Current as of: July 14, 2026 - 12:35
Valid for departures: From October 27, 2026 to July 17, 2100
Current as of: July 14, 2026 - 12:35
Valid for departures: From October 27, 2026 to July 17, 2100

2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
Majesty flows through northern India: in the marble glow of the Taj Mahal, in the proud stride of the Bengal tiger, in the swirling steam of freshly poured chai. Led by your Signature Guide, journey through a land where rhythm meets royalty, tracing the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, and answering the call of the wild in Ranthambhore. This is a voyage of moments and connection, where every encounter reveals another facet of northern India’s enduring soul.
Venture to the very heart of each destination on our Signature Collection, where every journey is shaped by our unrivalled local connections and insider expertise. Step beyond the ordinary with private invitations, rare encounters, and experiences few will ever share. So when someone says, “I’ve been there,” you’ll simply smile, knowing you’ve experienced it differently.
Signature Day: Experience our distinctive Signature Day, choosing between activities such as a flower tour in Jaipur, an indigo workshop, a guided heritage walk through Amer’s foothills, or a leopard safari
Signature Stay: Enjoy the rare chance to stay in The Maharajas Lodge, a 1930s royal retreat reimagined with contemporary elegance, part of this trip’s refined accommodation portfolio
Signature Guide: Let your hand-picked Signature Guide lead you to the country’s soul – sharing their home, heritage, and heart
We have graded this trip Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.
Driving times: The longest travel time takes place on Day 6 (four hours) by private vehicle and Day 9 (3hr 50min) by train. All other journeys are under 2hr 30min.
Signature Day: Select from a curated menu of optional experiences to create a day that is personal to you, or choose to slow the pace and enjoy the facilities of your accommodation. Simply prebook your chosen experience at least 60 days before departure through your Signature Collection travel expert.
Please note: Due to national park booking terms and availability limits, we recommend you request the Jhalana Leopard Safari by Jeep option as early as possible, ideally more than 120 days prior to travel. The leopard safari is also non-refundable once your optional booking has been confirmed.
Additionally, those arriving early on Day 1, or extending in Delhi at the end of the trip, can prebook an optional guided tour of Safdarjung’s Tomb, join the Salaam Baalak Walk or a guided tour of Qutb Minar.
Wildlife: Ranthambhore National Park is among India’s finest places to observe Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. Sightings, however, are never guaranteed − each safari offers its own moment of wilderness and anticipation.
Train travel: Our train journeys are in air-conditioned Executive Chair Class from Delhi to Agra, and Standard Chair Class from Bharatpur to Sawai Madhopur.
When it comes to unlocking a destination, your Signature Guide is the key holder. Hand-selected for their extensive experience and unrivalled local knowledge, they ensure your experience runs effortlessly thanks to their exceptional organisational skills. Our Signature Guides are named on our website, so you can begin your journey with complete confidence and anticipation of the wonders each day will bring.
Adult min age: 18
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Welcome to Delhi, a city where empires rose, poets dreamed, and the rhythm of modern India beats through ancient walls.
Complimentary arrival transfers are provided today, with VIP assistance ready to greet you in the arrival hall and guide you to your vehicle. Those arriving early can take an optional guided tour revealing the gardens, hidden stairways, and painted ceilings of Safdarjung’s Tomb, the mausoleum of the Mughal viceroy of Awadh or visit the World Heritage site of Qutb Minar, an architectural marvel of the Delhi Sultanate and the tallest brick minaret globally. Alternatively, join the Salaam Baalak Walk, an inspiring initiative by an Indian non-profit that creates a nurturing environment for children who live and work on the streets. These activities are available to prebook on request.
As evening falls, join your Signature Guide for a welcome reception at Nisaba, one of Delhi’s most exciting contemporary dining destinations, conceptualised by Chef Manish Mehrotra, a pioneering figure in modern Indian cuisine.
Accommodation: The Claridges
Navigate Old Delhi’s labyrinthine lanes by rickshaw, where the air hums with temple bells and cardamom-laced spice. Pause at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to witness the quiet devotion of seva, before a light lunch. Step through Humayun’s Tomb and its museum, an elegant prelude to the Taj Mahal, its red sandstone and symmetry echoing Mughal grace. In Nizamuddin, meet the women of Insha-e-Noor, preserving heritage crafts through delicate embroidery and block printing. As evening falls, gather in a Delhi home for a private cooking demonstration and dinner — a warm exchange of flavour and family.
