Day 01: Arrival in Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, India’s bustling capital city, you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the hotel booked for your stay. It was from here that Hindu, Muslim and Mughal dynasties, as well as the British, ruled. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02: In Delhi
After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Start the day with a visit to the 17th century walled city of royal Shahjahanabad. Here, visit the Red Fort, which was the opulent residence of Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Jama Masjid (one of the largest congregational mosques in India.) Also visit Raj Ghat the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi and the ruins of Feroz Shah Kotla with its ancient Ashoka Pillar.
Later in the afternoon tour New Delhi that was initially laid out by the British in the Colonial Era. Here, visit Humayun's Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal; the Baha’i Temple an architectural marvel constructed in the shape of the Lotus flower and the Qutab Minar Complex, dominated by the 234-foot Victory Tower. Drive along the spectacular Raj Path (King’s Way) where you will see such sights as the Parliament, President’s House and India Gate, a World War I memorial. Overnight stay at hotel
Day 03: Drive Delhi / Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Jaipur (approx. 258 kms/5 hrs), the capital of the State of Rajasthan. Built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts and is popularly known, as the “Pink City”. On arrival check into hotel for overnight stay. Evening is at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 04: In Jaipur
Morning excursion to the hilltop fortress of Amber, located 11 kms outside the city. Enjoy a ride atop gaily decorated Elephants to reach the top of the Fort. This erstwhile capital of Jaipur, with its complex of palaces, temples, exquisite marble and mirror-inlaid halls and apartments, is a superb example of Rajput architecture
Later embark on a sightseeing tour of Jaipur City wherein you will visit Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds", the City Palace complex with its museums, Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory and the colourful bazaars. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05: Drive Jaipur / Ranthambhore
This morning after breakfast you will drive Sawai Madhopur town (167kms 3hrs Approx.), the site of the famous Tiger Reserve of the country – Ranthambhore National Park. On arrival check into the hotel.
In the afternoon embark on a game viewing safari into the park. Ranthambhore is the ideal place to spot the tiger. The majestic predator assured of protection, roams freely during the daytime and can be seen at close quarters. Other wildlife to be seen include sambar, chital, nilgai (blue bull), chinkara, langur, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, pythons and leopards. Crocodiles abound in the lakes. The lakes also attract a large number of migratory and local birds. The best time to visit is between October and April. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 06: In Ranthambhore
In the morning embark on another Game View Jeep Safari into the National Park. Rest of the day is at leisure to pursue independent activities or you can visit the impressive Fort that overlooks the national park.
In the afternoon, embark on another game viewing safari into the park. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 07: Drive Ranthambhore / Bharatpur
Today morning after breakfast, you will drive to the paradise of birds – Bharatpur (approx. 191 kms/4hrs). On arrival check into the hotel. Later, enjoy a Rickshaw ride inside the Sanctuary for Bird Watching.
Bharatpur is world renowned for its UNESCO designated World Heritage Bird Sanctuary – Keoladeo Ghana National Park. It is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world inundated with over 400 species of water birds and nesting indigenous as well as migratory water birds. Exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well as Siberian cranes come here in July/August to spend the winters and they breed till October/November. Other common bird life than can be seen here include cormorants, spoonbills, storks, egrets, herons, pelicans, ibis and herons. The best time to visit the park is from October to late February. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 08: Drive Bharatpur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Early in the morning enjoy another Rickshaw ride inside the sanctuary for bird watching. Later you will drive to Agra (50kms 1hr 30mins Approx.) en route visiting the abandoned Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri. Built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti, who foretold the birth of three sons to Emperor Akbar, this city is a masterpiece of Muslim architecture unique in India. Notable among the edifices here are Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Panch Mahal (Five Storied Palace), the Tomb of Saint Salim Chisti and the Buland Darwaza (Great Gateway).
Drive on to Agra and check into your pre booked hotel. In the evening, visit the world famous Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world. This masterpiece in marble on a sandstone base is a monument to love and beauty. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 09: Drive Agra / Sikandra / Delhi
After breakfast visit the Agra Fort that lies across the River Yamuna. Built in red sandstone, it comprises magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens. This is where Emperor Shahjahan was kept under house arrest by his third son Aurangzeb and spent the last year of his life viewing the Taj Mahal from the little octagonal tower in the Fort.
In the afternoon, you will drive back to Delhi (203 Kms 04 Hrs/30 Min), en route halting at Emperor Akbar’s Mausoleum at Sikandra. The construction of this edifice was started by Akbar himself and was completed by his son Jahangir in 1613 AD. The tomb is a splendid example of the combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture and represents Akbar’s philosophy & secular outlook.
Drive on to Delhi and check into hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10: Departure from Delhi
Today you are transferred to the international airport to board your flight for onward journey. |