North India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur — 10 Days
The Golden Triangle route with tiger safaris and stepwell exploration
This ten-day itinerary covers India's northern cultural axis — Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur — alongside a two-night wildlife detour to Ranthambore National Park. The route connects the Mughal monuments of Agra (including the Taj Mahal) with the Rajput architecture and markets of Jaipur's Pink City, the Sikh and Islamic sites of Delhi's Old City, and the dry deciduous forest where Royal Bengal Tigers range. Days alternate between guided city walks, fort and temple visits, two game drives, a cooking class in a local home, and unscheduled time for independent exploration. Transport is by train between Delhi and Agra, private vehicle for longer transfers, and on foot or rickshaw within cities. The itinerary is designed for moderate physical engagement and does not require specialized fitness.
Highlights
- The Taj Mahal in Agra, the marble mausoleum commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632, viewed from the surrounding Mughal gardens
- Two morning and evening game drives at Ranthambore National Park, one of North India's largest protected areas, home to Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles
- Amber Fort near Jaipur, a hilltop complex of Rajput and Mughal architecture with the Mirror Palace, whose interior is inlaid with thousands of reflective tiles
- Panna Meena ka Kund, a 16th-century stepwell in Jaipur built for rainwater collection and ritual gathering
- Walking tours of Delhi's Old City, including Jama Masjid (India's oldest and largest mosque) and Sheeshganj Gurudwara
- A cooking class in a local Jaipur home, followed by a group dinner of homemade traditional dishes
- City Palace in Jaipur, a blend of Rajput and Mughal design partly occupied by the royal family and partly open to visitors
- Agra Fort, a red sandstone fortress built by Akbar in 1565 and later expanded by Shah Jahan into a palace
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi Airport · the hotel
Arrival at Delhi Airport includes a transfer to the hotel. A welcome meeting is held in the evening with the local leader and fellow travellers, providing an introduction to the itinerary and the city ahead.
2Old Delhi's Mughal Architecture and Sacred SpacesOld Delhi · Chandi Chowk marketplace · Jama Masjid · Sheeshganj Gurudwara
Begin your time in Delhi with a leader-led exploration of Old Delhi, where Mughal architecture tells the city's layered history. Your leader will walk you through the streets on foot, then help you navigate the metro system with confidence. Experience Old Delhi as locals do: aboard a traditional rickshaw weaving through the lively chaos around Chandi Chowk marketplace. Visit Jama Masjid, India's oldest and largest mosque, and step into Sheeshganj Gurudwara, a Sikh temple that opens a window onto Delhi's spiritual character. Share a traditional Thali lunch with your group, sampling the regional flavors that define the capital's food culture. Your evening is yours to wander—tap into your leader's local knowledge for personalized food and activity suggestions that match your interests.
3Train Journey to Agra and the Taj MahalAgra · the Taj Mahal · Delhi · hotel · a cafe run by women survivors of acid attacks · Mughal gardens · on-site museum
A train departs Delhi for Agra, which takes approximately two hours. After hotel check-in, lunch is at a cafe run by women survivors of acid attacks. The afternoon is spent at the Taj Mahal, the marble mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his wife. A walk through the Mughal gardens and a visit to the on-site museum provide historical context. An optional demonstration on hand-knotted carpet-making (a craft from the Mughal era) is available, or time may be spent exploring Agra independently.
4Agra Fort and Transfer to Ranthambore National ParkAgra Fort · Ranthambore National Park · Taj Mahal
The morning offers an optional return visit to the Taj Mahal or sightseeing at Agra Fort, a red sandstone fortress built by Akbar in 1565 and later converted into a palace by Shah Jahan. The fort includes a mosque and symmetrical jawab building flanking the main mausoleum. In the afternoon, a private transfer departs for Ranthambore National Park, approximately a three-hour journey. The leader helps arrange refreshments for the drive. Two nights are spent at the park.
5Ranthambore National Park Game DrivesRanthambore National Park
Begin with a morning safari through one of northern India's largest national parks, where Royal Bengal Tigers roam alongside leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and diverse bird and reptile species. The afternoon is free to rest and visit the surrounding area at your own pace. Return for an evening game drive, when wildlife is most active and sightings are frequent. Two safaris bookend a day dedicated to observing Ranthambore's rich ecosystem.
6Sawai Madhopur Village and Arrival in JaipurSawai Madhopur · Jaipur
A stop in the rural village of Sawai Madhopur en route to Jaipur allows time to view ancient sacred temples in the surrounding area. Upon arrival in Jaipur, the Pink City (named for the colour of its buildings), an orientation walking tour is led by the local guide. Jaipur is ranked as one of India's most pedestrian-friendly cities. The evening offers the option of a Bollywood movie screening or free time.
7Jaipur City Palace and Optional Hot Air Balloon RideCity Palace · Jantar Mantar · Jaipur countryside
A morning tour covers more of Jaipur, beginning with City Palace, a structure combining Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The royal family of Jaipur still occupies much of the palace, though some gardens and courtyards are open to the public. The rest of the day is unscheduled. Options include a visit to Jantar Mantar – an observatory filled with instruments to track the stars, built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Jai Singh – or an optional hot air balloon ride offering views of the countryside.
8Panna Meena Stepwell, Amber Fort, and Cooking ClassAmber Fort · Panna Meena ka Kund · Mirror Palace · Jaipur · a local home
The morning visits Panna Meena ka Kund, a 16th-century stepwell used historically for rainwater collection and as a space for rituals and community gathering. The afternoon continues to nearby Amber Fort, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. The fort combines Rajput and Mughal architecture across multiple halls and palaces. A guided tour highlights the Mirror Palace, whose interior walls and ceiling are inlaid with thousands of small reflective tiles, creating a reflective surface lit by candlelight. Time follows for further independent exploration of Jaipur. The evening includes a cooking class held in a local home, teaching traditional dishes, followed by a group dinner of the prepared meals.
9Return to DelhiDelhi · Humayun's Tomb · Qutb Minar
A private transfer returns the group to Delhi in the morning. The afternoon is free for independent activities, such as visiting Humayun's Tomb (a garden mausoleum from 1570) or Qutb Minar (India's tallest tower), or other sites missed on the first visit. The leader can assist with activity bookings. A farewell dinner with the group may be arranged for the evening.
10Departure from DelhiDelhi
The itinerary concludes after breakfast. Additional hotel nights may be pre-booked for those wishing to extend their time in India.
Where you go
- 1Old Delhi
- 2Agra
- 3Delhi
- 4hotel
- 5Agra Fort
- 6Taj Mahal
- 7Jaipur
- 8City Palace
- 9Jantar Mantar
- 10Amber Fort
- 11Jaipur
- 12Delhi
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- Hotel (9 nights)
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 9, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 3
- Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
- Vegetarian options available
- Local Guide
- Guided
- This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
- Airport Transfers
- Arrival Only
- An airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
- Wifi
- Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.