DAY 1 – 2 DELHI

On your arrival at the airport in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel, then it’s up to you, spend the rest of your day exploring or relaxing before devoting day 2 to soaking up the fascinating sights and sounds of Delhi on our full day tour.

Delhi’s mix of old and new is sure to awaken the senses.  Emerge yourself in Old Delhi and find the energy and colour of this walled city throbbing with the hustle and bustle of bazaars and narrow lanes which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses.  Contrast old with new as you enter, cosmopolitan New Delhi, Luyten’s landscaped city.  It is known for its formal parks, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India designed by Sir Edwin Lutyen) and the India Gate. Visit the Qutab Minar, the 72.5 m high tower dating back to 13th century and Humanyun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore runner of the Taj Mahal.

Delhi Highlights

• Full day tour of Old & New Delhi
• Jama Masjid
• Qutab Minar
• Humanyun’s Tomb

Accommodation & Meals

2 nights at The Claridges (Deluxe Room) or similar, inclusive of breakfast

DAY 3-4 AGRA

After breakfast on Day 3 you will be transferred to Agra by road (4hrs) before checking into your hotel visit Itmad-Ud Daulah. After check-in you will have an evening visit to the Taj Mahal to see this magnificent building at sunset.

On Day 4 you will rise early this morning and prepare for the truly spectacular sight of the Taj Mahal at daybreak. After your visit return to your hotel for a full breakfast.

In the evening you will visit Mehtab Bagh from where you will get a wonderful evening view of the Taj Mahal at sunset.

Agra Highlights

• Tomb of Akbar (Sikandra)
• Agra Fort.
• Taj Mahal at sunset and sunrise
• Itmad-Ud-Daulah

Sikandra is home to the resting place of arguably one of India’s greatest emperors, Akbar the Great.  Akbar was a great connoisseur of arts and one of his greatest architecture construction was his own tomb.  Akbar oversaw the tomb’s construction during his lifetime and his son Jahangir completed it in 1612 after Akbar’s death.

Agra, the home 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, was established as a city in 1475 but it was after its capture by Lodi’s that the foundations of the Mughal Empire were laid.

Akbar also built the first red sandstone fort of North India in the form of Agra Fort which provides a fascinating fusion of Hindu and Islamic influences throughout its construction.  It was here the Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal was imprisoned after being deposed by his son.

Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, is architecturally stunning and you’ll get the chance to see it at its best during a sunrise visit.  Sunrise will give you the best light to take photos of this truly memorable site. The Taj is a white marble memorial built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. It  took 22 years to be completed

Accommodation & Meals

2 nights at ITC Mughal  Mughal room or similar. (B)

DAY 5-7 RANTHAMBORE

After breakfast we’ll start our journey by private transfer to Bharatpur from where we will board the Golden Temple Train to Ranthanbore Tiger Reserve departing at 1030 ETA 1255 hrs. You will be met off the train and transferred to your hotel. After lunch you will have your first safari drive in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore National Park is one of the best parks to get up close and personal with tigers, the tigers here are more habituated to tourists than many of the other parks in India, tigers are often seen during the day and are famous for hunting in full view of safari vehicles.

A huge fort, after which the park is named, towers over the park atop a hill and ruins of bygone eras are scattered all over the jungle, which give it a unique, wonderful and mixed flavour of nature, history and wildlife.

Each day you’ll enjoy jungle safari’s  at dawn and dusk, the best times for viewing and photographing tigers, the rest of your time can be filled enjoying a leisurely swim, a relaxing walk or catching up on your sleep.

Finding tigers requires acute hearing rather than a reliance on sight.  The resident naturalists listen for the distinctive warning call from chital and monkeys when they sense a tiger approaching.  The call alerts the wildlife and our guides to the tiger’s location. Tigers are not the only wildlife you will see in this fantastic national park, leopard, striped hyena, jackals, sloth bear, macaques, langur monkeys, sambar and chital deer, gazelle, wild boar, mongoose, Indian hare, monitor lizards are all present here.

Accommodation & Meals

3 nights at Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge  Superior Charm room (B, L, D)

DAY 8-9 JAIPUR

Morning jeep safari in Ranthambore before setting off by road to Jaipur (approx. 4 hrs), the capital of Rajasthan and one of India’s most colourful and enjoyable cities. Jaipur is where the film “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” was set. Take a guided afternoon walk through the bazaar, a fascinating tour where you can see artisans making puppets, bangles and other local handicrafts, visit the jewellery market, bangle shops and flower sellers.

