Taj & Tigers

Day 1: 

Arrive Delhi

After clearing immigration and customs, step into the receiving area where our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Delhi is a dynamic city where the past coexists with the present. While historic evidence shows that the area around Delhi was first occupied around 2,500 years ago, Hindu mythology predates that by another 500 years. The British captured the city in 1803 and when they decided to make it the capital of India in 1911, they commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans. The result is slightly surprising with spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with architecture which is among the most striking in the world.

If this is your first visit to Delhi, you might wish to add an afternoon city tour that includes the Red Fort & Jama Masjid followed by a Rickshaw Ride through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk. Thereafter drive past the historical India Gate, the President’s estate and the Parliament House and visit Gandhi Smriti. Finish the day with a visit to the capital’s most striking monument; the 70 meter high Qutab Minar.

Overnight at the Hotel

Day 2: 

Drive Delhi / Agra by road

After breakfast, Transfer to Agra.

Agra's history is largely recognized with Mughal Empire, the place was established much before it and has linkages since Mahabharata, the Mythological history. The golden age of the city began with the Mughals. Akbar made it the center of art, culture, commerce and learning. During the peaceful reign of Shah Jahan, his passion for architecture came to the fore and the world-famous architectural masterpieces were constructed including the Taj Mahal. Or you may do the transfer by Road. The time fort he road transfer would be 3 – 3 ½ hours. There is no extra cost for the road transfer.

Upon arrival visit the Itmad Ud Daulah tomb, popularly known as Baby Taj. From there proceed to the imposing Red Fort of Agra (also known as Agra Fort). A creative, architectural, and strategic masterpiece, the Fort is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In a cruel twist, Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and whose grandfather built the original Fort and who also assumed the throne himself, was imprisoned here at the end of his life by his own son – in a room looking out on the Taj Mahal across the river.

Thereafter check-in to the hotel.

Afternoon, savour a travel highlight as you embark on a tour of the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb of white marble built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who had implored her husband to build a monument symbolizing their undying love for each other. Some 20,000 labourers and artisans from around the world spent 21 years constructing what became Mumtaz’s mausoleum, which was begun in 1632. Along with its exquisite symmetry, the Taj features striking examples of pietra dura, a decorative art in which craftsmen embed precisely cut semi-precious stones in marble to form dazzling patterns.

Lunch & Dinner on own arrangements. Your guide will suggest options. Overnight at the Hotel (B)

Day 3: 

Agra / Ranthambore (Approx. 162 Miles / 260 Kms / 6 Hours’ drive)

Early in the morning, drive to Ranthambore with packed breakfast.

Ranthambore - Bordering the outer fringes of the Thar Desert and the former hunting grounds of the Maharajah of Jaipur, Ranthambore is now a 512-square-mile natural preserve (one of India’s largest) that is home to diverse plant life; historic ruins; and hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and of course, Bengal tigers.

Arrive Ranthambore and check-in to the hotel.

This afternoon we take a game drive through the park, whose mission is to help preserve and protect the endangered Bengal tigers. Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 4: 

Ranthambore

Today we explore the national park by morning and evening game drives.

Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. The Park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan. Being considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park terrain is a major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers in this destination. The Park is mostly famous for its tigers.

Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

Day 5: 

Ranthambore National Park / Jaipur (Approx. 188 Miles / 117 Kms / 4Hours’ drive) then fly to Delhi (6E 7404 at 2050/2155 hrs)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Jaipur.

Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and was built in the eighteenth century by Sawai Jai Singh as India's first planned city. Jaipur is a major tourist attraction amongst Indian as well as international travellers. Jaipur is often called the Pink City in reference to its distinctly colored buildings, which were originally painted this color to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. The present earthy red color originates from repainting of the buildings undertaken for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876. This royal place is also rich in heritage, culture and architecture with its splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis; Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewellery. These intricate works of art add life and color to this Pink City's uniqueness.

Jaipur city has been declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

On arrival in Jaipur, visit City Palace Built between 1729 and 1732, the palace complex lies in the heart of Jaipur city. This sprawling complex, with its vast array of courtyards, gardens and gorgeous buildings, also houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and the armoury of Mughals and Rajputs, including swords, some of which are inlaid with enamel and adorned with jewels. The art gallery has an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal accoutrements and rare astronomical works in different languages. It is also the residence of the Jaipur Royal Family.

Special Rajasthan lunch at the local restaurant included.

Then visit to Amber Fort, Built in 1592, the fort may and does look old on the outside but is quite beautiful on the inside and boasts of various buildings of prominence. The aesthetic ambiance of this formidable fort is seen within its walls on a four level layout plan (each with a courtyard) in a well turned out opulent palace complex built with red sandstone and marble. Painted scenes of wars and hunting expeditions adorn the walls which are set with precious stones and mirrors. The main attractions are the Sukh Mandir or Temple of Contentment, cooled by a stunning water cascade and the Sheesh Mahal or Mirror palace. In a tiny pitch-dark room with mirrors all over the ceiling, an attendant lights up candles and holds them for you creating an unimaginable marvelous sight - twinkling stars on a clear night! In the foreground is the Maota Lake with stunning reflections of the splendid Amber Fort-Palace.

Thereafter transfer to Jaipur airport to board your flight to Delhi. 8:50 pm/arrive Delhi 9:55. Transfer to the hotel. (B, L)

Hotels with meal plan