Accommodation: The Claridges
Board a morning train to Agra, gliding past fields and villages as the rhythm of the rails reveals rural India in motion. On arrival, settle into a city once ruled by Mughal emperors, before joining a historian for a private tour of Agra Fort, where power and poetry meet in stone. You have some time at leisure to enjoy lunch or simply explore the local area before heading to your next hotel to check in
As day fades, cross the Yamuna River to Mehtab Bagh (the Moonlight Garden) where the Taj Mahal is reflected in the still water. Dinner follows at the award-winning Peshwari restaurant, where the smoky aromas and robust spices of north-west India unfold in an evening of refined flavour.
Accommodation: Taj Agra
Signature Experience: See daybreak at the Taj Mahal, as your personal historian unravels its enduring love story. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved Mumtaz, this 17th-century masterpiece glows with devotion, a monument where light, loss, and love endure in perfect symmetry.
Return to your hotel for breakfast, then continue by road and rail via Bharatpur to Sawai Madhopur. Settle into our Signature Stay at The Maharajas Lodge, a heritage property originally built for the Jaipur royal family and your gateway to the Ranthambhore National Park, one of the great tiger-watching destinations. Dinner is an unhurried affair before settling underneath the Ranthambhore stars.
Accommodation: The Maharajas Lodge
Signature Experience: Set out at dawn for an exclusive game drive through Ranthambore National Park alongside a professional wildlife photographer. As the park awakens, search for Bengal tigers, leopards and an array of birdlife while exploring one of India’s most dramatic wilderness landscapes.
Return to your lodge for a leisurely breakfast and time to relax before lunch. Keen photographers can make the most of the downtime with constructive image reviews and expert tips from your wildlife photographer, helping refine your technique before the afternoon safari.
This afternoon, head back into the park for another game drive, venturing deeper into Ranthambore’s rugged wilderness in search of its remarkable wildlife. This evening, join your wildlife photographer for an inspiring presentation showcasing images and stories from the day, bringing the magic of the park vividly to life
Accommodation: The Maharajas Lodge
Begin at Dastkar, an NGO where local artisans transform recycled materials into vibrant crafts that sustain households and preserve heritage.
Signature Experience: Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast and after, join the Wildlife Director of Nalla’s Ark Foundation for an illuminating conservation talk. Discover how storytelling drives conservation awareness, helping showcase India’s extraordinary biodiversity and lesser-known species to audiences around the world.
Following lunch, we continue by road to Jaipur, the famed Pink City.
Later, follow your Signature Guide through lively bazaars, where spice mounds, block-printed textiles, and polished brass glint beneath fading light. Settle into the elegant Jai Mahal Palace. Dinner is at your leisure this evening: relax in the hotel or ask your Signature Guide for their recommendations.
Accommodation: Jai Mahal Palace
Today is your Signature Day, where you can select an authentic, curated experience to connect deeply with Indian culture. You could:
Dinner this evening is at the Polo Palladio, within the prestigious Rajasthan Polo Club. Renowned for its graceful setting and sophisticated ambience, the restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience, where refined Indian and international flavours are complemented by an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Accommodation: Jai Mahal Palace
Begin at Amber Fort, its golden ramparts crowning the Aravalli hills, where you’ll join a blessing at the Shila Mata Temple. Lunch is enjoyed at Samode Haveli, a former royal residence where traditional Rajasthani flavours are served in a tranquil courtyard setting.
Signature Experience: Step inside Jaipur’s royal and scientific past with a knowledgeable historian. At the City Palace, view ceremonial garments, miniature paintings, and treasures from the maharajas’ court. Then continue to Jantar Mantar, where monumental 18th-century instruments reveal the precision, curiosity, and vision of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
For your farewell evening, immerse yourself in Indian culture by experiencing traditional attire – a graceful saree for women or a classic kurta for men are be provided at your hotel.
