India’s Golden Triangle With Ranthambore

Overview
Location
Trip Highlights
Itinerary Details

Overview

A fun and action-packed trip to India that brings you the perfect intro to the most incredible country on the planet.

Embark on this absorbing North India tour and visit the historic cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, dotted with majestic forts, opulent palaces, ancient temples and characteristic marketplaces. Photograph the famous landmarks and iconic sites while getting a sense of authentic local culture and discovering some lesser-known gems. Get up close to the contrasting faces of India’s bustling capital in the first chapter of your cultural adventure. Soak in the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal and wander around the vast expanse of the formidable Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Take a game drive to chase the tigers in Ranthambore National Park while you enjoy a glimpse of India’s exciting wildlife. Peep into the rural lifestyle of the locals at one of the villages. Set out on a walking tour of the pink city – a UNESCO world heritage site. Popularly considered a travelers’ paradise, Jaipur has everything to entice visitors – from forts, palaces and temples to hot air ballooning, shopping and a Bollywood movie – a quintessential Indian experience.

Start	New Delhi, India	Trip Pace	4/5
Finish	New Delhi, India	Physical Rating	2/5
Theme	Culture, Yoga & wildlife	Style	Original
Min. Age	15	Group Size	8

Hotel envisage

City	No of Nights	Hotels
Delhi	02	*//***
Agra	01	*//***
Ranthambhore	02	*//***
Jaipur	02	*//***
Delhi	01	*//***

Location

Heritage

Landscape

Wildlife

Tour Inclusions

Meeting and assistance on arrival.
Accommodations on twin/Single sharing basis.
Daily Buffet/ fixed Menu breakfast, Dinner at Ranthambore.
Air-conditioned Vehicle for sightseeing and excursions as per itinerary.
English speaking local tour leader during the entire tour.
01 Canter Safari in Ranthambore (Sharing basis)
Driver Bata, Toll tax and parking.
Hotel and vehicle Tax.
Service Tax

Tour Exclusions

Airfare & Train fare.
Monuments entry fee apart from inclusion.
Camera & video fee in the monuments.
Any meal not specified above.
Any personal nature tip, laundry telephone calls.

Trip Highlights

On a walking tour of Old Delhi, experience an Indian mega-kitchen in Old Delhi that serves thousands of people daily for free. Explore Asia’s largest spice market and sneeze to the pungent smells of the myriad spices that hold secrets to some of the widely popular Indian delicacies.
Yoga session as per program and organizer suggestions.
Gaze at the wondrous Taj Mahal and explore the historic corridors of the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Spend some time at Ranthambore getting close to some of India’s exciting wildlife. While you might be chasing the royal beast in the wild, the king honours you with its presence, only if it cares and if you’re lucky!
Tour the spectacular Amber Fort and get mesmerized by the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors). Stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), one of the most photographed buildings in India.
Cut across the hustle and bustle of the most famous Indian bazaars full of character and high in spirits. Don’t hesitate to test your bargaining skills. It’s fun!
A plethora of photographic opportunities and spots await passionate shutterbugs and Instagram lovers on this classic adventure.

What To Expect

This is an action-packed trip best suited for travellers who want to make most of the limited time.
The region we are travelling through experiences hot weather for most parts (March – September) in a year. Please bring lightweight and loose cotton clothes, sunscreen and a sunhat and keep yourself hydrated.
We are committed to travelling respectfully to the local communities and the environment. Please dress up conservatively (minimum half sleeves and three-quarter trousers) as you will visit religious places and rural communities. Use water and electricity judiciously.

Itinerary Details

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DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN DELHI

Namaste! Welcome to India!

Once you have arrived at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, make your way out of the arrival lounge after completing the immigration and baggage collection formalities. Look out for the ‘Beyond The Tours’ representative or driver who would be waiting to receive you just outside of gate number 5 with a placard bearing your name.

Inclusions
Arrival Transfer (Airport to Hotel)

Meals
Welcome Dinner (Optional)

Accommodation
Hotel (1 Night)

An arrival transfer from the airport to your hotel is included in your trip price. Depending on traffic, the drive to your hotel takes around an hour and a half (nearly 25 km).

If you cannot meet our representative or the driver, please call us on the below numbers to assist you further.