Jaipur Highlights

• Amber Fort
• Hawa Mahal
• Bazaar Walk
• Jantar Mantar

Jaipur: The “Pink City” On the morning of day 9 you will take a morning guided tour to the Amber Fort and stroll through its grounds and structures.  The present Amber Fort palace complex was commenced in 1592 under the reign of Raja Man Singh, commander of Akbar’s army and a member of the emperor’s inner circle of nine courtiers.  There’s a short, yet steep ascent, to reach the Amber Fort, you have the choice of reaching it by foot or why not enjoy a ride on an elephant to the top where you can enjoy magnificent views of Jaipur, Maotha lake and the original city walls.  One of the fort’s most striking features is the Hall of Mirrors. When the palace was occupied by royalty, the hall could be lit at night by a single candle reflected in thousands of tiny, intricate mirrors.

The Amber Fort isn’t the only sight worth visiting in Jaipur and you’ll also be able to visit:

Jantar Mantar – This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh

City Palace – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture

Hawa Mahal – The ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” is a prominent landmark in Jaipur.

Accommodation & Meals

2 nights at Samode Haveli  Deluxe room (B)

DAY 10-11 JODHPUR

After breakfast on Day 10 you will drive to Jodhpur (approx. 7 hrs) on arrival check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

After breakfast on Day 11 proceed on a guided visit to Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Jodhpur Highlights

• Mehrangarh Fort
• Umaid Bhawan Palace
• Lunch with an Indian Family
• Visit to a traditional Rajasthan Bishnoi village

Mehrangarh Fort: Spread over 5 km. On a stiff rugged hill and looking down from a height of about 100 Mts. the fort appears invincible and impenetrable from outsid. Mehrangarh houses some of the most intricately adorned palaces with exquisitely carved panels and latticed windows. Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are some of the more important palaces.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: Believed to be one of the largest personal residences of the world, the palace was constructed as a famine relief work and was in the making for 15 years. It is also known as Chhitar Palace because of the stone it is made of. An amazing feature is the underground swimming pool. One of the domes rises to a height of 190 feet. Large parts have been converted into a hotel while some parts continue to serve as the personal residence of the Maharaja. Among the collections on display are royal memorabilia and a fascinating collection of clocks.

Lunch with Indian Family in Jodhpur: As you venture through the colourful bustling streets of Jodhpur, one can work up an appetite, especially when a warm home cooked meal is promised. Full of memories, you will have the opportunity to see what the typical Rajashtani home looks like and imagine its liveliness as children ran from room to   hhile enjoying some of the traditional dishes every Jodhpur house has grown up on.

Later proceed on a jeep safari to the nearby Rabari and Bishnoi village.

The Bishnoi’s are a community of Rajasthan who are famous for their rich cultural Rajasthani heritage and their true love for nature and animals. The Bishnoi Village Safari is the organized to help tourists take a glimpse of rich cultural life of Bishnoi Villages and the real Rajasthan. Bishnois are strong lovers of wild animals. It is because of their protection that in Bishnoi dominated areas, deer and antelope such as blue bull, black buck chinkara and chowsingha are seen grazing peacefully in the fields. Bishnois are known to be very violent and aggressive in protecting trees and wildlife. It is said that if you are a hunter, then the worst thing that could happen to you is to be caught hunting by a Bishnoi. Unlike most Hindu communities, Bishnois bury their dead instead of cremating them. This is because of the strict prohibition on the felling of trees which would require timber for cremation.

Accommodation & Meals

2 nights at Raas Hotel  in a luxury room (B) Lunch on day 11 as above.

DAY 12 RANAKPUR AND UDAIPUR

 After breakfast drive to Udaipur (6 Hrs) en-route you will visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur.

Udaipur Highlights

• Jain Temples at Ranakpur
• City Palace Complex
• Eklingji and Nagda Temples
• Boat Ride on Lake Pichola and Lake Palace

Ranakpur, home to Jain Temples which are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style.  These temples are one of the five major pilgrimage sites of the Jain religion.  Built in the 15^th century, the Ranakpur temples are known for being the largest and most important temples of the Jain cult.  The temples are said to have been built by Seth Dharna Sah (a Jain businessman) with the aid of Rana Kumbha, who ruled Mewar in the 15^th century.  The temple complex is positioned in an isolated valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range.  It is wholly constructed in light coloured marble and comprises a basement covering an area of 48,000 square feet, with more than 1,400 exquisitely carved pillars supporting the structure.

