(you can ask us to include international flights if you choose).
Day 2-3: Arrive at Delhi
Arrive in Delhi at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into to the hotel (check-in time is 12.00 midday) and enjoy the city. In the early afternoon after lunch (approx 13.30) you will meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip and the leader will collect your local payment. Check the notice board (or ask reception) to see the exact time and location of this group meeting.
If you arrive early wander through the heart of India's capital city and explore Old and New Delhi. Travel by the new metro or auto rickshaws and visit the famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) where you could climb the minaret for a bird's eye view of the old city. Explore Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets or head to the colorful spice market a great photo opportunity.
From Old Delhi it's easy to get to Connaught Place, more commonly known as CP, one of the most prominent architectural remnants of British rule, by the metro (station at CP is called Rajiv Chowk). In CP wander the markets and shops or visit the Gandhi museum, built on the site of his assassination. If people watching is your thing head down to India Gate and relax on the lawns, or enjoy a stroll through the peaceful Lodi Gardens in nearby upmarket South Delhi.
Other options include the ruins of Qutab Minar, the fabulous architecture of Humayun's Tomb, the beautifully lotus shaped Bahai Temple (closed Monday), or the stunning Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple carved out of pink sandstone and white marble. The amazing Craft Museum or the huge and rambling National Museum are also worth a visit. (Note many museums are closed on Monday).
There are so many options for dining, from age-old eateries in the by lanes of the Old Walled City to glitzy, specialty restaurants in five-star hotels, Delhi is a movable feast. Restaurants and bars cater to all tastes and budgets.
A delightful outlet offering a range of Indian cuisines are the food stalls at Dilli Haat. Here, the cuisine of different states is made available. Set in the midst of a spacious crafts bazaar these cafes are a very pleasant place to enjoy food.
Day 4: Delhi – Agra.
Board the early morning (6 am) Express train - two hour journey - to Agra. Half day tour of Agra – The tour includes a visit to Itmad -Ud –Daulah’s tomb, built by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir’s queen as a memorial to her father. It has beautiful ornamentation with ‘Pietra Dura’ inlay and lattice marble screens. The mausoleum rests in a walled garden with a view of the river Yamuna. Constructed in the year 1628, most historians believe that its design provided the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. You then visit the original red sandstone fort in North India, the Agra Fort. It was built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, the greatest Mughal ruler of India. Its maze of courtyards, marble mosque, and private chambers all serve as reminders of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. There is a break for lunch.
Afternoon - Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the incomparable Taj Mahal. The world’s greatest monument dedicated to love, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 AD as a memorial to his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. This pure white marble mausoleum took 22 years and 22,000 craftsmen to build. Tour the amazing monument and its surroundings till it is time to admire the sun’s rays setting on the Taj Mahal’s façade. Agra is famous for its marble art & manufacturing of the same.
Day 5: Agra – Ranthambore.
You have the option (no charge) of a sunrise visit to Mehtab Bagh, which is a 500 year old Mughal garden located across from the Taj Mahal on the other side of the Yamuna River. If you do that, you will return to your hotel to freshen up after the visit. Check out of your hotel and proceed for the drive to Bharatpur. Stop at Fatehpur Sikri for a tour. This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, is a haunting reminder of its brief and glorious past.
Visit the towering Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), which is set in the south wall. In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of Shaik Salim Chishti, built in 1570. Lunch is included this afternoon at Bharatpur. After lunch - board the Express train for Ranthambore – a two and a half hour journey to Ranthambore. Arrive at Ranthambore in the evening and check in at your resort.
Day 6: Ranthambore.
Covering an area of 410 sq. km, Ranthambore runs along the eastern spur of the Aravalli mountain range till they meet with the Vindhya ranges. Ranthambore used to be the private hunting ground for the Royal family of Jaipur. In 1972 it was declared a Sanctuary and was brought under the Project Tiger Conservation platform. Dry deciduous forest covers open valleys with lush vegetation around the lakes in this park, and there are open grasslands on the higher slopes. This varied flora supports a large number of animals including a variety of deer, the sloth bear, the shy caracal, leopards and of course, the tiger.
Enjoy wildlife safaris’ into the park in the morning and evening. In between safaris’ you can visit the jungle fort at Ranthambore. This is one of the finest examples of the ancient Hindu concept of “vana-durg”, or a fort protected by a jungle. The history of this Fort (first built in AD 944) is a chronicle full of tales of blood and valor. Occupied by the Muslims, Rajputs and Mughals, the insides of the fort today lie in ruins, but there are superb views of the park to be had from the ramparts.
Day 7: Ranthambore – Jaipur.