Tourrnival Jourrneys (India): +91- 9891613131

Important: Do not follow anyone who may tell you that your hotel is sold out and that they have better options for you. This may be a scam!

Check-in time at your hotel is 12:00 pm. Early check-in is subject to availability.

The rest of the day is at leisure. If you have arrived early, take a look at our list of recommended optional activities.

Contemporary Delhi has a history that traces to 5000 years in the Hindu epic Mahabharat. The city has always been a centre of politics for several distinct enclaves. The latest was Old Delhi with its Mughal built monuments such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and New Delhi when the British shifted their capital from Kolkata in 1911. After the violent partition of India in 1947, millions of people flocked here from west Punjab in search of a new living. Since then, there has been a steady influx of people from all country’s pockets, making Delhi a potpourri of different cultures. With imposing forts and mausoleums, temples of antiquity, museums, art galleries, upscale boutiques, luxury hotels, and not to forget, some of the world’s most lip-smacking cuisine, India’s capital is a treasure trove for every taste.

Please join your group leader for an important group meeting at 06:00 pm. They will share important trip-related information with you. Your group leader will also collect your passport, visa, and travel insurance details.

Today, your group leader will take you out for dinner at one of the local restaurants. This is a perfect way to break the ice and get to know your fellow travellers while you open yourself up to the world of delectable Indian cuisine.

Optional Activities

Humayun’s Tomb
Lotus Temple
Akshardham Temple (remains closed on Mondays)
Gandhi Smriti (Birla House) – (the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination | remains closed on Mondays, 30th January, & 2nd October)

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DAY 2 | GUIDED TOUR OF DELHI

Today morning, we will visit Lodhi Garden where we will have our YOGA session. Later your Indian adventure kicks off with a guided tour of Delhi.

Dive into the cultural potpourri of India’s bustling capital. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. The grand red sandstone edifice dominates Old Delhi’s skyline and can accommodate a whopping 25,000 devotees at a time.

Follow your group leader on a fascinating old Delhi walking tour, winding through the quirky neighborhoods and specialized marketplaces. Visit the highly revered Sis Ganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) that warmly welcomes everyone without discrimination. For a truly authentic local experience, join the locals at the langar (community kitchen) that serves nearly 10,000 people daily, and it is all free!

Take a cycle rickshaw tour and maneuver the chaos to reach Asia’s largest spice market.

Unlike the organized chaos of a traditional Indian bazaar, New Delhi offers wide avenues, grand vistas, and British-era architecture. Our drive will take us past the Parliament House, the President’s House, and the India Gate. Check out the 14th-century stepwell amid the urban jungle – a true hidden treasure!

The rest of the day is at leisure. Your group leader will be happy to assist you in organizing the optional activities.

Inclusions

Jama Masjid (mosque)
Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Spice Markets
Cycle Rickshaw Ride
Drive past New Delhi

Agrasen Ki Baoli (stepwell

Accommodation

Hotel (1 Night)

Included Meals

Breakfast

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DAY 3: AGRA

Today, we travel to Agra by road (approx. 200 km | around 4 hours). Prepare yourself for an exciting day of travel and visit some of the most impressive architectural sites.

Strategically located on the banks of the river Yamuna, Agra was the erstwhile capital of the Mughals during the 15th and 16th centuries.

The city flourished under the patronage of emperors Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan, who built luxurious palaces, forts, mausoleums and gardens. While the Taj Mahal is India’s star tourist attraction, the Agra Fort is no less impressive. With over a hundred years of history – bloody, spectacular, sometimes dark, the stunning range of courtly buildings flaunt Akbar’s passion for rustic red sandstone and Shah Jahan’s love for the sublime marble.

Included Activities

Taj Mahal (only one visit)
Agra Fort

Accommodation

Hotel (1 Night)

Included Meals

Breakfast

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DAY 4 | RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Today, we depart for Fatehpur Sikri (approx. 40 km | nearly one hour). This ancient fortified city served as the capital of the Mughal empire only for twelve years. The red sandstone complex houses breathtaking palaces, open courtyards, gardens and pavilions, including a stunning mosque, still in use today.

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, we drive to Bharatpur (around 20 km) railway station from where we travel by train (nearly 2 hours) to Sawai Madhopur, home of Ranthambore National Park. We arrive at Sawai Madhopur in the evening and check in to our hotel for a two-night stay.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel.