Elegantly dressed, you then transfer in a pink tuk tuk to the historic City Palace complex, adding a vibrant and memorable touch to the evening. The Pink City Rickshaw Co. is a unique, inspiring initiative by the non-profit organisation created to offer employment opportunities to women from low-income households in Jaipur. The journey culminates at Sarvato, a fine-dining restaurant within Jaipur’s historic City Palace where a six-course tasting menu awaits. It’s a fitting finale to the regal spirit of Rajasthan.
Accommodation: Jai Mahal Palace
Enjoy a final breakfast at Jai Mahal Palace before your complimentary transfer to Jaipur airport. As your journey draws to a close, the colours, flavours and stories of India’s Golden Triangle and more linger long after departure.
Alternatively, extend your stay and continue your journey of discovery. Speak with your Signature Collection travel expert to explore the possibilities.
Extend your time in India and continue the story at your own pace. From the grand boulevards of New Delhi to the storied waterfront of Mumbai and the palm-fringed shores of Goa, a few extra nights reveal new perspectives on this remarkable country. Here are a few of our favourite hotels to inspire your stay:
Shangri-La Eros Hotel, New Delhi: In the diplomatic district near Connaught Place, this polished city retreat provides a calm counterpoint to the energetic streets of Delhi. Rooms can look across the skyline and leafy avenues, while the spa and outdoor pool offer space to unwind between explorations. Dining ranges from refined Asian cuisine to contemporary international menus, all delivered with the warm, attentive hospitality for which Shangri-La is known.
Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai: Standing beside the Gateway of India, this historic landmark has welcomed travellers for more than a century. Its distinctive domed façade opens into halls of marble, crystal and art, while rooms can look out over the Arabian Sea or the city harbour. Celebrated restaurants, attentive service and a sense of living history make it one of the most enduring addresses in Mumbai.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa: On the quiet southwest coast, this expansive beachfront retreat (pictured above) invites slower rhythms. Mediterranean-style architecture sits among gardens that lead to the Arabian Sea, while spacious rooms and villas offer comfort and privacy. Days might unfold beside the large pool, in the spa, or over leisurely meals that reflect the vibrant culinary heritage of Goa.
This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your Signature Collection travel expert, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.
Every aspect of the Signature Collection is meticulously planned to take you deeper into the destination. That means your accommodation is a refined showcase of local hospitality, whether you’re staying in a pioneering luxury hotel or enjoying privileged access to a characterful stay designed to fully immerse you in the local culture.
Below are the accommodations we use on this adventure:
Delhi 2026: The Lodhi (nights 1-2)

A serene retreat set along Delhi’s leafy river corridor, The Lodhi offers a refined introduction to northern India. Elegant, spacious rooms open onto private plunge pools or terraces, while the sleek spa, pool, and acclaimed restaurant create an atmosphere of quiet indulgence. Every detail, from discreet service to modern design, reflects the balance of energy and calm in Delhi.
Delhi 2027: The Claridges (nights 1-2)

A timeless landmark in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, The Claridges blends colonial-era architecture with contemporary comfort amid tranquil gardens and leafy boulevards. Elegant rooms balance classic character with modern refinement, while renowned restaurants, a serene pool, and attentive hospitality create a sense of understated luxury. From heritage architecture to warm, personalised service, every detail reflects the enduring sophistication of India’s capital.
Agra: Taj Agra (night 3)

From this contemporary haven, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort rise on the horizon, reminders that history is never far away. Modern interiors, attentive service, and panoramic dining spaces bring warmth and ease after a day exploring Mughal grandeur. A stylish stay that frames Agra’s timeless beauty in comfort and light.
Ranthambhore: The Maharajas Lodge (nights 4-5)

Also known as Sawai Madhopur Lodge, your Signature Stay offers immersion in the wild heart of Rajasthan. Days begin with birdsong and end by the fire as naturalists share stories from the park. Private verandas, handcrafted furnishings, and candlelit dinners evoke the elegance of a royal lodge, just moments from Ranthambhore where tigers reign.
Jaipur: Jai Mahal Palace (nights 6-8)

A 19th-century palace reimagined as one of Jaipur’s finest hotels, Jai Mahal sits amid manicured gardens where peacocks wander at dusk. Inside, heritage craftsmanship meets modern elegance. Think marble floors, carved arches, and richly detailed suites. After days spent exploring the Pink City, this palace sanctuary offers space to rest, reflect, and revel in Rajasthan’s regal grace.
