Taj Mahal, Tigers and Forts

Welcome to India! After clearing your immigration and customs formalities, meet our representative at the arrival gate, and then transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is for rest.

Followed by a hearty breakfast, we’ll have an orientation meeting, and then we set out for the sightseeing of Delhi. Delhi is an ancient city, and its history goes back to 1400 BC.

Begin from Humayun’s Tomb-a massive octagonal edifice built by Haji Begun in honor of her husband, the second Mughal Emperor Humayun. Her design, which offers a superb example of early Mughal architecture, greatly influenced on Shah Jahan, who later designed and built the Taj Mahal. The entrance to the tomb is through a succession of formal gardens, which are in the process of being restored to the classic Persian style.

We will also visit Qutub Minar; an impressive red sandstone tower inscribed with Islamic writings. It was built to commemorate the defeat of local rulers of Delhi by the Muslim general Qutb-ud-din-Aibak, at the end of the twelfth century. We will then drive to Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque). It is the largest mosque in India and a notable example of Delhi’s distinctive Indo-Islamic architecture. Another highlight of our day will be a bicycle-rickshaw ride from this great mosque through the bustling and colorful market lanes of Chandni Chowk to the Red Fort.

We’ll explore other parts of Old Delhi as well as the formal government buildings of “new” Delhi, constructed by the British in the 1920s. Nearby, in the parkland of Raj Ghat, we’ll have time to visit the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi and look at some of the local bird life. We should find Hoopoe, Common Mynah, House Crow, and Rose-collared Parrot as well as egrets and other waders in ponds.

After breakfast, we drive to Agra (approx. 131miles/ 4 ½ hrs.). Upon arrival, check in the hotel and later proceed for sightseeing.

We first visit Agra Fort- the 16th-century Mughal citadel known as the Red Fort of Agra. It was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal and Delhi's Red Fort. Recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, Agra Fort is a citadel of the Mughal era that has witnessed centuries slip by but still stands gloriously on the bank of River Yamuna.

Towards dusk, we visit the Mehtab Bagh (also called Moonlight Garden) which is a little known place for viewing Taj Mahal during the sunset time. The garden lies opposite of Taj Mahal on the northern shores of Yamuna River whereas Taj Mahal stands in the southern side. Most travelers visit Taj Mahal from the main gate at the south side. Enjoy the views of Taj Mahal in tranquil surroundings with no rush.

After breakfast, we leave for Jaipur (approx. 153 miles / 5 ½ hrs. drive) en-route stopping to visit Fatehpur Sikri.

We get up before dawn for a sunrise tour of Taj Mahal from the southern side of the monument. It's a fantastic experience to see the iconic monument bathed in the morning sunshine! Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a spectacular monument, built to represent eternal love.

We return to our hotel for breakfast, and soon we head out to Jaipur. About 25 miles from Agra, we stop to visit the Fatehpur Sikri- a UNESCO recognized world heritage site. Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned capital of Emperor Akbar, illustrates the fusion of Hindu and Muslim architectures.

About 56 miles before Jaipur, we take 12 miles detour of Chand Baori, which is an ancient step well, built in between 800 and 900 A.D. It's an ornate architecture designed and structured as a water reservoir to supply water to the citizens of dry and arid Rajasthan.

On arrival, check in hotel and take rest for the day.

After breakfast, we set out to explore the attractions of Jaipur- the capital of Rajasthan State. Jaipur is also called the Pink City. Do you know why? The king of Rajasthan, in a short notice, ordered a fresh coat of paint for Jaipur to welcome the Prince of Wales visiting India in 1905-6, but the contractor did not have any other color in stock enough but pink. So, the entire city got its pink paint which has been Jaipur's tradition till today!

We first drive 7 miles on Jaipur- Delhi highway outside the city to visit Amer Fort that lies atop Aravali Hills. From the parking, we take an elephant ride up the hill (subject to availability and alternatively by Jeep). On the return, we will take the local shared jeep.

Amber Fort, also called Amer Fort was built in the 16th century and is one of the most excellent examples of the combination of Hindu Rajput and Mughal Muslim architectures. The fort, made in red sandstone and white marble tells the glory of the fierce Kachawaha Dynasty that ruled over the region from 12th to the 18th century. The interior wall of the palace exhibits vivid painting scenes with carvings, precious stones, and mirror settings. The fort has heavily structured high walls to protect the residents from the warring enemies.

Now, we retrace our drive to the Jaipur city and visit Hawa Mahal- one of the most photographed architectures of Jaipur. The peculiarity of the palace is the high screen wall facing to the street from where the women of the royal family could observe the street activities without being seen from the outsiders!

Next, we move on to the City Palace, which is another blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. The royal family still occupies part of the palace, and we have access only to the role that now has a museum. The museum has an extensive collection of costumes, woodwork, brassware, jewelry, and pottery. Nearby is the Jantar Mantar observatory,built in the 18th century, is  a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments,

The afternoon is free for your interests. Jaipur is shopper's paradise and has the world famous traditional jewelry designed stylishly.

(190 km, 3.5 hrs.)

