11-day The Golden Triangle & Ranthambore from £1,595pp
India is both enchanting and fascinating, with colourful, bustling cities entwined with a captivating ancient history and an enthralling blend of cultural attractions.
Our Golden Triangle & Ranthambore escorted tour explores the classic Golden Triangle cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, the iconic Taj Mahal and provides an opportunity to search for the elusive, majestic Bengal Tiger in Ranthambore National Park. Distant Journeys will also take you beyond the iconic sights as we enjoy a walking food tour through the streets of old Delhi, experience a rail journey between Delhi and Agra on board the Gatimaan Express and dine with a local family in Jaipur.
Our Golden Triangle tour groups are limited to a maximum of 24 people per departure. As part of a smaller group, you have the opportunity to explore beyond the well-known sights and take a path less trodden with a number of included intimate experiences that wouldn’t be possible with a larger group. Friendships will be forged from shared experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.
We offer the option of Private Touring on The Golden Triangle & Ranthambore Tour. Enjoy the same expertly crafted itinerary and hand-picked hotels, but with the exclusivity and convenience of your own friendly and knowledgeable guides, your own private vehicle and your own choice of departure date. Whether you prefer to travel with a group of friends, as a family, or you are celebrating a special occasion as a couple, our private touring holidays provide affordable exclusivity and flexibility for groups of any size.
You can take the opportunity to explore more of this fascinating country, by extending your holiday with a guided tour in Shimla, Amritsar, Varanasi or Goa. Alternatively, you could explore the tranquil backwaters and tea plantations of Kerala by combining your Golden Triangle & Ranthambore tour with the Splendours of Kerala tour from only £3,390 per person.
With so many highlights including the iconic Taj Mahal, Amber Fort and a tiger talk with a naturalist, Distant Journeys’ brand new 11 day escorted tour of The Golden Triangle & Ranthambore is a must for anyone wanting to experience India. Read more below.
Depart with British Airways from London Heathrow. Flights from regional airports may be possible, please call for details.
Included meals: In-flight meals and drinks
On arrival into Delhi, we transfer to the delightful Maidens Hotel, a heritage hotel, full of character and charm from a bygone era. In the evening, we meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a welcome drink, where we will have the opportunity to become better acquainted for our adventures ahead. Dinner will follow in the pleasant surroundings of the hotel.
Included meals: In-flight meals and drinks and dinner
Delhi, a city combining the very best of old and modern India, is a wonderful introduction to this mesmerising country. Following breakfast this morning, we embark on a fascinating rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, taking in sights as we ride through its streets, including the Red Fort – famed for its opulence, and being the palace of the Mughal Empire in the 1500’s. We also visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, as well as the lively old-city market, Chandni Chowk. Later, witness the imposing India Gate and striking Parliament House, and further explore New Delhi. Visits include Qutub Minar, a 13th century red sandstone and white marble minaret measuring 75 metres tall, as well as the UNESCO heritage site, Humayun’s Tomb, where the 16th century Mughal Emperor lies. It’s an action-packed day, concluding with an evening food walk in Old Delhi, where we shall explore the cultural mesh of flavours and Dilli recipes on offer in its many eateries.
Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
This morning, we make our way to the railway station where we board India’s historic and first semi-high-speed train, the Gatimaan Express, to Agra. On arrival, we visit Agra Fort, a historical fort which remained the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638, before travelling to our hotel, the delightful four-star Agra Trident Hotel. Built in local red stone, reminiscent of the Mughal era, the hotel sits in beautifully landscaped gardens, offering the perfect retreat from the city.
Tour Highlight
This evening, as the sun sets, we venture out to see India’s most iconic attraction and testament of love, the Taj Mahal. Commissioned in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this breath-taking complex is said to have been constructed on the banks of Agra’s Yamuna River by over 20,000 stone carvers, masons, and artists from across India, Turkey and Iraq. We witness this magnificent monument for a sunset like no other.
