The Golden Triangle

Days 1 & 2. Delhi [B (day 2 only)]

Depart London for Delhi where you spend your first night at the Claridges Hotel.

Delhi is actually two fascinating cities - old and new. Old Delhi pulses with energy and colour, providing a fascinating insight into the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian sub-continent; and here you will see the enormous Red Fort (please note that this is closed on Mondays), the Jama Masjid Mosque with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes and the bustling bazaar of Chandni Chowk. New Delhi is a complete contrast; it is a landscaped city of wide boulevards, colonial monuments, stately palaces and formal parks. Here you find the Parliament Building - once the aweinspiring residence of the British Viceroys and now the Presidential Palace, the Raj Ghat - cremation site of Mahatama Gandhi, India Gate - a majestic memorial to the Indian Soldiers killed in World War I, the ancient and fascinating Qutab Minar tower, Humanyun's Tomb - graceful Mughal fore-runner of the Taj Mahal and finally the Birla Mandir (a large Hindu Temple built in 1938). To see the major sites of Delhi you should allow at least a day (longer if you want to see things at a more relaxed pace).

The Claridges is a first class historic hotel in the heart of New Delhi. All the beautifully appointed rooms are airconditioned and en-suite with a full range of facilities. There is also a swimming pool, four restaurants, and a health club. The Claridges has been a landmark in Lutyen's Delhi since the colonial period.

Day 3. Agra [B]

Take the four hour drive to Agra for the night staying at the Trident Hotel. The Trident is a first-class hotel set in beautiful landscaped gardens. Depart on a tour of Agra and the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built as a monument of love by the Mughal Emperor Shah-Jehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal, to enshrine her mortal remains. For 22 years, 20,000 men laboured day and night to build this masterpiece which has held the world in awe ever since. Agra Fort and the nearby long deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri are also well worth a visit.

Day 4. National Chambal Sanctuary [B, L, D]

After a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal you drive (approximately two hours) to Chambal and the Chambal Safari Lodge for the night. This afternoon take a relaxing boat trip along the river.

This beautiful sanctuary is a 400 kilometre stretch of the River Chambal in northern India. The Chambal ravines on both sides of the river are the product of centuries of soil erosion by flood and rain waters, and they form an incredible maze of intertwining mud cliffs, with tropical dry scrub forest. The cliffs and vegetation provide shelter for numerous birds, mammals and reptiles, in particular Gharial Crocodiles. The river itself is one of India's most pristine and as a result it is one of the last surviving habitats of the Gangetic River Dolphin. The sanctuary also provides protection for Marsh Crocodiles, eight species of Turtles and Smooth-Coated Otters. For keen birders it has an impressive bird list and is one of the most reliable places to see Indian Skimmer.

Chambal Safari Lodge is spread across an 18 hectare plantation of large shady trees. There are eight aircooled independent cottages and two air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms and verandahs. The lodge is largely built using local materials local craftsmen. The plantation is surrounded by fields of organically grown produce, which supply the lodges kitchen.

Days 5 & 6. Bharatpur (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) [B, L, D]

After a relaxing morning on the river you head off to the beautiful old city of Fatehpur Sikri. The deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after fifteen years due to a scarcity of water. Here you will see some magnificent buildings including the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti, the Panch Mahal and a number of other palaces. Later in the day you head off to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary for a 2-night stop at Laxmi Vilas Palace. Your excursions here will be by rickshaw and on foot.

Bharatpur consists of an area of 29 square kilometres of shallow wetland, which was once the private hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Bharatpur. Declared a National Park in the 1980's, it is now one of the finest water-bird sanctuaries in the world with over 400 species of bird. Guided morning and afternoon excursions are by boat (subject to water levels) rickshaw and on foot. Mammal species here include Sambar, Chital (Spotted Deer), Nilgai, Fishing Cat, and Asiatic Jackal. A few highly endangered Siberian Cranes travel 5000 kilometres to winter in this area. Other notable species include Pallas's Sea Eagle, Black-Necked Stork, Comb Duck and the elusive Spotted Creeper.

Laxmi Vilas Palace was built in 1887 for the younger brother of the then ruler of Bharatpur. The palace has been operational as a hotel since 1994. The property is well kept and the service personalized, although the amenities here are a little basic.

Days 7 & 8. Jaipur [B]

The drive to Jaipur is approximately four hours, and here you spend two nights at the Samode Haveli Hotel.

Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' due to the 'pinkwashed' buildings in the traditional Rajasthani colour of welcome. There is much to see here from the old and new royal palaces, to the intricate buildings and the vibrant colourful bazaars. The highlight is the 16th century fortified palace of Amber Fort.

The Samode Haveli Hotel is a small and intimate hotel in the heart of Jaipur. This former royal manor house offers first class accommodation in 29 air-conditioned and atmospheric rooms and suites. The dining room is a work of art with ceiling to floor fresco paintings.

Day 9. Samode [B]

It is a short drive (three hours) to the beautiful city of Samode today where you spend the night at Samode Palace Hotel. You also have the option here to enjoy a camel ride.

Days 10 & 11. Homeward

Return to Delhi by road (approximately seven hours) and after dinner, check-in for the flight to the UK arriving in the early hours.