Golden Triangle Tiger Safari 9-Days

Start the day with the wonders of New Delhi, starting from Lotus Temple, known as the Bahai Masriquwe-Adhkar temple (The Dawning Place of the Mention of God). The Lotus Temple is an iconic architectural marvel renowned for its stunning lotus-shaped design. Completed in 1986, it serves as a Bahá’í House of Worship and is open to people of all faiths. Its lush gardens and open surroundings offer a serene environment for relaxing visits, meditation and reflection. Its distinctive white marble petals create a striking visual that symbolises purity and unity, embodying the Bahá’í principles of inclusivity and peace. Later, visit the Qutub Minar, the oldest monument in Delhi, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Then, visit Humayun Tomb, built by his widow, Bega Begum, 14 years after his death. Finalise the visit and drive to the hotel, or preferably choose a stroll on your own.

Breakfast and drive to Jaipur, known as the Pick City. Arrive at Jaipur and check into your hotel. Jaipur, known as the Pick City, the capital of Rajasthan, still seems cradled and well-protected. Jaipur is named after Maharaja Jai Singh, who became King of Amber in the early 1700s at the age of thirteen. Despite his precocious age, he was a distinguished student, adding to his credentials the careers of architecture and astronomy. He designed the new capital with exquisite pink terracotta buildings, which earned it the nickname “Pink City” due to its predominant colours of pink and orange; the sunset effect is magical. However, the credit for the pinkness of the city goes to Maharaja Man Singh, who dressed up the city in the welcoming symbolic colour following the visit of the Prince of Wales and, later, Edward VII, who visited Jaipur in the 1876s.

In the afternoon, visit the City Palace and Museum, which comprises several courtyards, gardens, and buildings that blend Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The former Maharaja still resides in one of its wings, and certain areas are not open to visitors. The 18th-century palace features a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles. The museum contains an extensive collection of art, miniature paintings, carpets, costumes and dresses, enamelware, old weapons, and an armoury of guns and swords. Finally, visit the Jantar Mantar, a renowned astronomical observatory built in 1728 by Jai Singh.

The rest of the late afternoon is free on your own to explore the city and visit the local market without a guide.

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, visit the Amber Fort, stunningly situated on a hillside overlooking a lake, 11km from Jaipur. Amber was the capital of Rajasthan for six centuries and the core land of Rajput history. Nowadays, the city is practically abandoned. The objective of the visit is to see and admire its imposing palace. The palace stands on the steep hill slope behind Maotha Lake, retaining an air of great beauty. The visit to the palace can be made on foot, by Jeep, or by elephant-back safari, which is the most preferred option. The construction of the Palace/Fort was initiated in the 1592s by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army and later extended and completed by Jai Singh. The “Hall of Public Audience,” with a double row of columns and latticed galleries, is reached by an imposing stairway. The Fortress also contains a temple with doors made of Silver dedicated to Goddess Kali. Next, walk over to the Hall of Victory, noted for its inlaid panels and glittering mirror ceiling. The “Hall of Pleasure” is on the opposite side with an ivory-inlaid sandalwood door, and the “Hall of Private Audience” is extraordinary with exquisite murals. However, the highlight of the Fort is the “Hall of Mirrors”, whose interior is encrusted with tiny mirrors, sparkling like a diamond in candlelight. The oldest part of the palace is Raja Man Singh’s apartments, where each of his dozen wives had a separate suite.

NOTE: The Archaeology department has limited the number of trips and times to Amber Fort by elephant, so it is possible that Amber Fort may not be accessible on the day of the visit. In this case, we will have to access it by Jeep instead. Therefore, an elephant-back tour cannot be guaranteed.

The afternoon is free to explore Jaipur City or shopping; the car and driver will remain at your disposal.

Depart from Jaipur after breakfast (08:00 AM). Enjoy the scenic drive through the NH52 highway, passing through traditional Rajasthani village and the Aravali Hills. En route, stop at Rusirani village to experience rural Rajasthani culture and enjoy a quick refreshment break at a local café. Arrive in Ranthambore and check into the luxurious retreat of Nahargarh Ranthambore, a haven of comfort and indulgence, or the comfortable mid-range option of Sawai Shivir, where you can unwind by the pool and enjoy a cultural program for a well-deserved rest.

