Taj and Tigers of India!!
For someone from the West, India provides an authentic adventure – stimulating, absorbing,
daunting, sometimes moving and shocking. Here is one of the world’s great dramas; an ancient,
vast and crowded land committed to the most formidably challenging exercise in mass
democracy. It is a spectacle in which hope, pride, paradox and uncertainty mingle and struggle. It
is conducted on the whole, and to India’s credit in the open. The lasting memories of the land are
hospitality, kindness, good humor and generosity. Here is a society of over a 1000 million people,
growing by a million a month, divided and united by language, caste, religion and regional
loyalties. It has often been described as a functioning anarchy; and it is in many ways an amiable
one, of marvelous fluidity and tolerance. Indeed, the true Indian motif is not the Taj Mahal, the
elephant or the patient peasant behind the ox drawn plough. It is the crowd, the ocean of faces in
the land of multitudes, endlessly stirring, pushing and moving. It is in this human circulation that
one sees India’s color, variety, busyness, and, senses also its power, vitality and grandeur.
Taj and Tigers of India!!
For someone from the West, India provides an authentic adventure – stimulating, absorbing,
daunting, sometimes moving and shocking. Here is one of the world’s great dramas; an ancient,
vast and crowded land committed to the most formidably challenging exercise in mass
democracy. It is a spectacle in which hope, pride, paradox and uncertainty mingle and struggle. It
is conducted on the whole, and to India's credit in the open. The lasting memories of the land are hospitality, kindness, good humor and generosity. Here is a society of over a 1000 million people, growing by a million a month, divided and united by language, caste, religion and regional loyalties. It has often been described as a functioning anarchy; and it is in many ways an amiable one, of marvelous fluidity and tolerance. Indeed, the true Indian motif is not the Taj Mahal, the elephant or the patient peasant behind the ox drawn plough. It is the crowd, the ocean of faces in the land of multitudes, endlessly stirring, pushing and moving. It is in this human circulation that one sees India’s color, variety, busyness, and, senses also its power, vitality and grandeur.
Day 01: Arrival / Delhi
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (The guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
Late night arrival, meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Overnight at Claridges, Delhi (Claridges Cabana Room)(No Meals)
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, we will proceed for the guided tour of Old Delhi. We cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. We also visit the Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated. The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawala (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the color of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description – including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers. (Please expect some shops to be closed on Sundays)
Next, we will embark on a city tour of New Delhi. Our tour includes a visit to the QutabMinar – 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Then, we will continue our expedition with a drive to the Lutyens Delhi which is considered to be the corridors of power and serenity. Our tour includes a drive pass through the Rashtrapati Bhawan, this vast, intricate work of mixed Mughal and Western architecture is one of the largest presidential residences in the world we will also visit the Parliament House as well as witness the majestic India Gate – a powerful tribute to our brave soldiers. Following our drive pass to the Lutyens Delhi area, we will now visit the Humayun’s Tomb (1586), built by the Emperor’s widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam, and commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture.
Overnight at Claridges, Delhi (Claridges Cabana Room)
Day 03: Delhi / Jaipur (305 Kms) (05 Hrs Drive)
After a leisurely breakfast, we will drive to Jaipur.
Upon arrival, we will check in to hotel, ITC Rajputana
Evening, we will explore the unending shopping options of Jaipur along with our Guide. An essential starting point for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block printing and we will be exploring the process from start to finish in some of the popular stores here. The opportunity also exists here to tailor make outfits to your design and size. We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur – its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry. Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champ eve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy. The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent bottles are also available. At sunset, we visit the Nahagarh Fort. Nahagarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the pink city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The view of the city from the fort is breath taking. Along with Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort it formed a strong defense ring for the city. During the Sepoy revolt of 1857 Nahagarh served as a refuge for Europeans fleeing from the havoc created by mutineers in neighboring states.
Overnight at ITC Rajputana, Jaipur (Executive Club)
Day 04: Jaipur
Today, we will visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
Next, we will visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills. We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a Jeep. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today’s visitors as they did their former royal residents.
Then, we will visit the Panna Meena ka Kund. This beautiful place was constructed during sixteenth century. The place was mainly utilized as a place of social meetings. People from nearby places come here for getting water, swimming or just to hang out with their loved ones. During ancient times, this place was utilized mainly as water protects pool. This beautiful Kund has a unique architecture and styling. This Kund was designed by a Brahmin and constructed by craftsmen and engineers. We would also stop at Jal Mahal palace for photos. (From Outside Only) Later, we will proceed on a tour Of the City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace lies in the heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory – an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date.
