Per Person on twin sharing basis
Offering an inspiring introduction to the Subcontinent, this journey combines Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore and Varanasi’s cultural and natural wonders. Delving into centuries of history, the tour uncovers ornate temples, magnificent Islamic architecture and marble palaces. Explore the Old and New Delhi highlights; visit the ultimate symbol of love, the Taj Mahal in Agra, get lucky to sight the exclusive tiger in the Ranthambore National Park, and visit the famous Varanasi which is considered the oldest living city in the world. Experience the cultural and spiritual aspect of India’s age-old beliefs through this tour.
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International Airport. Please clear immigration and visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. INDIA Tailor Made Executive will page you by your name. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer to the hotel for check-in. Stay overnight in Delhi. (No Meal)
Day 02: Delhi Sightseeing
Delhi, the capital of India, symbolises the soul of the country. Mesmerise yourself in the splendid sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi, Visit Jama Masjid; the largest mosque in India built in red sandstone with extensive use of marble, with relics of the Prophet and Holy Quran enshrined here, Visit Chandni Chowk, now a chaotically bustling area, typical of real India, containing a mix of stalls, shops, food outlets and temples. Between the mosque and Chandni Chowk is a narrow shop-lined street along which you will be transported by cycle rickshaws on your most photogenic journey of the tour. Visit Qutub Minar; built at a height of 72meters, and being one of the most important landmarks of Delhi, with calligraphically decorated interiors, and also inscriptions of verses of the Holy Quran, visit the Gandhi Memorial; the resting place of the father of the nation, India gate; a memorial tribute with names inscribed of all the soldiers martyred during the Afghan War. Stay overnight in Delhi. (B)
Day 03: Delhi – Varanasi (By AM flight: TBA)
Morning gets in time transfer to airport to board the flight to Varanasi. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ghats of Varanasi is a natural supplement to the concept of divinity and is known as the city that liberates the soul from human body to ultimate. Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk saris and silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items, across the world, even today. The city is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. On arrival, you will be received by our Tour Executive at the Airport, transfer to hotel for check-in. Later in the evening witness grand prayer ceremony on the ghats of river Ganges. Stay for two nights at Varanasi. (B)
Day 04: Varanasi - Agra (By Train: TBA)
Wake up early morning and proceed to enjoy the sunrise boat ride on river Ganges. The river will be thronged with early morning bathers, raising their faces to the rising sun and reciting the sacred mantra. One can see the perpetual movement of the pilgrims on the steps, the vivid colours of their clothes glistening against the pale gold water, the triangular flags fluttering atop the temple spires. Varanasi is associated with the promotion of spiritualism, mysticism and Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language. Visit the Banaras ghat, Assi ghat and various other ghats. Return back to the hotel for buffet breakfast. After breakfast, proceed for excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at the deer park after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka down to the 12th century A.D. Ashoka, built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and nearby is a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adorned Lions, which today forms the national emblem of India. Return back to Varanasi, later evening in time transfer to the Varanasi railway station to board an overnight train to Agra. (B)
Day 05: Agra
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Known by all as the home of the Taj Mahal, the city is still associated with the Mughals, which has a rich historical background, amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. In the mid-16th century and early 17th century, Agra witnessed a frenzy of building activity, including the Taj Mahal. Later this afternoon we’ll start the guided sightseeing of Agra, Visit the impressive 16th century Agra Fort, which was constructed in 1565 by Akbar with later additions made by his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan. Continue to the white marble Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah, commissioned by the wife of Jahangir in 1622 as the tomb for her father. Described as 'jewel box', or the 'Baby Taj', it is regarded by many as a draft of the Taj Mahal, is the first building to be coated in white marble inlaid with very detailed pietra dura inlay. Stay overnight at Agra (B)
Day 06: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambhore (Distance: Approx. 5 Hours)
Start your day with a morning visit to the famous Taj Mahal, a monument of love created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal; it is a perfect marble built an architectural monument in the world. It lies on the banks of the river Yamuna and is constructed completely of white makrana marble embedded with several precious gems like jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire, coral and diamonds. It is symbolic of the purest kind of love that transcends all differences and keeps people together. The breathtakingly beautiful landscape around the Taj Mahal adds to the magic of Mughal architecture. After the visit returns back to the hotel for breakfast. (Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Ranthambhore. En-Route visit Fatehpur Sikri an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 1571 Akbar constructed Fatehpur (Victory) Sikri city exactly as we see it today, as the new capital of the Mughal Empire replacing the perfectly viable Agra just 37 km away, which was left almost deserted. But after only fifteen years, Fatehpur itself was abandoned and left as an evocative ghost-town because they say of a lack of water! The perfectly preserved red sandstone buildings consist of palaces, courtyards, a life-size chess board, tombs and mosques. We visit the Diwan-e-Khas (Private Audience Hall) with its remarkable central pillar. Also unmissable is Panch Mahal, the five-storied structure used as the viewing station for the hareem. Later continue with a drive to Ranthambhore; on arrival check in at the hotel. Stay overnight in Ranthambhore (B, D)
Day 07: Ranthambhore (Morning + Afternoon Game Drive)
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drive in the Ranthambhore National Park; one of the biggest and most renowned National Parks in Northern India. Being considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambhore National Park terrain is a major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers in this destination. The park is spread over an area of 1,334 sq km and majorly famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in its natural habitat amongst many other reptiles, birds and wild animals. Stay overnight in Ranthambhore (B, L, D) (Game drives are scheduled between 0630 - 0930 Hrs in morning and 0230 – 0530 Hrs in afternoon, visitors are strictly advised to follow the guidelines of the national park and the wildlife tourist guide)
Day 08: Ranthambore – Jaipur (Distance: Approx. 3 Hours)
After breakfast drive to Jaipur and check in to the hotel. The remaining day is at leisure for you to explore the Jaipur Bazaar. Enjoy hunting through the colourful and chaotic streets for souvenirs like silver jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, topaz and emeralds, embroidered clothing and quilts, block printed textiles, lacquered brass work, leather footwear, miniature marble carvings and blue potteries. While walking down the lanes you will also witness the cultural heritage of the city unfolding a legacy of the royal past. Stay overnight in Jaipur. (B)
Day 09: Jaipur Sightseeing
After breakfast enjoys the visit to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of Rajasthan and the majestic palace complex to witness a unique system of air-conditioning of the 17th century. Drive by Jeep to the entrance of the fort. A beautiful complex of Palaces, halls, pavilions, garden and temples built by Rajas over a period of about two centuries, it still stands in its magnificent state. The red sandstone and white Marble palace have some very interesting apartments- Diwan-I-Am, Ganesh Pol, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir, Man Singh Palace and Shila Devi Temple.
Later visit Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace); built-in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh at a time when women of the royal family had to observe strict purdah, it is believed that this palace was built for them to take pleasure in the processions and various activities taking place in the streets below, without showing themselves and thus enjoying a sense of freedom, Jantar Mantar (Observatory); one of the famed observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh is a complex of astronomical instruments, chiselled out of stone which provides fairly accurate information to this day. Stay overnight in Jaipur (B)
Day 10: Jaipur – Delhi Departure (By Flight: TBA)
Morning checkout and travel to Delhi, ending your tour with transfer to Delhi Airport to board your onward flight. (B)
4 Days & 3 Night
5 Days & 4 Night
2 Days & 1 Night