Taj & Tigers

Meet and greet at the airport followed by private transfers to the hotel.

Check-in at Hotel Vivanta by Taj (Dwarka) Delhi or alternatively, the Leela Ambience Shahadra.

Overnight night at Hotel.

After breakfast set off on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi.

OLD DELHI: This was the former Imperial capital of the Mughal Emperor, though very little remains of the grandeur of the Emperor Shah Jahan’s city. Old Delhi’s backbone is Chandni Chowk. Today, it is a busy market, selling an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewellery, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables.

RICKSHAW RIDE IN OLD DELHI FOLLOWED BY A VISIT TO JAMA MASJID: Here, you will enjoy a rickshaw ride tour through the narrow bylanes of Chandni Chowk. You'll also visit one of India’s largest Mosques, Jama Masjid. This mosque is amongst the final architectural extravagances of Shah Jahan. Construction began in 1644 and the mosque was not completed until 1658. It has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high. It was constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble.

RAJ GHAT: Afterwards, board your waiting vehicle and drive to Raj Ghat. A simple square platform of black marble marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. It is surrounded by a beautiful park with labelled trees planted by notable personalities such as Queen Elizabeth II, USA President Eisenhower, Ho Chi Minh and various others.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: VISIT TO BANGLA SAHIB GURUDWARA

The Gurdwara includes a temple, a kitchen, a large (holy) pond, a school and an art gallery. As with all Sikh Gurdwaras, the concept of ‘langar’ (free kitchen) is practiced. Walk around the Temple complex and meet the people who prepare and eat the 10,000 meals served here every day. At Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, a historic Sikh shrine in central Delhi, everybody is welcome to a meal.

Fascinated by stories of the extremely busy ‘langar’ (free kitchen) housed within the golden-domed complex, Bangla Sahib Gurdwara’s langar served an amazing 180 people every 15 minutes. Quietly and orderly, people of all castes, religions and ages took places on long, rough mats along the langar floor. Metal serving plates were handed out, volunteer servers distributed hot fresh chapatti, lightly spiced basmati rice, hearty dal, a spicy potato dish and a creamy yellow turmeric-based sauce with onion pakora.

All range of characters gathered, from those who survive on the langar’s food, to those simply socializing, to those who want to help serve their community.

Next, head off on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi.

Visit Humayun’s Tomb, (UNESCO world heritage site) the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former splendour, and fine fountains, it is a very attractive site. Architecturally, the mausoleum drew its inspiration from the styles prevalent in Samarkand, and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb.

You now have some free time for lunch at your leisure at a local restaurant Near India gate. (Payable direct locally)

From here, drive to Qutub Minar complex, which has many historic monuments. The first mosque in India – The Quwwat-Ul-Islam – built from the dressed and carved stones of demolished temples lies in this complex. It establishes the political victory of Islam in northern India. Construction of The Qutub Minar itself began in 1199 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and was completed by his successors. This fluted elegant tower is decorated with elegant balconies and carvings. 

Later drive past India Gate, Presidential palace, Parliament house Lutyen Delhi and get a chance to admire the colonial grandeurs and the important government complexes of the country. Named after the leading British architect Edwin Lutyens, who was responsible for much of the architectural design and building when India was part of the British Empire.

Finish the day with a complimentary optional activity of your choice;

COMPLIMENTRY OPTIONAL ACTIVITY 1: VISIT TO DILLI HAAT

Dilli Haat, in South Delhi, is an open-air food plaza come craft bazaar which was established to encourage arts and crafts in India. It has food stalls representing each state of India and offers a complete variety of tastes from across the country. Products on offer also include many ethnic creations such as rosewood and sandalwood carvings, colourful fabrics and drapery, gems, beads, brassware, metal crafts, and silk and wool fabrics.

On this optional excursion you can spend 60–90 minutes visiting various handicraft and food stalls enjoying the variety of snacks & food from different parts of India which is unique in itself.

Dilli haat is wonderful example of an Indian Bazar or local market. It's the perfect place to buy a souvenir to remember your trip or purchase a gift for a loved one. 

After breakfast, drive to Agra and check in to the hotel Taj Convention & Hotels / Taj View Agra.

Once checked in, you'll visit the Taj Mahal (UNESCO world heritage site and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World) at dusk and enjoy one of the most memorable sunsets of your life. A thousand times more impressive in real life, watch as the setting sun paints the glistening white marble shades of gold.

Described by Rudyard Kipling as 'the embodiment of all things pure', the Taj was built by Shah Jahan in 1632 as a testament to lost love for his third wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. Heading inside the mausoleum you can walk around the tombs of both Jahan and Mumtaz, whilst exploring the complex you'll discover the perfect symmetry of the building and perhaps snap a photograph on the 'Diana seat'.

PAID OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: EXPERIENCE THE MOHABBAT-E-TAJ SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW @ GBP 23 PER PERSON PAYABLE LOCALLY

This 80-minute musical show features a replica of the Taj Mahal made in pure white Makrana marble like the original monument. The Taj show will be presented in 10 different moods, representing varying seasons and hours of the day. It narrates a love story set in the Taj during the 17th century.

Overnight stay at Taj Hotel & Convention / Agra

Post breakfast, check-out from the hotel and proceed to visit the impressive Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the finest Mughal forts in India. Built in 1565, it was the main residence of four generations of influential Mughal emperors until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. It contains a maze of buildings, forming a city within a city, including vast underground sections, though many of the structures were destroyed over the years. It comprises of many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.

