Taj and Tigers 9 Days

Welcome to Delhi!

Arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Terminal T3. Once you have de-boarded the flight, you will be required to clear immigration and customs.

A representative (with a paging board) will greet you and escort you to your vehicle once you have cleared the immigration process. You will then be transferred to the hotel of your choice.

Welcome and check-in at the hotel on arrival.

Delhi

“Charming, capricious, imperial” (as John Foster Fraser wrote), Delhi, India’s historic capital is one of the world’s longest continuously inhabited cities, a juxtaposition of old and new amidst a panorama of seven cities spanning over a millennia. From the crowded cauldron of Old  Delhi’s bazaars set around the giant Jama Masjid mosque to the imperial grandeur of British Delhi  radiating from its landmark buildings, the capital is a compelling medley of chaos and good order.

Overnight at hotel in Delhi  

In the morning, you will meet with your guide in the lobby of the hotel. The day has been set for you to explore the different facets of the historic city of Delhi and its finest sites.

You will depart for a tour of Old Delhi, driving past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on your way. To truly experience the delightful chaos of the city, hop on a cycle rickshaw for an exciting ride through its narrow lanes. The Old City walls wrap around Chandni Chowk, an ancient market that continues to thrive to this day. Take in the electrifying energy around you while you expose your senses to the enticing colors and exotic scents of cardamom and allspice, and watch local men sip their tea at deliciously fragrant chai stands.

In the afternoon, drive past the impressive India Gate and the Secretariat building on the way to Humayun's Tomb for an orientation with a conservationist from Aga Khan Foundation involved in heritage conservation. The 16th century Humayun's Tomb is one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first garden tomb of Asia. Like the Taj Mahal it is a testament of love built by a queen for her beloved husband Humayun, the 2^nd Mughal Emperor of India.

Optional Tour: Delhi differently (9 AM – 3:30 PM) - Cost C$150 p.p.

The tour pays tribute to the long standing history of Delhi which was made and unmade over the years. Marvel at the Mughal Era’s Red and White structures, mix your own unique concoction of perfume the traditional way in an ittar making session, explore the timeless lanes of Chandni chowk and let Kindness touch your heart in an interaction with the less fortunate and engage in activities that help and uplift them. This collage of experiences gives you a great insight into Delhi’s sojourn through the years.

Note:

- The tour is not operated on Sundays.

- On Mondays, a visit to Safdarjung Tomb is included instead of Red Fort (closed on Mondays)

Overnight at hotel in Delhi

This morning, you will leave the city of Delhi and set-off on a journey by road to Agra (Driving time: 4 hours; Distance: 204km).

Agra

Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra  came into full flower during the 16th and 17th centuries as one of the four capitals of Mughal dynasty. Descended from the Timurids in Central Asia, the Mughals conquered Delhi in 1526 which resulted in three centuries of dynastic rule that ended in 1857. It was in Agra that the artistic excellence of the Mughals reached its zenith at a time that coincided with the political high water mark of their vast and expanding empire. Agra today exudes the atmosphere of a provincial town engaged in trade and manufacturing, its heyday well behind it.

On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site- a red sandstone fort built on a bend of the Yamuna River. The Mughal Dynasty fort served as the main residence of the emperors until the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi, and is an impressive monument with a rich architectural history. The Emperor Shah Jahan was once imprisoned inside the Agra Fort, and the tower of his imprisonment offers spectacular views of the Taj Mahal in the distance.

Optional Tour: Kachhpura Village Walk - Cost C$50 p.p.

Later you will drive across the river, for an interesting walk through the Kachhpura village which offers a rural setting intertwined with the lives of the resident communities, along with a stunning view of the Taj from Mehtab Bagh, across the river at sunset. The trail is a community-based enterprise where youth from the local community show you around. It is a chance to learn about the village life, rituals and livelihood directly from a local resident. The funds raised from the walk directly benefit the local community at Kachhpura.

Overnight at hotel in Agra

Rise early to catch the first rays of light on the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). A masterpiece that now stands as a symbol of love to the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has captivated the hearts and minds of travelers for centuries. Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who passed away during childbirth, the iconic mausoleum rises above a well-manicured garden and the monument’s interiors display an elaborate inlay work of precious and semi-precious stones.

You will return to hotel for breakfast. Later in the morning, complete your check-out formalities and depart for Ranthambore, en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri (Driving time: 1 hour; Distance: 36km). - the deserted red sandstone city, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. It was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16^th century and was ominously abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water.