After an early breakfast, we bid farewell to the Pink City of Jaipur and head out to Ranthambore- a renowned habitat of Royal Bengal Tiger. The road goes through the semi-arid countryside giving us a first-hand experience of India beyond the cities. We can see people watering the semi-desert land and transforming it into the farmland, and camels pull their rickety loads along the highway unconcerned with the honking truck traffic. The colorful turbans and costumes change from region to region and from village to village, and the brightly colored saris stand out against the barren landscape.

We arrive at our accommodation at Sawai Madhopur around noon. We will have time to take a shower and a sumptuous lunch before we embark on an afternoon safari which starts at 3 PM during winter and 4 PM in Spring and Summer. Ranthambore, on the fringes of the Vindhya Hills in Eastern Rajasthan, protects 400 square kilometers of rocky hill and plateau country in the dry deciduous jungle. A formidable fortress high above the plains provides a dramatic backdrop for viewing the game and a glimpse into Rajasthan’s valorous past.

Although it is one of the smallest reserves in India, Ranthambore is famous as the most prominent tiger sanctuary in the country. In addition to the Bengal Tiger, we hope to see an impressive array of wildlife including Langur, Sambar, Nilgai, Chital, Wild Boar, Jackal, Fox and Sloth Bear. We will also be looking for local avian specialties, among the 300 species of birds in the park. Our lodging for the night is a former hunting lodge set in extensive grounds. In the evening, we will take a stroll in the local village and the neighborhood.

Following an early morning cup of tea or coffee, we embark in the morning adventure in an open vehicle, for our game drive in the nearby National Park. Here, where maharajahs formerly had their hunting preserves, we’ll watch for tigers in addition to their plentiful prey. Small lakes with stone pavilions and gazebos provide habitat for waders, ducks, storks, and crocodiles. The morning safari will be from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (during summer) and 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (during winter). After returning to our lodge, we will have our breakfast. Between now and lunch, we will have time to rest, write journal or postcards or chitchat with our guide and naturalists or take a walk in the neighborhood.

After lunch, again we embark on our safari adventure. We will go to a different zone of the park now. Each safari will be in different zones so that you have an opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the park. In the evening, sit around the bonfire and chitchat with other guests and naturalists and tell your stories of the day and listen to others who had been in different zones.

281 miles, 5 or 6 hours by car

 After breakfast, leave for Chittorgarh-the home of Chittor Fort-which is probably the most massive fort of India.

About 90 miles (2.5 hours) from Ranthambhore, we stop in a rural town of Bundi-not so much frequented by foreign tour groups. Bundi has notable palaces, fort, step wells, and water tanks. If you wish, you can climb the Taragarh Fort, which is a steep climb but worth the effort. The fort is overgrown and less visited than other forts of India. Other attractions are Bundi Palace, Sukhmahal Palace, Ranjit ki baori step well, Nawal Sagar Lake and Sadar Bazaar market; we may not have time to visit all, though.

Late afternoon, we leave for Chittorgarh (191 miles, 3.5 hours). Check into your room and balance of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, visit the Chittor Fort-a 7th-century, a vast hilltop complex with the remains of uncountable temples and monuments. Spread over an area of 692 acres of land and sprawled over the hill above the plains of  Berach River valley, Chittor Fort is the most massive fort of India and an independent UNESCO heritage site. The fort complex consists of several historical palaces, gates, temples, and two prominent commemorative towers. 

Expect to allow about three hours to see all the attractions: The victory tomb, Jain temple, Mirabai and Padmini's palaces, and Kumbh palace are the most prominent ones. The history of Mewar kingdom's courage and the story of the sacrifice of Rani Padmini gives everyone goosebumps as you go around the ruins of the palaces and the temples.

Afternoon, leave for Udaipur (75 miles, 2.5 hours). Check in hotel and leisurely exploration of the town.

The city of Udaipur is in the Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan, and since it was the capital of Mewar rulers, it's called the jewel of Mewar. It's set on the shores of three lakes and surrounded by scenic mountains and is true to its title-the City of Dawn. It is a beautiful old city with narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces, and temples meandering through it.

After breakfast, we set out to explore the attractions of Udaipur. We begin from Udaipur City Palace which is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan. Rested peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola, the palace is the most-visited tourist attraction in Udaipur. It claims to be the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.

We take a boat ride from the jetty of the palace and go around the lake. We can see the other side of the castle and some life in the lakeshore, including the laundrymen, who are called dhobis, washing clothes and some people bathing. We stop at the Palace of Jagmandir Island. We can see an array of enormous stone elephants and has a chhatri carved from grey-blue stone surrounding the palace.

We return to the dock and probably, it's time for the lunch break (pay on your own). After lunch, there is more to see. We visit the Jagdish temple of the mid-17th century. An Indo-Aryan style of architecture, this temple claims to be the largest in Udaipur. A notable image he is a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and a brass image of Garuda.

If time allows, we visit Saheliyon-ki-Bari, also known as the Princess Garden, or the Garden of the Maids of Honor. It is a small, disheveled garden which was laid out for 48 women attendants who came as part of a princess’s dowry. It has fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and a lotus pool.

A leisurely morning breakfast. You may even have time to take some relaxed stroll in the city before you leave for the airport for flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival in Delhi, meet our representative who will transfer you to the hotel. The balance of the time is free for you to pursue your interests.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination.