North India Tigers and Temples

Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later we will be transferred to hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax and explore the nearby area. (Meals: Nil)

After breakfast we will start the sightseeing tour of Delhi. We proceed to Old Delhi and visit the magnificent Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Old Delhi built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Later, we will enjoy an exciting cycle rickshaw ride through the lively lanes of Chandni Chowk, passing through bustling markets and traditional bazaars rarely visited by typical tourists. We then arrive at Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest wholesale spice market, known for its vibrant colors and rich aromas. Afterwards, we visit Raj Ghat, the peaceful memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. Our exploration continues as we drive past iconic colonial landmarks such as Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and India Gate – a war memorial dedicated to soldiers of the First World War. After completing the sightseeing, we proceed for an afternoon drive to Jaipur (5 – 6hrs drive). Arrive in Jaipur by evening, check in to the hotel, and relax. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast explore the city of Jaipur. We visit the fascinating Amer Fort – the hilltop fort built by Kachwaha dynasty ruler Man Singh. Later, we proceed to the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory) – an astronomical treasure house with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We will drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five-storied structure of pink sandstone, specially built as a high screen wall for the women of royal household to observe the street festivities without being noticed from outside. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast, we drive from to Ranthambore (3 – 4hrs drive). The journey passes through rural landscapes and small towns, offering a glimpse of traditional Rajasthani life. En route, we visit the famous Abhaneri Step-well, an ancient and beautifully designed step-well known for its geometric architecture and historical significance. On arrival in Ranthambore, we check in to the hotel and relax. The evening is free at leisure to enjoy the resort surroundings and unwind in nature. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Ranthambore National Park holds one of the largest populations of Tiger in India. There is other wildlife such as several species of monkey, deer, leopards, foxes and crocodiles, birdlife including purple heron, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets, Jacanda, waders and partridges. Today we will have 2 game drives into the park by Canter – a large open truck on sharing basis. We wake up early morning and leave for our 1st safari into the National Park. Track the tigers in the wild and other wildlife through the morning. After having lunch, we leave again for our 2nd safari in the park. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Today we will drive to Agra (5.5 – 6.5hrs drive) en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. It was formally the capital of the Mughal Empire; this wonderfully preserved ‘ghost town’ was constructed by Emperor Akbar and it reflects his ideals in art, religion and architecture. The mosque is designed to hold ten thousand worshippers. We continue with our drive to Agra and upon arrival we will check in to hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

Early morning we proceed for a sunrise visit to the beautiful Taj Mahal, built by the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan on the banks of River Yamuna in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. A symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first time visitor. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, we visit the imposing Agra Fort, whose mighty red sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains built by the Mughal emperors. After sightseeing, we continue our drive to Delhi (3.5 – 4.5hrs drive). On arrival we will check in to the hotel. (Meals; Breakfast)

Early morning we will be transferred to the New Delhi railway station to board train Shatabdi Exp. (07:20 / 13:30hrs – train does not run on Thursday) to Amritsar. We will be met on arrival at the railway station and transferred to the hotel. Afternoon we will drive to Attari-Wagah border to witness lowering of flags ceremony – a daily military practice that the security forces of India and Pakistan jointly followed since 1959.

After breakfast we start Amritsar sightseeing with a visit to the Golden Temple – an important pilgrimage site for the Sikhs built around a man-made pool (sarovar). See the langar – community kitchen where free meal is served round the clock to visitors. Later we go for a heritage walk through the adjoining streets, admiring the old buildings and shops selling local artifacts. We visit Jalianwala Bagh – a public garden to commemorate the massacre of peaceful celebrators including unarmed women and children by British occupying forces, on the occasion of the Punjabi New Year on April 13, 1919, historically referred to as Jalianwala Bagh Massacre. Proceed to the Partition Museum – located in the Town Hall, this museum showcases the stories related to the partition of British Indian into Pakistan & India during independence on 1947 (Closed on Monday). Evening we have another visit to Golden Temple. The peaceful temple and the blissful lake glimmered under golden lights is treat to watch. Also witness the Palki Sahib Ceremony. To the accompaniment of drums and hymns that fill the air, a gold and silver gilded palanquin (palki) is prepared by the devotees to carry the Guru Granth Sahib (the Holy Book) from the main shrine in Hari Mandir to Darshani Deorhi (gateway leading to the inner sanctum).

After breakfast you will be transferred to the international airport for flight to onward destination.