Classical India with Ranthambore Wildlife Tour

Arrive in New Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our representative and transfer to your hotel. India's capital & a major gateway to the country, Delhi is contemporary and a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi. This fascinating city has been in existence since the 6th century BC and has seen ups and downs from the rule of the Pandavas right up to the British Raj. Visit Jama Masjid, which is the largest mosque in India, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the mosque can hold about 25,000 worshippers. Enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi…noisy, chaotic and uniquely Indian. You will then drive past to the Red Fort, which was constructed during the rule of Emperor Shah Jahan and served as the residence for the Mughal royal family. It continues to be significant till date, as every Independence Day, the Prime Minister makes a speech from its ramparts as the Indian flag is hoisted. Later, drive past President House and several other government buildings in Edwin Lutyen’s Delhi before you head toward Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple memorial marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Thereafter, visit Humayun’s Tomb, commissioned by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562. It was the first garden tomb built in the Indian sub-continent where the Persian architect used red sandstone on a large scale. Later in the evening visit the Qutab Minar, which is the tallest brick minaret in the world; it was commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. (Optional) - Attend a Sufi ceremony at Nizamuddin Dargah). Return back to Hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

This morning after breakfast proceed to Jaipur. Arrive and check-in at your hotel. Spend rest of the day at leisure. (Optional) - An Evening at the Raj Mandir cinema - Bollywood film, and high atmosphere color in the room. Overnight in Jaipur.

Today, enjoy a full-day sightseeing trip of Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’… it is famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. The old city of Jaipur is painted pink, which gives it a magical glow. Visit the Amber Fort… a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The best way to explore the fort is to ride up to it on elephant back. Later, stop to photograph the beautiful Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Winds.” This beautiful façade with its ornately carved latticework windows is made of pink sandstone. Post lunch, visit the City Palace… again, a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Later, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, comprising geometric devices for measuring time. You will also visit the Albert Hall, which was modeled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, proceed to Ranthambore National Park. India is a home to maximum number of tigers, 70% per cent of the global population. Ranthambore National Park, once a princely game conserve is the scene where the celebrated Indian tigers are best seen. Arrive Ranthambore and check-in to your hotel. Overnight in Ranthambore.

Today experience early morning and evening game drive in the Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas. It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas to the sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambore. A variety of birds including owlets, the ubiquitous langur (monkey), leopard, caracal, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, marsh crocodiles, wild boar, bears and various species of deer are the other attractions. Overnight in Ranthambore.

This morning after breakfast proceed to Agra, enroute Visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was built by Emperor Akbar and is home to many historical buildings. Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his headquarters; however, he had to abandon it due to shortage of water. The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint who lived a religious life here. Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World heritage site. Arrive Agra and check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Agra.

This morning after breakfast proceed for city of Agra, Visit the Red Fort, which was commissioned in 1565 by Akbar, and subsequently embellished by other Mughal Emperors. The beautiful yet forbidding structure is a handsome example of Mughal architecture. Later, visit the Taj Mahal … a mausoleum built as a symbol Emperor Shah Jahan’s devotion to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Considered an architectural marvel, its construction took thousands of workers over 21 years to complete. This edifice is replete with decorative inlays, carvings and calligraphy. Thereafter, visit Itmad- Ud - Daula, known as the "Baby Taj"; this mausoleum rests in a walled garden close to the Yamuna River. . You will then visit Sikandra, which is also a mausoleum… of the great Emperor Akbar. Akbar designed his own mausoleum as a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain designs and motifs, in keeping with his religious tolerance and secular views. Overnight in Agra.

This morning after breakfast proceed to Railway Station to board the train for Jhansi. Arrive Jhansi and drive to Khajuraho by road, enroute visiting Orchha. Visit the Orchha fort complex. The Jahangir Mahal in the fort is known for its delicate work balanced with strong masonry. Raj Mahal, the second palace in this fort complex is well known for its murals, depicting religious themes. Later, visit the Raja Ram Temple. Lord Ram is worshipped here as a king. Also visit the Laxmi Narayan temple, a unique blend of temple and fort architecture. Arrive Khajuraho and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Khajuraho.

This morning after breakfast proceed for a half -day tour of Khajuraho. Visit the Western Group of Temples -the Kandariya Mahadeo is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the largest of Khajuraho's temples. The temple of Devi Jagdamba is considered to be one of the most erotic temples of Khajuraho. Later, visit the Eastern Group of Temples- The temple of Parsvanath is the largest of the Jain temples in Khajuraho India and the finest…without any sexual motifs. Later proceed to the airport to board the flight for Varanasi. Arrive in Varanasi, you will be met and assisted by our representative and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Varanasi.

Early morning, enjoy a sublime boat ride on the Ganges River. View the numerous ghats along the bank of the Ganges, presenting a varied scene from dawn to dusk. Later back to hotel for breakfast. Visit the Benares Hindu University, the largest residential university in Asia, a center of Sanskrit, Indian art, culture, and music. Later, proceed to Sarnath, located eight km from Varanasi. It is famous as the place where the Buddha first preached his message after attaining nirvana. Visit the Dhamek Stupa… it marks the spot where the Buddha proclaimed his faith in front of his first five followers. The earliest and most important relic is found here is the Ashoka pillar, erected in 250 BC. You will also visit Thai Temple, Witness the 80 feet standing Buddha statue with beautiful carvings and paintings at the temple. Overnight in Varanasi.

After breakfast, proceed to the Varanasi airport to board the flight for your onward destination.