritual encounter with the Ganges and sacred Varanasi brings India's popular Golden Triangle, the rugged wilderness of Ranthambore and centuries-old celebrated traditions to life.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To Delhi
Location: New Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Le Meridien New Delhi
Meals Included: No Meals
India's vibrant capital extends a lively welcome, launching an unforgettable journey through northern India's most exquisite sights. On arrival in Delhi, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you'll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetisers this evening.
Day 2 : Discover The Delights Of Old Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savour the scents of spice as you embark on an exhilarating rickshaw ride, navigating the busy streets of Old Delhi. See the Red Fort, a sandstone fortress which once housed the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for centuries. Next, ride through the colourful Chandni Chowk market and watch it come to life as the day's trading begins amidst the sounds of enthusiastic salesmen and endless traffic. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Admire its ornate façades before boarding a waiting vehicle to drive to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Pay tribute to this beloved figurehead, who led the campaign for India's independence from Britain. You'll come face-to-face with the site where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. Today the simple square platform of black marble is surrounded by a tranquil park, befitting of its status as a place of contemplation. Your next stop is Agrasen Ki Baoli, one of the most noteworthy stepwells in Delhi. Hidden amidst the cacophony of Delhi's streets and business towers, this ancient water reservoir rises from the depths of the earth to stand atop 103 stone steps. Spend a few moments of serenity amidst its centuries-old ornate arches before returning to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure or consider one of our Optional Experiences.
Day 3 : See The Sights Of Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Dive Into Culture' this morning and join a guided walking tour run by one of the rehabilitated street children who were taken in by the Salaam Baalak Trust in Delhi. Your visit is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and supports this non-profit organisation and the street children for whom it cares. Later, walk through Paharganj Bazaar, rubbing shoulders with the locals who flock to the market to shop every day. Escape the noise and head to New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920s. Your first stop here is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former glory, you’ll see first-hand why it served as the inspiration for the design of the famous Taj Mahal. Enjoy local flavours for lunch at a restaurant near India Gate, then head to the Qutub Minar complex, also a UNESCO listed site. This fluted ‘Victory Tower’ is decorated with elaborate inscriptions, geometric carvings and elegant balconies. Returning your hotel later, you’ll drive past Lutyens' Delhi to view the elegant colonial façades leading British architect Edwin Lutyens left behind on the cityscape. You'll have the rest of the afternoon free, or perhaps join one of our Optional Experiences.
Day 4 : Sunset At The Taj Mahal
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Double Tree by Hilton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's time to leave Delhi behind, bound for the Uttar Pradesh city of Agra. While there are many reasons to love Agra, its own 'monument to love', the Taj Mahal is perhaps the most captivating. You'll have an opportunity to see its sun-kissed white marble façades just before sunset, watching as its elegant walls glow with rose and golden hues. Admire this well-preserved landmark from all sides. Step away from your fellow travellers for a minute and contemplate the magnificence of this man-made wonder before re-joining your group. This evening, you could choose to end a memorable day at an optional sound and light show prior to dinner.
Day 5 : From The Taj To The Tigers
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Anuraga Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There's more to Agra than the Taj Mahal as you'll come to discover this morning during your visit to the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Stroll through the chambers of a royal residence that was built in the 16th century and served as the principal residence of four generations of the influential Mughal emperors until the capital was moved to Delhi. Continue on to the long-deserted 'Ghost Town' of Fatehpur Sikri, which was built at great expense by Emperor Akbar in 1569 only to be abandoned soon afterwards because of a lack of water. The city remains beautifully preserved, albeit with an air of melancholy - a rusty-red sandstone masterpiece without a population. Later, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bharatpur. Then experience first-hand a quintessential experience of getting around in India when you board a train bound for Ranthambore where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Day 6 : Roam Ranthambore In Search Of Tigers
Location: Ranthambore National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day with an early morning visit to Ranthambore National Park, which was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Before the heat of the day sets in and the wilderness awakens, keep a keen eye out for the resident animal and birdlife that find sanctuary here. You'll also want to have your camera ready in case the park's tigers make a brief appearance. Return to your hotel for a late breakfast, followed by some time to relax or consider joining an Optional Experience. After lunch, there's another opportunity to explore the park for glimpses of the various species of bird and wildlife on your second game drive of the day. Dinner is served this evening at your hotel.
