Highlights of the Golden Triangle and Mumbai

Arrive in Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India, which seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Perhaps explore the local area and take in the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and flavours on offer as well as nearby ruins of a 14th-century Tughlaq fortress. Tonight, get to know your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and fellow travellers during a Welcome Dinner.

Today you will explore Old and New Delhi, India’s vibrant metropolis blends medieval, colonial, and modern architecture. Visit Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque, India’s largest, before setting out on a rickshaw ride. Continue to New Delhi, designed by architect Edward Lutyens regarded as a testament to Britain’s imperial aspirations, to visit Humayun’s Tomb. Thought to have inspired the magnificent Taj Mahal, the World Heritage-listed tomb perfectly combines elements of Persian and Mughal architecture in its design. Explore wide leafy avenues. Later, visit the Gandhi Smriti Museum and learn about Mahatma Gandhi. This museum, dedicated to his life, is where he spent his final 144 days before being shot in 1948. 

INSIDER EXPERIENCE — Rickshaw Ride 

Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi’s lively Chandni Chowk bazaar. Embrace the energetic ambience and immerse yourself in local life. 

Set off this morning to the station where you will board the Gatimaan Express, travelling from Delhi to Agra, a journey that takes just over an hour and a half, on India's first semi high-speed train and the fastest train in India. Enjoy simple Indian snacks as you relax in fully air-conditioned carriages and enjoy the passing scenery. Once in Agra, embark on your Insider Experience and later a sightseeing tour of the World Heritage-listed Agra Fort. One of the city’s most historic sites, the fort has served as both a military point and a royal residence in the past. 

Insider Experience – Visit the Taj Mahal

Be in awe at the beauty of the iconic Taj Mahal, the white marble mausoleum inlaid with semi-precious stones. Commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor to house the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the mausoleum houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The structure took over 22 years to build and is a wonder to behold. Its awe-inspiring, glittering white marble domes almost seem to change colours throughout the day depending on the position of the sun. 

Transfer from Agra to Ranthambore National Park, stopping en route at the abandoned ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri, a World Heritage Site for a guided tour. This town to the west of Agra was once known as the City of Victory. Built in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri is home to several impressive monuments and temples. Remarkably, this deserted city remains almost exactly as it was more than 400 years ago, providing an insight into the opulent lifestyle of the Mughal Empire. Enjoy lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur before boarding the Shatabdi Express train for the last leg of your trip to Ranthambore National Park. Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages as you travel in air-conditioned comfort, taking in the scenery. Tonight, savour dinner at your hotel. 

INSIDER EXPERIENCE — Lunch of Rajasthani Cuisine  Dine on a lunch of traditional Rajasthani cuisine in regal surroundings at the Royal Residence of the former Jat rulers of Bharatpur. 

Today, search for the elusive Bengal tiger on guided morning and afternoon game drives through Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore is also home to many more unique animals including leopards, sloth bears and striped hyenas. Enjoy an evening talk by a local naturalist about the park and its diverse wildlife.

Insider Experience - In search of the Bengal tiger

With an expert guide, go in search of the Bengal tiger. Ranthambore is one of the best parks to view this elusive cat, so make sure to have your camera at the ready.

Spend the morning at your leisure. After lunch, depart by coach to the picturesque and historic city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The bustling modern city is one of the three corners of the golden triangle that includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. In 1876 the local ruler decided to paint the city in shades of pink in anticipation of a visit from the Prince of Wales. The prince (who later became King Edward VIII) named Jaipur the ‘Pink City.’ After a declaration by the Queen of Jaipur that she too had a fondness of this colour, a law was passed that all future buildings were to be pink.

Today spend the day on your Insider Experiences. Drink in the striking architecture blending Hindu and Islamic styles and visit such incredible sites including the City Place, and the World Heritage – listed 18th-century Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. Drive by Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. Completed in 1799, it's one of India's most recognizable buildings.

Insider Experience - Explore the Pink City of Jaipur

Explore the Pink City of Jaipur, discover why its beautiful buildings are coloured in this distinctive hue and explore Amber Fort, learning about its fascinating history and uncover many of the rooms elaborately painted with decadent mirrors and precious stones.

Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Mumbai, set on India’s west coast beside the Arabian Sea. This vibrant and bustling city on the western coast of India is famous for its fast-paced lifestyle, iconic architecture, thriving Bollywood industry and diverse culinary delights. Taste some of these delicious flavours at a cooking demonstration held at your hotel.

Rise early for your Insider Experience. Return to your hotel for breakfast and spend the rest of the morning at your leisure before taking an afternoon sightseeing tour of Mumbai icons including the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal, a 19th-century World Heritage listed railway station and admire the colours of Mahalaxmi Dhobhi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundry. Enjoy a delicious Farewell Dinner at your hotel.

Insider Experience - Discover Mumbai

Discover Mumbai by foot as the city comes to life in the sun’s early rays on a dawn walking tour. Visit the fishing docks of Colaba, see the colonial architecture of DN Road, experience the bustling environment of Crawford Market, and explore the fascinating neighbourhoods.

After breakfast, transfer to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport where your journey ends.