Our 9-Day Golden Triangle Tour with Bout India

We booked a 9 day, 8 night tour covering Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur tour in January 2025.

We had travelled to India some years earlier but never to the Golden Triangle. Throughout the planning stage of the trip we were provided with different options relating to order of venues in addition to hotel standards which we found really helpful.

Of note, Republic Day in India is at the end of January with access restrictions to some of the sights in Delhi restricted on the weeks prior to this due to security issues.

After a short stay in Delhi and a visit to the sites we wanted to see, we were met with our driver Gaurav Ransal for the rest of our tour.

Throughout the tour, Gaurav was always waiting at collection points for us providing an immaculate vehicle along with fresh water and consideration given for inside vehicle temperature. The vehicle was spotless and at no point, did we feel unsafe with his driving which, in India, I believe is some achievement.

At Agra, we were met by our guide Manoo who was superb. We were due to visit the Taj early in the morning but, using his local knowledge and advice we changed plans and went in the afternoon due to thick fog. We were really glad we did as we had uninterrupted vistas. The following morning was, as predicted, foggy which would have been a real disappointment - thank you Manoo.

Manoo used his knowledge and life experiences shared from his Father ( an archaeologist) , to really insight us around Agra architecture including the Taj and Red Fort.

A long drive down to Ranthambore and the following day one of the most amazing experiences of our lives in the animal reserve. There was a host of animals to see on the morning drive with a distant view of 3 tigers. In the afternoon, we were spoilt and got up close - i mean UP CLOSE to a further 6 tigers including cubs. What an experience/ adrenaline rush and one we will never forget.

A quiet drive up to Jaipur followed and an introduction to the Pink City.

Our guide here was Karni Singh - a great character who, along with his wife had been a tour guide for a number of years which was very evident. We were given a real insight into the history of Rajasthan including the respective Maharajah's.

A visit to the City Palace and Jal Mahal was excellent but the Jantar Mantar was amazing and unexpected. The astronomical instruments tailored with Karni's expert knowledge made the visit really special- not to be missed.

Alas, the last day arrived and we were dropped off at the airport at the end of a magical trip - Thank you Bout India for tailoring this superb holiday for us.