Golden Triangle with Goa Beaches (11N/12D)
Description
This twelve-day journey is the itinerary we recommend most often to first-time visitors to India, because it delivers the country's defining monuments, a genuine tiger safari and a proper beach holiday within a single, well-paced trip. It moves from Delhi through Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur before flying south to Goa, so the intensity of North India is followed by several days of complete rest on the Arabian Sea.
The Golden Triangle section covers the essentials without rushing them. Delhi's Mughal and colonial layers across Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid and the lanes of Chandni Chowk. Agra's Taj Mahal, best seen in late afternoon when the marble shifts colour, along with Agra Fort and the abandoned Mughal capital at Fatehpur Sikri. Jaipur's Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal, with time for its exceptional bazaars.
Ranthambore adds the wildlife dimension between Agra and Jaipur. Set around a tenth-century hill fort with lakes and dry deciduous forest, it is among India's most reliable and photogenic tiger reserves, and two safaris across zones one to six give a strong chance of a sighting alongside leopard, sloth bear, sambar and marsh crocodile. Please note that in Ranthambore we provide a full all-meal plan of breakfast, lunch and dinner, in keeping with safari timings.
Goa then provides four nights of decompression. We generally place guests in South Goa, where the beaches are long and quiet, with a half day for the UNESCO-listed churches of Old Goa and the Latin quarter at Panjim so the beach section still carries cultural interest. The result is a balanced India itinerary that works particularly well for couples, honeymooners and families making their first trip to the country.
Itinerary
Tour Includes & Excludes
Includes
- Accommodation on a twin or double sharing basis in 3 star deluxe hotels and beach resorts, with 4 and 5 star heritage, palace and beachfront properties available on request.
- Meals include complimentary breakfast and dinner at all hotels. In Ranthambore we provide a full all-meal plan including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- English-speaking guides in Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur and Goa, with wildlife naturalists at Ranthambore.
- All ground transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle.
Additional Services
- Arrival and departure assistance in Delhi and Goa.
- A rickshaw ride through Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk.
- Two jeep safaris at Ranthambore National Park by shared gypsy or canter.
- Guided heritage tour of Old Goa and the Fontainhas quarter.
- A bottle of mineral water per person each day.
- All applicable taxes and full itinerary customisation.
Excludes
- International and domestic flights, including the Jaipur to Goa sector.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Visa fees, where applicable.
- Monument entrance and camera fees, park entry fees and additional safaris.
- Water sports, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone charges, tips and personal expenses.
FAQ
Is twelve days enough for both the Golden Triangle and a Goa beach holiday?
Why include Ranthambore in a beach and culture itinerary?
Do I need domestic flights for this tour?
When is the best time for this combined itinerary?
Is this itinerary suitable for a honeymoon?
How much driving is involved in the Golden Triangle section?
Can I swap Goa for Kerala or the Andamans?
Plan Your Next Adventure
Wildlife, road trips, holidays, and customized tours—all planned by travel experts.
- Customized Tours
- Verified Stays
- Expert Support
