Taj Traveller - 8 days
An alternative to our Taj Express, on this tour of the famous Golden Triangle we also get to sample the traditional Indian way of life in the quaint village of Perharsar near Bharatpur.
Saturday. Welcome to India and the start of your holiday! Arrive Delhi, included transfer to hotel. Free afternoon and evening.
Overnight - New Delhi
This morning, our welcome meeting takes place. We’ll then enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi. Tonight, we enjoy a Namaste Dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Overnight - New Delhi (B, D)
Taj Traveller - 8 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Delhi - Jaipur. Today, we drive to Jaipur. Affectionately known as the Pink City as Maharaja Ram Singh had all of the Old City painted a welcoming pink in 1876 to herald a visit by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), it is also the bustling capital of the state of Rajasthan. We enjoy a tour of the City Palace, (watch out for snake charmers that dot our route) and Jantar Mantar - an old yet cleverly designed space observatory.
Overnight - Jaipur (B)
Very early this morning there is the opportunity to sail over the lofy hilltop forts and regal palaces of Jaipur in a hot air balloon, on our Balloon Over Jaipur Bolt-on. Then we travel beyond Jaipur to the stunning 16th century Amber Fort - a sprawling Rajput concoction which hugs the hill on which it was built and overlooks the hot plains below. We’ll ascend the road leading to the palace in princely style, aboard Indian elephants, - subject to regulations/availability as the elephants are limited to the number of trips that can make up the fort each day. Arriving at the top we'll tour the fort’s well-preserved interior and grounds. Back in Jaipur, enjoy the remains of the day your way.
Overnight - Jaipur (B)
Jaipur - Bharatpur via Abhaneri and Peharsar. Our first
stop is Chand Baori, a famous 9th century stepwell in
the village of Abhaneri. Then we travel to the small rural village of
Perharsar, where we walk the backstreets discovering local life,
traditions and (if open) visit the village school where
we operate our ‘Change for Children’ programme. Here,
we’ll also visit a charming haveli with small courtyard,
lawned gardens and rustic ‘shabby chic’ appeal carefully
being restored to glory of better farming years. After
hotel check in at Bharatpur and time to freshen up we
visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, where we’ll enjoy a leisurely bicycle
rickshaw ride through the park.
Overnight - Bharatpur (B, D)
Bharatpur - Agra. En route to Agra, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, former imperial capital of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. Built between 1569 and 1585, it has been deserted for more than four centuries, by all accounts abandoned in 1600 due to a meagre supply of water. In Agra, we visit the impressive Agra Fort before touring the legendary Taj Mahal and witnessing a glorious golden sunset. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth in 1631, the Taj Mahal in Agra is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols.
Overnight - Agra (B)
Agra - Delhi. After breakfast we return to Delhi, the latter part of the afternoon is free for you to relax or independently explore more of Delhi.
Overnight - New Delhi (B)
Saturday. Our tour concludes after breakfast. Goodbye India! Included departure transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)
Golden Triangle & Kerala Tour
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Uncover the delights of India’s famed Golden Triangle - Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, then head south to tropical Kerala. Visit historic Fort Kochi and the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations, relax in sleepy Kumarakom and spend a night aboard a house-boat, gliding along the palm fringed backwaters.
Our Golden Triangle & Kerala tour includes the arrangements of our Taj Traveller tour coupled with a week of sightseeing and relaxing in captivating Kerala. For ore info on this tour - click here!
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Holi - the Festival of Colour & the Elephant Parade tour...
Join us on a tour of the famous Golden Triangle with the exuberant festivities of Holi - India’s most dazzling celebration, and the Elephant Festival of Jaipur, when exquisitely decorated elephants from the Amber Fort parade through the showground and play the regal game of polo.
If travelling on our Taj Traveller tour departing 23 March 2013, we will be attening the Elephant Parade at the Rambagh Polo Ground on the afternoon of 26 March and will be taking part in Holi - the festival of colour celebrations in the rural village of Bharatpur the following day. A small supplement has been added to our tour price for this departure. For more information on the events and our touring itinerary please see to our Taj Traveller tour Go Guide.
