Itinerary
Golden Triangle Tour With Ranthambore
6 Days and 5 Nights
Golden Triangle tour itinerary with Ranthambore – 6 Days and 5 Nights, designed for a smooth and memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for this tour is from October to March. The weather is pleasant for sightseeing, and the cooler temperatures in Ranthambore increase the chances of tiger sightings as they come out to waterholes. Avoid May and June due to extreme heat, and July to September due to monsoon season (Ranthambore National Park is often closed during these months).
Golden Triangle Tour with Ranthambore Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi & City Exploration
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Delhi International Airport (DEL). You will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and some relaxation, begin your Delhi exploration.
- Afternoon: Start with Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques. Explore the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, savoring local street food (optional).
- Evening: Drive past the Red Fort (exterior view only as it’s often closed in the evening). Later, visit India Gate and drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) and Parliament House.
- Overnight: Delhi
Day 2: Delhi to Agra (approx. 3-4 hours drive)
- Morning: Continue your Delhi sightseeing. Visit Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent precursor to the Taj Mahal.
- Afternoon: After lunch, begin your drive to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway. The journey typically takes around 3-4 hours.
- Evening: Check into your hotel in Agra. You might choose to relax or explore local markets.
- Overnight: Agra
Day 3: Agra to Ranthambore (approx. 5-6 hours drive)
- Morning: Early morning, witness the mesmerizing Taj Mahal at sunrise. The soft light paints the marble in beautiful hues, offering a truly unforgettable experience. Spend ample time marveling at this architectural wonder.
- Late Morning: Visit the impressive Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers stunning views of the Taj Mahal from its various pavilions.
- Afternoon: Begin your drive to Ranthambore National Park. En route, you can make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted Mughal city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved architecture.
- Evening: Arrive at your hotel/resort near Ranthambore. Check-in and relax.
- Overnight: Ranthambore
Day 4: Ranthambore Jungle Safari & Drive to Jaipur (approx. 3.5-4 hours drive)
- Morning: Embark on an exhilarating morning jungle safari in Ranthambore National Park. This park is renowned for its significant tiger population, so keep your cameras ready! (It’s highly recommended to pre-book your safari slots well in advance, as they fill up quickly).
- Late Morning/Afternoon: After the safari and breakfast, begin your drive to Jaipur, the “Pink City.” The drive typically takes around 3.5-4 hours.
- Evening: Arrive in Jaipur and check into your hotel. In the evening, you could explore the local bazaars for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry.
- Overnight: Jaipur
Day 5: Jaipur City Tour
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to Amer Fort, a majestic hill fort just outside Jaipur. You can enjoy an elephant ride up to the fort (optional, subject to availability and ethical considerations).
- Late Morning: Drive past Jal Mahal, the beautiful “Water Palace” situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.
- Afternoon: Explore the City Palace, a sprawling complex that includes palaces, courtyards, and gardens. Visit the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Evening: Witness the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), known for its unique facade with numerous small windows. Enjoy a leisurely evening exploring the vibrant streets or attending a cultural performance (optional).
- Overnight: Jaipur
Day 6: Jaipur to Delhi Departure (approx. 5-6 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or to revisit a favorite spot.
- Afternoon: Begin your drive back to Delhi. The journey can take 5-6 hours, depending on traffic.
- Evening: Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport for your onward journey, filled with incredible memories of your Golden Triangle and Ranthambore adventure.
Important Notes & Tips:
- Safari Bookings: Ranthambore safaris are highly sought after. Book your canter or jeep safaris well in advance (preferably 60-90 days, especially during peak season) through the official Rajasthan Forest Department website or a reputable tour operator. There are morning and afternoon slots.
- Flexibility: This is a suggested itinerary and can be customized based on your interests and pace.
- Accommodation: 3/4 star accommodations, especially good during peak tourist season (October to March).
- Transportation: A private car with a driver / van is the most convenient way to do this tour depending on the group size, offering flexibility and comfort.
- Guides: Vehicle driver acts as a Tour guide. Consider hiring local guides at major attractions for deeper insights into the history and culture.
- Clothing: Pack comfortable walking shoes, light clothing for sightseeing, and layers for cooler evenings, especially during winter months. If visiting Ranthambore, wear neutral colors to blend in with the environment.
- Sun Protection: Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as you’ll be outdoors for extended periods.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
- Photography: India offers incredible photo opportunities, so keep your camera ready!
- Local Culture: Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available.
- Visa: Check visa requirements for India well in advance of your travel dates.