Evening car and driver are available for visiting a restaurant for dinner (not included).
Overnight at ITC Rajputana, Jaipur (Executive Club) (B)
Day 05: Jaipur / Ranthambhore (177 Kms) (03 ½ Hrs Drive)
This morning, we will drive to Ranthambhore. Upon arrival, we will check in to hotel, Nahargarh.
Afternoon, we will go on a jungle excursion in a Exclusive / Private Jeep.
Overnight at Nahargarh, Ranthambhore (Haveli Room) (B, L & D)
Day 06: Ranthambhore
Morning and afternoon, we will go on jungle excursions in a Exclusive / Private Jeep. Ranthambhore is known to have India’s Friendliest tigers Assured of protection; these nocturnal creatures are seen often in the day. Sprawled on the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore National Park encompasses an area of 410 Sq. km. in which lives a healthy population of about 40 tigers. A large number of deer inhabit the area and leopards are occasionally sighted. The PandamTaloa lake, located adjacent to the Jogi Mahal hunting lodge, is the park’s favorite water source. Smaller pools at Raj Bagh and Milak also attract a variety of wild life The best way to explore. Ranthambore is in jeep as the park is well connected by arterial roads and tracks. Some of the popular sighting areas are NalGhati, Lahpur, Bakuala, Anantpur and the Kachida valley. Mammals: Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Caracal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Indian hare mongoose. Birds: Bonelli’s eagle, crested serpent eagle, great Indian horned owl, grey partridge sandgrouse, quail, spurfowl, common peafowl, tree pie, paradise flycatcher, pheasant tailed jacana, painted stork, black stork, spoonbill, green pigeon, ducks.
Overnight at Nahargarh, Ranthambhore (Haveli Room) (B, L & D)
Day 07: Ranthambhore / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra (243 Kms) (06 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Agra via stopping at the deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire’s splendor. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings.
Following the visit, we will continue our drive to Agra.
Upon arrival, we will check in to hotel, ITC Mughal.
After rest and relaxation, we will visit Mehtab Bagh. The Moonlight Garden was an extension of the Taj Mahal Garden – on the other side of the river. In 1652 Aurangzeb wrote to his father telling of a visit to the blessed tomb and commenting that the Mehtab Garden was completely inundated and has los t its charm, but soon it will regain its verdancy.
The octagonal pool and the pavilion around it are in splendid condition. The Mehtab Bagh was lost under the mud but re-excavated in the 1990s. Originally, the garden was planted with fragrant flowers and used in the cool of the night as a place from which to view the Taj Mahal reflected in the octagonal pool and in the river. Following the tour we would also have time to shop for marble souvenirs that displays the intricate marble craftsmanship where precious and semi- recious stones are beautifully inlayed on white marble. There are a variety of items that you can purchase including coasters, jewelry boxes, coffee tables, besides a host of other intricate handicrafts.
Overnight at ITC Mughal, Agra (Mughal Rom) (B)
Day 08: Agra / Delhi (241 Kms) (04 ½ Hrs Drive) Delhi / Departure
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high, and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down – the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sunrise we visit one of the greatest sights of one’s lifetime – Taj Mahal. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building. Following, we return to our hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles, built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire.
Following the tour of the fort, we will drive to Delhi airport for your onward flight.
NO HOTEL QUOTED FOR THIS DAY (B)
END OF SERVICES
We do hope the flavor of India will remain on your taste buds for all times to come and
hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India ‘Please come back soon”
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
END OF SERVICES
TOUR INCLUDES:
– Accommodation based on Double Occupancy Basis
– Meals as per the itinerary only (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch & D – Dinner)
– Jeep ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur
– Exclusive / Private jungle jeep safaris in Ranthambhore
– Heritage Rickshaw tour in Old Delhi
– All journeys as per itinerary in a fine air conditioned Toyota Crysta
– Local English speaking guides
– Entrances fees as per the itinerary
– GST Levy, Toll, and Parking
– All driver expenses
– Bottled drinking water for road journeys
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
– Camera & video fee to monuments
– Meals other than mention above
– Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, drinks, tips, telephone calls etc
– Credit Card Transaction Fees