You'll then make your way to Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO Heritage site.

FATEHPUR SIKRI: Emperor Akbar built the long-deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri in 1569, to honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City', including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughal Empire at the height of its power.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then transfer to Bharatpur Railway station to board your train to Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur Station).

Train journeys in India are a truly memorable experience and offer wonderful insights into local life. Strike up a conversation with a local and you may even end up making some friends!

There will be meet and greet and assistance on arrival at the Railway station and then transfer to your resort

Overnight stay at Clarks Safari, Ranthambore, on a full board basis.

Today you get the chance to go for an early-morning and afternoon game drive.

Dawn is one of the best times for spotting the elusive Bengal Tiger. Besides tigers, Ranthambore National Park is full of other exotic wildlife such as leopards, wild boars, and different species of deer, to name just a few.

The game drives into Ranthambore National Park are a rare opportunity to try and spot the Bengal tiger in its natural habitat. As part of India's Project Tiger conservation programme, the reserve is a prime example of the efforts to facilitate the tigers population across larger habitats.

Ranthambore National Park will be closed on every Wednesday from 14th June 2023 onwards which means we cannot offer any Friday departures on this Tour.

After the safari, head back to the hotel for breakfast. You'll get some leisure time to relax by the hotel’s pool, before venturing back into the wilderness for your second and final game drive.

Besides wildlife, the park also offers a wealth of history, most notably, the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort. There are quite a few other interesting historical attractions as well.

In the evening, enjoy a farm dinner with bonfire

Overnight stay at Clarks Safari

After breakfast you'll drive to Jaipur and check in at the luxurious resort Deviratan by Taj. 

Free time for lunch (payable direct locally)

Post lunch take part in a 'Block Printing and Textiles of Jaipur' workshop.

Hand Block Printing is one of the most famous traditional arts of Rajasthan. During this workshop you will get to develop your skills in block printing and also gain experience by learning and working alongside a skilled craftsperson. See how the prints are hand made with small wooden blocks using different coloured dyes extracted from nature.

During this workshop develop a fuller appreciation and outlook into a world filled with colour and seeped in tradition and old-world techniques. Print a stole or some table napkins, the choice is yours.

Later on visit the local market (Javeri bazar) to see or by some some local handicrafts.

PAID OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: DINNER WITH INDIAN FAMILY @ GBP 39 PER PERSON PAYABLE LOCALLY

This is a fantastic opportunity to live like a local and join an Indian family for dinner at their residence as well as take part in festive rituals.

The men will participate in turban tying and the women will be presented a ceremonial scarf, signifying compassion. All the guests will be honoured with a Tikka. The Tikka, a red vermilion, paste is applied with the thumb in a single upward stroke to the guests’ forehead to signify the energy of spiritual enlightenment and wisdom. The welcome reflects the rich culture and tradition of Indian society.

This is an exciting moment for you to observe and experience true Indian culture up close. You will get an opportunity to roll the chapatis and understand the ingredients of Indian cuisine.

After breakfast, head out for an excursion to Amber fort (UNESCO world heritage site). Ascend the fort on a Jeep. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the fort belie the beauty inside – a paradise of sorts. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, as well as festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded in the plaster.

On the way to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds.

Continue your sightseeing tour of the city with a visit to Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence. Part of it is now converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur.

This palace also includes the famous 'Chandra Mahal' and 'Mubarak Mahal', and other buildings which form a part of the palace complex. There are many courtyards and buildings. The palace was built between 1729 and 1732 AD by Sawai Jai Singh II who ruled over Amer, and planned and built the outer walls of the palace, while later rulers added to the architecture of this palace. These additions have been known to take place right up to the 20th century. Today, the 'Chandra Mahal' has been turned into a museum, which is home to unique handcrafted products, various uniforms of the rulers and many more things pertaining to the royal heritage of the City Palace.

Free time for lunch at a local restaurant of your choice (payable direct locally).

Post lunch visit the Jantar Mantar (UNESCO world heritage site) which is home to brilliant medieval-era geometric devices for tracking constellations, observing the orbits around the sun, measuring time and many other pursuits. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest astronomical observatories on the planet. Even some of the devices here are the largest among other similar devices ever built.

Later drive back to hotel.

COMPLIMENTRY OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: AARTI CEREMONY AT BIRLA TEMPLE IN JAIPUR

In the evening, experience local culture as you witness the Aarti Ceremony at Birla Temple in Jaipur.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, the Birla Mandir is a fabulous architectural landmark of Jaipur. The temple offers the chance to see the enchanting Aarti (religious ceremony) from close quarters. The Aarti is performed by a holy man. The temple was originally known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple. It is situated below the Moti Dungri Fort in Jaipur. Made of pure white marble, the architecture is slightly different from those of the traditional ancient Hindu temples, as it was built with a modern approach.

The ceremony is a fundamental part of Hindu culture; representing the elements of fire, earth, water and air as well as the senses. The priest has a tray with a small bell, lamp (diya) and offerings of food, water, flowers and incense. The lamp is passed around the deity, accompanied by singing and the ceremony ends with everyone sharing the food, which has been offered to the Gods.

After breakfast you'll leave Jaipur for Delhi.

Upon arrival in Delhi check-in at Vivanta by Taj Dwarka and then the rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. Enjoy the pool and maybe even treat yourself to a massage (payable direct locally).

Overnight at Vivanta by Taj Dwarka

After breakfast departure transfer to airport.