Duration : 12 Nights
13 Days
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Ranthambore
Tiger Reserve - Pushkar Jodhpur - Ranakpur Temple / Travel to Udaipur- Mumbai
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival, you'll transfer to the pre-booked hotel where the rest of the
day is free for you to rest.
Day 02 - Explore Delhi
After breakfast, start the day trying out one of India's traditional forms
of transportation : a local rickshaw - through Old Delhi. The jewel of the
old city is the Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire.
Raj Ghat - A memorable stop is made at the mortal remains of Mahatma Gandhi
were cremated on this spot on the west bank of river yamuna on the evening
of January 31st 1948. A simple platform inscribed with the Mahatma last word
Hey Ram (oh god). Afternoon, the tour continues through New Delhi; along Rajpath,
you'll see the India Gate and the Imposing Presidential Palace before stopping
to visit Qutab Minar and Emperor Humayun's Tomb.
Day 03 - Travel to Agra
You travel today to Agra (203 kms / 4 hrs drive), home to the Taj Mahal. Built
by a grief-stricken emperor, Shah Jahan, in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal,
it is one of the world's most remarkable structures -a memorial of unmatched
beauty. The Agra Fort and the bazaars of the city are also on today's exploration.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 - Travel to Jaipur
Today head into Rajasthan, one of India's most colorful and intriguing states.
Rajasthan presents travelers with timeless India. The warm and friendly Rajasthanis
proudly share their rich tradition of royal palaces, breathtaking desert landscapes
and stunning wildlife with all visitors. On the drive through the Rajasthani
countryside you'll see women dressed in brilliantly colored saris, camels,
elephants and age - old villages. Along the way you'll visit the ghost city
of Fatehpur Sikri. Once a Mughal capital, the deserted citadel has taken on
a sleeping beauty quality, lying quietly, but beautifully preserved. You'll
arrive in Jaipur (232 kms / 5 hrs. from Agra) and have the rest of the day
free to explore the old bazaars of the city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 - Explore Jaipur
This morning's exciting tour takes us outside Jaipur to the Amber Palace,
former capital of the Rajput kingdom. We step back in time as we are transported
up the hill to the palace on brightly caparisoned elephants! Inside we find
lavish courtyards, beautifully decorated halls and a lovely Chamber of Mirrors.
Our sightseeing in Jaipur also includes the City Palace Museum with its fabulous
displays of miniature paintings and traditional Rajasthani royal costumes;
Jantar Mantar, an 18th century observatory; and the lovely Palace of Winds.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 06 - Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Another drive through the fascinating Rajasthani countryside brings you to
Ranthambore National Park (130 kms / 2 ½ hrs). Once the hunting ground
of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the area was declared as a national park and listed
among the reserves protected under India's Project Tiger in 1980. Set in a
valley overlooked by a 10th century hilltop fortress, Ranthambore is home
to many of India's most interesting wildlife species. After checking into
your park lodge, you'll board open-air vehicles for an afternoon game-viewing
drive. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 - In Ranthambore
Day begins with an early morning game drive, the perfect time to see animals.
Though tiger sightings can be elusive, the valley abounds in elephants and
birds of all sorts and romantic ruined temples. The afternoon is set aside
for relaxing; another game drive is set for early this evening when the animals
are most active. Overnight in hotel.
Day 08 - Travel to Pushkar
Traveling through the Thar Desert we reach Pushkar (245 kms. / 5 hrs.), a
quiet little town on the edge of a small and beautiful lake. Every November,
Pushkar is the site of the famous camel fair, where Nomads and camel traders
bring their best stock -more than 25,000 camels -to buy, sell and trade. There's
time to relax at your hotel before setting off on a camel cart ride through
the surrounding sand dunes. You'll also visit the town of Pushkar that prides
itself on being the site of the only temple of the Hindu God of Creation,
Brahma. Overnight in hotel..
Day 9 - Explore Jodhpur
Today's journey brings you to Jodhpur (220 kms / 5 hrs.), once the capital
of the state of Marwar. After arrival, you'll explore the city and visit its
magnificent Meherangarh Fort that is filled with courtyards and palaces, many
of them housing interesting museums. You also see the immense Umaid Bhawan
Palace, built between 1928 and 1943 by the Maharaja Umaid Singh, and Jaswant
Thada -an imposing white marble cenotaph. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10 - Ranakpur Temple / Travel to Udaipur
After breakfast, you'll head for the Ranakpur Temple, (214 kms / 5 hrs. drive)
one of the biggest and most important Jain temples in India. Travelling on,
you reach Udaipur (45 kms. from Ranakpur / 1 hr.), undoubtedly the most romantic
city in India. Check in at your hotel is followed by a boat cruise on the
serene and beautiful Lake Pichola where you'll see the lovely Lake Palace
(you can stay here on our deluxe version of the trip). Noted as one the most
beautiful palaces in the world, the Lake Palace rises out of the waters of
Lake Pichola like an elegant fantasy in white marble.
Day 11 - Udaipur
Udaipur has been called India's "City of Dreams" and you'll see
why as you explore Udaipur's huge City Palace and its museum that contains
superb examples of Mughal painting and carving. You'll also visit the Jagdish
temple, which enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle
- a mighty bird called Garuda. At Sahelion Ki Bari You' ll have time to wander
through the spectacular garden. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 - Fly to Mumbai
Morning free for leisure or to explore the city by own. Afternoon transfer
to airport to connect flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival transfer to hotel.
Day 13 - Leave Mumbai
Morning visit Elephanta Caves across the harbour. Afternoon visit Gate Way
of India, Princes of Wales Museum, Hanging Garden, Tower of Silence, Dhobi
Garh and Mani Bhawan. Evening transfer to airport to connect flight for onward
destination (hotel checkout 12:00 hrs.)
