Small Group India Tour with Ranthambore Tiger Safari

Your holiday to Incredible India begins with an airport pick up at Delhi International Airport. Be prepared for a culture shock of sights, sounds and smells as you are transferred through this bustling city to your hotel. After check in, the rest of the day is free at leisure. Generally check in time is between 12pm and 2pm.

MEALS: None

OVERNIGHT: 4* or 5* Hotel, Delhi

Today you will explore Old Delhi and New Delhi. Visit the historic Red Fort (Closed on Mondays) – Shah Jahan’s elegant citadel in red sandstone, which was built as an octagon measuring 900m by 550m and surrounded by a 9-meter deep moat, which was at its inception fed by the waters of the Yamuna River. Very near the Fort is the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), India’s largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan.

Also, if you wish you can take a cycle rickshaw ride (not included) to explore the Chandni Chowk area. Then visit to Raj Ghat- memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Later proceed to visit the Qutub Minar, a Tower of Victory which was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. The Tomb Of Humayun – the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble is one of the finest examples of the garden tomb, and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Its proportionate spaces, double dome and refined elegance are characteristic of Mughal architecture. Also, visit India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to Rashtrapathi Bhawan – the residence of the President of India, which is flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 4* or 5* Hotel, Delhi

Today you will visit one of the 7 wonders of the world; the Taj Mahal, a highlight of any holiday to India! The Taj Mahal was built over a period of 22 years by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). We depart Delhi at 8am for a 4 hour drive to Agra.

On arrival you will check-in and freshen up before a visit to the impressive Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great. In the evening you will visit Taj Mahal during sunset, a perfect time of day to experience this incredible monument and all it’s majesty. Take your time to wonder around the grounds, exploring all sides of the Taj and soak up the atmosphere as the warm hazy sun sets.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 4* or 5* Hotel, Agra

Today we have another drive (6 hours) to Ranthambore, enroute there is the option to visit Fatehpur Sikri, a town built in the 17th Century by Emperor Akbar with Red Sand Stone but immediately abandoned after 15 years of occupancy due to water shortage and political issues. Continue your drive to Ranthambore. On arrival check in and relax.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 4* or 5* Hotel, Ranthambore

Today you will participate in 2 jeep safaris (shared safaris) in the park in search of Royal Bengal tigers, as well as the many other species which inhabit the park. Common sightings in the park include languor monkeys, spotted and Sambar deer, nilgai and wild pigs. The park is also home to a vast array of bird species. Less commonly sighted are crocodiles, sloth bears and leopards. Total safari time on each trip is around 2½ to 3 hours.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 4* or 5* Hotel, Ranthambore

This morning you have one last chance to witness the majestic Bengal Tigers with a third included early morning Safari before we drive to Jaipur.

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for Palaces and bazaars of textiles, pottery, jewelleries and folk based arts & handicrafts ~ a paradise for shoppers. Spend the afternoon wondering around the bazaars, haggling for the lowest prices and mingling with the locals, this is the best way to see Jaipur!

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Royal Orchid Central or Lemon Tree Premiere (Both 4*) , Japiur

A full day in Jaipur sightseeing in this wonderful city. This morning we visit the magnificent Amber Fort and palace complex, built with stunning white marble and yellow and pink sandstone. Inside the palace visit the Jag Mandir (The Hall of Victory), Sheesh Mahal – a room with four walls and the ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirrors, imported from Belgium. The City Palace is the royal residence. Now part of this residence is converted into museum and a part of the portion is still now occupied by the royal family of Jaipur. An impressive array of pistols, blunderbusses, swords, rifles and daggers are found in the Armory museum. Every evening the Amber fort puts on a spectacular light and sound show, a fantastic production that lights up the exterior of the fort, and tells legends of the Rajput Kings. This show is not included but we highly recommend it!

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT:Royal Orchid Central or Lemon Tree Premiere (Both 4*), Jaipur

After a relaxed breakfast we drive back to Delhi [5 hours]. On arrival in Delhi, check in at your hotel and relax. If you wish, you can explore the bazaars in Delhi like Dilli Haat – This huge Delhi market has been deliberately made to feel likea traditional weekly village market, called a Haat. Small thatched roof cottages with a village atmosphere giveit great ambiance. The market offers an exciting blend of handicrafts from all over India, food, and cultural andmusic performances. Or you can visit Janpath & Tibetan Market – This very popular and lively Delhi market, which was recently given a makeover, has something for everyone. You’ll find goods from everywhere in India and Tibet here, and it’s a great place to shop for things to take back home.

If you are not interested in visiting the bazaars, then you can visit Akshardham temple (closed on Mondays) which holds the Guinness World Record of being the World’s largest comprehensive Hindu Temple. Thistemple is dedicated to Lord Swami Narayan and is symbolic of the Indian Culture, architecture and spirituality. This is a pretty huge complex and it contains 234 ornate pillars, 9 domes and 20000 statues and sculptures. The walls of the main monument are covered top to bottom with carvings of dancers, deities, flora and fauna. You will be able to see a blend of various architectural styles used across India.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 4* or 5* Hotel, Delhi

Your holiday to India is now over and you will be transferred to the airport in time for your return flight home. Generally hotel check out time is 10am.

MEALS: Breakfast