Small group travel: explore India's golden triangle - Telegraph.co.uk

Posted: 27 Dec 2018 12:00 AM PST

Discover the sights and sounds of India on an escorted tour with a small group of likeminded travellers

From the lavish Hindu temples of Old Delhi, the crumbling, pastel-hued forts in Jaipur to the enigmatic charms of the inimitable Taj Mahal, India's Golden Triangle has long been one of the country's biggest draws.

Beautiful landscape: enjoy breathtaking views from one of Rajasthan's opulent hilltop palaces Credit: Getty

Regarded as one of the most sensual, vibrant and fascinating countries in the world, India is a colourful cacophony of sights, sounds and scents. Although regarded as off the beaten track for some travellers, one of the most accessible, easy and enjoyable ways to explore India is with a small group of travellers on an escorted tour.

Hayes & Jarvis's seven-day, six-night Golden Triangle Tour combines the three main cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and delves into the rich history and culture of Northern India's Mughal heritage.

The adventure begins in Delhi, where you'll have the chance to take a ride in a tuk-tuk taxi and embrace the bustling, fragrant bazaars of Old Delhi, visit the magnetic Red Fort and witness the beautiful interiors of the 17th-century Jama Masjid Mosque.

Awaken your sense of adventure: take a moment to enjoy the Palace of the Winds en route to Jaipur Credit: Getty

After a day and night in Delhi, it's time to leave the bustling capital behind and explore the beautiful landscapes of Rajasthan. The beating heart of the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan's sheer abundance of opulent palaces, atmospheric desert forts and dazzling mausoleums in Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Agra makes the state one of the highlights of India.

By choosing a more intimate escorted tour, it will not only make the most of your time on the ground, but it can ensure you don't miss out on must-see sights and experiences.

On the way to Jaipur, the tour stops at both the Palace of the Winds, a magnificent red sandstone edifice, and the Ghost City of Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital of the Mughal Empire and now a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Dazzling: the lemon-and-pink Amber Fort overlooking Moata Lake is one of the tour highlights Credit: Catherine Philip

Built in the mid-1500s and abandoned merely 14 years later, the deserted palaces and grand state buildings in this ghost city offers a fascinating insight into early Mughal life.

Other tour highlights include the lemon-and-pink Amber Fort overlooking Moata Lake, romping around the sprawling desert forts of Jaisalmer and, of course, watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the true wonders of the modern world.

A small group escorted tour is one of the most comfortable ways to explore Northern India's Golden Triangle, a place that leaves an indelible mark on your soul for a long time to come.

Find out more

Hayes & Jarvis is the expert voice on bespoke holidays. Whether you're keen to soak up the diverse cultures of India, explore the world as part of a small, like-minded group or indulge your inner gourmand with a food and wine-based itinerary, Hayes & Jarvis' experts will tailor your trip to exceed your expectations.

For more information on how Hayes & Jarvis can work with you to create your dream holiday, visit hayesandjarvis.co.uk

Complimentary VIP airport transfers (book by 31 January 2019, applicable to addresses within 75 miles of departure airport).

What to see and do beyond India's Golden Triangle - Telegraph.co.uk

Posted: 07 Aug 2019 12:00 AM PDT

For Penny Smith, travel is all about unforgettable experiences – and a journey through India with Travelsphere brought spellbinding encounters with wildlife, new activities and insight into local culture

Penny Smith

Broadcaster & presenter

The wildlife of India is extraordinary, and there's something magical about seeing tigers in the wild – or in my case, not seeing them at first. On our safari in Ranthambore National Park, I couldn't understand why I was unable to see the three tigers that our guide was pointing out. How could an enormous, orange, stripy animal not be obvious? Suddenly, one of them twitched its tail, revealing the shape that had been perfectly camouflaged all along. I found myself moved to tears that this was an endangered species. How could anyone think of harming such a glorious creature?

One of the best things about going with Travelsphere is that you're always busy, which is exactly what I like in a holiday. I've done three trips so far – to Italy's Amalfi Coast and to South Africa, as well as to India – and all of them have been superb. I love being able to share all my experiences with a group of like-minded travellers. On our Indian safari, we'd be chatting throughout the whole day, except when the guide spotted something and everyone fell silent.

In the wild: spot tigers in Ranthambore National Park Credit: Getty

There were some parts of the trip where you just had to pinch yourself and marvel at the surroundings, such as standing before the Taj Mahal. Other episodes were gloriously silly. We took a rickshaw journey through Old Delhi, weaving through the traffic with the driver shouting out the sights around us: "Oranges to the left, saris to the right." I think we kept laughing the whole way.

Travelsphere is very good at giving you the time to explore on your own, as well as organising the group excursions. The guides are excellent, and I can remember every one by name. On the Amalfi Coast, we had Jane, who was brilliant at recommending places you might like, even if they might not be to everyone's taste. She suggested a navigational museum for me – and as the daughter of an engineer, I loved it.

Serene at sunrise: take in views of the Taj Mahal before the world wakes up Credit: Getty

Our guide in South Africa was David, who told me to look out on menus for a fish called kingklip that was guaranteed to be fresh at that time of year. It turned out to be delicious. In India, we had a great guide called Luv, who would explain everything to us, from local history and agriculture to why Indian weddings were so extravagant. He also showed me where to find the best fabrics in Jaipur. I like to travel with hand luggage only, but went home with rolls and rolls of material checked into the hold.

Adventurer: Penny Smith has been on three Travelsphere holidays (including the Amalfi Coast, pictured above) and is already planning a fourth trip

You don't need a guidebook or Google, and you never have to worry about whether you've booked the right tickets for any of the places you visit. There's also a chance to try out activities you'd never normally consider. We did paper-making in Italy – I painted a picture on mine, which I'm proud of – and learned how to fly kites in Jaipur.

Going with Travelsphere is such an easy, comfortable way of discovering a destination. My next trip is to Croatia, and I've already signed up for an extra kayak excursion. It's all organised for me – all I have to do is turn up.

Experience more of the world

The perfect holiday balances a destination's heavy hitting iconic sights with taking you off the beaten track to explore its hidden treasures. Travelsphere are experts at doing both. After all, they've been helping people tour the world for over 50 years. Boasting carefully crafted itineraries, these trips will tick off awe-inspiring natural wonders, exotic lands, and take you straight into the heart of a destinations' traditions, culture and cuisine. To discover your dream trip request a FREE BROCHURE or call 0800 987 5077

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