Enjoy your last safari into Ranthambore in the morning. Check out of your hotel and drive to Jaipur. Arrive at Jaipur and check into your hotel. Afternoon - Proceed for a half day city tour of the walled city of Jaipur, including the magnificent City Palace. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728. View the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of the Wind), the intriguing facade built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to view the city and bazaar from the windows. Continue the tour to visit the City Palace, the former royal residence (a part of it is still occupied by the Royal family and is not accessible to the public), built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. This immense complex also houses a number of museums that offer a large and impressive collection of miniature paintings, costumes, and armory. Jaipur is famous for its carpets, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Day 8: Jaipur.
Today we take a bus ride—always an adventure itself in India— to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, former capital of a princely state of the same name. Clothed in pink stucco (in imitation of sandstone), wide-avenued Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India, and home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Here follow in the footsteps of the royal harem, or ride an elephant to Amber Fort Palace, one of the most spectacular forts in India.
Founded in 1728, Jaipur, or “The Pink City” as it is often called, is unlike any other pre-modern Indian city, in that the entire town was planned according to the principles of Hindu architectural theory. The city is in fact built in the form of a nine-part mandala known as the Pithapada, which combined with wide streets makes for an unusually airy, orderly atmosphere. That the results of this urban planning have so endured to this day is nothing short of miraculous.
Enter the heart of the mandala (on foot or by cycle rickshaw) and you are in the central palace quarter, with its sprawling Hawa Mahal palace complex, formal gardens and a small lake. Built in 1799, the "Palace of Winds" was part of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana or chambers of the harem. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. Constructed of red and pink sandstone highlighted with white lime, the five-storied facade is peppered with 953 small windows. The breeze (hawa) that comes through the windows keeps it cool even in hot months, and gives the palace its name.
Just 15 km from central Jaipur is the ruined city of Amber, former capital of Jaipur state. Founded by the Meenas, Amber was a flourishing settlement as far back as 967 AD. Overlooking the artificial lake south of Amber town stands the Amber Fort/Palace complex, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. At the bottom of a hill sits Amber Fort, initially a Palace Complex within the Fort of Amber on top of the hill (today known as Jaigarh fort). The two forts are connected through well-guarded passages, and there is even the option of an elephant ride from the town up to the palace courtyard.
Day 9: Jaipur – Delhi – Kathmandu.
Board the morning flight to Delhi – connect with the flight to Kathmandu. Arrive at Kathmandu. You are greeted at the Kathmandu airport and driven to Nagarkot, which is located (30 km - one hour drive) to the east of Kathmandu on the valley rim. Nagarkot is situated at an elevation of 2175 m and provides a grandstand panoramic view of the Himalayas. You can see five of the worlds 10 tallest mountains - Everest 8848 m, Lhotse 8516 m, Makalu 8463 m and Manaslu 8163 m, as well as many other lesser summits. Check in at the Club Himalaya Resort. Late afternoon – You are at leisure. You could explore the village and surrounding areas.
Day 10: Nagarkot – Kathmandu.
Drive back to Kathmandu. Take a tour of Kathmandu city. Visit Kumari, the living Goddess, Kasthamandap, the Big Bell, Kal Bharab etc. Visit Swayambhunath temple. Afternoon - visit Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath Stupa, a World Heritage Site. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world.
Day 11: Kathmandu.
You have the optional of taking the Everest flight this morning. Take a tour of `Patan City` one of the three queen cities of the valley. Patan is the city of fine arts, and we visit Durbar Square, Krishna Mandir, and Mahavihar, the Golden Temple of Lord Buddha, built in the 12th century. Also visit the Tibetan center. Late Afternoon – You are at leisure.
Day 12: Kathmandu - Delhi - International Flight.
Board the morning flight to Delhi. Arrive at Delhi and you are greeted at the airport by an ETI facilitator and your driver. You are provided with personal vehicles for each single traveler/couple/or larger group. You can use the remaining few hours (in India) you have to do some last minute sightseeing or dining. Also, some of the best shopping in India is in Delhi. We can make suggestions based on your interests. Your vehicle and driver stay with you till your late evening assisted check in at the airport. Our services end at the airport.
Day 13:
Arrive Home
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All three meals at Ranthambore.
- Daily Breakfast at all the hotels.
- Dinner & cultural show at Jaipur.
- All transfers and sightseeing by your personal chauffeur driven car.
- Cycle-rickshaw ride through the ancient bazaar of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi.
- Folk music and dance greeting at Agra.
- Horse drawn carriage ride to the Taj Mahal in Agra.
- Applicable monument entrance fees as per the itinerary.
- Personal Elephant ride up the ramparts of Amer Palace in Jaipur.
- Camel cart safari (per couple) at Samode (jeep option available).
- All safari related charges at Ranthambore (including park entry fees, guide fees, vehicle fees etc.).
- Delhi–Agra Train fare by Luxury Chair Car.
- Bharatpur - Ranthambhore Train fare by AC First Class.