Included Activities

Fatehpur Sikri Palace Complex

Accommodation

Hotel (1 Night)

Included Meals

Dinner

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DAY 5 | RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

We set off on an early morning game drive (around 6 am) in open-top canters to explore the jungles of Ranthambore. We usually spend about 3 hours on our game drive before returning to our hotel.

Covering an area of nearly 390 square kilometers, the dry deciduous sprawl of Ranthambore was once the hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and the British officers.

The park was designated a tiger reserve in 1973. Since then, the Ranthambore has always enjoyed the reputation as one of India’s favourite places to spot the Royal Bengal tiger. The park is a thriving breeding ground for diverse wildlife species such as monkeys, deers, crocodiles, peacocks, turtles, wild boars, leopards, tigers, jackals, snakes, etc. The park is also home to many residents and migratory birds.

It’s fun to watch the non-stop antics of the monkeys as you get captivated by the chic peacocks posing gracefully. Herds of deer are quick to flee, but lazy crocodiles can’t resist the urge to rest. Be quiet and listen to every rustle and crunch piercing the silence of the jungle. The mighty beast might be staring at you from the safety of the town grass. Good luck!

While the naturalist and the driver make every possible effort to spot a tiger, there is no guarantee we will see one. Tiger is a nocturnal animal and prefers to remain alone.

This afternoon we go on a guided visit to one of the local community villages to get insights into life and culture in rural Rajasthan.

Return to your hotel around in the evening and relax.

Note: Safari timings are seasonal.

Included Activities

1 Game Drive (open top canters)
Guided Village Walk

Accommodation

Hotel (1 Night)
Included Meals

Included Meals

Breakfast
Dinner

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Day 6 | JAIPUR

Today, we will travel outside of Jaipur (around 12 km) to visit the ancient city of Amber. The thousand-year-old town used to be the capital of the Kachhawaha rulers, who established Jaipur as their new capital in 1727.

On a walking tour of Amber, visit the impressive 16th-century stepwell of Panna Meena, offering spectacular backdrops for great social media pictures. On a short walk is the Jagat Shiromani Temple, one of the ancient places of worship for Hindus in Amber.We take a guided tour of the spectacular Amber Fort, probably the most popular of all the places to visit in Jaipur. Congregated by a series of courtyards at different levels, the fort houses a range of splendid palaces, pavilions and gardens that represent a perfect blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture.

Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Included Activities

Amber Fort
Panna Meena Kund (stepwell)

Accommodation

Jagat Shiromani Temple

Included Meals

Breakfast
Dinner

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Day 7 | DELHI

Today, we travel back to Delhi (around 275 km | approx. 6 hours) in our private vehicles.

If you reach Delhi in time, check out some of the city’s popular attractions.

Today, your group leader will take you out for the farewell dinner at one of the local restaurants (Optional).

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 Night)

Included Meals

Breakfast



Day 8 | DELHI (DEPARTURE DAY)

There are no activities today.

Check-out time at your hotel is 12:00 pm. If you plan to depart later, you may store your luggage with the hotel at no extra cost.

A departure transfer (trip hotel to airport) is included in your trip price. Please provide us with your flight details at least seven days before your flight date. Your group leader will help you re-confirm your transfer.

Included Meals

Breakfast
Travellers on ‘Tourrnival Jourrneys’ trips are required to produce proof of complete vaccination against the Covid-19.
Please provide us with your passport and visa scans to assist you in obtaining a safari permit at Ranthambore.
An optional single room supplement is available on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability.
Ranthambore National Park remains closed from June to September due to the monsoon. On the trips to Ranthambore during the specified period, we will alternately visit Ranthambore Fort

Itinerary Disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES: Our itineraries are updated regularly based on the travellers’ feedback. Therefore, your Essential Trip Information may differ from the initial information you received at the time of booking the trip. Please review the information just a few days before your departure for the latest updates. Due to factors beyond our direct control, such as unfavourable weather, public holidays, transport cancellations, etc., we may be required to make further changes to the itinerary after the commencement of the trip. The sequence and timing of the included activities on this trip may vary seasonally for our travellers to have the best experience. Your group leader will keep you updated with any such changes after the trip has started.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: We have recommended optional activities on a day to day basis based on our past travellers’ feedback. Prices are approximate and do not include transport or services of a local guide unless specified otherwise. Optional activities are subject to availability, and some may be on a join-in basis. Depending on the available free time, it may or may not be possible to pursue all the optional activities listed in the trip itinerary.

