ITINERARY IN DETAIL

 

 

Day 1      Arrive Delhi                                    

 

Arrive in vibrant, exotic Delhi late this evening. The capital and third largest city in India, Delhi is rich in culture, architecture, human diversity, history, monuments, museums, galleries, and gardens.

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Day 2      Delhi 

 

Travel by rickshaw past colorful bazaars, sacred temples, and colonial monuments. Walk through the winding streets of Old Delhi, the capital of Muslim India from the 12th through the 19th centuries. See the sumptuous Red Fort palaces, the symbol of Indian nationhood. Visit India’s largest mosque, the white marble Jama Masjid. This afternoon explore Humayun's Tomb. This red sandstone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal and is one of the best examples of Mughal architecture. Later, visit Gandhi Museum, showcasing the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation. A special welcome dinner is arranged for this evening.

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DAY 03     Delhi – Samode

 

Drive through the rural countryside to the small and beautiful village of Samode, famous for its fort and palace. Samode lies behind an ancient wall. Ride by open air jeep through the wide gates, view the horses being groomed in the stables, and visit 20 acres of carefully manicured gardens behind a palatial marble façade. In the evening, immerse yourself in the centuries old village culture and traditions while enjoying activities with the locals, including a camel safari.                             

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DAY 04      Samode – Jaipur

 

Today we're off to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, one of the great cities of the Rajput kingdoms. Named after the pink sandstone color of its many buildings and monuments, Jaipur’s vibrant culture is on dazzling display throughout its streets and bazaars, historic forts, palaces and gardens.                                                  

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DAY 05      Jaipur

 

Ride an elephant up the hill to the Amber Fort, a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples. Highlights include Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), where a high and intricately carved wall sequestered women of the court while allowing them to watch processions below. Next visit City Palace, a former royal residence built in the center of the old city, and Jantar Mantar, the largest of the five remarkable observatories built by Jaipur's founder.

 

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DAY 06      Jaipur - Ranthambore 

 

Journey through the arid hills and plains to Ranthambore, a haven for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts.  This 410 square kilometer park boasts some of the best wildlife sightings India has to offer.  In addition to tiger, you may see leopard, sambar, deer, blue bull, hyena, sloth bear, wild boar, crocodile, and some of the 300 plus species of birds that nest here. Your lodge, located on the edge of Ranthambore National Park next to a cool pond, is surrounded by fields of organic vegetables and fruits served at the restaurant. This evening, sit in a rocking chair on your terrace, sip masala tea, and take in the extraordinary beauty of the park.

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DAY 07     Ranthambhore

 

Rise before dawn for an open-air jeep game drive. Return to the lodge for lunch and set out again until the sun sets for more opportunities to see wildlife.

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DAY 08    Ranthambhore – Chambal

 

After breakfast, depart for the Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary situated along the beautiful Chambal River. The jungle river offers views of dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife in the area, including the gharial, gangetic dolphins, marsh crocodiles, several species of turtles, smooth coated otters, Indian striped hyenas, jungle cats, golden jackals, Indian wolves and foxes.

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DAY 09     Chambal

 

Rise early for a jeep safari in the Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary. Later, enjoy a river safari on the calm waters of the Chambal River.

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DAY 10      Chambal – Agra

 

Rise early for a jeep safari in the Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary. Later, enjoy a river safari on the calm waters of the Chambal River.

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DAY 11        Agra

 

Wake up early for a sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and a site on every traveler’s “must see” list. This protected UNESCO World Heritage site took 22 years of hard labor and 20,000 workers, masons, and jewelers to build. Explore the majestic complex of gardens and buildings. Later, gain insight into the historic process of marble inlay work used to decorate the Taj Mahal during a demonstration by local artisans.  This ancient craft is considered a dying art and is only practiced by a small number of families in Agra. Later, visit Agra Fort, a great monument of red sandstone that dominates a bend in the Yamuna River.  

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DAY 12      Departure

 

Return to Delhi for your evening flight home.

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