TAJ, TIGERS & PALACES (17 Days)

TAJ, TIGERS & PALACES (17 DAYS)

Itinerary

DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive Delhi via International flight
light (Rooms held from 1400 hours). After clearing Customs and Immigration formalities, we proceed towards the airport arrival lounge where we will be met a representative, welcomed with garlands and transferred to the waiting vehicle outside. At the hotel, we will have assisted check in and our rooms will be booked for immediate occupancy.

Overnight The Claridges, (Club rooms)
Meals included None

DAY 02 DELHI

DELHI – reflects the legacy and heritage of Mughal Delhi which is popularly known as Old Delhi. Pulsing with energy and colour, Old Delhi is laced by a maze of narrow lanes where you get a glimpse of many contrasting flavours from wedding bazaars to expansive spice markets, to graceful architecture. In contrast to Old Delhi – the imperial city or New Delhi created by the British – have numerous fine colonial structures, magnificent buildings and wide boulevards laid according to the master plans of the great colonial architect Lutyens.

Jama Masjid Mosque, Old Delhi

Start the tour by exploring the fascinating and the living legacy of the Indo-Islamic culture, lifestyle in Old Delhi. In 1638 Moghul emperor Shahjahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and laid the foundations of Shahjahanabad, the seventh city of Delhi. Today it is popularly called Old Delhi.

In this part of the city you will visit the largest and best-known mosque in India which can accommodate 20000 people at one time. Jama Masjid was built by Shah Jahan in the 17th C. Awe inspiring and beautiful with its three domes and elegant tapering minarets this active mosque also houses some sacred relics of the prophet.

To get a real feel of this area take a rickshaw ride in the busy and narrow streets of the mile long Chandni Chowk, popularly called “The Silver Street”. The throbbing energy of this area is palpable with all the activity that you will see- vegetable vendors calling out their wares, shops doing brisk business, roadside snack stalls attracting passer-bys, students browsing through book shops, labourers carting goods through the narrow lanes, and so much more!

This afternoon is free for those who would like to get in a little shopping or just enjoy the facilities of the hotel.

Overnight The Claridges, (Club room)
Meals included Breakfast

DAY 03 DELHI

This afternoon, you will drive past the magnificent Parliament Building and RashtrapatiBhawan (the official residence of the President of India set in 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens) and India Gate in New Delhi. End the tour at Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century and architecturally considered the forerunner of the Taj Mahal. You may also like to visit the Sikh temple and witness the largest community kitchen serving free food to thousands of devotees.

Optional: Riding a train will always thrill children, even in this day and age of air travel. Visit the National Rail Museum this afternoon. This one-of-its-kind museum in Asia has an interesting collection of history, heritage, romance, nostalgia, fun, leisure and entertainment, all at one place. Over 100 real exhibits of steam engines and coaches are displayed here from a bygone era. Sprawling over 11 acres, it also has an indoor gallery devoted to the display of various models, photographs, coat of arms, documents related to the history of trains in India. Take a ride on a train once owned by the Maharaja of Patiala. The Museum itself has a variety of engines and carriages on display that allow children to climb through and touch and see things for themselves.

Later in the evening you may like to visit Khan Market, one of Delhi’s most ‘happening’ shopping areas where you are sure to pick up souvenirs and knick knacks.

Overnight The Claridges, (Club rooms)

Meals included Breakfast

DAY 04 DELHI

Day is at leisure. Vehicle is at disposal.

Optional’s on supplement costs :

Morning free orVisit the Akshardham Temple. This is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. Also referred to as Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture.

1700 hours, depart for Kingdom of Dreams for Zangoora show followed by dinner. Zangoora – the Gypsy Prince show or similar.India’s answer to Broadway, Zangoora the Gypsy Prince – The biggest Bollywood musical ever. Introducing a brand new genre of entertainment where storytelling & Bollywood style Song & Dance meet stagecraft and technical wizardry like never seen before.

In a world class theatre Nautanki Mahal, enter a world of entertainment that brings the best of Indian and International talent to create a Bollywood spectacle live on stage that is truly cinematic. Sound, light, video, animation, special effects, aerial choreography, stunts and magic. The show boasts the grandest of Bollywood music of the last three decades strung together into a Bollywood potboiler storyline. (Travel time is about 1.15 hour one way and the show’s duration is 2.5 hours.

Overnight The Claridges, (Club rooms)
Meals included Breakfast

DAY 05 DELHI-CHAMBAL

This morning, post breakfast drive to Chambal (approximately 5-6hrs drive without stop)

Upon arrival, check into the lodge.

