Images of India - Taj and Tigers

11 days from £2560 per person

The perfect introductory journey for the first-time visitor to the country, northern India is a region of stunning scenery, extraordinary wildlife and majestic cities. Begin your holiday in India’s capital Delhi and explore the city then travel by rail to Agra where you will visit the Taj Mahal. From here travel to Ranthambore National Park which supports a wide range of animals including tiger and leopard. Continue to princely Jaipur with its fabulous forts and grand palaces, before returning to Delhi and home to the UK.

Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore National Park – Jaipur

Itinerary Highlights

Agra is home to three of India’s most impressive historical sites with the monumental Agra Fort and beautifully proportioned tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula perfectly complementing the renowned Taj Mahal.

Ranthambore is one of India’s best loved national parks and an ideal introduction to wildlife viewing on the subcontinent. It is also one of the best places in India to see the mighty Bengal tiger.

The regal city of Jaipur is the epitome of princely Rajasthan. Known as the ‘pink city’, a highlight is the City Palace complex which houses the elegant Hawa Mahal and exquisite Peacock Gate.

Itinerary: Images of India - Taj and Tigers

Day 1 Depart UK

Today fly from the UK to Delhi with Virgin Atlantic. (N)

Day 2 Delhi

On arrival in Delhi you will be met and taken to your hotel for a two night stay. The capital of India, Delhi is a bustling city of great antiquity and history. Uniquely, Delhi also has two very distinct areas – Old Delhi with its colourful markets, grand mosques and ancient monuments and New Delhi with its wide tree-lined avenues, political buildings and charming Raj era bungalows. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and acclimatise after your journey. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi

Day 3 Delhi

This morning tour Delhi with your guide, starting the day in Old Delhi. Dating to the time of the Mughals, Old Delhi is an atmospheric place to explore. Visit the Red Fort with its palaces, audience halls and private royal apartments, head to the Jama Masjid which is the largest mosque in India then enjoy a memorable walk through the markets of Chandni Chowk. End the morning at Rajghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon see some of the highlights of New Delhi including the 450 year old Humayun’s Tomb, 13th century Qutb Minar complex, the India Gate war memorial and Rashtrapati Bhavan which is the official residence of the President of India. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi

Day 4 Delhi to Agra via Sikandra – 200kms

After breakfast drive to Agra stopping en-route to visit Sikandra, the site chosen by the Moghul Emperor Akbar for his tomb. An impressive and imposing structure, the tomb is set amongst an enclosed garden with the first three stories made from red sandstone and the fourth a courtyard made from the same white marble used to construct the Taj Mahal. Akbar's tomb is below ground level complete with an alabaster tablet inscribed with the 99 divine names of Allah. Afterwards, continue the short distance to Agra where you will stay for the next two nights.
Accommodation in Agra: ITC Mughal Hotel

Day 5 Agra

This morning visit the Taj Mahal – an undoubted highlight of the holiday. Famous the world over, the Taj Mahal is a building of perfection which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in honour of his wife Mumtaz. In the afternoon, further visits will be made to Agra’s other famous sights including the grand Agra Fort and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula which is known locally as the ‘Baby Taj’. End the day at the Mehtab Bagh gardens which have a lovely view across the Yamuna River to the Taj Mahal. (B)
Accommodation in Agra: ITC Mughal Hotel

Day 6 Agra to Ranthambore National Park – 285kms

After breakfast drive towards Ranthambore National Park making a stop on the way at the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built of red sandstone, take time to explore the palaces and mosques of this grand complex and learn why Akbar’s city was abandoned so soon after completion. From Fatehpur Sikri continue by road to your accommodation at Ranthambore where you will stay for the next two nights. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Ranthambore National Park: Vivanta Sawai Madhopur Lodge

Day 7 Ranthambore

Today visit Ranthambore at sunrise and sunset. Ranthambore National Park is one of India’s premier wildlife reserves and supports a wide variety of animal and bird life. The terrain at Ranthambore is hilly and thickly forested providing the perfect environment for India’s most famous mammal, the majestic Bengal tiger, to flourish. The park is also home to other large predators including leopard, jackal and hyena, grazing animals such as sambar, chital, nilgai and chinkara, crocodile and monitor lizard and over 250 species of resident and migratory birds. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Ranthambore National Park: Vivanta Sawai Madhopur Lodge

Day 8 Ranthambore to Jaipur – 160kms

This morning visit the reserve for a final safari and later, after breakfast, continue your journey to the Rajasthani capital of Jaipur. One of India’s most characterful cities, the delightful ‘pink city’ of Jaipur is an assault on the senses. Established in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jaipur was carefully planned and today the city is an elegant mix of haveli homes, fine palaces and lively bazaars. On arrival continue to your hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. (B)
Accommodation in Jaipur: ITC Rajputana Hotel

Day 9 Jaipur

Start the morning outside of the city at the Amber Fort. Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop with stunning panoramic views, Amber was a Rajput capital for over 700 years and houses everything from Royal apartments and private temples to pretty courtyard gardens and grand audience halls. Returning to the city, visit the superb City Palace complex and picturesque Hawa Mahal and end the day at the ancient stone Jantar Mantar observatory. (B)
Accommodation in Jaipur: ITC Rajputana Hotel

Day 10 Jaipur to Delhi – 250kms

Spend the morning at leisure in Jaipur before returning by road with your driver to Delhi. Stay overnight at an airport hotel. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi

Day 11 Delhi to the UK

This morning transfer by car back to Delhi Airport for your non-stop return Virgin Atlantic flight to London Heathrow. (N)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Train travel as specified
Private car with English speaking driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Wildlife viewing with local naturalist
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.