This 11-night tour takes you on a journey to all the highlights of northern India, as featured in The Golden Triangle tour, as well as to the fabulous Ranthambore National Park in search of tigers.
Ranthambore park covers 410 sq km and runs from the easternmost spur of the Aravalis to the Vindhya Range. It has both the old forest and the wildlife sanctuary, also known as Sawai Madhopur, after the town, which is home to some Jain temples with gilded paintings.
You will also visit Khajuraho, famous for groups of Hindu and Jain temples. These temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their beautiful and erotic rock carvings.
Your last port of call is Varanasi, regarded as the spiritual capital of India. The city draws pilgrims who bathe in the River Ganges' sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along its winding streets are some
2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the 'Golden Temple,'
dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.
Accommodation and the order of days may vary slightly depending on availability.
Met at the arrival lounge of New Delhi international airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Today you will visit Old Delhi and New Delhi. Visit Chandni Chowk, Jama Mosque, drive past Red Fort. Visit the spice market and take a rickshaw ride. Make a photo stop at India Gate, drive past Government buildings, Visit Agrasen Ki Baoli Stepwell and The Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple.
Drive to Jaipur, en route stop at the magnificent Samode Palace for lunch. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a way of life unlike any other. See how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound.
Enjoy a trip to Amber Fort, a marvellous example of Rajput architecture. Visit a local school, interact with children and perhaps do some charitable work (see page 12). Visit City Palace, a complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways, make a photo stop at 'Palace of Winds'. You may wish to wander about a local market famous for cotton.
Drive to Ranthambore and visit Castle Kanota where the movie Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was filmed. Visit Hotel museum and continue to Ranthambore.
Morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthambore National Park.
Drive to Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Optional visit to see Mohabbat E Taj show. Overnight: Crystal Sarovar Premier or similar
Transfer to railway station to board train for Jhansi. Drive to Khajuraho. Visit the Eastern and Western group of temples in Khajuraho - The UNESCO World Heritage site.
Morning at leisure. Flight to Varanasi. In the evening, visit the Ghats of Ganges and witness the magnificent Arti ceremony.
Early morning boat ride on the River Ganges. Visit temples and other city attractions. Visit Sarnath.
Flight to Delhi. Time at leisure.
Transfer to Delhi International Airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Note: The Red Fort is closed on Mondays and the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
This private tour can be tailor-made to your own specifications with a choice of alternative accommodation, and duration.
Speak to a specialist for pricing, availability and extension options.