The National Chambal Sanctuary, located in Etawah, 70 kilometers from Agra is spread over an area of 635 square kilometers. Established in 1979, the park has a rare collection of exotic, rarely found species. The unusual Gangetic dolphin is the main attraction of National Chambal sanctuary. Besides, the park is also inhabited by Chinkaras, Sambar Deer, Nilgai, Wolf and wild boar.

The Chambal Safari Lodge is located within a 35-acre plantation of the original woodland, with many old growth trees surrounded by extensive farmland. Large numbers of indigenous trees and shrubs are planted every year to supplement the existing growth and to create a nature reserve that is being progressively allowed to regenerate itself, untouched by human interference.

Rest of the day at leisure to relax.

Overnight Chambal Safari Lodge, (Family cottages)
Meals included Breakfast

DAY 06 CHAMBAL

In the morning, take a motorboat safari and besides the mammals in the water, also see the prolific and varied birdlife. The River Chambal has one of the country’s most beautiful and least polluted river systems. It is the mainstay for the entire wildlife of the sanctuary, harboring a variety of aquatic life, including the elusive Gangetic Dolphin, Marsh Crocodile, Gharial or Fish Eating Crocodile, Freshwater Turtles, River Otters and a various species of fish. The river now boasts of a population of over 1600 Gharials and 200 Crocodiles.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby town of Bateshwar, famed for its ancient temple complex along the Yamuna River. The complex consists of more than a hundred temples dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Referred to as Surajpur in ancient texts, Bateshwar derives its current name from its reigning deity Lord BateshwarMahadev (another name for Shiva). The ravines surrounding the temples and river are home to a number of Naga sadhus (snake worshipping ascetics) who have carved out little caves and temples within the mud walls. Take a boat-ride along the temple ghats and visit to sadhu (ascetics) caves.

Overnight Chambal Safari Lodge, (Family cottages)
Meals included Breakfast

DAY 07 CHAMBAL

Camel safari in the National Chambal Sanctuary. From the historic times, camels remain an important mode of transport for man and goods alike. These animals are also an ideal means for exploring the ravines of the sanctuary and searching for the wildlife that have made these ravines their home. The camel safari will take you along the river banks, into the ravines, through villages and up to Fort Ater. Later return to the lodge.

Overnight Chambal Safari Lodge, (Family Cottages)
Meals included Breakfast

DAY 08 CHAMBAL-AGRA

This morning you will drive to Agra (approximately 2 hrs drive without stop)

The ancient city of Agra lies on the banks of the river Yamuna and is one of the oldest settlements of India. Between the 16th and 17th C it was the seat of power of the Mughals and three generations of Great Mughals ruled a huge empire from here. It was also a centre of learning, Culture, Art and Religious philosophies which produced some of the most renowned litterateurs and scholars.

On arrival you will brought to your hotel. Check in time is 2:00 PM, so we suggest you drop your bags at the belldesk and proceed for a visit of the Agra Fort, strategically situated along a bend on the Yamuna River. Built 16th century AD by three generations of Mughal emperors, it is a superb synthesis of stern military fortifications with delicate interior details. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son here. Here you will see the art and crafting of the white marble that has made the area so famous, and the Halls of Public and Private Audience.

Return back to the hotel on a traditional mode of transport- a Tonga or a horse carriage, decorated with fragrant marigold flowers. Enjoy the rhythm of the clip clop of the horse’s feet and get transported into a by- gone era!

Suggestion for dinner: Peshawari at the ITC Mughal (Advance reservation is recommended)

Overnight Double Tree by Hilton, (Superior Rooms)
Meals Breakfast

DAY 09 13 AGRA

In the morning, enjoy a sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). Experience the sublimity of the Taj Mahal – a varying kaleidoscope of solitude, colour and mood. A tribute from a great emperor to the memory of his beloved wife, it was 22 years in the making (1631-1653) and is a cerebral experience that defies description. Widely regarded as the earthly replica of paradise, Taj Mahal is likened to “a vision, a dream, a poem and a wonder”.

In the afternoon, visit the Bear Rescue Centre Wildlife SOS. This is a rescue and rehabilitation centre for bears and other animals like elephants, reptiles and wild cats. Sloth bears were used traditionally, and till very recently, as dancing bears and in the process they were horribly abused and mistreated. These animals have been rescued by Wildlife SOS and are being looked after here. The ‘Kalandars’ who knew no other profession have also been trained to make their living in better and more lucrative ways. The organization also works to protect the habitat protection and counter poaching. Guests can visit the animals and see the good work being done here and in the process support the cause.