Prices & Departure Dates
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement.
All our scheduled tour departures are guaranteed subject to a minimum of 2 travellers.
NOTE: If departing on 23 March 2013 we will be attending the Elephant Festival in Jaipur and Holi celebrations in Bharatpur. Head to our Unique Adventures section and see our 'Holi & the Elephant Parade' tour for more info.
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Diwali Departure |
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XMAS Departure |
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Easter Departure |
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Holi Departure |
2012 |
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| 15 SEP - 22 SEP |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 29 SEP - 06 OCT |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 13 OCT - 20 OCT |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 27 OCT - 03 NOV |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 10 NOV - 17 NOV |
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USD $1,369 |
USD $469 |
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| 24 NOV - 01 DEC |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 08 DEC - 15 DEC |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 22 DEC - 29 DEC |
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USD $1,369 |
USD $469 |
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2013 |
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| 12 JAN - 19 JAN |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 26 JAN - 02 FEB |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 09 FEB - 16 FEB |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 23 FEB - 02 MAR |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 09 MAR - 16 MAR |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 23 MAR - 30 MAR |
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USD $1,369 |
USD $469 |
 
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| 06 APR - 13 APR |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 20 APR - 27 APR |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 07 SEP - 14 SEP |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 21 SEP - 28 SEP |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 05 OCT - 12 OCT |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 19 OCT - 26 OCT |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 02 NOV - 09 NOV |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 16 NOV - 23 NOV |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 30 NOV - 07 DEC |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 14 DEC - 21 DEC |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| 28 DEC - 04 JAN |
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USD $1,269 |
USD $469 |
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| Pre-Tour accommodation - Delhi |
USD $89 |
USD $40 |
| Post-Tour accommodation - Delhi |
USD $89 |
USD $40 |
Taj Traveller - 8 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Bolt-ons
Make the most of your time away! Listed below are the optional activities that are available on this trip. Please note that you will need to book these prior to travel as we cannot always guarantee availability of these activities once you are on holiday.
| The Festival of Light is the happiest festival of the Hindu calendar. At night, countless oil lamps are lit to show Rama the way home from his period of exile. In all the festival lasts five days. |
| Sail within a breath of lofty hilltop forts and
fine regal palaces. Look down upon sleepy
villages waking to the early morning sun. Drift
past expansive waterside manors and intricately
stone carved temples with the Pink City of Jaipur in the distance on a magical hot air balloon
adventure. |
| Ride the narrow gauge railway aboard the Himalayan Queen Toy Train to Shimla. Nestled between lofty peaks and breathtaking scenery, the charming getaway was once the summer capital of British India. The natural beauty of Shimla will enchant you, being famous for its colourful bazaar, temples at soaring heights, stunning sunsets and verdant woods, contrasted with the quintessential English pomp and style. |
| For some lighthearted fun, join in the energy of a Bollywood dance class in Delhi! Bollywood dance has transformed over the years from a traditional, classical style into a modern, pop culture which is taking the world by storm! We have teamed up with the Delhi Dance Academy to offer you a simple and entertaining introduction to this wonderful dance form! Whilst we cannot guarantee you'll leave the class ready to star in the next big Bollywood Blockbuster, you're sure to learn a few sharp moves to impress your friends on the dance floor! |
| Experience Eastern spirituality on this 4 day/3 night bolt-on to Haridwar and Rishikesh - two of the holiest
cities in India. Haridwar - the ‘Gateway to the
Gods’, attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world who come to cleanse
their sins by bathing in the Holy Ganges River and Rishikesh - the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, is an area of outstanding natural beauty. |
| Home to the world famous Golden Temple and the seat of the Sikh religion, Amritsar
is one of the Punjab’s principal cities. Built in 1803 and made of marble, copper and
pure leaf gold, the temple is an amazing architectural feat. During your stay, enjoy
a visit to Wagah - the only road border crossing between India and Pakistan where
the fascinating sunset ‘retreat’ ceremony takes place with great pomp.
