Taj and Tiger

After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of Old & New Delhi which includes Red Fort (From outside): The 17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge 33m high boundary wall. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens. (Red Fort is closed on Monday) Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble. It is India's largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer at one time. The interior of the prayer hall is divided into aisles by arches. The walls and floors are of marble inlay panels. Enjoy Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi. Raj Ghat: Visit the Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna is Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words "Hey Ram". An eternal flame burns 24 hours. India Gate and Govt Buildings: Drive through Lutyens Delhi and see India Gate which commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Photo stop at Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy's residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Qutub Minar: Later visit the Qutub Minar the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. The tower has 379 steps to the top.

After breakfast drive to Agra. Agra stands on the right bank of the river Yamuna, was once the seat of the Mughal rulers, the zenith of art and an en-shrined romance. A town famous for its beautiful medieval monuments. The passion of the Mughals for building endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. On arrival in Agra, transfer to hotel. Later visit the world famous monument of India the Taj Mahal* (1631-1653), a poem in white marble, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14 child.  It employed 20,000 workers from the Central Asia and Europe for 22 years to construct this extravagant monument of love, inlaying the white marble edifice with precious and semi precious stones. (*Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.) Visit the Agra Fort, situated on the west bank of the river Jamuna, made by the Mughal King Akbar in the 16th century and completed by his grandson Shah Jahan, who was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb for 8 years in this fort, before his death.

Drive to Ranthambore (270 kms/ 6 hrs). Check in at your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Evening watch Wild life documentary show showing the flora and fauna of Ranthambore National Park. It will give you a broad idea of the park, surface area, topography, landscape etc. to make you aware before you hit the park next day. The film also tells about the latest developments and plans. You will also hear about some tiger/ tigress who ruled here recently.

Early morning take jungle safari. The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country where more visitors spending a couple of nights are likely to spot one of these majestic animals.  Once, private tiger reserve of the Maharaja of Jaipur, in 1972 the sanctuary came under the Project Tiger scheme.  It covers 410 sq km and runs from the easternmost spur of the Aravalis to the Vindhya Range.   Apart from tiger you can see herds of Chital and Sambar deer and sounders of wild boar, Nilgai antelope and chinkara gazelles.  There are also sloth beer, a few leopards and crocodiles.  Extensive bird life includes spur flown, jungle forwl, patridges, quails, crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers, flycatchers etc.  There are also water birds like storks, ducks and geese at the lakes and waterholes. Return your hotel for breakfast. Rest of the day at leisure. After lunch at your hotel, take another safari. Dinner at your hotel.

Drive to Jaipur. Jaipur (City of Victory) was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. It is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the Universe through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. Take a walking tour and visit the nearby popular street markets of Jaipur like Renowned Johori bazaar with hundreds of jewelry vendors, plus handcrafted clothing, furniture, art & more. Optional: Dinner with local family. Visit a local family. After a traditional welcome by your host, learn about their culture, cuisine, rituals and festivals. Listen to the stories of the Pink City from your charming hosts, admire the traditional décor of Hindu gods and Savor the great flavors of Rajasthani cuisine. Sit down with the family to feast on naans, lentils, curry, and dal- bati etc, as well as many other dishes typical of Rajasthan, including a dessert or sweet dish.

Visit the ancient Rajput capital of Amber, 11 km from the city. This fort-palace was begun by Raja Man Singh and used by the Rajputs as their stronghold until Sawai Jai Singh II moved to the newly created Jaipur. See the Diwan I Am or hall of public audience, Kali temple, Jai Mandir or hall of victory with its inlaid panels and mirror ceiling, and Sukh Niwas. The fort provides breathtaking views of the lake below. Explore the city, driving past the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This magnificent structure was built to allow the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street. The city palace was built between 1729 and 1732 by the ruler of Amber Sawai Jai Singh II. City palace has a large part of total area of Jaipur which is surrounded by battle door. The palace complex was built like there is another city in a city. A complex of courtyards, gardens, buildings, temples, fountains, pounds, courts, horse stable, workshops and playgrounds. Continue to the  impressive Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the astronomer to which this city owes its name. The term "Jantar Mantar" literally means "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens". It houses various architectural and astrological instruments that have caught the interests of astronomers, historians and architects around the world. It is considered to be one of the largest observatories ever built. Optional: Elephantastic tour. Drive to haathi gaon (Elephant village) surrounded by the wilderness with no urban civilization in the vicinity, just a few hamlets housing the local villagers occupied by farming on their fields. Then you will be introduced about Elephant, you will feed them, cuddle them and more. Do painting on this beautiful creature. Finally you will give bath to your friend Elephant before saying good bye.

After leisurely breakfast drive to Delhi. (Check out time is 1200 hrs) On arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to Delhi airport to board flight for onward journey.