India: Tigers & the Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal, India

India | 11 days, 9 nights | Escorted tour

From £1,697 per person, including return flights

10 June 2027 departure from London Heathrow. Based on two adults sharing.

Discover India's magnificent palaces, ancient cities and wild tigers

From the magnificent Taj Mahal and the colourful streets of Jaipur to the tiger-filled forests of Ranthambore, this journey reveals some of northern India's most extraordinary sights.

This eleven-day escorted holiday combines the cultural treasures of India's famous Golden Triangle with the excitement of a wildlife safari. Explore the bustling bazaars of Old Delhi by rickshaw, discover the spectacular hilltop Amber Fort and experience the unforgettable sight of the Taj Mahal at both sunset and sunrise.

You'll also venture into Ranthambore National Park, one of India's best-known tiger reserves, for two game drives in search of Bengal tigers and other wildlife.

Along the way, enjoy traditional Rajasthani hospitality, stay in characterful heritage hotels and spend two relaxing nights at a jungle resort in the Aravalli Hills.

With an experienced tour manager looking after the arrangements, you can concentrate on enjoying the journey.

Holiday highlights

  • The magnificent Taj Mahal – Experience India's most famous monument on a guided sunset visit, then admire it again at sunrise from across the Yamuna River.

  • Tiger safaris in Ranthambore – Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through one of India's finest wildlife reserves, searching for Bengal tigers, leopards and other animals.

  • Jaipur's Amber Fort – Travel by jeep to this spectacular hilltop fortress, with its grand courtyards, ornate palaces and beautiful views.

  • The sights of Delhi – Explore Old Delhi's colourful streets by rickshaw, visit Humayun's Tomb and discover the impressive Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple.

  • Traditional Rajasthani hospitality – Enjoy an authentic dinner hosted by a local family in Jaipur.

  • Ancient Agra Fort – Explore the magnificent palaces and courtyards of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Chand Baori Stepwell – Discover one of India's most remarkable ancient stepwells, with thousands of perfectly symmetrical stone steps.

  • Relax in the Aravalli Hills – Spend two nights at the peaceful Vanaashrya jungle resort, surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Your eleven-day itinerary

Day 1 – Depart London for Delhi

Your Indian adventure begins with an overnight flight from London Heathrow to Delhi.

Overnight: On board

Day 2 – Arrive in Delhi and visit Humayun's Tomb

Arrive in Delhi, where you'll be met by your tour manager and transferred to your hotel.

After some time to freshen up, begin your exploration of India's capital with a visit to Humayun's Tomb.

Built in the 16th century, this magnificent Mughal mausoleum is surrounded by beautiful Persian-style gardens and is considered an architectural predecessor to the Taj Mahal.

Overnight: Delhi

Day 3 – Explore Delhi and travel to Jaipur

Discover the fascinating contrasts of Old and New Delhi.

Your guided sightseeing tour takes you past the imposing Red Fort and Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques, before a memorable rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk.

This bustling historic market is filled with narrow lanes, colourful shops and the sights and sounds of everyday Delhi life.

Continue into New Delhi, where you'll see India Gate and the grand avenues of the capital, before visiting Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, an important Sikh temple known for its peaceful atmosphere and community kitchen.

After lunch, travel south-west to Jaipur, the famous Pink City of Rajasthan.

Overnight: Jaipur

Day 4 – Amber Fort and the palaces of Jaipur

Today you'll explore Jaipur's magnificent royal heritage.

Travel by jeep up to Amber Fort, a spectacular hilltop fortress overlooking the surrounding countryside. Discover its grand courtyards, intricate architecture and beautifully decorated chambers.

After lunch, continue your exploration of Jaipur with visits to the City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory, and see the famous Palace of the Winds, with its distinctive honeycomb façade.

This evening, enjoy a special introduction to Rajasthani hospitality with a traditional dinner hosted by a local family.

Overnight: Jaipur

Day 5 – Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park

Leave Jaipur and travel into the countryside towards Ranthambore National Park.

Once a royal hunting reserve, Ranthambore is now one of India's most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries and an important habitat for the endangered Bengal tiger.

After lunch, settle into your hotel and enjoy time to relax.

This evening, a local naturalist will introduce you to the wildlife of Ranthambore and explain more about the park's tiger population ahead of tomorrow's safaris.

Overnight: Ranthambore

Day 6 – Tiger safaris in Ranthambore

An exciting day of wildlife encounters awaits.

Rise early for your first game drive into Ranthambore National Park, accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide.

The reserve is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and a remarkable variety of birdlife.

As you travel through forests, lakes and rocky landscapes, keep watch for signs of the park's elusive tigers.

Return to your hotel for some relaxation, perhaps enjoying the swimming pool, before setting off on a second game drive in the afternoon.

While tiger sightings can never be guaranteed, exploring this extraordinary landscape is a memorable experience in its own right.

Overnight: Ranthambore

Day 7 – Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal at sunset

Travel towards Agra, home to two of India's most magnificent Mughal monuments.

Begin with a visit to Agra Fort, a vast red sandstone fortress that served as the residence of Mughal emperors for generations.

Explore its elegant courtyards, audience halls and palaces while learning about the powerful dynasty that shaped much of India's architectural heritage.