Time permitting, we will arrange henna tattoos for the ladies. Watch as an expert henna artist paints intricate designs, or any pattern of your choice, on the palm of your hands within minutes. You can also choose to get tattoos done on your arm, feet or ankles. Completely skin friendly and natural, the henna paste will leave a deep orange-brown colour behind that lasts for about a week. Do it the local way by going to the henna artist in the market place. This can be arranged in Jaipur as well.

Overnight Double Tree by Hilton, (Superior Rooms)
Meals Breakfast

DAY 10 AGRA-BHARATPUR-RANTHAMBORE

After breakfast, drive to Bhartapur (1 hour) in time to board the Golden Temple Mail (1030-1300 hours) to Ranthambore.

On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Located in the SawaiMadhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Spread over an area of 400 sq. km of dry, deciduous forest 1,334 sq. km these former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur is a major wildlife tourist spot which attracts many wildlife experts and photographers and lovers. Ranthambore was established as the Game Sanctuary in 1955 and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973. Although there is a rich wildlife here, the park famous for its tigers and is considered one of the best locations to spot the majestic predators in its natural habitat. Other animals include spotted deer, Nilgai, Sambar Deer, sloth bear, hyena, jackals, leopards, langur monkeys, marsh crocodile and a variety of birds. The terrain is beautiful with lakes, rocky outcrops, and ruins of the 10th C Ranthambore Fort.

This afternoon after lunch you have your first game drive. A game drive usually lasts about 3 hours in your private and exclusive jeep. A naturalist will accompany you to point out flora and fauna, as well as attempt to track the elusive tiger. The dirt roads are bumpy and dusty but the beautiful terrain and the adventure of spotting animals more than makes up for it.
Return to your hotel in the evening.

The hotel runs a very interesting short movie/slide show about the wildlife in Ranthambore. A naturalist talks about the wildlife here, especially about the tigers and their habits. Guests may like to watch this if they like.

Overnight Khemvillas, (Cottages)
Meals included Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 11 RANTHAMBORE

The day starts early with a morning game drive. Return for breakfast.

Rest of the afternoon is free for own activities like swimming, reading, relaxing.

Optionals: (Best done after the morning game drive)
Visit to Dhonk Craft for conservation to learn about the unique project supporting a tribal community. Also meet a Mantra Wild sponsored Village Wildlife Watcher, together with NGO Tiger Watch and TOFTigers (Travel Operators for Tigers), these funded Wildlife watchers report on suspicious poaching activities on the periphery of the park.

Later in the afternoon you will have your third visit to the park.

Overnight Khemvillas, (Cottages)
Meals included Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 12 RANTHAMBORE

The day starts early with a morning game drive. Return for breakfast.

Rest of the afternoon is free for own activities like swimming, reading, relaxing.

Optionals: (Best done after the morning game drive)

Visit Prakratik: This is an NGO involved in providing alternate energy using biogas to villagers who otherwise would need to go into the forests to get firewood, and in the process posing a major threat to the future of the Tiger. The award winning and widely recognized project helps local people plant over 70,000 trees each year. A non formal education program reaches out to nearly 4000 children each year helping then learn about their environment through song, dance, drama and nature camps. The NGO also runs a state of the art hospital and a school.

Hike up to Ranthambore Fort: The majestic RanthamboreFort, built in 10th-century, towers over the entire park area. Many rulers vied for the control of Ranthambore and battles were fought here till the 17th C, when it passed into the hands of the rulers of Jaipur. Ruins of various temples, mosques, tombs and pavilions dot the park area adding to the mysterious charm of Ranthambore. Standing at a height of 700 feet above the surrounding plain, it houses palaces, pavilions, and other buildings in various states of ruin. Also famous here is the ancient Ganesha Temple which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Guests may drive to the base of the fort and begin ascend, walking through massive gates, ruins of palaces and pavilions which offer fantastic views of the park below. The whole trip takes 1.5 hours maximum.

Later in the afternoon you will have your fifth visit to the park.

Overnight Khemvillas, (Cottages)
Meals included Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 13 RANTHAMBORE

Morning and evening visits to the park today.

Overnight Khemvillas, (Cottages)
Meals included Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 14 RANTHAMBORE-JAIPUR

Drive to Jaipur (180 kms/ 4 hours). Met on arrival and checked in to your hotel.

Jaipur is a city where royalty still lives in the grandeur of its palaces, where fighting for the honour of the clan has never been a need but a way of life, and where treating guests as gods has been a tradition from time immemorial. Jaipur got its name from its founder Sawai Jai Singh (1693-1743), who had the vision to create a meticulously planned city as his capital. All the houses in the old city are painted pink, including the famous Hawa Mahal, thereby giving the city its popular name, the Pink City.