Continue drive to Udaipur, on arrival check in at hotel.

Udaipur: “The Venice of the East”, Udaipur is an enchanting city. From lakes in the midst of sandy terrain to green forested hills where wildlife still abounds, the surprises are endless. In the lakes, or by their edges, are palaces straight out of fairy tales, each more beautiful than the other. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh, Udaipur is surrounded by the Aravalli mountain range situated on the edge of three lakes.

DAY 13

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Udaipur including the City Palace complex consisting of Durbar Hall, Crystal Gallery, Palace Museum and Jagdish Temple. Udaipur City Palace is considered as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.

Afternoon visit Eklingji

Eklinji Temple: Housing a manifestation of Shiva, the god who guards the fortunes of the rulers of Mewar, Eklingji is a lovely marble complex made up of 108 temples, the first of which was built in A.D. 734 by Bappa Rawal, legendary founder of the Sisodia clan, who ruled the Mewar kingdom for hundreds of years. The entire complex, most of it rebuilt in the 15th century, has a wonderfully uplifting atmosphere, particularly during prayer times, and never more so than on the Monday evenings when the Maharana of Udaipur is in town and comes to pay his respects here, walking among his subjects as a mere mortal despite the attendant bowing and scraping. The four-faced black lingam (phallic symbol) apparently marks the spot where Bappa Rawal was given the title Darwan (“servant”) of Eklingji by his guru; outside, facing Shiva, is Nandi, Shiva’s vehicle. Wander around the temple complex and you’ll find a number of carvings from the Kama Sutra.

Evening shared boat ride at Lake Pichola:

Jag Mandir is a palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola. It is also called the “Lake Garden Palace”. Its construction is credited to three Maharanas of the Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar kingdom. The construction of the palace was started in 1551 by Maharana Amar Singh, continued by Maharana Karan Singh (1620–1628) and finally completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I (1628–1652). It is named as “Jagat Mandir” in honour of the last named Maharana Jagat Singh. The royal family used the palace as a summer resort and pleasure palace for holding parties.

 Accommodation & Meals

2 nights at Fatehgarh Hotel in a renaissance room (B)

Upgrade to the Taj Lake Palace in a luxury Lake View Room £590 pp

DAY 14 DELHI

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Delhi Departing at ETA. You will be met off the flight and transferred to your hotel for one night.

Accommodation & Meals

1 night at Radisson Blu Plaza or similar (B, on day 15 only)

DAY 15 DELHI – HOME

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport where you will say goodbye and check in for your return flight home.

* Key to Accommodation
B = Bed & Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
FI = Fully inclusive (with drinks)

Subject to availability we use the following hotels for our guests:

B = Bed & Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
FI = Fully inclusive (with drinks)

What’s included:

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis at hotels mentioned or of a similar category. Rooms will be their standard ones unless otherwise specified.  We reserve the right to substitute accommodation of an equivalent standard if the accommodation shown is not available during your travel dates
• Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner). Meals as specified above in the itinerary
• Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
• Elephant ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur (uphill)
• Faily lunch in Jodhpur
• Jeep Safari to Bishnoi Village
• Shared Boat ride on Lake Pichola
• Jungle safaris at Ranthambore by 4x 4 open jeep
• Services of English speaking local guide in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodphur and Udaipur & resident naturalist and park guides in national parks.
• Train from Bharatpur to Sawi Madhopur in the air conditioned executive class.
• Domestic Flights
• Entrance fees including ASI monuments and national parks.
• Mineral water during all transfers, drives, sightseeing
• Meeting / assistance at the time of arrival and departure at airport and during check in/out at hotels in major cities.
• 3.09% Govt. Service Tax on Total Bill.

What’s not included:

• International flights.  We are happy to help you book these or you can arrange your own.
• Insurance
• India visa fee
• Meals or drinks except those specified above
• Any services of accompanied escort (supplement advised, if required).
• Tips and gratuities
• Purchases of a personal nature
• Still/video camera fee if any
• Any expenses incurred due to any unforeseen situation or any other reason beyond our control including acts of god, change in government tax policy etc.