Included meals: Breakfast and dinner included
We leave Agra behind and journey to Abhaneri. Unique to India, Chand Baori at Abhaneri is a 13 storey, 1300-year-old stepwell, constructed with mind-blowing geometry and aesthetics. Our next stop is Umaid Lake Palace, a tranquil organic retreat nestled in 20 acres of rustic countryside, where we shall venture out with one of the palace’s chefs to pick the fresh vegetables required for the day. We shall turn our hand to cooking local delights in their interactive kitchen, and take lunch in the palace’s serene surroundings. Afterwards, we continue to Ranthambore, for our next two nights at the charming Ranthambore Kothi Hotel. Situated on the edge of Rajasthan’s premier national park, and surrounded by flourishing green forests, it provides the perfect base from which to explore the park. This evening experience a tiger talk with a local naturalist and learn more about Ranthambore’s most famous and imposing inhabitant.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
An early start as we journey into Ranthambore National Park, a former private hunting ground of India’s great ruler, the Maharaja. The park is famed for its majestic and elusive tigers, and celebrated for its wildlife conservation. Keep an eye out for marsh crocodiles, sloth bears, monkeys, leopards, samba deer, and over 250 bird species – all of which inhabit this incredible part of the world. We’ll board our open shared canter vehicle for our first safari, prior to breakfast. We embark on our second safari this afternoon, to explore a different area of the park in our search for the incredible wildlife roaming the lands and waters of this eminent park. Dinner this evening is at our hotel, when we can reflect on the day’s adventures.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. Following lunch, we journey to the opulent ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. Our accommodation in Jaipur is the four star Trident Hotel, which boasts breath-taking views of peaceful Mansagar Lake, Jal Mahal (Jaipur’s stunning water palace) and the Aravalli Range. The evening is ours to enjoy in the most perfect surroundings.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Following breakfast, we shall travel a short distance to meet our waiting jeeps, which will take us to yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site – the magnificent Amber Fort. Set amidst dramatic pink hills and overlooking Maota Lake, the nostalgic Amber Fort is a fabulous example of Rajput architecture. Later this evening enjoy the unique delight of a cooking demonstration, and an exclusive insight into Rajasthani family life with dinner at a family home.
Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
This morning we enjoy a tour of the delightful sights of City Palace, including its complex maze of gardens, courtyards and impressive buildings. We also visit Jantar Mantar, the ancient equinoctial sundial, and stop for a photo opportunity at Hawa Mahal, Jaipur’s amazing pink sandstone palace. The rest of the day is ours to spend as we please. In the evening, why not take an optional guided walk and visit the old stables which were converted into a market? Closely observe the gathering of local milk sellers, promoting their products for the production of delicious Indian sweets, or meander through the neighbouring eateries serving local delicacies.
Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
Following breakfast, we bid farewell to wonderful Jaipur and journey to Delhi Airport for our overnight flight with British Airways.
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner and in flight meals and drinks
Why not extend your Golden Triangle & Ranthambore holiday with a stay in the hill station of Shimla, or possibly Amritsar – home to the spectacular Golden Temple, Varanasi – the spiritual capital of India, or perhaps enjoy a relaxing beach stay in Goa?
Alternatively you could explore Southern India by combining your Golden Triangle & Ranthambore tour with the Splendours of Kerala tour from only £3,190 per person
Our flights travel via Abu Dhabi, and arrive into the UK in the morning, bringing to an end our incredible adventure.
Included meals: In flight meals and drinks
On certain dates you can combine the Golden Triangle & Ranthambore with our Splendours of Kerala tour, from £3,390 per person. Please call for details.
At Distant Journeys we believe in delivering exceptional value for money, and a smaller group with a maximum of 24 guests will help you to really engage with this fascinating country. If you really want to get to know India in-depth you can also enjoy a private tour where you will travel exclusively as your own group, allowing for a more personal experience and greater flexibility. Supplements to the main tour price for private group tours can be seen below.
Please note that our holiday prices are subject to the availability of flights in the lowest fare booking class. Air fares have risen steeply in recent weeks, and as a result there may be a flight surcharge to add to the price of your holiday. The correct price will always be confirmed to you before you book, and once you have booked, our Price Promise will guarantee there will be no further increases.