View of Amber fort over the lake, Jaipur, India

This evening, you may like to enjoy a stroll through Jaipur’s traditional markets, set amidst the memorable backdrop of Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob’s vernacular architecture. Walk through the colourful fruit and vegetable markets and bustling alleyways of original haveli’s, still inhabited by merchant families in the old part of the city. Or just relax and enjoy the pool and dinner at the hotel.

Overnight : Samode Haveli (Deluxe Suites)
Meals : Breakfast

DAY 15 JAIPUR

After breakfast, you will be taken for a half-day city sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting the City Palace and Observatory (JantarMantar). Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and its centerpiece is the City Palace, home even today of the royal family, and known for its clutch of excellent private museums that display royal memorabilia particularly armaments, art, books, costumes and textiles. Lying adjacent to the City Palace is the medieval JantarMantar Observatory – built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, an inveterate astronomer whose curiously shaped and oversized implements are astonishingly accurate till today.

In the afternoon, we can arrange kite flying for the family, especially for the children. This traditional sport and pastime is still very popular in India and there are even competitions wherein the kite flyers try to capture the competitor’s kites with the skillful manipulation of the kite string

Late afternoon, proceed on a guided excursion to the Amer Fort. Capital of the erstwhile State of Jaipur until 1728, Amer Fort is perched on a hill. It has halls of Public and Private Audience, a Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) various marble palaces which are marvelous examples of ancient Rajput architecture. Ride a jeep to ascend the hill on which the fort is situated.

OPTIONAL (at supplement costs) : Evening, enjoy an elephant safari followed by dinner at Dera Amer. DeraAmer is
situated behind the hills of the famous Amer Fort. The Camp is
located at the foothills of the Aravali Range and surrounded by the wilderness of a reserved forest with no urban civilization in the vicinity, just a few hamlets housing the local villagers occupied by farming on the their fields bordering a pretty lake. A local Rajput family who themselves reside in the area organize elephant safari in the jungle using their beautiful home and camp as base, as well as allowing their guests the privilege to interact with the local farmers in the village.

Overnight : Samode Haveli (Deluxe Suites)
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 16 JAIPUR

Today, you can also shop for Jaipur’s famous textiles and jewelry. Visit a textile showroom where you will learn allabout traditional hand block printed textiles. Here you can make your own block print garment as well. Jaipur is famous for hand block printing, and is a great place for guests to learn this skill and create their own clothes. Guests can choose colours, pattern and style and under the watchful eye of a master printer can print the fabric. Later the fabric will be tailored into a garment for the guest and delivered to them. Specially fun for kids to make their own designer label!

Overnight : Samode Haveli (Deluxe Suites)
Meals : Breakfast

DAY 17 JAIPUR-DELHI

The morning is free. Room is available till 12 noon. Post lunch, drive back to Delhi (5.5 hours). We can arrange for you to be taken to a restaurant at an airport hotel for dinner (on direct settlement) before your International flight back home.

**End of the tour**

PACKAGE INCLUDES

• Accommodation for 16 nights on Twin share with extra bed in the mentioned hotels or similar
• Meals as per itinerary (includes daily breakfast) and full board basis at Ranthambhore.
• Transportation by air-conditioned an air-conditioned Tempo traveller (7 seater) or Toyota Innova (03 seater)
• Domestic Mineral water brands (Himalayan, Kinley or similar) will be provided in the vehicles during transfers, sightseeing, excursions and overland transportation
• Services of local English speaking guides at each destination as listed:
• Delhi – 3 Full days
• Agra – 01 Full day
• Jaipur – 02 Full days
•  Activities at Chambal
•  Village walking Tour
• Camel Safari
• River Safari
•  Excursion to Amber Fort by jeep (as Elephant Rides are being banned)
• 7x exclusive Jeep safaris at Ranthambore (can seat 6 persons)
• Train ticket for travel in best available class
• Golden Temple mail: 0956/1235 hrs
•  Porterage fees at the railway stations
• Entrance fees (single entry) to the monuments as per the itinerary
•  All currently applicable taxes
• Unforgettable memories of a lifetime

PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• International and Domestic airfare, visa fees, airport tax or any kind of insurance cover
• Drinks of any nature, any other meals than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Any car arrangements on free days
• Still and video camera fee at monuments and game parks
• Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, camera fees etc
• Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in flight and train schedule; cancellation of flights, political disturbances, natural phenomenon.
•  Any other item not specifically mentioned above as ‘INCLUDED’

Click Here to enquire about this package or to have us craft a personalised experience for you.