Treasures of Northern India + Tigers of Rajasthan
Discover India's wild side with three nights in Ranthambore National Park and go in search of the renowned Bengal tiger.
The Taj Mahal
A tiger in Ranthambore National Park
Red Fort, Delhi
Old Delhi
Jama Masjid, Delhi
Part of the Junagarh Fortress, Bikaner
Jaisalmer Fort
A camel in the Rajastan desert near Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort
Pushkar Lake
The Amber Fort, Jaipur
The incomparable Taj Mahal
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Delhi.
On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. The capital of modern India, Delhi is a magnetic blend of old and new boasting a fascinating array of sights, from elegant shops and lively bazaars to impressive forts and mosques. This afternoon is free for you to relax or start exploring.
DAY 3: Delhi.
Your day starts with a tour of Old Delhi, gazing at landmarks such as the majestic three-domed Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia, and the splendid 17th century Mughal Red Fort before visiting Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana, the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. This afternoon, enjoy New Delhi's major sights, including the towering Qutab Minar, the ancient tomb of the Emperor Humayun, the grandiose India Gate war memorial, and a drive past the President's House and Parliament. (B)
DAY 4: Delhi - Mandawa.
Leave for Mandawa, a busy market town famed for its intricately painted havelis - the ornate mansions of India's merchants and temples. Admire the splendid views over Mandawa from its fortress-topped hill, before an afternoon visit to its havelis and monuments. Later, visit Fateh Pur, a nearby 15th century town. (B)
DAY 5: Mandawa - Bikaner.
Say farewell to Mandawa and travel to Bikaner in northwestern Rajasthan. Surrounded by desert, this royal walled city was a major trading centre on the ancient caravan routes between central Asia and India. At the heart of the temple-filled city is the massive Junagarh fortress, a formidable complex housing courtyards and palaces. This afternoon take a tour of this amazing edifice, with its 37 pavilions and exquisitely decorated balconies and mirrored palaces. (B)
DAY 6: Bikaner - Jaisalmer.
Strategically located on camel trade routes and often dubbed the 'Golden City', the exotic desert city Jaisalmer, is a feast for the senses. Filled with intricately latticed, beautifully preserved 19th century havelis, it is best known for its impressive fort, standing 80 metres above the city. (B)
DAY 7: Jaisalmer.
This morning, enjoy a tour of Jaisalmer's fort, built in the 12th century and where a fourth of the city's population now lives. This afternoon brings a highlight of your trip - an excursion to Sam Sand Dunes. Enjoy a short camel ride over the dunes as the sun dips behind the horizon, casting a radiant glow over the desert. (B)
DAY 8: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur.
Set in the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur's mesmerising old city is ringed by a 10-kilometre, eight-gated wall outside of which the new city stands. Brimming with enchanting palaces, temples, havelis and a beautiful fort, this imperious city exudes grandeur and warm hospitality. (B)
DAY 9: Jodhpur.
Look forward to an absorbing morning at Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort. Marvel at its grand palaces and admire the splendid Jaswant Singh II memorial - beautifully constructed from thin marble sheets to let sunlight filter in. In the afternoon, experience a jeep safari to visit the local Bishnoi tribes of the desert - communities of nature lovers protecting endangered plant and tree species and prohibiting poachers from killing animals. (B)
DAY 10: Jodhpur - Udaipur.
This morning travel to Udaipur, visiting the spectacular Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. Known as the 'City of Lakes', Udaipur is built around three lakes and is made up from a maze of narrow lanes, exquisite palaces, pavilions and gardens. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
DAY 11: Udaipur.
Marvel at Udaipur's mirage-like beauty on a tour of its City Palace and Museum, comprising of a series of enchanting palaces overlooking Lake Pichola. Later, admire the Jagdish Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the ornamental gardens of Sahelion ki Bari. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola (subject to water levels). (B)
DAY 12: Udaipur - Bijaynagar.
Journey to the small town of Bijaynagar; where the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of your hotel. (B)
DAY 13: Bijaynagar - Pushkar - Jaipur.
