Explore the heritage of the Moguls, Maharajas and East India Company from holy Amritsar and Varanasi to colonial Calcutta, Delhi, Lucknow and hill stations by way of the ‘Golden Triangle’
Flight - 1 night
Amritsar - 2 nights
Shimla - 2 nights
Delhi - 2 nights
Darjeeling - 2 nights
Kolkata - 2 nights
Varanasi - 1 night
Lucknow - 1 night
Agra - 2 nights
Ranthambore NP - 2 nights
Jaipur - 2 nights
Rohet - 1 night
Udaipur - 2 nights
Mumbai - 1 night
This grand tour encompasses India's most iconic cultural, colonial, religious and scenic treasures following the story of the Moguls, the Maharajas and the British East India Company.
The Moguls came from central Asia, conquering Delhi and beyond, whilst the Maharajas ruled their kingdoms both before and after and the British extended their colonial reach from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Delhi.
Travel from colonial capitals Calcutta, Lucknow and Delhi to the holy sites of Varanasi, Amritsar and Agra, from the Himalayan hill stations of Shimla and Darjeeling to Rajasthan and the home of tigers.
Culture & Natural Wonders
Wildlife Experience
Jules Verne Sightseeing
7 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Local Expert Guide
Group Size: 4 – 18
Aarti, Palki and Border ceremonies. Cocktail and dinner in Rambagh Palace. Tiger talk by a naturalist. Breakfast at Brijrama Palace overlooking the Ghats in Varanasi.
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow to Amritsar via Delhi.
Day 2 Two nights at Hyatt Hotel. Optional Palki ceremony (£14, bookable locally). (D)
Day 3 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteer kitchens and Jallianwala Bagh. Wagah Border ceremony. (B)
Day 4 Train to Ambala (4 hrs), by road to Kandaghat then ‘Toy Train’ to Shimla (5 hrs). Two nights at the 5-star Oberoi Cecil. (B, D)
Day 5 Visit the Shimla museum, Vice Regal Lodge, church and stroll along the Mall. Afternoon free. (B)
Day 6 Travel to Kalka (5 hrs) and board the Shatabdi Express to Delhi (5 hrs) with light dinner on board (March 2020 - Travel to Chandigarh (5 hrs) and fly to Delhi). Two nights at the heritage Maidens Hotel. (B, D)
Day 7 Visit Jama Mosque, Raj Ghat, National Museum, Gandhi Smriti, Qutab Minar, India Gate and drive past the Red Fort, parliament and Viceroy’s House. (B,D)
Day 8 Fly to Bagdogra, then drive to Darjeeling (3 hrs) for two nights at the 4-star Mayfair Hotel. (B, D)
Day 9 Sunrise at Tiger Hill with views over the Himalayas. Visit Ghoom Monastery and enjoy a ‘Toy Train’ ride. Visit the Mountaineering Institute, zoological park, local market and a tea estate. (B, D)
Day 10 Fly from Bagdogra to Kolkata. Two nights at 5-star Oberoi Grand. Sunset cruise on the Hoogly River. (B, D)
Day 11 Full-day city tour of Kolkata includes Dalhousie Square, the flower market, a short tram ride and Victoria Memorial. (B)
Day 12 Morning flight to Varanasi. Overnight at the 4-star Taj Ganges Hotel. Visit Sarnath ruins and museum. Evening Aarti ceremony on the ghats. (B)
Day 13 Early morning boat on the Ganges. Breakfast at Brijrama Palace. Varanasi city tour. Travel to Lucknow (7 hrs) for overnight at the 5-star Taj Mahal Lucknow. (B)
Day 14 Visit Bada and Chota Imambada, La Martiniere and the Residency. Travel to Agra (6 hrs). Two nights at 4-star Trident Hotel. (B)
Day 15 Sunrise at the Taj Mahal. Visit Agra Fort, ‘Baby Taj’ and Mehtab Bagh with views across to the Taj Mahal. Tea at Amar Niwas, a colonial bungalow. (B)
Day 16 Travel to Ranthambore National Park (6 ½ hrs) visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Two nights at 4-star family-run Ranthambore Regency. Tiger talk with a naturalist. (B, D)
Day 17 Early morning and afternoon game drives by jeep. (B, L, D)
Day 18 Travel to Jaipur (4 hrs) for two nights at the 4-star Trident Hotel. Visit Amber Fort. (B)
Day 19 Optional morning balloon ride in the Jaipur area (£180, bookable locally, weather dependent). Optional Jaipiur walking tour (£22, bookable locally March 2020 only) Visit the City Palace and Observatory and view ‘Palace of the Winds’. Cocktail and dinner at Rambagh Palace. (B, D)
Day 20 Travel to Rohet (7 hrs) via Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Overnight at the heritage hotel Rohet Garh. (B, D)
Day 21 Bishnoi village safari. Continue to Udaipur (6 hrs) for two nights at the 4-star Trident Hotel. Dinner at Amrai Restaurant with views of the lake. (B, D)
Day 22 By boat on Lake Pichola to Jagmandir. Visit City Palace and Museum. (B)
Day 23 Fly to Mumbai. Visit Marine drive, Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus & Prince of Wales Museum. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Trident (Ocean view). Farewell dinner (from Oct 2020) (B,D)