Later, experience one of the great highlights of your journey: a guided visit to the Taj Mahal.

Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this extraordinary white marble mausoleum is one of the world's most celebrated buildings.

Admire its graceful domes, intricate craftsmanship and beautiful gardens in the soft light of the late afternoon.

Overnight: Agra

Day 8 – Sunrise at the Taj Mahal and the ancient stepwell of Abhaneri

Begin the day with another unforgettable view of the Taj Mahal.

Visit Mehtab Bagh, the gardens across the Yamuna River, to admire the monument as the morning light illuminates its white marble.

After breakfast, continue to Abhaneri, where you'll discover the remarkable Chand Baori Stepwell.

Dating back more than a thousand years, this extraordinary structure descends deep into the ground through thousands of geometric stone steps.

You'll also visit the nearby Harshat Mata Temple before continuing into the Aravalli Hills.

Arrive at Vanaashrya jungle resort, your peaceful base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Vanaashrya, Rajgarh

Day 9 – A relaxing day in the Aravalli Hills

After a busy week of sightseeing and wildlife adventures, enjoy a leisurely day surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Rajasthan.

Relax beside the swimming pool, explore the resort grounds or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

There may also be an opportunity to take a traditional camel cart ride through the surrounding area and attend an Indian cookery demonstration in the evening.

It's a lovely opportunity to experience a quieter side of India before returning home.

Overnight: Vanaashrya, Rajgarh

Day 10 – Return to Delhi

Leave the Aravalli Hills and travel back towards Delhi.

There will be time for lunch before transferring to the airport for your overnight return flight to London Heathrow.

Overnight: On board

Day 11 – Arrive in London

Arrive back at London Heathrow after a memorable journey through northern India's magnificent cities, palaces and wildlife reserves.

What's included

  • Return flights from London Heathrow to Delhi

  • Eight nights' accommodation in four- and five-star hotels

  • Eight breakfasts, six lunches and eight dinners

  • Guided sightseeing tours of Delhi and Jaipur

  • Guided visits to Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal

  • Morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthambore National Park

  • Wildlife talk with a local naturalist

  • Rickshaw ride through Old Delhi

  • Jeep ride to Amber Fort

  • Visits to Humayun's Tomb, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Chand Baori Stepwell

  • Traditional Rajasthani dinner hosted by a local family

  • Entrance fees to all included monuments and attractions

  • Porterage at hotels

  • Bottled water during coach journeys

  • Tips for porters, restaurant and monument staff, naturalists and rickshaw drivers

  • Air-conditioned coach transport and airport transfers throughout

  • Services of an experienced tour manager

  • Mandatory local taxes and charges

  • ATOL protection

Not included: Indian e-visa, travel insurance, meals and drinks outside those specified, discretionary tips for your tour manager, driver and driver's assistant, and personal expenses.

Your accommodation

Stay in a selection of four- and five-star hotels throughout your journey, including characterful heritage accommodation and a peaceful jungle resort.

Your eight nights' hotel accommodation will be arranged as follows:

  • Delhi – 1 night: Sheraton New Delhi, providing a comfortable introduction to India's capital.

  • Jaipur – 2 nights: Shahpura House, a beautiful heritage hotel reflecting the architecture and traditional hospitality of Rajasthan.

  • Ranthambore – 2 nights: A comfortable hotel close to the national park, ideally located for your morning and afternoon safaris.

  • Agra – 1 night: A well-appointed hotel providing a convenient base for visits to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

  • Rajgarh – 2 nights: Vanaashrya jungle resort, a peaceful retreat in the Aravalli Hills.

All hotels have private bathrooms and air conditioning.

Alex's view

India is one of the world's most rewarding destinations, but it can be overwhelming to navigate independently, especially on a first visit! This tour combines the architectural treasures of the Golden Triangle with two game drives in Ranthambore, offering the chance to see wild Bengal tigers. That combination of culture and wildlife is what most of my first-timers to India ask for, making this a hugely popular itinerary.

As long as you’re prepared for some early starts and busy sightseeing days, the variety of experiences makes it a compelling introduction to India.

Dates and prices

11 days / 9 nights

From £1,697 per person

The advertised price includes return flights from London Heathrow on 10 June 2027, based on two adults sharing.

Further departures are available between January 2027 and November 2029, with regional UK airports available on request.

Enquire about this holiday

Interested in seeing the Taj Mahal and searching for Bengal tigers in Ranthambore?

At Reigate Luxury Travel, you'll receive personal advice and help finding the right departure date, accommodation and flights for your holiday.

Whether you'd like to explore hotel upgrades, arrange flights from a regional airport or extend your stay to discover more of India, get in touch to discuss the possibilities.

Contact Reigate Luxury Travel to start planning your trip.

Price correct as at 1 November 2026. Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing, and are subject to availability and change. The advertised price is based on the 10 June 2027 departure from London Heathrow. Other dates and regional departures may carry different prices. Single supplements apply. Indian visa costs are not included. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Tour operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTA V7812, ATOL 2325). Bookings arranged through Reigate Luxury Travel, part of Guru Travel Group.

Alex English

Alex is the founder and director of Reigate Luxury Travel. She’s been to 43 countries and counting and her three top destinations are Japan, Namibia and Fiji.

https://www.reigateluxurytravel.com/our-story
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