Dreams of the Taj and Tigers
11 days - Delhi, Agra, Ranthambhore, Jaipur
11 days - Delhi, Agra, Ranthambhore, Jaipur
Travel the famous Golden Triangle, and witness India's amazing wildlife up close with a visit to Ranthambhore National Park. Delhi stands as the capital of modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the old and new India, the ancient and the modern. The British designed New Delhi is a city of wide boulevards, impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens; while Old Delhi, an ancient walled city with impressive Red Fort and bustling Chandni Chowk market, is a delight to explore and be amazed by. Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading center of art, science, commerce and culture. Of course, one of India's most beautiful and iconic sights is found here, the magnificent Taj Mahal. Located between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, Ranthambhore Park was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, and its deciduous forests were once part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. Famous for tigers, Ranthambhore is one of the best places to see these majestic predators. Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. Everywhere in the "abode of rajahs" you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi. This morning explore the ancient walled city of Old Delhi. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride, followed by a visit to Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Across from the fort's main gate is Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue filled with twisting lanes, small streets, and crowded bazaars. Rounding out the morning are visits to Raj Ghat, memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. To contrast the old with the new, return to New Delhi by the Delhi Metro. In the evening enjoy a performance of Indian classical dances followed by dinner in a local restaurant. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 3: Delhi. See the sights of New Delhi this morning. Visits include two monuments from Delhi's past; Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret built from red sandstone, and Humayun's Tomb, built by Emperor Humayun's wife, it is an example of early Mughal architecture. From here drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate, President House, and Parliament House. (breakfast).
Day 4: Agra. Drive (approx. 4.5 hours) through the Indian countryside to Agra this morning. In the evening visit Kalakriti auditorium to see a live performance of Mohabbat the Taj; dedicated to the Taj Mahal. (breakfast).
Day 5: Agra. Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal this morning, the monument to love that was built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen. (note: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). Afterwards continue to impressive Agra Fort; one of India's most important forts and home to many great Mughal emperors. An option in the evening is to return to the Taj Mahal for a marvelous sunset-viewing, followed by a walk through the city to see the local market. (breakfast).
Day 6: Ranthambhore. Drive to Bharatpur en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It's ruins are still in fine condition, and it not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. From Bharatpur continue by train to Ranthambhore. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 7: Ranthambhore. Ranthambhore Park is famous for tigers, and due to conservation efforts the tiger population has stabilized here. Early this morning embark on a game drive, accompanied by a naturalist, by open-top Jeep. The balance of the morning and afternoon is free to relax before departing on another game drive. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 8: Jaipur. A final game drive takes us back into the jungle for more viewing. Later in the morning depart by road for Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," it is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. In the evening, an option is to watch an Indian movie at the famous Raj Mandir movie theater. The cinema is an icon among movie theaters and is a sightseeing spot in itself. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 9: Jaipur. A full-day begins with a visit Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Perched on a hillside, the fort can be reached by jeep, and when available by elephant-back. After touring, dine like royalty on a delicious lunch at Amber Fort's 1135 AD restaurant. Back in Jaipur this afternoon visit the City Palace Museum, Jantar Mantar observatory, and make a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds." This evening Amber Fort serves as the backdrop for a spectacular sound and light show. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 10: Delhi. The morning is free. An option is available to take an early morning hot air balloon ride in the area of Amber Fort. The views from the balloon's stable platform offer a completely new perspective over the panorama of Amber Fort. (The ride is subject to weather conditions.) In the afternoon return to Delhi by road. (breakfast).
Day 11: Depart Delhi. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: Breakfast daily (10), four lunches, and three dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,350.
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi. This morning explore the ancient walled city of Old Delhi. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride, followed by a visit to Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Across from the fort's main gate is Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue filled with twisting lanes, small streets, and crowded bazaars. Rounding out the morning are visits to Raj Ghat, memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. To contrast the old with the new, return to New Delhi by the Delhi Metro. In the evening enjoy a performance of Indian classical dances followed by dinner in a local restaurant. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 3: Delhi. See the sights of New Delhi this morning. Visits include two monuments from Delhi's past; Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret built from red sandstone, and Humayun's Tomb, built by Emperor Humayun's wife, it is an example of early Mughal architecture. From here drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate, President House, and Parliament House. (breakfast).
Day 4: Agra. Drive (approx. 4.5 hours) through the Indian countryside to Agra this morning. In the evening visit Kalakriti auditorium to see a live performance of Mohabbat the Taj; dedicated to the Taj Mahal. (breakfast).
Day 5: Agra. Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal this morning, the monument to love that was built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen. (note: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). Afterwards continue to impressive Agra Fort; one of India's most important forts and home to many great Mughal emperors. An option in the evening is to return to the Taj Mahal for a marvelous sunset-viewing, followed by a walk through the city to see the local market. (breakfast).
Day 6: Ranthambhore. Drive to Bharatpur en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It's ruins are still in fine condition, and it not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. From Bharatpur continue by train to Ranthambhore. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 7: Ranthambhore. Ranthambhore Park is famous for tigers, and due to conservation efforts the tiger population has stabilized here. Early this morning embark on a game drive, accompanied by a naturalist, by open-top Jeep. The balance of the morning and afternoon is free to relax before departing on another game drive. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 8: Jaipur. A final game drive takes us back into the jungle for more viewing. Later in the morning depart by road for Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," it is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. In the evening, an option is to watch an Indian movie at the famous Raj Mandir movie theater. The cinema is an icon among movie theaters and is a sightseeing spot in itself. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 9: Jaipur. A full-day begins with a visit Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Perched on a hillside, the fort can be reached by jeep, and when available by elephant-back. After touring, dine like royalty on a delicious lunch at Amber Fort's 1135 AD restaurant. Back in Jaipur this afternoon visit the City Palace Museum, Jantar Mantar observatory, and make a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds." This evening Amber Fort serves as the backdrop for a spectacular sound and light show. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 10: Delhi. The morning is free. An option is available to take an early morning hot air balloon ride in the area of Amber Fort. The views from the balloon's stable platform offer a completely new perspective over the panorama of Amber Fort. (The ride is subject to weather conditions.) In the afternoon return to Delhi by road. (breakfast).
Day 11: Depart Delhi. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: Breakfast daily (10), four lunches, and three dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,350.
Our deluxe India tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