Day 24 Return flight. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with visits on foot and some uneven surfaces and inclines.
March 2020 Departure - Visit to the Amber fort will be on day 19, visit to the City Palace and Observatory will be on day 18.
A 4-star hotel with restaurants, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 248 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A celebration of the elegance and grace of the Colonial era in the Queen of Hill Stations, located amidst the majestic Himalayan ranges, The 5-star Oberoi Cecil, a Grand Heritage hotel, is a part of Shimla's rich colonial history. Restaurant, bar, indoor pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 75 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
Established in 1903 as one of the first hotels of Delhi and recognized as a Heritage Hotel in 1994. Its architecture is the most glorious illustration of old-world European charm with its colonial impressions. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 55 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
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A 4-star heritage hotel situated in the heart of Darjeeling town. Restaurants, bar, lounge area, gym and WiFi (free). Rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
A 5-star heritage hotel with a fusion of classical Victorian and traditional Indian style architecture. 209 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Restaurants, bar, indoor pool, gym and WiFi (free).
A 4-star hotel located amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 140 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
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A 5-star hotel located near the banks of the river Gomti. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (chargeable). 110 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
The 4-star Trident, Agra, set amidst beautiful gardens, fountains, landscaped central courtyards, is built of red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (chargeable) with 135 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
The Ranthambore Regency is a 4-star family run hotel with a restaurant, bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 72 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 4-star hotel situated en route to Jaipur’s famous Amber Fort. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 132 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
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Rohet Garh, a heritage hotel is situated on the banks of a lake with manicured gardens. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 34 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
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Located on the banks of the stunning Lake Pichola, this 4-star hotel is the ideal location from which to explore the city. Restaurant, spa, outdoor pool, WiFi (chargeable) and 141 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
The best view of Mumbai, the Marine Drive, a 3km long beautiful promenade that rings a natural bay, greets guests at the 4-star Trident, Nariman Point. Restaurants, bar, gym, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 555 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, safe, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
Add visits to Goa or Cochin.
Alternatively, add extra nights in Udaipur or Mumbai.
Click here for India extension options.
2020
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
2021
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Double for sole use £995 (2020 £945; Sep 2021 £945))
Flight Options
London-Amritsar/Mumbai-London
British Airways World Traveller Plus from £395
British Airways Club World from £1795
Extension Options
Add visits to Goa or Cochin.
Alternatively, add extra nights in Udaipur or Mumbai.
Click here for India extension options.
Privately Guided
2 guests - £995 per person
3-4 guests - £495 per person
5-9 guests - £225 per person
10+ guests - No extra charge
Independent Arrival
Save £500
Arrival transfer add £24
Departure transfer add £24
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 22 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 13 dinners (11 dinners March 2020) , itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
© 2020 Jules Verne - 96 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BE
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