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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Discover India's Golden Triangle & Tigers

Escorted 10-day tour of Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan with tiger safaris and rail travel

Illustration of Discover India's Golden Triangle & Tigers

Great Rail Journeys' ten-day Golden Triangle and Tigers tour combines India's most renowned monuments with wildlife viewing in Rajasthan. The journey begins with an overnight flight from London Heathrow to Delhi, where travelers spend two nights exploring the capital's Old and New Delhi, from the 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque to India Gate and Humayun's Tomb. The Gatimaan Express carries the group from Delhi to Agra in AC Chair Class for a visit to the Taj Mahal UNESCO World Heritage mausoleum and the red sandstone Agra Fort. From Agra, the tour moves into Rajasthan by coach, stopping at the 8th-century Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri before reaching Ranthambore National Park. Here, travelers enjoy two safaris in open-topped vehicles, seeking Bengal tigers, leopards, crocodiles, and other wildlife with a local naturalist. The tour then heads to Jaipur, the Pink City, where a jeep transfer ascends to the hilltop UNESCO-listed Amber Fort. The final night is spent in the 19th-century Tijara Fort Hotel, where a Rajasthani cultural dance show concludes the tour. This itinerary suits couples, history enthusiasts, and photographers seeking guided travel with five-star comfort and substantial meals throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • High single supplement: the single room costs GBP 2,349 compared to GBP 1,799 per person double occupancy, nearly 65% more.
  • Maximum group size is 40 people, a large escorted group.
  • Tour begins and ends with international flights from London Heathrow; UK rail connections and London hotel stay are optional extras at additional cost.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: In flight

    Overnight flight from London to Delhi

    Meet the Tour Manager at London Heathrow before a direct evening flight to India. Overnight journey to Delhi.

  2. Day 2overnight: Delhi

    Arrival in India's capital

    After touching down in Delhi, transfer to the five-star hotel. Time to unwind with an on-site spa and outdoor pool. The hotel is a short distance from the ruins of a 14th-century Tughlaq fortress and the Baha'i temple. Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

    Meals: Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Delhi

    An introduction to bustling Delhi

    Visit the 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque, enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk bazaars, pass the Red Fort and view the Gandhi memorial Raj Ghat. Free time for lunch, then a sightseeing tour of New Delhi including Kartavya Path, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Humayun's Tomb and the Gandhi Smriti Museum.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Agra

    The iconic Taj Mahal in royal Agra

    Travel from Delhi to Agra on the Gatimaan Express in AC Chair Class. Visit the Taj Mahal – a UNESCO World Heritage mausoleum and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Check in to the hotel, then visit the imposing red sandstone Agra Fort including the Musamman Burj and Moti Masjid. Dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Ranthambore

    Viewing the remarkable 8th-century 'Moon Well'

    Leave Agra by coach into Rajasthan. Stop for lunch at Laxmi Vilas en route to Abhaneri to visit the Chand Baori stepwell, one of the oldest and deepest step wells in India, plus the historic palace and Harshat Mata Temple. Continue to the hotel on the edge of Ranthambore National Park. Dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Ranthambore

    Safari in Ranthambore National Park

    Relaxed morning and leisurely breakfast. A naturalist joins the group to discuss the region's wildlife. After lunch, venture into Ranthambore National Park on an afternoon safari in open-topped canter vehicles, seeking Bengal tigers, leopards, hyenas, caracals, crocodiles, mongooses, cobras, pythons and jackals. Return to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Jaipur

    Arrival in the 'Pink City' of Jaipur

    Early morning safari in Ranthambore National Park guided by a local naturalist. Breakfast back at the hotel, then a leisurely morning. After lunch, travel by coach deeper into Rajasthan to Jaipur. Arrive in the evening with time to unwind before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Jaipur

    Amber Fort and Jaipur's palaces

    Travel to the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort, travelling by Jeep to the hilltop entrance. Explore the palace's flamboyant rooms and ornamental Charbagh garden. Afternoon visit to the 17th-century City Palace, the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory and the Palace of the Winds. Dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Tijara

    Experiencing the lifestyle of maharajas at a hilltop hotel

    Coach to Tijara, then a short Jeep transfer up to the 19th-century hilltop Tijara Fort Hotel. Lunch at the hotel, then a free afternoon to relax by the sunken hillside pool, admire the lotus pond, take part in an included pottery spinning class or enjoy afternoon tea. Dinner followed by a Rajasthani cultural dance show.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10

    Homeward bound

    Early start with a picnic breakfast provided by the hotel. Return to Delhi airport for the direct flight back to London Heathrow.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Rickshaw ride through the bazaars of Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk, followed by visits to the 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque, Red Fort, and Gandhi memorial Raj Ghat.
  • Day 4Travel from Delhi to Agra aboard the Gatimaan Express in AC Chair Class, then visit the Taj Mahal UNESCO World Heritage mausoleum and red sandstone Agra Fort.
  • Day 5Stop at the Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri, one of the oldest and deepest step wells in India, on the way to Ranthambore National Park.
  • Day 6Afternoon safari in Ranthambore National Park in open-topped canter vehicles, seeking Bengal tigers, leopards, crocodiles, and other wildlife.
  • Day 8Jeep transfer to UNESCO-listed Amber Fort on a hilltop, explore its flamboyant rooms and ornamental garden, then visit City Palace, Jantar Mantar observatory, and Palace of the Winds.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 4 & 5-star hotel accommodation
  • AC Chair Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Direct return flights from London Heathrow to Delhi
  • Breakfast and dinner each day, 3 lunches
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Delhi to Agra
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Pottery spinning class at Tijara Fort Hotel
  • Rajasthani cultural dance show and dinner at Tijara

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Tips (recommended £35 to cover all necessary services, arranged with local Tour Manager)

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Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes AC Chair Class travel on the Gatimaan Express from Delhi to Agra and the Shatabdi Express, as well as all coach and jeep transfers throughout the tour.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is fully escorted. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager from start to finish, and all guided tours and excursions are organized by the operator.
What hotels are included?
The tour includes 8 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels: two nights at the Crowne Plaza Okhla in Delhi, one night at Hotel Clarks Shiraz in Agra, two nights at a hotel in Ranthambore, two nights at Hyatt Place Jaipur in Jaipur, and one night at Tijara Fort Hotel.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner are included each day, plus three lunches. The Tijara Fort Hotel final night includes a Rajasthani cultural dance show with dinner.
How many safaris are there?
Two safaris in Ranthambore National Park in open-topped canter vehicles: one on the afternoon of Day 6 and one early morning on Day 7, both guided by a local naturalist.
What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 40 people.

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