Day 01 : ARRIVE DELHI
New Delhi, the capital city of India, where upon arrival, you are greeted and escorted to your hotel
, where a room has been blocked for immediate occupancy.
Overnight at to your hotel.
Day 02 : NEW DELHI – SIGHTSEEING
Breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon you visit New Delhi, the modern city striving to move into the new era with the best of modern cities. Visit the Qutab Minar Complex, dominated by the 234-foot Victory Tower. You are driven down the spectacular Rajpath passing the triumphant House of Parliament, Diplomatic Enclave, President’s House and India gate. Visit Birla Mandir, a modern and colorful temple where you enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city.
Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 03 : OLD DELHI SIGHTSEEING / AGRA
After breakfast you visit Old Delhi.
The 17th century walled city of royal Shahjehanabad. The great Red Fort was the opulent residence of Shah Jehan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), which dominates the skyline. Also visit the Raj Ghat- cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, Ashoka Pillar and later walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahajahanabad, now a picturesque bazaar. This afternoon you depart Delhi by road for Agra which is 232 kms and will take apprx 5 hrs On your arrival in Agra, check into your hotel for overnight stay
Day 04 : FATEHPUR SIKRI & AGRA SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast you go an excursion to visit the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, Fatehpur Sikri a masterpiece of Muslim architecture. It comprises the remains of the new capital that Akbar built in the 16th century. Predominantly red sandstone buildings sprawl over a huge area. The architectural style is very much in tune with the emperor’s dreams and includes both Hindu and Muslim styles. The sculptured columns bear mute testimony to this gallant experiment to unite the two races. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and many noteworthy structures. Drive back to Agra to explore the 16th century Agra Fort, Explore the 16th century Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century. It lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the year 1565-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls red sandstone and a moat Followed by a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, this incredible lacy white grandeur built by Emperor Shahjehan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz Mahal, the “lady of the Taj”. It has been described, as the most extravagant monument ever built for love for the emperor was heartbroken when his wife Mumtaz died. The Taj Mahal has recently been immortalized by the inclusion as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”
Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 05 : AGRA / RANTHAMBORE GAME RESERVE
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Ranthambhore which is 180 kms and takes apprx 4 hrs. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. At Ranthambore, the remains of a thousand-year-old fortress where leopards and tigers prowl the ruins. This afternoon enjoy your first game drive with our naturalist guide. Ranthambhore National Park is probably the best place in the world to see wild tigers and is the only dry deciduous tiger habitat in the world.. It is the only forest reserve in Rajasthan state and in the entire Aravali hill ranges where wild Bengal tigers still exist. The dry deciduous habitat of the reserve makes it much easier to find and observe tigers in their natural wild habitat.
Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 06 : RANTHAMBORE GAME RESERVE
With our naturalist guide you’ll take thrilling game drives in the morning and evening to scour the jungle for wildlife. Ranthambhore is one of the few reserves where the nocturnal camera-shy tigers may be seen in daylight. Almost hunted to extinction by the local royalty and their British overlords, the population of the Bengal tiger is slowly increasing, thanks to the efforts of “Project Tiger” and the World Wildlife Fund.
Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 07 : RANTHAMBORE GAME RESERVE /JAIPUR
After a morning game drive with our naturalist, you return to your hotel for breakfast followed by drive to Jaipur also known as the “Pink City” of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, which is 180 kms and takes apprx4 hrs.
Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. The city was painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, literally blushed pink when Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, stepped on its soil in 1863. Jaipur , also known as the pink City is a well planned city named after one of the greatest of the Rajput rulers, Maharaja Jai Singh II . It takes its name from the pink paint on its buildings.
Afternoon, tour this incredible city where the past is never far from hand.
The Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds” provides an excellent view over the city as befitting its former role: enabling the ladies of the royal household to watch, unseen, the daily life and processions in the streets below. Explore City Palace, characterized by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards and arched entrances. It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniatures and an armory of weapons. The Maharajah’s observatory, originally built in the city's early years, first appears as a collection of abstract sculptures, but is in fact a collection of the huge masonry instruments for studying the movement of constellations and stars in the sky.
Drive back to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 08 : AMBER FORT EXCURSION
Early this morning you go on an excursion of Amber Fort. Amber was once the capital of the Mina tribes believed to be the original inhabitants of this area. History recalls the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals. Raja Man Singh was the Commander-in-Chief of Akbar’s army and Mirza Raja Jai Singh was a powerfulally of Jahangir. You will have a unique experience of riding a caprisoned painted elephant heralded by musicians from the foothill to the ramparts of the ancient fort. Once inside we explore the Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with millions of tiny glistening mirrors, the hall of Public Audience and the beautiful manicured gardens Return to your hotel for breakfast and an afternoon of leisure. Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 09 : JAIPUR / UDAIPUR
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur you are met and transferred to our hotel.
Udaipur, the “Venice of the East”. was founded in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh, and this extraordinarily beautiful city has come to be celebrated for its association with Queen Padmini, and Meera Bai, royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes of the Sisodia family. Developed scientifically, the old city was surrounded by fortified bastions with entry through eleven gates. Ruins of these ancient fortifications are still in evidence, and the more recent palaces can still be visited.
This afternoon you take on a city tour tour. City Palace, the white and majestic royal palace standing on a hill, surrounded by crenellated walls and overlooks an immense esplanade edged by arcades; the main entrance leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping pavilions, terraces corridors and hanging gardens-a harmonious profusion hard to describe. Visit Sahelion-Ki-Bari, the “Gardens of the Maids” bring to mind the unique lifestyle of the ladies of court. Your final stop is Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandala, a museum of folk art, displaying a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings. Watch a presentation of the world-renowned puppeteers of Udaipur, custodians of an ancient tradition.
Drive back to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 10 : RANAKPUR EXCURSION
After breakfast, you undertake an excursion to the beautifully sculpted Jain temples of Ranakpur.
The intricately caraved white marble is so well preserved it belies the temple’s 500 years. The temple dedicated to the Sun God is famed for its erotic sculpture.
You will get a look at the Rajasthani countryside as you drive, travelling through scenic mountains. Set in a remote and peaceful valley, this is the site of the largest and most beautifully preserved Jain Temples in India. The main temple, dating back from 1439 is called the “Four-faced temple”. It is dedicated to Adinath. It has 29 halls supported by 1,444 carved pillars, none of which is similarly carved. The play of light and shade on the minutely carved figures leaves a tantalising effect.
Drive back to Udaipur for your overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11 : UDAIPUR / DELHI / MUMBAI
After breakfast, morning is at leisure. Later in the afternoon we will be transferred to the airport for your flight either to Delhi or Mumbai in time to connect your onward flight.