Post the tour you will continue your drive to the Bharatpur railway station (approximately 30 min) for a train ride to Ranthambore —the fabled wildlife reserve that is said to have inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. The train is expected to reach Ranthambore at 18:00 hours. Your luggage will be transferred directly to your hotel in Ranthambore.

Ranthambore

Once the hunting ground of Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. But with the commissioning of Project Tiger in 1972, it was included in the project. In 1980, it became a national park. With the addition of neighboring Keladevi and Mansingh sanctuaries, the total area of the national park stands at 1,334 sq. km. The tigers of Ranthambhore are among the best documented and most photographed and filmed of any in India. It is also the park where a successful series of projects undertaken by the wildlife conservationists have benefited the surrounding villages through health projects, agricultural assistance and reforestation - all to deflect pressure from this isolated park.

Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel – on arrival, check in for your stay.

Overnight at hotel in RANTHAMBORE

On this day you will spend the day exploring the park on morning and afternoon safaris. Set amidst the Aravali and Vindhyan Hills, with the majestic Ranthambhore Fort as a backdrop and dotted with ruined temples and pavilions, this park is 150 square miles of dry deciduous forest, a natural habitat for tigers and the other animals that live there. More than 300 species of migratory and domestic birds can be spotted around the park while a large number of Marsh crocodiles can be found resting on lake banks. Besides tigers, other large rare animals that can be found are sloth bears and leopards. Expert naturalist will lead the way showing you all things small and large that lives in the wilds of Ranthambore.

Note: The safari is for about 3 hours from 7 to 10 AM and again from 2 to 5 PM.  

Additonal cost for Exclusive Jeep in Ranthambore - Max. 4 passengers

C$320 per Jeep

Overnight at hotel in RANTHAMBORE

This morning, return to the jungle for one last safari.

Later return to the hotel for breakfast and check-out. Set-off on a scenic four-hour drive to Jaipur. From colourful trucks beeping their horns and jam-packed buses overflowing with passengers, to camel trucks staggering through narrow lanes and tractor taxis meandering through small villages, this journey allows you to embrace spirited rural India at its purest.

Arrive Jaipur by late afternoon. Welcome and check-in on arrival at the hotel.

Jaipur

Also known as the ‘Pink City’, for the abundance of pink plastered stone used to build its massive forts, magnificent palaces and exquisite temples. The city built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. There is far more to the city than just its famous monuments and to get a complete experience of Jaipur, uncover the mysteries of the bazaars and visit silversmiths, turban sellers and traditional markets.

Rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight at hotel in JAIPUR.

Morning visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh ll in the 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world’s largest sundial. The massive astronomical instruments were built from local stone and marble and the monument pays homage to 18th-century architectural innovations during the Mughal period. Continue to the 18th century City Palace, now a fascinating museum housing some of the treasures of Jaipur’s princely past. The former royal family retains a part of the palace for their personal use.

Optional Tour: Pink City By Tuk-Tuk - Cost C$25 p.p.

Afternoon, explore the secrets hidden in the walled city of Jaipur on board uniquely designed, eco-friendly e-rickshaws driven by smart, enthusiastic and well-trained women, all from humble households – part of an innovative initiative by a local NGO.

Later in evening, drive to the outskirts of the city to visit the magnificent Amber fort (by night) - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Maota Lake. Once on top, you may stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the numerous mirrors embedded in the walls and ceilings, lighting up the entire room.

Overnight at hotel in JAIPUR 

You will rise early to explore the wholesale flower and produce markets, with a stop along the way at a special vantage point for incredible views—and photography opportunities of the iconic Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal).

Post this you will return to the hotel for breakfast.

Around 9:30AM, depart with your guide for an excursion to Bagru – a small village that lies about 20km outside the city of Jaipur. The villagers are textile artists who have an expertise in the age old process of making wooden blocks, natural dyes and doing block printing on cotton cloths with exquisite designs. Learn the process of making natural dyes and try your hands to create a small souvenir with block printing, which you may take back home.

This afternoon, you will have free time to explore the local markets on your own.

Optional Tour: Cooking Demo followed by Dinner - Cost C$130 p.p.

Evening enjoy a special cooking lesson with a home hosted meal with a local family. Interact with the family members who will introduce you to the Indian traditions and the importance of family in Indian culture. You will learn about the food too when you try your hands on some of the local dishes. Post the fun cooking session, gorge on the scrumptious meal with the host and their family.

Overnight at hotel in JAIPUR

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will complete your checkout formalities by noon in order to head back to Delhi.

Set off on a drive of about 5 hours through the beautiful country side of India witnessing small villages, paddy fields, local markets on the way.

On arrival, you will be dropped at the international airport for your flight back home.