Princes, Palaces
and Tigers
Duration – 9 Days
Destinations: - Delhi,
Agra,
Ranthambore,
Jaipur,
Samode
Day 01: - Arrive Delhi, India
Arrive at Delhi International Airport.
Delhi - A bustling metropolis and a city of 14 million inhabitants,
is also India’s capital. A near perfect blend of the
ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting two parts Old &
New Delhi, is a city with something for everyone. From Forts
and monuments that are almost 500 years old, to modern shopping
malls, nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is India’s
crown jewel.
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our
representative who will present you with a welcome pack including
all necessary documentation and arrange for your transfer
to your hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today,
since most of the International flights arrive into India
close to midnight only. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: In Delhi
This morning you are collected from your hotel for full day
tour of Old and New Delhi.
The tour
of the 17th-century old city includes the great mosque of
Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the colorful
shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk (“Moonlit Street”).
Red Fort, most spectacular pieces of mughal architecture,
built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648.
Drive past Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
The tour
of New Delhi includes Qutab Minar, one of the most popular
landmarks in Delhi built in 1199. The Humayun's Tomb, the
precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath
(“the Kingsway,”) passing the India Gate (the memorial built
to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the President’s House,
and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite from the
otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colourful
Hindu temple.
Evening at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover the
city or its many restaurants on your own. Spend a splendid
overnight at your hotel and continue with your tour to see
palaces of Rajasthan and much more from next day.
Day 03: Delhi - Agra
This morning you drive to Agra (220 kms/04 hrs.)
Agra - “The Land of Taj” was once the capital
of the Mughal Empire and even today it seems to linger in
the past. Not surprising, for the Mughal emperors with their
passion for building, endowed the city with some of the finest
structures in the world. Agra is an old city and it is said
that its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest that’s
finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. In more recent times
Agra came into prominence when Sikandar Lodi made it his capital
city in 1501. Later it passed into the possession of the Mughals.
It was during the time of the third emperor “Akbar”
that Agra came into its own and later on his grandson “Shah
Jehan” ornamented the city with that masterpiece of
Mughal architecture - The Taj Mahal.
Upon arrival in Agra check-in to your hotel.
Afternoon you are collected for half day tour of Agra visiting
The Taj Mahal - a poem, a feeling of love, in white marble,
is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles.
It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever
built for love. Your tour also includes a visit to the Red
Sandstone Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th
century, lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the
heart of town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years
of 1565-1573.
Evening at leisure. Overnight in Agra
Day 04:
Agra – Ranthambore
This morning you drive to Ranthambore (290kms/07 hrs.) visiting
Fatehpur Sikri en-route – often called the ghost city,
built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the
capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously
abandoned 13 years later. Later continue your drive to Ranthambore.
Ranthambhore -- In the heart of Rajasthan
lies one of the best-known renowned and easily accessed National
Parks in India, Ranthambhore. Formerly a hunting ground of
the Maharaja of Jaipur, it became a National Park in 1972
under the Project Tiger scheme. It is bordered on two sides
by the Aravalli Hills and Vindhya range. The park has a mixture
of forest, valleys, hills and pools, providing shelter, hunting
grounds and water for the animals. There is a healthy population
of tigers which you can track by jeep and canter safaris.
You can also expect to see a wide variety of deer, monkeys
and a variety of birds.
Upon arrival in Ranthambore, check in to your hotel and rest
of the day at leisure. Overnight in Ranthambore.
Day 05: - Ranthambore
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Ranthambore
National Park. Safaris in Ranthambhore are organized in jeeps
and open air mini trucks, and local guides and naturalists
are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight in Ranthambore.
Day 06: - Ranthambore - Jaipur
Early morning game safari at Ranthambore National Park. Return
to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast and later drive to
the Pink city of Rajasthan - Jaipur (195 kms/3½ hrs.).
Jaipur- Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance, and song
with the traditional arts and crafts. It's one of India's
most well planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads,
streets and lanes in a grid system. The great warrior/astronomer
Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's foundation.
Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed specifications
from an epochal Hindu treatise on architecture.
This "Pink City," so called because its buildings
are painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses
the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs. The
royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The
palaces and forts of yesteryear, once witness to royal processions,
now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments, juxtaposition
accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing
people.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 07: Jaipur
This morning, you are collected from your hotel for a city
tour of Jaipur.
Visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds,” one
of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually
little more than a façade. The five-story building
was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household
to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.
The City Palace, located in the heart of the old city, is
a large complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and
also houses an interesting museum.
Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient
astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion
for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a
warrior.
Your tour also includes a visit to the Amber fort, situated
on the outskirts of the city. Here, you are transported back
in time today, riding like royalty atop elegantly draped and
painted elephants into the high mountain fortress. Amber Fort,
was the ancient capital of the State until 1728 and inside
the fort, you visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of victory glittering
with mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali.
Evening at leisure. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 08: Jaipur –
Samode
Morning at leisure in Jaipur. Later, you will drive to Samode
(42 kms/01 hrs).
Samode - Lying in the Aravalli Hills, north of Jaipur, Samode
Palace is a magnificent example of Rajput-Mughal architecture
and boasts some of the finest frescoes and mirror-work in
the state. The owners are very much involved with the running
of the property and it is their exquisite taste which has
produced some of the most stunning rooms and suites to be
found in any heritage hotel. The swimming pool is magnificent
and the surrounding village is lovely to stroll around.
Overnight at the Samode Palace.
Day 09: Samode - Delhi
Checkout of the Samode Palace at noon, and leisurely drive
from Samode to Delhi Airport (250kms/05 hrs.) in time for
your flight home.
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