If you've ever dreamed of seeing the best of India including the Taj Mahal, this is the trip for you! This 15-night India holiday takes you on an amazing journey - through the lanes of Old Delhi, deep into the Thar Desert, past some of Rajasthan's most spectacular forts and palaces, and finally to Agra for the moment you've been waiting for. It's one of the most rewarding holidays we offer, and our India specialists absolutely love putting it together. Charter Travel have been creating tailor-made India holidays since 1988 - all holidays are ABTA & ATOL Protected.
Duration: 15 Nights
Quote CHH1369
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Itinerary Highlights:
This India Holiday with the Taj Mahal goes beyond the classic Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and takes you to Rajasthan's lesser-visited towns like Mandawa, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. You'll get to experience a side of India that most tourists never see. Think ancient camel routes, golden sandstone forts rising out of the dunes and evenings watching folk musicians play under a sky full of stars. It's a genuinely different kind of Rajasthan holiday, and the Taj Mahal waiting at the end makes it all the more special.
Everything is completely tailor-made - hotels, durations and pace of travel can all be adjusted to suit you. Just ask us.
You'll arrive in Delhi and have your first afternoon to settle in and get your bearings. Day three is a full day out exploring both Old and New Delhi - and what a contrast they are.
From Delhi you head west into Rajasthan, and things start to feel very different very quickly. Your first stop is Mandawa, a charming town famous for its ornately painted havelis (the grand merchant mansions that Rajasthan is known for) and ancient stepwells. It's a wonderful introduction to the region. Next is Bikaner - a fortified city with a brilliant fort and museum - before you push deeper into the Thar Desert to reach Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer is one of those places that genuinely takes your breath away. The Golden Fort - a living, inhabited fortress rising straight out of the desert - is extraordinary to explore, and the Jain Temple and Palace inside are incredible. But the highlight for most people is the camel ride out to the sand dunes at sunset.
Jodhpur, the Blue City, is dominated by the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest in India. A half-day guided tour here is a real highlight of the trip. From Jodhpur you head south to Udaipur, stopping en route at the stunning Jain temples at Ranakpur, which are genuinely among the most beautiful buildings in all of Rajasthan.
Udaipur is often called the most romantic city in India, and it really earns that reputation. Here's what we'd recommend:
A short flight takes you to Jaipur - the vibrant, bustling capital of Rajasthan and the final stop before Agra. There's loads to see here, but the two highlights are the Amber Fort (an elephant ride up to the gates is a brilliant experience) and an evening at Chokhi Dhani - a fantastic village where you can enjoy folk dancers, musicians and authentic Rajasthani food all in one place. You can also explore the intricate City Palace, Jantar Mantar, admire the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, before returning to your hotel.
And then comes the moment you've been building towards the whole trip. The Taj Mahal is one of those sights that genuinely doesn't disappoint - if anything, it's even more incredible in person than in every photograph you've ever seen. Your half-day tour also takes in Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site with a fascinating and often dark history.
On the drive from Jaipur to Agra, you'll also pass through Fatehpur Sikri - a perfectly preserved Mughal city that was mysteriously abandoned shortly after it was built. It's an eerie, fascinating place and a brilliant bonus stop on the way.
From Agra it's a final drive back to Delhi for your overnight flight home.
Absolutely - this itinerary works brilliantly as a standalone Rajasthan holiday from the UK, but it can also be extended with a few nights in Goa for a beach finish, or combined with a wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park, a trip to Sri Lanka to experience the wonder of Nuwara Ella, Yala National Park, and more, or even the Maldives for the ultimate relaxation week! Just let us know what you're dreaming of and we'll make it happen. All our holidays are tailor-made and can be adapted by changing hotels, durations and destinations to suit your requirements — please do get in touch so we can start planning.
All our holidays are tailor-made and can be adapted by changing hotels durations and destinations to suit the individuals tastes and requirements – please do get in touch so we can start planning.
We'd recommend at least 12–15 nights to do this trip justice. A shorter trip tends to feel rushed - there's simply so much to see across Delhi, Rajasthan and Agra. This 15-night itinerary is our sweet spot: long enough to take it at a relaxed pace, short enough that you'll come home energised rather than exhausted.
October to March is by far the best time to visit - temperatures are comfortable (typically 15–25°C in Rajasthan) and the weather is dry and sunny. December and January are the coolest months, which actually makes them ideal for a lot of sightseeing. We'd avoid April to September if possible, as temperatures in the desert regions can be extreme and the monsoon affects parts of the route.
Yes - British passport holders need an Indian visa. Most travellers apply online for the e-Tourist Visa (eTV), which is straightforward and usually processed within 72 hours. Our team will provide full guidance on the application process when you book with us.
Without a doubt yes. It's one of those rare sights that genuinely exceeds expectations. We'd always recommend visiting at sunrise if possible: the light is stunning, the crowds are thinner and the whole experience feels much more magical. Your charter Travel specialist can factor this into your Agra schedule.
Absolutely - in fact, this is one of the most popular itineraries we arrange for first-time India visitors. Because everything is fully tailor-made and pre-arranged (transfers, hotels, guided tours), you get all the excitement of exploring India without any of the stress of figuring it out yourself. Our India specialists are also on hand throughout, so you're never on your own.
Yes, and it's a combination we'd highly recommend! Goa is the most popular add-on — a few nights on the beach after two weeks of forts and sightseeing is a wonderful way to wind down before flying home. Alternatively, the Maldives or Sri Lanka work brilliantly as a twin-centre extension. Just ask us and we'll work out the best option for your dates and budget.
