India group holiday itinerary
Another splendid group tour of India focused on the Golden Triangle, perfect introduction to an amazing country. Unravel thousands of years of fascinating history in Delhi, wander the picturesque palaces of the 'pink city' of Jaipur and stand transfixed before the breathtaking Taj Mahal, the world's greatest monument to love, before perhaps extending your visit to Ranthambore, in search of the majestic tiger.
Find out more about holiday options for India
Tour highlights
- Explore the sights of Old and New Delhi through narrow winding lanes of colourful bazaars
- See the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi
- Visit the 17 th century Taj Mahal
- Try spotting tigers in the Ranthambore National Park
Sample tour itinerary
Day 1 London Heathrow - Delhi
Travel from London or a regional airport on your overnight flight to Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi
Our local representatives will be there to greet you in New Delhi , the Indian Capital. After clearing immigration and custom formalities, you will be met in the arrival lounge and transferred to your chosen hotel.
Later in the day you can enjoy a visit to the Presidential Palace, the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war and a drive along the Rajpath past the Parliament House and secretarial buildings. Return to your hotel for a leisurely evening.
Day 3 Delhi
This morning you could experience an orientation tour of Old & New Delhi. See the 17th century Jama Masjid and walk through the narrow, winding lanes of colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk. Try taking a rickshaw ride through these bazaars. It is also worth a brief stop at the serene Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. An afternoon at leisure offers the perfect opportunity to explore on your own or just relax in your hotel.
Day 4 Delhi - Agra
This morning you can visit the Parliament or the Cabinet office, before continuing onwards to Agra. On arrival in Agra , check in to your hotel. Although Agra is an ancient city in India 's heartland, it came into prominence in medieval times when the lavish patronage of the Mughal rulers created forts, tombs, and palaces in red sandstone and marble, inlaid with semi-precious stones. Overnight at your chosen hotel in Agra.
Day 5 Agra
The high point of your day would be a visit to the 17th century Taj Mahal, perfect in its symmetry. On the inner walls, jewel-like stones create beautiful designs in white marble. The Mughals perfected the art of embedding semi-precious stones into marble and the Taj is the finest example of this; it is a special process called pietra dura. It begins with a marble plate, varying in size. Then jewels are sliced paper thin and embedded in the marble with such precision that the joints are invisible to the naked eye. Also see the massive Agra Fort, where the ageing Emperor Shah Jahan, imprisoned by his son, watched from a distance the fulfillment of his life's dream-the building of the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife. This afternoon allows plenty of time to explore Agra 's local colourful markets
Day 6 Agra - Jaipur
This morning leave Agra for Jaipur enroute you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, a spacious red sandstone city built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India 's greatest rulers. The Emperor ruled Agra from this city and a fort with dargah (Muslim religious center) still stands here. Remarkably broad-minded for his time, this Muslim king married many a Rajput princess in order to win over his Hindu subjects. The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar's vision of synthesizing the cultures. This evening is perfect opportunity to explore the crowded and colourful lanes of the pink city's bazaars. Overnight at your chosen hotel.
Day 7 Jaipur
A 'must' is a visit to Amber, the former seat of the Rajput rulers Jaipur. Like the 18th-century Palace of Winds , the screened windows of Amber allowed for the ladies of the court in times gone by to view the processional, civic activities, and formal matters of state. Wander through the temple and beautiful palaces inside the walls of the fort.
Continue sightseeing of Jaipur including the City Palace known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum with its large collection of woodwork, jewellery, costumes, brassware, and pottery. Another monument near the City Palace , Jantar Mantar, is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen.
Afternoon enjoy relaxing at your hotel.
Day 8 Jaipur - Ranthambore
Today enjoy a visit to Ranthambore. Ranthambore National park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. The tigers can be easily spotted even during the day. A good time to visit between November and May when the nature of the dry deciduous forests makes sightings common.Overnight at your chosen hotel.
Day 9 Ranthambore
If you would like to see more of Ranthambore National Park there is plenty of time today to return for further game drives.
Day 10 Ranthambore - Delhi
Enjoy a local train journey from Ranthambore - Delhi on board after breakfast Jan-Shatabdhi Exp. for Delhi (0707/ 1200 Hrs.) Overnight at your chosen hotel.
Day 11 Delhi - London
Morning departure on your flight to London.
We can help you organise group holiday itineraries in any of the Kuoni featured destinations. So please give us a call on 01306 744477, email your requirements to leisuregroups@kuoni.co.uk or use our quote request form and we will be happy to help you.