Departure date | Price (pp) | Availability | |
2022 | |||
19 October | £1,795 | ONLY 5 ROOMS LEFT | |
09 November* | £1,795 | ONLY 2 ROOMS LEFT | |
2023 | |||
18 January* | £1,795 | HALF FULL | |
08 February* | £1,795 | HALF FULL | |
22 February* | SOLD OUT | SOLD OUT | |
01 March | £1,795 | HALF FULL | |
15 March | SOLD OUT | SOLD OUT | |
12 April | SOLD OUT | SOLD OUT | |
14 April^ | £1,595 | JUST LAUNCHED |
^ Please note that this date uses alternative hotels, please call for details
Splendours of Kerala combination: * These dates can be combined with our Splendours of Kerala tour. Prices from £3,390 per person.
Should you prefer to take The Golden Triangle & Ranthambore tour as a private tour, please add the relevant supplement below to the main tour price.
Number of Guests | Tour Supplement (pp) | ||
All Dates | |||
2 guests | £395 | ||
3-4 guests | £295 | ||
5-9 guests | £195 | ||
10-14 guests | £95 | ||
15+ guests | No extra charge |
Prices: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room.
Single occupancy supplement:
01 September 2022 – 31 August 2023 £395.
Deposit: £500 per person if travelling in economy class, £1,500 per person if travelling in business class.
Flight upgrades: Etihad Airways upgrade to Business Class flights from £2,195 per person return.
Private touring: Guests choosing a private tour may select their own departure date. Please note, alternative airlines may be considered or further supplements may apply in certain periods when international flight prices are higher.
Holiday extensions: Extend your holiday with a stay in Shimla, Amritsar, Varanasi or Goa from only £495 per person
Visa information: An e-Tourist visa is required for travel to India. For more information on applying for your visa and the associated costs, please refer to our FAQ’s page.
Important information: Prices are subject to availability but the correct price will always be confirmed before you book. For full terms and conditions see our terms and conditions page.
Our escorted holidays to India are designed to offer superb value for money. And the great news is that on The Golden Triangle & Ranthambore tour, so much of what you will do and see is already included in the price. That’s all your scheduled international flights, overseas transfers, expertly chosen hotels, an experienced local tour manager, and many amazing excursions, already paid for. Importantly, we also include breakfast and dinner, every day, plus three lunches. All you need to do is bring some spending money for extra meals and of course those all-important souvenirs.
All the hotels on our tours to India are carefully selected by our Directors to ensure they meet their high standards. Over the decades they’ve worked in the travel industry, they’ve come to understand exactly what elements of a hotel work best on a touring holiday, with an emphasis on location and quality. Throughout your touring holiday to India, rest assured that you will be staying in the best possible accommodation, without it costing you the earth.
Explore further during your free time with an optional excursion to enhance your experience of India. You don’t have to decide if you want to arrange anything before you go, your tour manager will happily arrange this for you while you are on tour.
Your local guide will take you on a fascinating walk through the streets of Jaipur as evening falls. You will visit the bustling market, a former stables, and walk down...
From INR₹1400 / £15 Read More >To make the most of your time in India, why not extend your stay after the Golden Triangle & Ranthambore tour, with one of our holiday extensions? You could ride the UNESCO Toy Train to Shimla, see the Golden Temple of Amritsar, experience the spiritual river Ganges at sunrise in Varanasi, or simply relax on the white sand beaches of Goa.
3 nights from £595pp
3 nights from £495pp
5 nights from £695
Shimla was known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’ and was the summer capital during British rule in India. Surrounded by steep forested hills falling away on all sides, and with snow-covered mountains as a backdrop, it is little wonder…3 nights from £645pp
Our India tours are new itineraries with the inaugural departure being in October 2021. This page will be updated with reviews as soon as our returning customers are contacted by the independent reviews company Feefo. In the meantime, please feel free to look at the reviews for our other tours – we’re sure you will be impressed with the service our guests receive and the great reviews they kindly give us!
Distant Journeys has won 10 awards in the last five years, at the British Travel Awards, and we have been awarded Feefo’s highest Platinum Trusted Rating for customer satisfaction.
Know you are paying the best price for your holiday with our Price Promise. We never offer last minute discounts and we guarantee the earlier you book the better the offer you’ll receive.
Book in the confidence your money is 100% safe. All Distant Journeys holidays are fully bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10913) or ABTOT (number 5427).
For your peace of mind, if Distant Journeys is unable to operate your tour due to Covid-19, you will be given the choice of changing your tour or you may choose to receive a full refund.
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