India With Ease
Ideal for a first visit, our India with Ease itinerary is the perfect introduction to this diverse country. Focusing on the northern state of Rajasthan and India’s famous ‘Golden Triangle’, before finishing with some R&R on the beach in glorious Goa. This holiday showcases a teasing smattering of the country’s highlights along with some beach downtime in a well-balanced 13-days.
At a glance
- Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk market
- Savour streetfood and share chai with the locals
- Witness sunset at the iconic Taj Mahal
- Tiger spot on safari in Ranthambore National Park
- Marvel at the ornate stepwells of Bundi
- Explore the twisting old alleys of Jaipur
- Soak up sunset over Jaipur from the ramparts of Amber Fort
- Relax on the golden sands of Goa beach
Delhi - 2 nights
Many visitors head straight to see Delhi’s awe-inspiring architecture, which is unquestionably eye-popping! But there's much more to the place, from exotic forts and exquisite mosques, to lip-smacking street food, and shopping that caters to every taste and budget imaginable. Your visit will plunge you into the delights of local life in Old Delhi, tasting streetfood, meeting the locals, exploring the markets, and seeing the city’s most impressive sights.
Day 1 - Arrive Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you'll be met by a Selective Asia representative, who will accompany you to your hotel.
Welcome to Selective Asia! This level of personal service (such as private transfers, private tours etc) is what you can expect throughout your trip. A few services (eg boat cruises) will be shared, but we'll always make sure you're aware of these.
Day 2 - Old Delhi tour, Humayan’s Tomb
Includes:
Accompanied by your guide, spend the morning exploring the winding streets and sights of Old Delhi. Stops will be made at the imposing Red Fort, a Sikh gurdwara (a place of worship with a community kitchen), and one of the largest mosques in India. Climb aboard an iconic rickshaw to visit the famous Chandni Chowk market, where you’ll be able to find lunch, before spending time exploring Humayan’s Tomb, a 500 year old example of Persian architecture in India.
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Agra - 1 night
Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, which is every bit as majestic as expected, and the city is scattered with impressive examples of ancient Mughal architecture, including the magnificent Agra Fort - built in 1565, this red sandstone edifice that is one of the finest Mughal forts in the country, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll catch a train through the countryside for some time exploring these world-famous sites.
Day 3 - Train to Agra, explore Agra Fort & Taj Mahal sunset
Includes:
Head to New Delhi station for the train ride to Agra, where you’ll meet your guide. After stopping by your hotel to check in and freshen up, head first to the palatial Agra Fort for a taste of life as a Mughal lord, before moving on to the Taj Mahal in time to witness the phenomenon of this marble icon changing colour as the sun sets. The Taj is considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, and you’ll be sharing the spectacle with many other admirers - this doesn’t, however, detract from the experience.
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Ranthambore National Park - 2 nights
Ranthambore National Park is one of the country’s largest reserves, and an official Project Tiger sanctuary. It’s one of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild, with Bengals easily spotted along with leopard, hyena, langur and macaque.
Day 4 - Drive & train to Ranthambore NP, via UNESCO temples
Includes:
Head off through rural Rajasthan, stopping to explore the UNESCO-protected temples and palaces at Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th century city that was briefly capital of the Mughal empire. On reaching the city of Bharatpur, board the train towards Ranthambore National Park, where you'll head to your accommodation for some time at leisure.
Day 5 - Safari in Ranthambore National Park
Includes:
Spend the day on safari in Ranthambore National Park, looking out for wildlife with a local naturalist on hand to maximise your chance of spotting tigers and other wildlife. Your day will comprise of two drives, morning and afternoon, passing ancient temples, hunting pavilions, historic tombs and a crumbling 10th century fort as you explore the park.
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Bundi - 2 nights
Drive to Bundi, a captivating off-the-tourist-radar town of narrow lanes lined with Brahmin-blue houses. Apart from its majestic palace and imposing fort, the town boasts more than 50 stepwells - historic structures built to access and store water - earning it the nickname ‘City of Stepwells’. It's an excellent place to explore these ingenious feats of engineering, some of which date back 1600 years.
Day 6 - Drive to Bundi, the ‘City of Stepwells’
Includes:
Head off towards Bundi through the landscape of Rajasthan, arriving in time for a relaxed stroll to take in the local market, which comes alive in the late afternoon.
Day 7 - Tour of Bundi
Includes:
With your guide, visit Garh Palace, a 300 year old stone edifice built on a hill above the city, to see its hoard of stately paintings and murals depicting local history. Nearby, you can explore 14th century Taragarh Fort, one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. The fort protects huge tanks, built to supply the people of Bundi with clean water during times of crisis. Water security was clearly a key concern for the city throughout history, evidenced by its large number of stepwells. Your next stop will be at the most famous of these - Rani Ji Ki Baori, 'Queen of Stepwells', which is over 400 years old. The multi-storey well is the largest in Bundi at 150 feet deep, and its terraced stone steps are covered in ornate carvings. After additional stops at a few key sights, the rest of your day will be at leisure.
