Late Night Arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as
our representatives welcome you and escort you to your van.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative
would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents
to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest
is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity
to serve you !
Day 02: Delhi
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi,
Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb (1586),
the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect
towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived
the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with
a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930)
and Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district
of the capital.
We cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old Delhi.
The capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries,
Old Delhi seems somewhat anachronistic as compared to New
Delhi. It draws one through congested roads and lanes, interesting
mosques, monuments and forts relating to its chequered history.
Our tour includes visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive
through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates
to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors
meet in the oldest area of Delhi, on to the Red Fort (1639-1648
built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra)
to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat
and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma
Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were
cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws.
Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back.
The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion
in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This
is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and
bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets
bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all
description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride
would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers
as well as the onlookers.
Overnight At The Connaught - a 4* Downtown
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 03: Delhi / Agra (200 Kms)
Following breakfast, we ride to Agra. We would have opportunities
to stop en route at well appointed restaurants for refreshments
as well as wash room facilities.
Upon arrival check into hotel Taj-View Hotel - 5* hotel,
which allows you to live in the lap of luxury and gaze at
the Taj Mahal for as long as you wish - whenever you feel
like.
After rest & relaxation, we ride to the massive Agra
Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting
synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles.
Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques
& private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal
Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings
reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.
Overnight At Hotel Taj View - a 5* Taj
Group Hotel (Superior Taj View Room)
Day 04: Agra/ Fatehpur Sikri/ Ranthambhore (305
Kms)
We are about to witness one of the greatest sights of one's
lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before departure for
the monument we shall be served tea/coffee and cookies so
that our eyes open real wide to behold this breathtaking sight.
A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical
effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours
of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building.
Following breakfast, drive to Ranthambore, stopping at Fatehpur
Sikri (ghost capital) for a tour of these magnificent and
world heritage buildings, which are still in a state of perfect
reservation. The city is divided into religious and secular
sections. The profusion of sculpture is breathtaking. Also,
the white marble mosque in the secular section is incredible.
It is a very sacred mosque and pilgrims from far and near
arrives here to pay their respects.
Continue riding to Ranthambore. Easily accessible, this popular
park is one of India's best places for viewing tigers and
their prey. Tiger moon resort, , which gives you all the excitement
and exhilaration of holidaying in the heart of the Indian
wildlife; right where all the action is, in the lap of Nature
at it's most raw. Here the law of the jungle prevails; predators
prowl the wild pathways ; birds shriek in the skies and reptiles
slither across the earth. It is into this wilderness that
we offer you ringside seats to the ultimate show. This resort,
situated on the edge of the Ranthambor National Park amidst
the Aravali hills in Rajasthan, is the ideal resort if you
want to hit the tiger trail.
Overnight: Tiger Moon (B, L, D) (Standard Room)
Day 05: Ranthambhore
Morning and evening jungle excursions in open top vans. Ranthambhore
is known to have India's Friendliest tigers Assured of protection;
these nocturnal creatures are seen often in the day. Sprawled
on the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore
National Park encompasses an area of 410 Sq. km. in which
lives a healthy population of about 40 tigers. A large number
of deer inhabit the area and leopards are occasionally sighted.
The Pandam Taloa lake, located adjacent to the Jogi Mahal
hunting lodge, is the park's favorite water source. Smaller
pools at Raj Bagh and Milak also attract a variety of wild
life The best way to explore Ranthambore is in open top vans
as the park is well connected by arterial roads and tracks.
Some of the popular sighting areas are Nal Ghati , Lahpur
, ,Bakuala , Anantpur and the Kachida valley . Mammals: Tiger,
Panther, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Caracal, Sloth Bear, Sambar,
Chital, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Indian hare mongoose.
Birds: Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, great Indian
horned owl, grey partridge sandgrouse, quail, spurfowl, common
peafowl, tree pie, paradise flycatcher, pheasant tailed jacana,
painted stork, black stork, spoonbill, green pigeon, ducks.
Overnight: Tiger Moon (B, L, D) (Standard
Room)
Day 06: Ranthambhore / Jaipur (125 Kms)
Morning Jungle Excursion in open top vans.
Following breakfast drive to Jaipur
Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Alsisar Haveli - This is the
flagship hotel in a bouquet of heritage hotels. The Haveli
lies tucked away in the heart of Pink City, Jaipur. It brings
back to life the grandeur of the old days and is a memorable
regal Rajasthan experience for the guests. Refurbished in
1982, the Haveli incorporates the finesse of traditional Rajput
architecture and a site to behold. The large elevated platform
that dominates the central area of the ground floor and once
used for get-togethers by the gents of the house is now open
to guests who can witness puppet shows and folk dances while
enjoying their snacks or drinks. The spacious lobby which
opens into the chowk (inner courtyard), was a century ago
used by the ladies of the house and is now open to guests.
You will treasure this experience of staying in an authentic
Rajput home.
Evening is designed for walks with our guide in Jaipur's
shady animated streets - or for independent discovery. The
city is best-explored on foot and only the inquisitive visitor
willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis (lanes)
will feel the spirit of the city. Jaipur's colorful bazaars
tantalize the eye with enameled blue pottery, exquisite gem-studded
jewelry, engraved brass work, traditional block-printed fabrics
and brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional
crafts and miniature painting.
Overnight at Alsisar Haveli - Heritage
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 07: Jaipur
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of the Amber
Fort. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, the Fort is a
superb example of Rajput (Medieval Hindu) style of architecture.
A slow elephant taxi takes us to the top of the Fort, which
houses several graceful buildings.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned,
painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where
Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our
guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural
masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics
and water-cooled swings that delight today's visitors as they
did their former royal residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately
honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old
city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could
peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
Afternoon, we proceed for a guided tour of the City Palace
& Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old
city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The
center of the palace is a seven storied building called Chandra
Palace, with fine views over the gardens and the city. Next
top the City Palace is the Solar Observatory - an astronomical
treasure house, with solar device that gives accurate predictions
till date. The Palace Of Winds, a five storied structure of
pink sandstone has semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed
windows overlooking the main street of the old city.
Overnight at Alsisar Haveli - Heritage
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 08: Jaipur / Delhi Departure
Following a leisurely breakfast drive to Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to residence for home dinner
A Home Visit & A Farewell: This evening, we visit
an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening
is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family
life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and
home made Indian food
After Dinner transfer to the International airport in time
to board flight back home.
Indicative Low Season Cost Based on 02 People Traveling
Together: USD 747 Per Person
Cost Includes: Accommodation on Twin Sharing Basis
in standard room; Daily American breakfast; All meals at Ranthambore;
Dinner with an Indian Family; Jungle Excursions in Open Top
Vehicle; All journeys as per itinerary in a Deluxe air-conditioned
Private Toyota SUV; Local guides, all applicable taxes.
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