Jan
min : 7°C
max : 21°C
We Love —
- Take advantage of a once in a lifetime tour of this vast, varied and unforgettably beautiful country, where each day brings a new 'must see' and a knowledgeable English guide will take you to amazing locations.
- Some highlights include the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort and Ranthambore, where you can try and spot Bengal tigers - transfers between these locations are included as well!
- Stay in luxurious hotels during your stay to ensure your trip is as comfortable and upmarket as possible.
Your Destination —
This is one of the most exciting and rewarding travel destinations in the world, wherein you will visit colourful and vibrant cities, exquisite temples and superb scenery. Ranthambore is one of the highlights: a stunning national park where Bengal tigers roam!
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi.
Day 2: City tour of Delhi.
Day 3: Drive to Agra (approx. travel time: 4 hours) & visit the Amber Fort. See the Taj Mahal at sunset.
Day 4: Drive to Ranthambore (approx. travel time: 6 hours 30 minutes). Visit Fatehpur Sikri along the way.
Day 5: Safari in Ranthambore.
Day 6: Drive to Jaipur (approx. travel time: 4 hours).
Day 7: Visit The Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal & the City Palace.
Day 8: Drive to Delhi (approx. travel time: 6 hours).
Day 9: Departure.
Your Itinerary —
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive Delhi. On arrival, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the hotel where you can check in and enjoy your first night in India! Head out and explore Delhi, a contemporary and bustling metropolis which successfully combines the ancient & the modern.
Overnight in Delhi.
Today, after a fresh and hearty breakfast at your hotel, proceed for a full day combined city tour of Old and New Delhi. Your private guide will meet you at the hotel at approximately 9 am.
In Old Delhi, you will visit the 17th century Jama Masjid and explore the narrow, winding lanes of the colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk. Later, you will have the option of exploring these bustling bazaars in a traditional rickshaw ride. Also don’t forget to visit the Mughal Empire’s most opulent fort, the Red Fort, a definite must photo-stop. Finally, visit Raj Ghat, where the historical figure Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and its dedicated memorial stands.
In the afternoon, you will proceed to New Delhi. Drive past The Presidential Palace, the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys, the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war and a drive along the Rajpath past the Parliament House and secretarial buildings. Visit Qutab Minar, the 12th-century tower of victory built by a slave king and prototype of all minars (towers) in India. Finally, visit the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal and proceed to rest at your hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.
After breakfast, proceed to Agra. Agra came into the limelight during the rule of the Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi - who had made it the capital of his empire. Later in 1526 A.D., the Mughal Emperor Babar took upon himself the task for rendering Agra, a unique character and beauty of its own.
In the afternoon you will proceed to visit Agra Fort, where the ageing Emperor Shah Jahan, imprisoned by his son, watched from a distance the fulfilment of his life’s dream-the building of the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife. Later, proceed to sunset visit of Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). One of the sites best-kept secrets is inside of it, where its marbled walls, jewel-like stones and sunshine create beautiful designs. The Mughals perfected the art of embedding semi-precious stones into marble and the Taj is the finest example of this special process called pietra dura. It begins with a marble plate, varying in size. Then jewels are sliced paper thin and embedded in the marble with such precision that the joints are invisible to the naked eye – but you will hear more from your guide!
Overnight in Agra.
This morning after breakfast, you will proceed to Ranthambore, visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Fatehpur Sikri is the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. It is complete with palaces and mosques and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed. Now it is an extraordinary place to wander around with its buildings in near perfect condition.
Afterwards, proceed to Ranthambhore.
Overnight in Ranthambhore.
Early in the morning, you will proceed to a spectacular all-terrain jungle safari in Ranthambore National Park in a shared Jeep, where you can enjoy of the early morning jungle sounds, wildlife and scenery. Return to the hotel for breakfast, relax a little & refuel with a hearty lunch as later in the afternoon you will proceed to a second round of the jungle safari by shared Jeep, where you will discover the nocturnal side of the jungle.
Overnight in Ranthambore.
Day 6: Ranthambhore - Jaipur
Your hotel is encompassed by the lush green forests and edges on a natural water lake, and you will have the morning at leisure to enjoy of it before being driven to Jaipur.
Jaipur is the fascinating capital of the state of Rajasthan, which is world-famous for being one of the best-planned cities of its time. The graceful architecture of the city that runs across in pink colour has earned Jaipur the title of the “The Pink City”. Jaipur is predominantly known for its musicians, artisans and craftsmen. Today, it is flocked by masses for its fine jewellery, varied textiles and sumptuous cuisine.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Following your buffet breakfast, you will proceed to visit the capital of Amber and witness the fabulous 17th century Amber Fort. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravali Hills and crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area. A jeep will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.
En-route to Amber Fort you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate façade, extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city. This afternoon, you will visit the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Jaipur's Jantar Mantar is the most famous of five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh in India.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 8: Jaipur - Delhi
After breakfast, you will drive back to Delhi. The evening will be free to do as you please.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.
Your Hotels —
Our members will be staying in the following hotels with breakfast included.
Our members will also spend 2 nights on a Full Board Basis at Ranthambore Kothi(breakfast, lunch & evening meal served in the main restaurant - drinks excluded).
Delhi: 2 nights in a Deluxe Room at The Suryaa 5*
Agra: 1 night in a Superior Room at Radisson Blu Agra, Taj East Gate 5*
Ranthambore: 2 nights at in a Deluxe Room Ranthambore Kothi
Jaipur: 2 nights in a Superior Room at Radisson Blu Jaipur City Centre 5*
Delhi: 1 night in a Superior Room at Radisson Blu Delhi Dwarka 5*
2 Adults
If any of these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.
Your Journey —
Our members can choose between the following flights.
Option 1: Flights with Etihad Airways
Depart London Heathrow: 14:00
Arrive in Abu Dhabi: 01:10
Depart Abu Dhabi: 02:00
Arrive in Delhi: 07:45
OR
Depart London Heathrow: 14:00
Arrive in Abu Dhabi: 01:10
Depart Abu Dhabi: 03:00
Arrive in Delhi: 08:10
Depart Delhi: 09:00
Arrive in Abu Dhabi: 11:35
Depart Abu Dhabi: 13:45
Arrive in London Heathrow: 17:45
Option 2: Flights with Qatar Airways
Depart London Heathrow: 15:05
Arrive in Doha: 00:45
Depart Doha: 02:25
Arrive in Delhi: 08:25
OR
Depart London Heathrow: 16:00
Arrive in Doha: 00:55
Depart Doha: 02:25
Arrive in Delhi: 08:25
Depart Delhi:09:45
Arrive in Doha: 11:30
Depart Doha: 12:25
Arrive in London Heathrow: 17:30
OR
Depart Delhi: 10:15
Arrive in Doha: 11:45
Depart Doha: 13:00
Arrive in London Heathrow: 17:55
Option 3: Flights with Oman Air
Depart London Heathrow: 20:05
Arrive in Muscat: 07:15
Depart Muscat: o9:05
Arrive in Delhi: 13:35
Depart Delhi: 10:15
Arrive in Muscat: 12:25
Depart Muscati: 14:40
Arrive in London Heathrow: 18:25
Luggage: 23kg of checked luggage and 7kg of hand luggage.
Transfers: Private transfers are included as per the itinerary.