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Jaipur - 2 nights
Known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the rose-hued buildings in its historic centre, and newly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jaipur is one corner of India’s famed Golden Triangle (along with Delhi and Agra). Its Hawa Mahal, aka the ‘Palace of Winds’, is a particularly eye-catching five-storey structure built entirely from red and pink sandstone, and you'll see many other extraordinary buildings on your tours around the 'Old City' and Jaipur at large.
Day 8 - Drive to Jaipur, tour of old city
Includes:
Once you've arrived at your Jaipur hotel, your day will be at leisure until your late afternoon walking tour of the Old City. This chaotic maze of twisting alleys offers a fascinating and rather intense insight into local life, as - with your guide - you weave between the market stalls, food vendors, tuk-tuk drivers, cyclists, and strolling cows and goats. You'll pause to sample popular snacks, and observe local artisans at work. You'll also get the opportunity to meet and take chai with a local family.
Day 9 - Tour of Jaipur highlights & Amber Fort
Includes:
You’ll be collected this morning by a lady driving a distinctive pink e-rickshaw. The Pink City Rickshaw Company is an non-profit-organisation which offers much-needed employment opportunities to women from Jaipur’s low income households. You’ll be driven to Govind Dev Ji, one of Jaipur’s most sacred Hindu temples, in time to witness the morning ritual of ‘unveiling the deity’, while offerings are made and prayers are chanted. The temple is within the city palace complex - with your guide, stroll around this impressive array of Rajashtani and Mughal buildings, some of which are still occupied by the royal family.
Head next to the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a remarkable 18th century collection of astronomical structures including the world’s largest sundial, which is accurate to two minutes. Return to your hotel for a break, pausing at the Palace of Winds for a photo opportunity, before a late afternoon visit to the Amber Fort for a memorable sunset view of Jaipur from its marble ramparts.
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Goa - 3 nights
Goa’s palm-fringed beaches have attracted visitors for centuries: from the Portuguese traders in the 1500’s, to British officials looking for R&R, and the hippie travellers of the 1960’s. Nowadays the sands lure a diverse mix of travellers and you’re as likely to be rubbing shoulders with tourists looking to hone their yoga skills as you are affluent Indians. Away from the beaches, Portuguese colonial architecture and heritage is still prevalent throughout the region, and even the food has a Portuguese twist, using spices local to the region.
Day 10 - Fly from Jaipur to Goa
Includes:
Transfer to Jaipur airport today for the short flight to Goa. On arrival you'll be met by a Selective Asia representative and driven to your beach resort, where you spend the next 3 nights.
Day 11 - At leisure on Goa beach
Includes:
Enjoy your time relaxing on the golden sands, exploring the local area or making the most of your hotel facilities.
Day 12 - Depart Goa
Includes:
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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We only provide privately guided holidays - meaning that you will not be expected to share guides or transport for the duration of your visit. You can also start on any day you choose.
Please click on the hotel category buttons below to view hotel details. These are recommended properties only - we have many alternative options for you to choose from if you would prefer. You can mix hotel categories throughout your holiday.
| Hotel class | Price per person (based on total # travelling) | |||
| 2 persons | 3 - 4 | 5 - 6 | ||
| First Class | £2,361US$3,077 | £2,155US$2,808 | £1,958US$2,551 | |
The Claridges Combining classic elegance with contemporary facilities and service, The Claridges maintains the high standards we’ve come to expect from this historic Indian hotel... See more
Trident Hotel, Agra Set amidst extensive, well-maintained gardens dotted with water fountains, the Trident Hotel is a peaceful oasis conveniently located just 10-minutes’ drive from the Taj Mahal... See more
The Tigress On the borders of Ranthambore National Park, the Tigress hotel combines vintage Rajasthani style and up-to-the-minute facilities... See more
Bundi Vilas Bundi Vilas is a beautifully restored, family-run haveli, built against the walls of Bundi’s fortified palace, in the atmospheric heart of the old town... See more
Dera Mandawa Built to impress members of the 19th century Jaipur court, the Dera Mandawa is a simple, serene boutique with just a whisper of regal charm... See more
Aashyana Lakhanpal Offering a diverse selection of villas dotted along Goa’s famous Candolim Beach, Aashyana Lakhanpal is a flexible and relaxed place to stay... See more |
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| Superior | £2,940US$3,831 | £2,656US$3,461 | £2,525US$3,290 | |
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The Claridges Combining classic elegance with contemporary facilities and service, The Claridges maintains the high standards we’ve come to expect from this historic Indian hotel... See more
ITC Mughal Close to Agra’s historic centre, the ITC Mughal hotel combines a sense of opulence with high-end, contemporary facilities... See more
Khem Villas Nestling on the outskirts of Ranthambore National Park, Khem Villas offers a variety of welcoming, boutique accommodation options... See more
Bundi Vilas Bundi Vilas is a beautifully restored, family-run haveli, built against the walls of Bundi’s fortified palace, in the atmospheric heart of the old town... See more
Samode Haveli Sheltered by beautifully tended gardens, the Samode Haveli exemplifies the regal elegance of a traditional Indian mansion... See more
