India: The Golden Triangle and Goa
This journey not only showcases India’s rich cultural tapestry, from the Mughal era to colonial influences, but also offers an opportunity to slow down and savour the simple pleasures of life along the Goan coast. With a mix of vibrant city exploration and tranquil beach time, this tour offers a well-rounded and enriching experience of India’s diverse landscapes and histories.
You’ll start with a cultural tour of North India stopping at New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur - the ‘Golden Triangle’ - before ending in relaxing style in Goa. Known for its Portuguese colonial influence, you can explore its historical churches, charming villages and lively markets or simply enjoy the serene vibe of the south with a few beach days to complete your Indian journey.
Throughout, you’ll stay at some of India’s best locations, from grand heritage hotels to premium beachfront retreats. Expect gourmet dining, rejuvenating spa treatments, and spaces designed for relaxation after days of exploration.
Experience this...
Unique perspectives of Delhi
The contrast of historic Old Delhi and the contemporary landmarks of New Delhi create a unique atmosphere to kick off your experience of India, and you’ll get under the skin it through the guided tours included in your itinerary.
A walking tour through Old Delhi, led by the Salaam Baalak Trust, will really stay with you. You’ll see the spice markets, street food, and hidden havelis from the eyes of former street children. Next, you’ll visit Gandhi Smriti, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and explore landmarks like the Qutub Minar, India Gate, and Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Mughal, colonial, and modern influences in the city offers a captivating and reflective experience.
Agra and The Taj Mahal
Agra’s fame rests almost entirely on one building and the enduring legacy of a royal love story – the iconic Taj Mahal. Not only an architectural masterpiece combining Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian design elements, it’s an awe-inspiring structure of elegant domes and white marble, which changes colour along with the light; a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Agra Fort is an impressive counterpoint to the Taj’s more delicate beauty and finesse; follow massive sandstone walls stretching for over two kilometres to a bend in the Yamuna River. You’ll have the chance to explore the opulence of the Mughal Empire on guided tours of both, a deeply moving experience.
The Pink City
From Agra, the journey leads you to Jaipur, the vibrant ‘Pink City’ of Rajasthan. There’s no better introduction than a dawn hot air balloon safari to witness Rajasthan’s stunning landscapes dotted with ancient forts, hidden palaces, and picturesque villages.
Then, visit Govind Dev Ji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Explore the City Palace, a grand complex of courtyards, halls, and galleries, and the Jantar Mantar observatory, which reveals the city’s rich scientific heritage. End your day with a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the iconic ‘Palace of Winds.’ In the morning, visit Amber Fort, a 16th-century fort-palace with Hindu and Mughal influences that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Spend the afternoon exploring the city, perhaps shopping for intricate jewellery or colourful textiles.
The Lake City
Udaipur, often called the ‘Lake City’, invites you to experience the romance of Rajasthan in a city steeped in history and surrounded by tranquil lakes. The City Palace, with its blend of marble and granite, offers sweeping views of Lake Pichola, while the Crystal Gallery showcases one of the world’s largest private crystal collections.
You’ll take a chauffeured vintage car ride through the city, visiting sites of historical significance, before a Gangaur boat ride on Lake Pichola, drifting past the famed Taj Lake Palace, before spending a memorable evening at Sheesh Mahal the Leela Palace, overlooking the lake with a magical view of the city.
Go for Goa
After soaking in Udaipur’s regal charm, you’ll be heading to Salcete, a taluka (district) in Goa, on the west coast of India. This region is home to the culturally-rich city of Margao, as well as some of South Goa’s most lovely beaches. Though still hugely popular, it’s less frenetic than the north, with fewer party destinations, and quieter, cleaner beaches – altogether a serene retreat with quaint fishing villages, beautiful gardens, and great walking trails in the green Goan countryside.
Taj Exotica is on Benaulim Beach, a great spot for swimming and watching the sunset. Try the Goan food and drinks served from the beachside shacks for a laid-back, local feel.
Travel style
This itinerary includes some of the best hotels in India from the renowned groups, Taj Hotels and Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, the latter being recognised as the ‘Best Luxury Hotel Group in the World’ by The Times Travel Awards UK 2024.
Stand-outs include The Oberoi Amarvilas, where you’ll enjoy a candlelit dinner here (go for the Royal Indian ‘thali’) served by your private butler on the balcony of your room, against the silhouette of the Taj. It’s one of Condé Nast Traveller’s best hotels in the world this year and, in their words: “In the most romantic city in India, this is the most spectacular place to stay. No other hotel comes close to its views of the Taj Mahal”.
Elsewhere, Taj Lake Palace floats in the waters of Lake Pichola, with 360-degree views of Udaipur, and once again The Telegraph considers this “one of the world’s most romantic destination hotels’. Here, you can visit the Jiva Spa Boat which is a floating spa in an anchored boat, or save yourself for Goa, where you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic treatment or yoga at Taj Exotica’s holistic spa.
Your handcrafted journey starts here
New Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur – South Goa
Prices for this 14-night itinerary start from £8,408 per person, based on two people sharing and departure on 1 November 2025. The price includes return flights from London Heathrow with British Airways, 2 nights at The Oberoi, New Delhi in a premier room, 1 night at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra in a premier room with balcony, 3 nights at Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur in a palace room, 3 nights at Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur in a palace room lake view and 5 nights at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa in a deluxe sea view room.
The itinerary also includes all transfers, internal flights or trains, and sightseeing tours and experiences as follows: an Old Delhi walking tour with Salaam Balak Trust, a private balcony dinner at The Oberoi Amarvilas, a shared hot air balloon safari in Jaipur, a half day city tour of Udaipur in a vintage car, dinner at Sheesh Mahal at The Leela Udaipur, plus the services of an English speaking local guide during sightseeing tours in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur.
Flight upgrades, room upgrades to, for example, a villa with a private plunge pool at Taj Exotica, and exclusive hot air balloon safaris are available on request.
Contact your Travel Counsellor today to get things started.
All holidays are subject to availability, terms and conditions apply.
