Golden Triangle, Tigers and the Ganges

Visit India

Day 1

Welcome to Delhi

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 Dinner this evening.

Day 2

Discover the Delights of Old Delhi Dive Into Culture

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, Dive Into Culture as you 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 Make Travel Matter

This morning, embark on a guided walking tour to discover the work done by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

This non-profit organisation that aims to provide a caring environment for street children. Later, we'll walk through the bazaar of Paharganj, rubbing shoulders with the locals who flock to the market to shop everyday. 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 to your hotel later, 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 at leisure, or perhaps join one of our Optional Experiences.

Day 4

Sunset at the Taj Mahal

It’s time to leave Delhi behind, bound for the Uttar Pradesh city of Agra.

There are many reasons to love Agra and its own ‘monument to love’, the Taj Mahal, is perhaps the most captivating of all. Marvel at its elegant marble façades awash with the sunset's rose and golden hues. Admire this well-preserved landmark from all sides and take time to contemplate the magnificence of this man-made wonder before re-joining your fellow travellers. 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

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 17th-century royal residence which served as the principal residence of the influential Mughal emperors until the capital was moved to Delhi. Continue to the long-deserted ‘Ghost Town’ of Fatehpur Sikri, built at great expense by Emperor Akbar in 1569 only to be abandoned soon afterwards due to a lack of water. The city remains beautifully preserved, albeit with an air of melancholy – a rusty-red sandstone masterpiece devoid of inhabitants. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bharatpur. Then, appreciate first-hand a quintessential travel experience in India as you board a train bound for Ranthambore, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Day 6

Roam Ranthambore in Search of Tigers

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 animals and birdlife that find sanctuary here. 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 to join an Optional Experience. After lunch there’s another opportunity to explore the park for a glimpse of the various species of bird and wildlife on your second game drive of the day. Dinner is served at your hotel.

Day 7

Onwards to Jaipur Dive Into Culture

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 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, Dive Into Culture and 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 and savour some of the regional delicacies.

Day 8

Explore Colourful Jaipur

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. Enjoy some time for lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring the world's largest sundial. Later, perhaps 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 Farewell Dinner with those guests ending their journey in Jaipur.

Day 9

Venutre to Varanasi Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter

Depart Jaipur this morning and board your included flight to embark on a pilgrimage to the sacred city of Varanasi to explore 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), but local spirituality extends beyond the sacred waters of the river. The city is also renowned for its ancient temples and old ghats that lead down to the river. You’ll see all this and more, but first there’s free time for lunch before the sightseeing. Next, experience a rural way of life during a walk around Weavers Village, where a Local Specialist reveals the centuries-old silk weaving tradition. Your visit during this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will help the community’s efforts to keep this extraordinary tradition alive. You'll see first-hand how the talented weavers create beautiful silk fabrics. These are used to make the famous Banarasi silk saris, highly 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 candles and tiny flowers, float down the river. After this poignant ritual, return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 10

Witness Local Life Along the Ganges

Admire the changing light as the sun rises over the Ganges, and the sights and sounds of Varanasi come to life along the banks of the river.

Observe locals taking their morning bath in the holy water and 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, Varanasi's main temple. Demolished and rebuilt many times over its history, the temple is a sight to behold with its towering spire and domes made of pure gold. 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 3rd century BC and see the Lion Capital of Ashoka with its inverted lotus carving, adopted as the national emblem of India. Continue to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 11

Farewell Varanasi

Your spiritual and cultural encounter with India at its end, it's time to bid farewell to Varanasi.

Take a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)

10 Breakfast (B)

3 Lunch (L)

1 Be My Guest (BMG)

1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Be My Guest

Jaipur: Savour dinner with a local family at their home in Jaipur.

Dive Into Culture

Delhi: Take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi.

Jaipur: Visit a local market in Jaipur.

Iconic Experience

Jama Masjid: Admire the red sandstone and marble details of Jama Masjid during your visit to one of the largest mosques in the country. 

Delhi: Visit Agrasen Ki Baoli and take in the arched niches of this citybound step well. 

Delhi: See Old Delhi's Red Fort. 

New Delhi: During your orientation of New Delhi, visit Humayun's Tomb, and see India Gate and the Qutub Minar complex. 

Taj Mahal: View the Taj Mahal, known as one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

Agra: Inside Agra’s red sandstone fortress, witness the fairytale palaces, audiences halls and mosques of the Mughal rulers. 

Agra: See the imposing gate to the Jama Masjid and gain insight into life in Fatehpur Sikri, now a deserted ''ghost town.''

Ranthambore National Park: Tour Ranthambore National Park for a chance to glimpse the resident animals and birdlife. 

Jaipur: Learn the traditional art of block-printing with a Local Specialist. 

Jaipur: During an orientation of Jaipur, visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory. 

Varanasi: Cruise down the Ganges and delve into local tradition as you witness the ritual of Aarti. 

Varanasi: As the sun rises over Varanasi, view the banks of the River Ganges come to life during a morning boat ride.

Varanasi: During your brief orientation of the city, visit some of the famous temples. You'll also visit Sarnath, where Buddha first taught the Dharma.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Delhi: The Delhi City Walk tour explores lesser-known attractions around Paharganj and New Delhi Railway Station, guided by a teenager at the Trust who once lived and worked on the streets of Delhi. This personal touch makes the tour special and gives you a view of the tour guide's world through their eyes. City Walk is an example of how a volunteer's creativity can translate into a unique and enduring programme, which is both popular and economically viable.

Varanasi: At Weavers Village discover the community's efforts to keep the centuries-old silk weaving tradition alive.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Delhi, Jaipur and Varanasi

Visit Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar in Delhi, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore National Park, Amber Fort and the City Palace in Jaipur and Sarnath

View the Palace of Winds in Jaipur

See the Red Fort, Parliament House and India Gate in Delhi

Trafalgar Difference

Ranthambore: Jaskaur Meena, a farmer and an educationist took a courageous decision to enter into the hospitality sector and started the first hotel business in the area of Ranthambore. The hotel was named after her late son Anurag. The land back in 1984 and nothing else but a temple, no houses, just forest. Jaskaur was the first lady to lead the hotel industry in the area and start a new era of tourism in Sawai Madhopur and went on becoming the first successful woman entrepreneur in Rajasthan. As a born farmer half the hotel’s land is used for agriculture and dairy which supplies organic produce to the hotel.

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