Covid-19 Entry and Exit Requirements

Due to the constantly evolving health and safety advisory on Covid-19, it is imperative that you monitor your government’s travel advice for the most up to date border-measures and travel requirements as they may change without notice.

Climate

BEST TIME TO VISIT: September to March with warm days and cool nights. December and January are the coldest months, with temperatures reaching 0 degrees Celsius in some parts of north India.
SUMMER: April, May, and June are peak summer months with temperatures rising to 48 degrees Celcius
MONSOON: July, August, and September are the monsoon months when it gets warm and highly humid.

India experiences vast variations in its climate. We recommend checking the region’s weather you intend to visit beforehand and planning your trip accordingly.

Safety

We highly recommend you check your government’s travel advisory for safety-related information on the region you intend to visit. Additionally, please ensure your travel insurance policy covers you for the trip you are taking and all the activities part of your trip itinerary. Your group leader will accompany you on all the included activities on this trip. They will deliver daily safety briefings on activities and sightseeing, travel and transport, food and drinks, etc., for you to have the safest possible experience.

We recommend you use a neck wallet or a money belt to carry your valuables such as passports, bank cards, flight tickets, cash, etc. You may also use an electronic safe (available at some hotel rooms) to store your valuables. However, please do not forget to retrieve your belongings before checking out. Do not bring expensive jewellery on the trip. Please bring a lock to secure your luggage. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: You may get some free time to pursue your interests or relax. Any optional activities are not a part of the trip itinerary, and ‘Tourrnival Jourrneys’ cannot be held responsible for the associated safety concerns or the standard of the operators running them. We recommend you make your judgment before you choose to pursue any optional activity during your free time.

WOMEN’S SAFETY: Of late, there have been reported cases of sexual assault against women in India. While the risk of a safety incident on your trip is meagre, we suggest you take the below-mentioned precautions to have a safe travelling experience:

Respect local dress codes and customs. Dress up more conservatively (minimum half sleeves and three-quarter trousers) than what you do back home. The best is to observe the way local ladies or girls dress up.
Avoid isolated areas, unlit streets, or lanes, and do not travel alone on local transport, especially at night.
Do not accept any unsolicited offers from unknown people (particularly at tourist spots) to go out for drinks, motorbike rides, etc.
Lock your hotel room as soon as you enter it. The concept of privacy is understood differently in some regions.
Do not worry! Be confident, stay alert and enjoy your trip.

Phone and Internet Access

Some hotels offer free WiFi connectivity while some charge for this service. A mobile prepaid SIM (we recommend Airtel or Jio) that usually costs 200-300 INR is easy to buy. You would be required to produce a photocopy of your passport and visa and a passport size photograph. We suggest you buy it from a store close to your hotel so that you can follow up if required.

Travel Insurance

You must have a valid travel insurance policy while travelling on a ‘Tourrnival Jourrneys’ trip. Your travel insurance policy must cover you for medical expenses, including related covid-19 expenditures and emergency repatriation. We highly recommend that your policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment or loss of luggage or personal belongings.

Your group leader will collect your travel insurance details in the group meeting on Day 1. If you do not possess valid travel insurance, you will not be permitted to join the trip.

Packing List

Personal medical/first-aid kit.
Torch or flashlight.
Pack as lightly as you can. You would be required to carry your luggage for short distances, including train stations.
Day pack (for your local sightseeing).
Loose cotton clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sunhat (For summers | April to September).
Thermal vests and trousers, and a jacket (For peak winters | December and January).
Face masks, sanitiser, wet wipes, mosquito spray, earplugs and eye masks.
Sturdy sandals or comfortable walking shoes.
A small chain and a padlock.

Group Leader

All our group trips are led by group leaders who are locals with excellent field skills, supported by extensive local knowledge and training. The role of the group leader is to facilitate your trip in a way that you can have the best possible trip.

Though not conventional local guides, you can expect your group leader to provide you with adequate information on the places of your visit, including historical, religious, and cultural aspects of a destination, recommendations on safe eating options, optional activities, etc. Wherever required, we also hire the services of local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit.