Day 01: Arrival /
Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our
representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
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!
Overnight at Hotel
Day
02: Delhi
Morning,
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.
Later we cross the city
and into the walled gates of the Old city with 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. Visit 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.
Overnight
at Hotel
Day 03: Delhi / Agra (205 Kms)
After a leisurely breakfast, we will drive to Agra along
one of the India's finest. We will have opportunities to stop on the
way at well-appointed restaurants for refreshments as well as
restroom services.
Upon arrival check into Hotel
Afternoon
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.
Agra
is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument
in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj.
Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many
pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is
the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have
seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets
you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building
surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sun set we visit the Taj
Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides
perfect symmetry in every aspect of its construction, the inlay work
of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is
absolutely remarkable.
Overnight at Hotel
Day
04: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Ranthambore (270 Kms)
Early this
morning with packed breakfast we drive to Ranthambore stopping at
deserted Capital City of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of
the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the
empire's splendour. The city divided into religious and secular
parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. From here we will
continue our drive to Ranthambore.
Upon arrival check into
your hotel
Afternoon Jungle Safari in open top vehicle
Overnight
at hotel
Day 05: Ranthambhore
Morning
& afternoon jungle excursions in open top vehicle. 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
at Hotel
Day 06: Ranthambhore / Jaipur
(170 Kms)
Morning jungle excursion in open top vehicle
Following
a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Jaipur
Upon arrival
check in to hotel
After rest & relaxation, we explore
the unending shopping options of Jaipur along with our Guide. An
essential starting point for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and
block printing and we will be exploring the process from start to
finish in some of the popular stores here. The opportunity also
exists here to tailor make outfits to your design and size.
We
also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur - its jewelry,
which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal jewelry to
enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry. Kundan (art of stone
setting) and enamel jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan,
particularly that of Jaipur. The stones are embossed into decorative
shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel
ornamentation in the champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is
well known for its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made
of lac and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy. The
craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones into the
lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting little
animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz and
amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent bottles are
also available.
Overnight at Hotel
Day
07: Jaipur
Morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital
of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput
grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set
on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified
battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills
overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice
the surrounding hills.
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.
Later, we proceed
on a 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 centre of the palace is a seven-storied building
called Chandra Palace, with fine vies over the gardens and the city.
The palace lies in the heart of the city and occupies the whole
central grid. The fortified wall has seven gates and was built for
protection from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles,
which surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar
Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that
give accurate predictions till date.
Overnight at
Hotel
Day 08: Jaipur / Delhi (270 Kms)
Delhi / Departure
Morning
is at leisure for your independent activities.
Later we
will drive to Delhi along one of the India's finest freeways.
A
Home Visit & a Farewell Dinner with an Indian Family: Upon
arrival in Delhi, we would 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 the dinner
transfer in time to the international airport to board your flight
back home
END OF SERVICES
We do hope the
flavor of India will remain on your taste buds for all times to come
and hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and
her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India
'Please Come back Soon"