In the afternoon, around 2 PM, visit Ranthambore Fort via open gypsy. Explore the 10th-century battlements, Ganesh Temple, and stunning panoramic park views (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Ranthambore Fort gets crowded on (Wed/Sat/Sun), and vehicles are restricted. If you arrive on one of the above days, you will be taken on a Safari into the park.

Evening: return to the hotel. Relax by the resort bonfire and enjoy Rajasthani folk dance and dinner with a briefing about Ranthambore’s conservation efforts.  

The activity starts from dawn (5:30 AM): Tea/Coffee, then an early morning safari (06-09:30) to maximise your chances of spotting wildlife. The park is at its most active during this time; keep your eyes peeled for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, 300+ bird species and other wildlife. Safari is typically taken in a 6-seater Jeep, offering a thrilling and up-close experience with wildlife. Return to the resort and late morning breakfast. After breakfast, visit Padam Talao (Padam Lake) and Jogi Mahal, featuring a giant banyan tree, or the Rajiv Gandhi Museum, which exhibits wildlife.

Afternoon, after lunch (02:30-06 PM), enjoy a second safari in a different park zone (Explore deeper zones e.g., 2, 4, or 6 with an expert naturalist. Record tiger behavior or photograph sloth bears). The golden light of the afternoon is ideal for photography.

In the evening, join another evening safari for more wildlife viewing, or opt for a nature walk to appreciate the flora and fauna in the park, an adventurous day! Back to the hotel, and dinner at the hotel.

The activity starts from dawn (5:30 AM): Tea/Coffee and start the safari at dawn (6:00 AM): Morning safari in a new zone. Prime time for tiger tracking near waterholes, especially during summer (April–June). Return for breakfast. Relax at the resort (pool/spa) or join a birdwatching walk. Late afternoon, second safari focusing on leopard habitats (Zones 3–5) or wetlands for crocodiles and migratory birds. Return to resort, relax, dinner with safari storytelling under the stars. 

Tea/Coffee at dawn and enjoy another wildlife safari. Return to hotel, breakfast and depart from Ranthambore for Agra. En route, stop for a pyaaz kachori (Rajasthani snack) and rest. Fatehpur Sikri, the former abandoned capital of the Mughal Empire under Akbar, is accessible in about a 3.5-hour drive from Ranthambore. It is a pleasant break-up for a drive between Ranthambore and Agra. Explore the stunning red sandstone architecture of the city, including the Buland Darwaza (victory gate), Jama Masjid, and Panch Mahal (UNESCO Site).

In the afternoon, after the visit, stop at a local eatery at Fatehpur Sikri (try local Mughal biryani). Continue your journey to Agra and check into your hotel at around 3:30 PM. Enjoy refreshments, and in the late afternoon, visit the Taj Mahal, preferably closer to sunset, for its stunning sunset lighting. The monument closes at 6 PM every day and remains closed every Friday. In the evening, take a walk in the colourful Kinari Bazar shopping. Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant, reflecting on the beauty of the Taj.

This morning, we take a sunrise visit to the main attraction of Agra: The Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. Called “A Dream in Marble,” the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jah as a memorial to his queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jah built the Taj to enshrine the body of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal (the elect of the palace), who died shortly after the birth of their 14th child in 1631. The Taj Mahal – often described as the most extravagant monument ever built, a monument of love constructed by 20,000 men from Asia, commenced in 1632 and was completed in 1653. The marble used for the memorial was sourced from Makrana, near Jodhpur, and precious stones, including amethyst, malachite, onyx, lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, crystal, and mother-of-pearl, were imported from Persia, Russia, Afghanistan, Tibet, China, and the Indian Ocean. The Taj Mahal is located at the banks of the river Yamuna, reflecting her in the waters of Yamuna, and you can look at it from nearby Agra Fort.

Finalise the visit, return to the hotel for breakfast, and visit Agra, including Red Fort –and Marble Factory. The imposing Red Fort, or red sandstone Agra Fort, was principally erected as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, when he was just 23, and was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time. Within the Fort are several fascinating buildings, including the Octagonal Tower, the Jehangir Palace built by Akbar for his son Jehangir, and the Pearl Mosque made of marble. Then there is the Hall of Public Audience, best known for its Peacock Throne and white marble-built private palace known as the Khas Mahal. Agra is also famously known as the city of Marble; therefore, visit its marble factories.

Lunch and then drive to Delhi Airport to catch your onward flight; we bid you farewell, assist with check-in formalities, and pass through immigration before departing for your onward destination.