india Tours Essence of India with Ranthambore

Itinerary:

Day 1 Delhi
Welcome to vibrant India! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted with a traditional floral garland and transferred to the elegant Taj Mahal Hotel. The dynamic city of Delhi is a melting pot of old and new with bustling backstreets, rich history and a wealth of colours. Join your fellow travellers and tour director for a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 2 Delhi
Head to Old Delhi this morning to see the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1856, the Red Fort. View this magnificent building before a guided tour of India's largest mosque, Jama Masjid. Choose between a local foodie walk to savour Delhi's street food with a well-known chef or visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Qutub Minar, before exploring the winding streets Indian-style on a thrilling rickshaw ride. Later, tour the city by luxurious coach to see the impressive President Palace, India Gate and Parliament House.

Day 3 Delhi to Agra
This morning, travel to Agra, the main residence of the Emperors of the Mughal Dynasty. This historical fort has a number of impressive buildings including the 'glass palace' (Sheesh Mahal) and The Muthamman Burj and of course, the famous Taj Mahal. This evening, head out on a Mughal heritage walk to meet the locals and learn more of the history of the area in the shadow of the Taj Mahal.

Day 4 Agra to Ranthambore
A monument of love and flawless architectural design and built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen, visit the illustrious phenomenon that is the Taj Mahal at sunrise. After breakfast at the hotel, continue your journey to Bharatpur for lunch before transferring to the train station to board the Express Train bound for Ranthambore in chair class seats. Upon arrival, transfer to your traditional Rajput hunting palace-style hotel nestled in the foothills of the Aravalli Range near Ranthambore National Park.  

Day 5 Ranthambore NP
Rise early to start your search of the elusive tiger in the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs of Jaipur. Keep your eyes peeled for these majestic creatures in their natural habitat as well as wild boar, monkeys, spotted deer and antelopes, before returning to your hotel for breakfast and spending the rest of the day at leisure. At dusk, head out to the park again with a naturalist guard to explore the lakes, ruins of palaces and old fortifications.

Day 6 Ranthambore to Jaipur
Travel through the rural countryside to the stunning Rajasthan capital of Jaipur. More affectionately known as the 'Pink City'. Ascend by jeep to the Amber Fort with its royal halls which are decorated with intricate ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Experience a blessing ceremony at the fort before enjoying dinner at the opulent 1135 A.D, boasting some breathtaking sunset views.

Day 7 Jaipur
Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps enjoy a spa treatment or relax poolside. After lunch, see the Palace of Winds, visit Jantar Mantar Observatory, tour the flower and spice market and enjoy a locally inspired high tea in a private room of the Maharaja at Jaipur's City Palace, an exclusive Luxury Gold experience. This evening, meet the ladies of Pink City Rickshaw, a company dedicated to the employment of women from low income households. Hear tales of their lives growing up in the slums and how they developed their skills to be part of this inspiring opportunity as you explore the city with them.  

Day 8 Jaipur to Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi where your journey comes to an end.

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