Alila Diwa Goa Alila Diwa Goa boasts a picturesque setting, surrounded by seemingly endless paddy fields, within easy access of one of south Goa’s most alluring beaches... See more |
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| Deluxe | £3,989US$5,198 | £3,783US$4,929 | £3,686US$4,802 | |
The Imperial The Imperial is an elegant hotel steeped in history; an oasis of calm set in seven acres of manicured gardens in the chaotic heart of Delhi... See more
ITC Mughal Close to Agra’s historic centre, the ITC Mughal hotel combines a sense of opulence with high-end, contemporary facilities... See more
Sherbagh Resort Tucked away just outside Ranthambore National Park, Sherbagh Resort is a luxury camp with a vintage safari vibe... See more
Bundi Vilas Bundi Vilas is a beautifully restored, family-run haveli, built against the walls of Bundi’s fortified palace, in the atmospheric heart of the old town... See more
Samode Palace Exclusive, stately, and dare we say it, romantic, this property offers a true sense of history, alongside contemporary comfort and luxury. Exactly as you’d expect in fact, when staying in a palace! See more
The Leela Goa The delightful Leela Goa offers chic chalets overlooking peaceful lagoons next to a private beach in laid-back Cavelossim village... See more |
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Solo travellers are always welcome - please contact us for a tailored quote.
These prices are shown in GBPUSD.
Selective Asia is a UK-registered company, but our client-base spans the globe, so we bank in both GBP and USD and can therefore provide a fixed price in either currency.
We also have payment facilities in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the EU, and can typically offer better-than-bank exchange rates on the date of payment in these currencies (against a booking priced in GBP).
Itinerary additions
Whilst many clients are happy with one of our recommended itineraries in the current form (and at the price quoted), there are those that wish to personalise their holiday in some way, whether it be a change of hotel, an additional destination or even start from scratch. This is when our tailor-made specialists come into their own; with many years of experience both living and working in the region they are ideally equipped to advise on alternatives and to facilitate any necessary changes.
The important stuff
Please note: During high season periods (such as Christmas and New Year) hotels often levy a surcharge and these are not included in the above prices. Your consultant will be happy to advise you of these.Inclusive:
- English speaking, local guide
- All accommodation listed
- Land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
- Any domestic flights listed (unless marked otherwise)
- Any train journey listed (unless marked otherwise)
- All admission fees at attractions, temples and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- All meals listed
- International flight reconfirmation.
Exclusive:
- Flights to/from Asia. We are an ATOL bonded operator and can arrange flights for all our clients, regardless of whether you are departing from the UK or from almost any other worldwide destination.
- Entry visas
- International airport departure taxes
- Any meals not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks, other than water on activity days
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
- Travel insurance
- All other services not listed in 'inclusive'
Please note
All prices are correct at the time of publishing. They are liable to change and can only be confirmed upon submitting an enquiry.
Extras
Flights
We will arrange all internal flights used within our holiday itineraries. We can also arrange discounted flights from all UK airports to Asia and we are a fully bonded ATOL operator. If you would like a quote for your international flights then please complete the required section on the enquiry form.Visa
You will require a visa to enter India. Your consultant will be happy to advise you on visa requirements.Passport
Please ensure that you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining after your return date. You will also need at least one blank page for each of the countries you are visiting.Insurance
You will require a comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. We offer our customers a specially discounted insurance policy, ideally suited to the needs that a trip such as this creates. Tick the insurance box in the enquiry form and we will send you a quote to suit your needs.Vaccinations and Malaria Prevention
You will undoubtedly require vaccinations for your visit to Asia. Please consult your doctor or a vaccination clinic for the most up-to-date advice. They will also be able to advise you of the most suitable anti-malarial medication if required. It is important that you do this well in advance of your departure date.Booking Procedure
Only once you are completely happy with any holiday itinerary we create for you will we ask for a payment. In order that we can secure availability for your booking we would typically require a deposit of 20%.Travelling Responsibly
We care about the places and the communities that you will travel through. It is important to us that we travel as responsibly as possible throughout Asia and that we are giving something back to the regions and the people that make these journeys so special. Full details on our approach to responsible travel can be found on a dedicated section of this website.Our tailor-made service costs you no extra
This itinerary is designed to work straight off the peg, but we'll happily tailor it until it's a perfect fit for you, to ensure we’re making the absolute best of your time and funds. All you need to do is ask...
Your own private guides & drivers
You'll typically have your own private guides & drivers throughout your trip. When you will be sharing a service (eg a boat cruise) with others, we'll always let you know.
