Best of India: Land of the Taj & Tigers with Goa
Overview
Embark on a thrilling open-air safari game drive through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh read more crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Continue to the “Pink City” of Jaipur—home to the legendary Amber Fort. Explore its alabaster Hall of Victory and incredible Chamber of Mirrors, and visit Jantar Mantar and the City Palace Museum to browse ancient art and artifacts. Swap the bustle of the city for the breeze of the coast and unwind with four full days at leisure in Goa, where golden beaches and coastal charm offer a perfect contrast to India’s historic wonders. From the tigers of the north to the sands of the south, this value-minded tour is a treasure not to be missed!
Itinerary
Welcome to Delhi, a magnetic blend of old and new, and the capital of modern India. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Your day starts with an orientation drive to see India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Then, take a rickshaw ride through the alleys of Chandni Chowk, a captivating bazaar. Visit Jama Masjid and Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, explore Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi's largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). Drive to Agra this afternoon. Your Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner at your hotel tonight.
Start your day with an incomparable sunrise visit to the famous Taj Mahal. This remarkable monument, commissioned by Sjah Jahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, took 22 years to build. Return to your hotel for some time at leisure. This afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a colossal, red sandstone UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the spectacular Mughal Palace with audience halls, the Room of Mirrors, and the pavilion where Shah Jahan spent his last days.
Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the sandstone palaces, elegant courtyards, and victory gate of this ghostly place built in 1569 and deserted by its people when water was no longer available. Then, travel to Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park.
Explore Ranthambore National Park on a morning game drive in an open-air safari vehicle. In addition to Bengal tigers, the park is home to leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Return to your resort where the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy your jungle surroundings. You may wish to join an optional game drive this afternoon for another chance to spot wildlife.
Enjoy free time this morning. After lunch at the hotel, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City” for its distinctive rose colored buildings painted in the 19th century to welcome royal visitors.
Sightseeing today starts at Jantar Mantar, then explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. Later, visit the legendary Amber Fort, the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Jaipur.
Drive back to Delhi. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your tour of India.
Fly to Goa, India's laid back coastal paradise. Transfer to your hotel and settle in for the beginning of a relaxing beach stay.
Enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour of Goa. Highlights include historic churches, colorful neighborhoods, and seaside views. The afternoon is at leisure to unwind at your hotel or explore nearby beaches.
Today is free to enjoy Goa at your own pace. Relax along the coast, browse local markets, sample fresh seafood, or simply enjoy the resort amenities.
Another full day at leisure offers the perfect opportunity to soak up Goa's easygoing atmosphere.
Enjoy your final full day in Goa at leisure.
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided city sightseeing of Delhi including admission to Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
- Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk
- Admission to Agra Fort
- Admission and guided tour of Taj Mahal at sunrise
- Open-air safari game drive in Ranthambore National Park
- Fatehpur Sikri visit
- Guided sightseeing of Jaipur including admission to Amber Fort, City Palace Museum, Jantar Mantar
- Guided city sightseeing of Goa and three full days at leisure to enjoy the beach
- Intra-vacation flight from Delhi to Goa
- Delhi: Suryaa New Delhi (Superior First-Class)
- Agra: Hotel Clarks Shiraz (First-Class)
- Ranthambore National Park: Hotel Dev Vilas, Ranthambhore (Superior First-Class)
- Jaipur: Sarovar Premiere (First-Class)
- Goa: Radisson Blu Resort Goa Cavelossim Beach (Superior First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- In the interest of safety and ensuring wildlife well being, cell phones are banned in several national parks and tiger reserves across India—including Ranthambore National Park. Before your game drives, you will be required to leave your phone at the hotel. Personal cameras are still permitted. Your Tour Director will also have a camera and can take photos on your behalf if you are not carrying your own.
Enjoy inside visits to Asia's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their holidays, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Dates & Pricing
Welcome Back Credit
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