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Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
| Found across Asia and Africa, the largest concentration of elephants can be spotted in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa. Track elephant with us on safari in Africa and India, visit the elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka or ride an elephant on safari in Nepal. |
| Want to see how the other half live? Then take a look at our selection of tours that visit all the best palaces and forts around the world. Many of the wonderfully ornate edifices that we visit are now historical museums and sites of interest allowing you to have a good old look around. And when you've had your fill of sightseeing, it's time to live like a king and stay in one of the many hotels that have been converted from a palace or fort! |
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| One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and an enduring Indian icon, the elegant structure known as the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who sadly died in 1631, giving birth to their 14th child. In her dying breath, Mumtaz Mahal urged Shah Jahan to build a mausoleum for her, more beautiful than any the world had ever seen. In 1632 building began on the world’s greatest monument to love, which, even today, undoubtedly has no peer. In order to ensure the perfection of the Taj Mahal could not be replicated anywhere else on earth, the artisans and workers who created it, are said to have later had their hands or thumbs amputated. |
Highlights & Inclusions
Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.
Trip Highlights
- Delhi - Old Delhi - Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Raj Ghat.
- Jaipur - Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar. Visit to a cotton trader for tailored garments
- Bharatpur and Perharsar Village
- Fatehpur Sikri - ancient Mughal city
| - New Delhi - India Gate, Rajpath, Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and visit a carpet emporium with demonstration
- Abhaneri - Chand Baori 9th century step well
- Keoladeo Ghana National Park - UNESCO site
- Agra - Taj Mahal (entrance fee included) and Agra Fort
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What's Included
- 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners (including Namaste Dinner in Delhi)
- Horse and cart/buggy ride to Taj Mahal - Agra
- Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 8
- Specialist local guides at some sights
- All relevant transfers and transportation
| - 7 nights - 3-4 star and heritage hotels
- Elephant ride to Amber Fort - Jaipur (*Subject to Government regulations and availability)
- Touring of Delhi, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Agra and Perharsar village
- Taj Mahal, Jaipur City Palace and Jantar Mantar entrance fees.
- English speaking Indian tour leader for groups of 6 or more
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What's Not Included
- International flights and visas
- Entrance Fees: $50-60 USD
| - Tip for your tour leader. We suggest $13-$20 USD per person for this tour. Tipping your leader is an entirely personal gesture.
- Tipping Kitty: $15-20 USD
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Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
I really enjoyed this trip the small group (5) got along very well. Samir did a great job, very knowledgeable about all sorts of topics regarding Indian customs, rituals, practical information for us. Samir is very friendly and has a great relationship with local guides giving us the best experience and enjoyable times, meeting the needs of all in the group.
Anita Rubin , May 2012
Thank you so much for the experience. It was definitely an INCREDIBLE INDIA!
Cyril Nhleko , May 2012
Hi Charlie,
We had a great trip! Divendra, our guide, made sure of that! He was very good and very kind as were all the city guides. The drivers were excellent and the hotels all good. We especially liked the Pugmark, the staff and food were so good. AND we saw a tiger, up close and personal- about 8 metres away.
Best wishes
Lesley, Apr 2012
Overall the experience was amazing. Atul was wonderful from day 1 and it was a pleasure to have him as the guide.
Mark Byrne , Feb 2012
It was my 1st experience with On The Go tours, and 1st trip in India. Really enjoyed my experience. The group I traveled with had shared interest which helped. Atul, our tour guide made the trip more adventurous. I would like to come back and would like Atul as a tour guide.
Susanna Roig , Jan 2012
A very well organized and enjoyable tour. The tour leader was outstanding and could not have done more to have the holiday such a success.
John Martin Smith, Feb 2010
Our guide was exceptional.
Highly knowledgeable, wonderful manner & personal skills and the ability to solve problems quickly and easily - even those things beyond his duties as a guide.
Vey enjoyable tour, I have learnt loads about India, it's people and culture.
Thank you.
S. Cannon, Jan 2010
Really enjoyed the tour and would happily do it all over again!
C Glasgow, Jan 2010