Day 7 : Onwards To Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hilton
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue your journey to Jaipur, the Pink City. After some free time for lunch, join a workshop on hand-block printing, one of the most famous traditional art forms of Rajasthan. A skilled 'Local Specialist' will show you the tricks of the trade as you observe how the prints are handmade using small wooden blocks and hone your own block-printing skills. Later, you'll see the talents of local craftspeople on display during a visit to a local market. Admire the colourful textiles and perhaps buy a memento or two to take home. Jaipur is particularly renowned for its embroidery and blue pottery. This evening, join a local family for an exclusive 'Be My Guest' dinner in their home. 'Connect With Locals' and savour some of the regional delicacies.
Day 8 : Explore Colourful Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
One of today's highlights is a visit to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort. But first, stop to admire the red and pink façades of the Palace of Winds, whose latticed windows once revealed the outside world to the sheltered ladies of the royal household. Continue with a visit to the ornate City Palace, an impressive complex of buildings from different eras and gardens in the heart of the Old City. You'll have some free time for lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world's largest sundial. Later, you could choose to join our optional Aarti ceremony, offering a blessing to one of the Hindu deities and hopefully receiving one in return. This evening, we'll toast to shared memories over a delicious local dinner and say farewell to those not travelling on to Varanasi.
Day 9 : Venture To Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Madin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Jaipur this morning and board your included flight to embark on a pilgrimage to the sacred city of Varanasi, exploring the city's role as the centre of Hindu religion. There's a palpable sense that life begins and ends on the shores of Ganga Mata (Mother Ganges). Spirituality extends beyond the sacred waters of this mighty river, however. The city is also renowned for its ancient temples mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva, and its old ghats, which lead down to the river. You'll see all this and more, but first there's some free time for lunch before the sightseeing begins. Next 'Dive Into Culture' and experience a rural way of life during a walk around Weavers Village, where a 'Local Specialist' will reveal the centuries-old silk weaving tradition. Your visit will 'Make A Difference' to the community's efforts to keep this extraordinary tradition alive. You'll also see first-hand how the talented weavers create beautiful silk fabrics. These are used to make the famous Banarasi silk saris, which are sought after for weddings and other special occasions. Later this evening, feed your soul as you cruise down the River Ganges to witness the ritual of Aarti. Watch as the delicate diya laden with a candle and tiny blooms floats in a magical train down the river. After this poignant ritual, you'll return to your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Day 10 : Witness Local Life Along The Ganges
Location: Varanasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Admire the pink light of sunrise appear over the Ganges, watching the sights and sounds of Varanasi stir slowly along the banks of the river. Observe the locals taking their morning bath in the holy water while worshipping the rising sun. Afterwards, explore the city on foot, the best way to immerse yourself in the day-to-day of the oldest living city of the world. You'll have an opportunity to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Shiva temples. Demolished and rebuilt many times over its history, this is Varanasi's main temple, and it's a sight to behold with its towering spire and domes made of pure gold. You'll return to your hotel for breakfast and some free time. Perhaps choose to join our Optional Experience to watch a live performance of Indian classical dances known as Kathak. This afternoon, visit Sarnath, one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Explore the spectacular collection of Buddhist artefacts dating back to the 3 BC and see the Lion Capital of Ashoka with its inverted lotus carving, adopted as the national emblem of India. Then, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 11 : Farewell Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your spiritual and cultural encounter with India at its end, it's time to bid a sad farewell to Varanasi. Take a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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3 lunches
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10 breakfasts
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7 dinners (including Connect With Locals)
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Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes, Jaipur to Varanasi
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Dates & Availability
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Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024Friday - Monday
Nov 01, 2024 - Nov 11, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 26, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 10, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Dec 18, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Dec 25, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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