Duration: 08
Nights / 09 Days
(Delhi - Agra - Ranthambhore - Jaipur - Udaipur - Delhi
)
Day 01 : Delhi
Arrival at Delhi. Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the
international airport in Delhi. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis
with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction
to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope -
that is India.
Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to
Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing
to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia's largest mosques. The
magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years
1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama
Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby
bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi.
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the
legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the
division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The
division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles.
The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style
in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying
to live up to the best of 21st century standards. Imperial Delhi will include
the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a
drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi
Bhawan, the President's residence. Spend night at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi - Agra (By road 201 km in 4 hr )
Transfer to station by North India Travel Executive for train to Agra.
AGRA : Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the
little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire
- giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor
to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and
white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm
that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising,
that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk
down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the
wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine. Proceed for sightseeing.
Visit the
TAJ MAHAL : one of the Seven Wonders of the World was built
by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal - The symbol
of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan's second Wife).
AGRA FORT : Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort
is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl
Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. After Agra Fort we will visit
BABY
TAJ - The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. Shopping
or relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 03 : Agra - Ranthambhore (By road 250 km in 6 hr )
Breakfast will be at hotel. Drive to Fatehpur Sikri. The deserted, red Sandstone
City, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century
is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins"
are in pristine condition ... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must
have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the
largest gateway in the world. Continue drive to Ranthambhore.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas,
is a unique example of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously
in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 kilometers
from Sawai Madhopur. Get in tune with nature for a luxury holiday in the heart
of the jungle. Most of the resorts are close to the National Park Gate, Tiger
Den being the closest. It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying
from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills of the Vindhyas to the conical
hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis, from wide and flat valleys to narrow
rocky gorges. An important geological feature the 'Great Boundary Fault' where
the Vindhya plateaus meet the Aravali Hill range meanders through the Reserve.
The National Park is bound by the rivers Chambal in the south and Banas in the
north. Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle
way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings,
frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences
of tiger's activities are very exciting. Reach and relax at the beautiful resort.
Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.
Day 04 : Ranthambhore
Wake up early morning and leave for your safari into the National Park. Track
the tigers and other wildlife through the morning. Return to the resort / lodge
by 1000 in the morning and have breakfast. Freshen up and either spend time
at the pool or visit the town. You could also go for a nice visit to the temple
on top of the fort. In the afternoon have lunch and then leave again for you
afternoon safari. The safari will be till evening 1700 - 1800 hr and then return
to the resort / lodge. Dinner will be at the resort and retire early for the
night. Overnight will be at Ranthambhore.
Day 05 : Jaipur - Ranthambhore (By road 175 km in 4 hr )
Enjoy the morning safari into the National park tracking tigers. Breakfast will
be at the resort. Drive to Jaipur. Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan
a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs
that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly
belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput
princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain
their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance
to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal
emperors and also the British Raj that followed. The bustling Rajasthan capital
of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given
the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean
'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more
valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' on account of the
distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the
original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink
in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert. This evening, visit the Birla
Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble
structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues including one of
Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing
a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting
the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus,
the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with
the AARTI Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved, in order to
awake and invoke the deity. Enjoy the experience and spend night at Jaipur.
Overnight will be in Jaipur.
Day 06 : Jaipur
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE : Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent
Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot
of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady
climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion.
The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build
and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle
of the Moghul ruling families. Continue sightseeing.
CITY PALACE : A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled
city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace
Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR : This is the largest and the best preserved of the five
observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This
observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL : The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds"
is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The
palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal
was a royal grandstand for the palace women. This afternoon is free for you
to relax, shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly
for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden
handicrafts and carpets. Overnight will be at Jaipur.
Day 07 : Jaipur - Udaipur
Take flight to Udaipur in the morning. Reach Udaipur and check in at
LAKE
PALACE. The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure lake,
hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in
romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences
and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope
of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with
stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their
reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight. Proceed
for Evening Motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the
boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above
the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit the Jag Mandir Palace
- the other island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time at the
Jag Mandir Palace. Overnight will be at Udaipur.
Day 08 : Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping
first at City Palace. Here you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and
ivory doors, colored glass windows and inlaid marble balconies and the Peacock
Courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari Gardens, the Jagdish Temple,
the royal cenotaphs and the local folk Museum. Enjoy the hotel and overnight
will be at Udaipur.
Day 09 : Udaipur - Delhi
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to the airport for flight to Delhi. Reach
and check in at hotel. Spend the afternoon in last minute shopping. Proceed
to the airport as per flight timing and enjoy the
FAREWELL DINNER. Board
the flight for home with sweet memories of India.
TOUR ENDS
Taj Tiger Tradition Tranquility Travel Reservation Form