Today travel to Pushkar. Once a mighty Mughal residence, this holy city is famed for its colourful camel and cattle fair and is home to 400 temples and ghats. This morning is dedicated to Pushkar's 14th century Brahma temple - the only one in India - a vision of white, rising from the banks of the sacred Pushkar Lake, and unbelievably beautiful in the early morning or evening light. Afterwards travel to Jaipur, Rajasthan's quintessential royal city. (B)
DAY 14: Jaipur.
Following a photo opportunity at the intriguing red sandstone Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of the Winds', arrive at the legendary Amber Fort, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan'. This fortress-palace has a sombre exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including a stupendous Chamber of Mirrors and alabaster Hall of Victory. Later enjoy the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons and costumes, followed by a visit to the Jantar Mantar Observatory and explore the bustling markets of the old city. (B)
DAY 15: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra.
An early morning departure for Agra, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city. Tour the elegant courtyards, sandstone palaces and victory gate of this ghostly place, deserted when the water ran out. In Agra, look forward to another highlight - your late afternoon visit to the Taj Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this remarkable edifice was commissioned by Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taking 22 years to build and completed in 1653, its breathtaking marble-inlaid interiors are a shrine to the emperor's passion and contain both his and his beloved's mausoleum. (B)
DAY 16: Agra.
Visit the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the first tomb in India to be built entirely of white marble. Said to be a precursor for the Taj Mahal, it is famous for its elaborately carved inlays depicting a noteworthy array of geometric arabesque, encrusted with semi-precious stones. Continue to imposing Agra Fort, a red sandstone UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising palaces, audience halls and two mosques. Admire its forbidding battlements and spectacular Mughal Palace with its chambers and room of mirrors. (B)
DAY 17: Agra - Ranthambore.
Your tiger adventure starts today as you drive to Ranthambore National Park. Fringed by rocky escarpments, the lush forests and dusty scrubland of Ranthambore is home to its famous tigers, and is the only place in Rajasthan where they can be seen in the wild. After a late lunch in resort, the rest of the day is at leisure. (B, L, D)
DAY 18: Ranthambore.
On your early morning game drive, you will have the chance to see the forest bathed in magical sunlight. As you scour the undergrowth for telltale tiger stripes, also look out for numerous other species; including sambar deer (the largest in India), hyenas, macaques, crocodiles, langurs, sloth bears and over 250 species of birds. This afternoon you will have another game drive in this exquisite wilderness. (B, L, D)
DAY 19: Ranthambore.
Today, a final game drive awaits before an afternoon at leisure to further explore this distinctly Kipling-esque area. You may wish to take another optional game drive, visit the 10th Century Ranthambore Fort and surrounding ancient temples, or simply take the day to unwind. (B, L, D)
DAY 20: Ranthambore ? Delhi - Gurgaon.
Depart early this morning for your train to Delhi and an overnight stay.
DAY 21: Gurgaon - Delhi - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Delhi: The Park; Mandawa: Castle Mandawa; Bikaner: Laxmi Niwas Palace; Jaisalmer: Fort Rajwada; Jodhpur: Ajit Bhawan; Udaipur: Fateh Garh; Bijaynagar: Bijay Niwas Palace; Jaipur: Country Inn & Suites; Agra: Jaypee Palace; Gurgaon: Country Inn & Suites; Ranthambore: Ranthambore Regency.
Safari Information
Safaris are conducted in either four wheel drives or open top buses called Canters. We recommend that you take comfortable clothing and sensible shoes, binoculars and a good camera. From November to February temperatures in the park can be cold, so take suitable clothes.
Treasures of Northern India + Tigers of Rajasthan 19 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Treasures of Northern India + Tigers of Rajasthan 20 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
| Earlier Dates | Date | Depart From | Price from PP | Later Dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Sep 2012 | London Heathrow |
Departure Times
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Treasures of Northern India + Tigers of Rajasthan
Price from £2425.00
Holiday Highlights
- Bikaner City tour
- Jaisalmer Jaisaler Fort, Sam Sand Dunes
- Jodhpur City tour, jeep safari
- Udaipur City tour, Lake Pichola boat ride
- Jaipur City tour
- Agra Taj Mahal, Agra Fort
Departures from
- London Heathrow
Departures between
27 Sep 2012 to 21 Mar 2013
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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