Join Maree Osborne from Newell’s Travel as she embarks on an unforgettable seven-night journey through the vibrant and enchanting landscapes of India with Newmarket Holidays. From bustling markets to serene temples, Maree immerses herself in the rich culture, breathtaking sights, and warm hospitality that make India a truly magical destination. Get ready to be inspired by her incredible adventure and insider tips!
‘The Taj and Tigers’ – A Journey Through India
“I was lucky enough to have been given an amazing opportunity with Newmarket Holidays to visit incredible India. This was my first visit, and it truly blew me away. The tour was called “The Taj and Tigers”, and it was an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking architecture, rich history, and creative culinary creations.
The friendly and welcoming people were a real highlight of the trip. I saw the majestic Taj Mahal, tigers in the wild, grand forts, religious temples, cows wandering the streets, and so much more!
We flew with Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow; check-in was easy, and there was a superb selection of in-flight entertainment. The onboard meals were not only tasty but also reflected the flavours of our destination.
Upon arrival in Delhi, after passing through customs, we travelled by coach to the 5-star Leela Ambience Hotel a luxury corporate-style hotel with a great selection of restaurants and bars, plus a beautiful pool area perfect for relaxing.
Humayun Tomb is where the Mugal Emperor Humayun is laid to rest. His wife built it for him after he died. It sits in a very tranquil setting surrounded by manicured gardens.
Day 3 – Old Delhi
A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, including Jama Masjid Mosque, and a rickshaw ride.
A rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk is an experience never to be forgotten. You hang on tightly as your intrepid driver weaves through the colourful, hot, noisy, chaotic, narrow streets, with cars and bikes beeping – this is a must-do, exhilarating experience!
Sikh Temple – We visited a Gurdwara (Sikh temple) and I was again blown away with the Architecture and it was really quite emotional seeing the people worship.
We then headed to the ITC Rajputana Hotel in Jaipur, part of the Marriott group. This hotel had a real ‘Wow’ factor the moment we stepped into the stunning reception area. I was truly amazed by the quality throughout. The buffet restaurant offered a fantastic selection of international cuisine, catering to all tastes. There’s a beautiful outdoor space, and the pool area is so peaceful you’d never guess you were in the heart of a bustling city!
Day 4 – Amber Fort & Jaipur
We took a 4×4 Jeep safari up to the amazing Amber Fort. The architecture of this hillside fort is absolutely spectacular, a true example of Rajput grandeur. The views on the way up and from the top are simply incredible, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding Rajasthani landscape.
In Jaipur, our sightseeing tour included the ornate City Palace, the fascinating Jantar Mantar observatory, and the iconic Hawa Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’ a must-see with its unique pink façade and intricate windows.
We had the wonderful opportunity to visit a local Indian family, where the mum gave us a cooking demonstration of authentic local Indian cuisine. There was great interaction and lots of audience participation, which made it such a fun and engaging experience.
Afterwards, we shared a delicious meal with her and the rest of the family, followed by the chance to have beautiful henna tattoos applied – a lovely cultural treat! It was heartwarming to see how the family lives together, each with their own roles around the house. We even got to meet their friendly dog, Charlie!
We also visited the opulent Shahpura House hotel, which was an early 19th Century Palace.
Day 5 – Ranthambore
We headed off to tiger country and checked into the luxurious, newly refurbished Ranthambhore Baagh Palace – a small, boutique-style hotel full of charm and comfort. It’s a fabulous place to unwind, with a beautiful pool area perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
The hotel offers a great selection of rooms, some featuring large balconies and even private plunge pools, ideal for a little extra indulgence during your stay.
Day 6 – Ranthambore Safari & Vanaashrya
Today was all about the Ranthambore Safari, so we were up very early, full of excitement and with everything crossed for a tiger sighting. After two hours in the park, we spotted beautiful birds, sambar deer, wild boar, Indian mongoose, and even alligators but still no tiger…
Then, just as we were about to leave, someone spotted movement in the distance. The thrill of the chase was on! As we turned the corner, there he was a tiger, calmly walking along the dirt track. We watched in awe as he pounced on his prey, then later lay exhausted by the river, having expended all his energy. We were told this was a very rare and special sighting, and I feel incredibly blessed to have seen a tiger in its natural habitat. A moment I’ll never forget.
Later, in Vanaashrya, we took a Camel cart ride a brilliant experience that even dropped us right at the hotel! The Vanaashrya Resort and Spa is a peaceful, authentic retreat-style resort, featuring a lovely pool and individual lodge-style rooms, each with its own private terrace set amongst tranquil gardens. You feel truly at one with nature here, the perfect place to unwind after a few busy days of sightseeing.
The evening included traditional Indian entertainment, with dancers and musicians bringing a magical and cultural close to the day.
Day 7 – Agra & Abhaneri Stepwell
We began our journey to Agra, stopping en route at the incredible Abhaneri Stepwell, one of India’s most impressive ancient stepwells, known for its geometric design and historical significance. It’s a real hidden gem and definitely worth a visit!
Upon arriving in Agra, we checked into the ITC Mughal, a stunning luxury hotel that perfectly blends Mughal architecture with modern comforts. With its beautifully landscaped gardens, elegant bars and restaurants, and relaxing pool areas, it’s an oasis in the city. The hotel is also home to one of the largest luxury spas in India, offering a serene space to rejuvenate after a full day of sightseeing.
Taj Mahal – A Breathtaking Sunrise Moment
We started our day with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, and wow what an incredible building! No photo or image truly prepares you for the awe-inspiring beauty of this white marble mausoleum. The intricate craftsmanship is simply breathtaking a true testament to the love story that inspired its creation.
We were lucky enough to go inside the temple, where the detailed carvings and marble inlay work continued to amaze us. Of course, we took plenty of photos and even had a go at recreating the iconic Princess Diana photo, a fun and memorable moment!
Final Reflections
Newmarket Holidays really impressed me with the quality of the accommodation. Each hotel we stayed in was a solid 4 or 5-star standard, with many offering that special ‘wow’ factor as soon as you stepped into the lobby. The welcoming staff made us feel like royalty, greeting us warmly at each stop.
The food throughout the tour was absolutely delicious, flavourful, full of spices, but not overly hot. Many of the hotels also served international dishes, giving everyone something to enjoy. I stuck to the vegetarian options and followed the advice to avoid salad, which worked well.
The weather was hot and humid, but everything was thoughtfully managed. We were provided with umbrellas for shade, plenty of refrigerated water, and had the comfort of an air-conditioned coach throughout. I’d recommend wearing loose linen clothing and bringing a lightweight scarf to cover your shoulders when visiting temples.
My Final Summary & Top Tips :
I’d highly recommend this Newmarket guided tour, as they make it stress free, enjoyable, totally look after you and even deal with hawkers on your behalf. I think travelling to India alone would be a much more stressful experience. The tour guide even took us into the airport terminal sorting the tickets to be printed and made it stress-free.
I really enjoyed the long luxury coach journey as we drove through villages seeing people going about daily life. It’s a fantastic way to see everything, with amazing sights – the journey is as interesting as the destination! Every day topped the day before – there were so many incredible moments on the tour. What a wonderful trip!
Ready for Your Own Indian Adventure?
If you’re inspired by the magic of India from the majestic Taj Mahal to the thrill of tiger spotting, and everything in between why not start planning your journey today?”
📧 Get in touch with Maree: maree.osborne@newellstravel.co.uk
📍 Or pop in and speak to our friendly team we’d love to help you plan your own unforgettable escape!
