Delhi (2 days)
India's capital, Delhi, is unlike any other city in the globe and is one of the oldest cities in existence. It's a location that touches you and even quickens your heartbeat to a frenetic rate. Delhi, with its extensive history of centuries and empires, is a striking example of a nation that is rapidly modernizing. The past and the present in Delhi seamlessly blend together, from the maze of winding alleys, historic havelis, and vibrant bazaars of Old Delhi to the finest amenities of a modern city like a metro system, gleaming malls, bustling markets, and fabulous dining establishments.
Activities
This morning you will take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi; explore the narrow winding lanes which surround the Red Fort as well as the bustling the bazaars and shops - you will also have the opportunity to take a rickshaw ride. In the afternoon you will continue onto New Delhi, the part of the city which is renowned for its formal parks and magnificent parliament building. Your next stop will be the Sikh temple - Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
Agra (1 day)
Agra is an ancient city on the banks of the River Yamuna. It finds mention in the Mahabharata but gained importance as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1556 - 1658. It is on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit with Delhi and Jaipur. It is famous for its Mughal architecture and for being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal - a monument of incredible elegance and architectural perfection. Agra has many other famous archeological sites and is famous for its marble inlay work and its leather industry that manufactures shoe uppers for some of the best shoe companies in the world.
Activities
Today you will visit the Agra Fort which was built in the 16th century AD by three generations of Mughal emperors. Next you will visit the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah; before the Taj Mahal was built its design was already standing and is known as the 'Baby Taj'. Built to represent a silver jewel box in marble, this mausoleum houses the body of Mirza Ghiyas Beg. You will end the day with a magical view of a sunset over the mausoleum from Mahtab Bagh or the Moonlight Garden.
Ranthambore National Park (2 days)
Ranthambore National Park encompasses nearly 400 sq km of dry, deciduous forest in South Western Rajasthan, nestled between the Aravali and Vindhya Hills. Though mainly known for tigers, sounders of wild boar and gazelle can be seen, as well as the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. Among the other local fauna are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile. The lakes and pools at the park are where the deer congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals.
Activities
Wake up early this morning for your first game drive in the park. The wildlife that can be found in the park includes Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. Among the other local fauna are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile. Return to your camp at midday to relax or enjoy a nature walk around the camp, before setting off on your second game drive of the day in the afternoon.
Jaipur (2 days)
Jaipur – The capital of Rajasthan. Famous for its colourful culture, forts, palaces and lakes, the city basks in the glory of a rich and eventful past. It remains the only city in the world that symbolises the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.
Activities
Visit the Jaipur city covering the bazaars teem with people, camels and horses, while around them loom magnificent palaces. In the morning you will drive past the Hawa Mahal and then continue to Amber Fort. Hawa Mahal is an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to sit and observe life below. Amber, the ancient capital of the region, still recalls its heyday in the majestic ramparts rising steeply along the contoured hillsides. Visit the Jagmandir, or the Hall of Victory, glittering with mirrors, as well as the Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali. Later in the day, you will visit Jaipur city itself, visiting the Maharaja's City Palace and the Jantar Mantar (observatory).
Jodhpur (2 days)
Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan; it lies at the entrance to the Thar Desert in a region called Marwar. Initially, Mandore served as the capital of the Rathore Rajputs but a more secure capital was needed which led to the founding of Jodhpur; which is overlooked by the massive Meherangarh Fort. Jodhpur is also called ‘blue city’ because of the indigo-washed houses in the old town.
Activities
Today you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur where you can visit the impressive Meherangarh Fort. Rising 393 ft. above the surrounding plain, its huge and rugged exterior contains delicately latticed and decorated palaces. One of the best-run private museums in India, the Fort contains period rooms, art collections, and a conservation centre. Jaswant Thada is a 19th century royal crematorium; built of brilliant white marble. The cenotaph here was built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur.
Jawai (2 days)
Jawai Dam is about 150 km from Jodhpur and takes about 2.30 hours. It is located near the small town of Semerpur in the Pali district. This place is mainly visited in winter. The dam was built on top of the Jawai River, a tributary of the Luni River, and offers great views of the river. Climb the stairs to reach the walls of the dam for spectacular views of the river and surrounding wildlife. Crocodiles and birds are easy to spot from the dam and the water levels make the whole area perfect for outings. The place is also famous for its Leopard, bird and crocodile sanctuaries.
Activities
Today you will spend the day exploring the area, the browns and greens of the surrounding countryside broken by the vibrant colours of the women’s clothes and the men’s turbans. In both the morning and the evening you will be able to take game drives through your stunning surroundings continuing your search for the elusive leopards.
Delhi (1 day)
India's capital, Delhi, is unlike any other city in the globe and is one of the oldest cities in existence. It's a location that touches you and even quickens your heartbeat to a frenetic rate. Delhi, with its extensive history of centuries and empires, is a striking example of a nation that is rapidly modernizing. The past and the present in Delhi seamlessly blend together, from the maze of winding alleys, historic havelis, and vibrant bazaars of Old Delhi to the finest amenities of a modern city like a metro system, gleaming malls, bustling markets, and fabulous dining establishments.
Activities
Bid a fond farewell to the stunning area of Jawai with a final morning game drive before driving back to Jodhpur where you will catch your onward flight to Delhi. You will be met in Delhi by our local representative who will show you to your comfortable hotel for the evening and connect your onward flight on following day.