This journey is designed to deepen your connection to Northern India through its food and drink. From an innovative welcome dinner to a private home-cooked meal shared with a family in Delhi, every encounter celebrates flavour and connection. Dine by firelight in Ranthambhore after a day in the wild and enjoy refined Rajasthani cuisine throughout. Where meals are not included, your Signature Guide will be on hand with considered recommendations, whether you choose to dine together or enjoy the evening at your own pace.
From the moment you land to the moment you depart, all transport is taken care of for you. On this adventure, we use India’s premier trains (the Gatimaan Express, Jan Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat) complemented by private vehicles, rickshaw rides through Old Delhi, and open-top game drives in Ranthambhore.
During October/November and February/March/April, the days are normally warm to hot and nights cool or mild. Humidity is very low with little or no rain. Evenings in Delhi can be surprisingly cool. It gets very cold in the early mornings and evenings in December and January and warm clothes are essential. Fog is also a real possibility during this period. Please note, night-time temperatures in Delhi can be very cold and only a little above freezing in December and January.
As with all adventures in the Signature Collection, we take care of your arrival and departure transfers, allowing you to fully relax and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Complimentary arrival and departure transfers are included between the airport and the tour’s designated start and end hotels on the first and last day of your tour. If you book additional pre-tour or post-tour nights at the designated start or end hotel through Exodus, your complimentary transfer will also be valid for those arrival and departure dates.
Additional charges may apply for transfers on different dates or to and from alternative hotels within the same city. To ensure arrangements can be made, complimentary transfers must be requested through your Signature Collection Travel Expert at least two weeks before your tour departure date.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Delhi
Location end: Jaipur
There’s no specialist equipment you need for this trip; however, phones are banned on game drives in Ranthambhore National Park, so you may wish to take a camera with you if you want to capture images of the wildlife. We recommend that all mobile phones are left at your lodge, securely in your room safe.
For more information on what you might need to pack, please see our packing guide.
Prohibited items to travel with in India
To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.
Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html
Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
For more information on applying for your Indian visa, please click on this link: Indian Visa Information
New Digital Arrival Card: Travellers from the UK, US, EU and Canada must also complete a Digital Arrival Card. This can be filled online up to 72 hours before arrival via the official Indian visa website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/. This is separate from the Indian e-visa process and this remains the same. Physical cards will remain at the arrival airport until 1 April 2026, at which point the Digital Arrival Card will be made mandatory.
Self-declaration form requirement: All international passengers arriving in India are currently required to complete the Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form before travel, preferably before boarding their flight. The form can be completed up to 24 hours before arrival and should be presented on arrival if requested by local authorities. Complete the form via the official Air Suvidha 2.0 Portal. Requirements may change at short notice, so please check the latest guidance before departure. This additional requirement is currently being taken amid concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak and in the interest of passenger safety and public health.
You require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some visitors. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
You may also want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in India. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approximately 6,560ft (2,000m), there is little risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips above 9,840ft (3,000m), there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.
India's time zone: Asia/Kolkata (UTC +05:30)
Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
India's currency: Indian rupee (INR). Please note, it is illegal to import or export rupees. Do not accept torn or very dirty Indian banknotes from banks or in change as they will almost certainly not be accepted as legal tender in India. You can normally change money back from rupees into US dollars or British pounds at the departure airport, but you must produce an exchange receipt showing that you changed money in India.
On this adventure, tipping for any local support staff is included and will be taken care of locally by your Signature Guide (this includes porters, local guides, drivers, waiting staff and any guest speakers). Tips for your Signature Guide are not included. We recommend around US$65 to US$70 per group member, to be given at the end. This is discretionary and you may wish to tip a different amount, depending on the service you have received.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
We also weave Signature Legacy moments into your itinerary, so the positive impact of your trip lasts long after your stay. These are moments to remember which help people and nature thrive, ensuring you build a harmonious, positive connection with the places you visit.
On this journey, you can:
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
Travel Safety
For additional information please have a look at the travel safety advice page on our website.
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
