Cheetahs, Tigers and the Golden Triangle
Eleven nights pairing the Taj Mahal and the Pink City with Kuno, home of India’s cheetah reintroduction, and the tigers of Ranthambore.
One of very few itineraries in the world offering a realistic chance of seeing cheetah and tiger on the same journey.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
11
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Two Big Cats, One Journey
Conservation and Heritage in North India
Combining India’s rich cultural heritage with two of its most important wildlife destinations, this journey offers a fascinating exploration of the country’s royal history and remarkable conservation successes.
Beginning in Delhi and continuing to the Mughal splendour of Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, the itinerary ventures into the wilderness of the Kuno National Park, focal point of India’s pioneering Cheetah Reintroduction Program. The journey continues to the Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s most celebrated tiger reserves, before concluding in the royal city of Jaipur.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Two days at Kuno, two at Ranthambore, and the Golden Triangle built around them rather than bolted on.
Cheetahs at Kuno
Kuno National Park is home to India’s Cheetah Reintroduction Programme and its population of African Cheetahs.
Tigers at Ranthambore
two private 4×4 jeep safaris daily in search of Bengal Tigers, many of which have achieved legendary status among photographers.
The Taj Mahal at Sunrise
Taj Mahal: built by a grief-stricken Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, closed on Fridays.
Kuno's Other Predators
Leopard, Indian Wolf, Striped Hyena, Sloth Bear and Golden Jackal across grassland, forest and riverine habitat.
Amber Fort, Jaipur
Amber Fort, Uphill & downhill by Jeeps, then the heritage stepwell of Panna-Meena ka kund on the descent.
Jaipur's Observatory
Jantar Mantar, the largest of five observatories built by Jai Singh II, and the City Palace, still a royal home.
Leopards on Jaipur's Edge
Jhalana Leopard Safari in Jhalana Leopard Reserve, among India’s finest places to see Indian Leopard.
Mughal Agra
Agra Fort: built by Akbar in 1565, Itmad-ud-daula: in white marble, and a Marble Workshop practising inlay work.
Your Journey
Delhi, Agra, Kuno, Ranthambore and Jaipur
The Golden Triangle rerouted south through Madhya Pradesh, adding two of India’s most significant predator landscapes.
Delhi
Stop 1
Agra
Stop 2
Kuno
Stop 3
Ranthambore
Stop 4
Jaipur
Stop 5
Sample Itinerary
Your Cheetahs, Tigers and the Golden Triangle Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Days 01 - 02 : Arrive Delhi
Days 01-02
Old and New Delhi
A warm airport reception with fresh floral garlands. A full day covering Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Raj Ghat and Jama Masjid, then a Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and the aromatic spice market, with a photo stop at the Red Fort.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
Day 03
Mughal Agra
Drive to Agra, 220 kilometres and four to five hours. Agra Fort: built by Akbar in 1565, then Itmad-ud-daula: white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, and a Marble Workshop where artisans practise inlay work.
Days 04 - 05 : Agra - Kuno National Park
Days 04-05
Cheetah Country
A sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal:, then on to Kuno National Park. Morning and afternoon jeep safaris across grassland, forest and riverine habitat, searching for Cheetah, Leopard, Indian Wolf, Striped Hyena, Sloth Bear, Nilgai and Chinkara, with insight into the reintroduction programme itself.
Days 06 - 08 : Kuno - Ranthambore National Park
Days 06-08
Two Days in Tiger Country
Drive to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve beneath the imposing Ranthambore Fort.two private 4×4 jeep safaris daily with naturalists and local trackers, searching for Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena and Mugger Crocodile, with evening presentations from the resident naturalists.
Days 09 - 10 : Ranthambore - Jaipur
Days 09-10
The Pink City
An optional morning jeep safari before driving to Jaipur. Next day, Amber Fort, Uphill & downhill by Jeeps, Panna-Meena ka kund, Jal Mahal, the Jewel & Carpet Workshops, Jantar Mantar, City Palace and Hawa Mahal.
Days 11 - 12 : Jaipur - Delhi
Days 11-12
Leopards, Delhi and Departure
A free morning, or an Optional: Jhalana Leopard Safari in Jhalana Leopard Reserve on the edge of Jaipur. Then the drive to Delhi for a final night before your onward flight.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 11 nights accommodation, including five at wildlife lodges
- All meals served at the lodges during the Kuno and Ranthambore stays
- Morning and afternoon jeep safaris at Kuno with naturalists and local trackers
- Two private 4x4 jeep safaris daily at Ranthambore
- Guided sightseeing in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur as per the programme
- Evening naturalist presentations and conservation discussions at the lodges
- Complete transport in AC vehicle with driver throughout
Tailor Your Holiday
- Add the Jhalana Leopard Safari at Jaipur
- Add extra safaris at Kuno or Ranthambore
- Add nights at Kuno, where sightings reward patience
- Arrange a photography-focused programme with your naturalist
- Add Bandhavgarh or Panna for a third reserve
- Add a dedicated bird guide for the grassland raptors
- Travel October to March for peak wildlife viewing
Choose Your Rajasthan Experience
Travel North India Your Way
Every journey is privately arranged and priced around your travel dates, chosen lodges, number of safaris and pace. Because lodge availability and safari permits vary considerably by season, we quote each itinerary individually rather than publishing a fixed price.
Delightful Rajasthan
Based on two adults sharing
- Hand-picked 5★ hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Private chauffeur & air-conditioned vehicle
- Private airport transfers in India
- Expert local guides
- Included sightseeing & touring
- India Vacations assistance throughout
Luxury Rajasthan
Based on two adults sharing
- Luxury 5★ hotels throughout
- Palace & heritage hotel options
- Daily breakfast
- Private chauffeur & premium vehicle
- Private airport transfers
- Expert private local guides
- Enhanced touring & experiences
Rajasthan Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- Iconic palace & heritage properties
- Oberoi, Taj, RAAS, Raffles & more
- Suite & premium room options
- Private chauffeur throughout
- Bespoke private touring
- Exclusive dining & cultural experiences
- Completely personalised itinerary
Prices depend on travel dates, lodge selection and safari permit availability. Safari permits are allocated by the Forest Department and advance booking is strongly recommended. International flights are not included but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Not sure when to travel?
Season makes more difference to a wildlife journey than to any other kind. Tell us what you hope to see and we will advise on the best months, and on which reserves are open when.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
The wildlife side of this journey can be extended considerably.
An Extra Safari at Kuno
Cheetah sightings are far from guaranteed. More drives is the only real way to improve the odds.
Jhalana Leopard Safari
A jeep safari on Jaipur's outskirts, among India's most reliable places to see a leopard.
Extra Nights at Ranthambore
Different zones hold different tigers. More days means more of the reserve.
A Photography Programme
Shaped around light and vehicle positioning rather than a fixed drive schedule.
Travel With Confidence
Why Book With India Vacations?
Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.
India Specialists
Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.
ATOL Protection
Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.
Tailor-Made Travel
Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.
Personal Assistance
Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.
Your North India Story Starts Here
Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India
Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.
All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.