Taj and Tigers - From Ranthambore to Corbett

14 days from £3435 per person

The Indian subcontinent is home to a number of excellent wildlife reserves but the national parks of Corbett and Ranthambore remain two of the best and most popular. This itinerary combines both, whilst also incorporating comprehensive visits to Old and New Delhi, Agra for the Taj Mahal and two days in the stunning ‘pink city’ of Jaipur. The focus for this journey, however, is on wildlife and ample time is spent in Corbett and Ranthambore. Both support an incredible range of animals including leopard, tiger and crocodile with Corbett also known for wild elephant and excellent birding.

Route: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Corbett National Park – Delhi

Itinerary Highlights

The perfectly formed tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula pre-dates the Taj Mahal by nearly 20 years but the quality of its intricate inlay work more than matches that of it better-known neighbour.

Framed by hills and forest, Ranthambore National Park has a beautiful setting and is an important wildlife refuge that supports a wide variety of animals including tiger and leopard.

India’s oldest national park, Corbett is bordered by the Himalayan foothills. Best known for tiger, Corbett’s diversity is astonishing with the birdwatching, in particular, excellent.

Itinerary: Taj and Tigers - From Ranthambore to Corbett

Day 1 Depart UK

Today depart the UK on the Jet Airways non-stop flight to Delhi. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

Delhi is India's capital and a city of two halves. Old Delhi – the heart of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries – is an historic district of grand mosques, majestic forts and crumbling monuments. In contrast New Delhi, with its large government buildings, wide tree-lined avenues and pretty white-washed bungalows was purpose-built in the 1930s by the British as a colonial capital and remains the epicentre of Indian political power. (N)

Accommodation in Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi (or similar)

Upgrade option: Maidens Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Delhi

After breakfast commence a morning tour of Old Delhi with your guide to explore the area’s dense network of bustling alleyways, homes, bazaars and mosques visiting famous Chandni Chowk market, the beautiful Jama Masjid, the Red Fort and Rajghat. In the afternoon continue to New Delhi which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is today home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the imposing India Gate. (B)

Accommodation in Delhi: Le Meridien New Delhi (or similar)

Upgrade option: Maidens Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Delhi to Agra – by train

This morning travel by train from Delhi to Agra. Agra was once one of the world’s majestic cities and later today visit the imposing Agra Fort, established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. No stay in Agra is complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, arguably the greatest monument to love, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. The Taj Mahal is a building world renowned for its beauty and the craftsmanship is outstanding. (B)

Accommodation in Agra: ITC Mughal Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Agra to Ranthambore – 250kms

Leaving Agra visit Fatehpur Sikri which was once the capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and constructed of beautiful red sandstone. Afterwards continue to the Project Tiger Reserve at Ranthambore. Running from the easternmost spur of the Aravallis to the Vindhya Range, Ranthambore is set in a valley or dry deciduous forest dotted with small watering holes. The reserve supports a mixed range of birds and mammals and although the tiger is the main predator, leopards, jackal and hyena are also present as well as sambar, chital, wild boar, nilgai, chinkara and crocodile. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Ranthambore: Nahargarh (or similar)

Upgrade option: Khem Villas

Alternative upgrade option: Sher Bagh

Days 6 & 7 Ranthambore National Park

Visit the park at sunrise and sunset in the company of an expert naturalist. As with much of India the blend between nature and history is strong at Ranthambore and the 13th century fort is the focal point of the park. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Ranthambore: Nahargarh (or similar)

Upgrade option: Khem Villas

Alternative upgrade option: Sher Bagh

Day 8 Ranthambore to Jaipur – 160kms

Today leave Ranthambore and continue to the colourful ‘pink city’ of Jaipur where you will stay for two nights. Planned by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is a vibrant city of bazaars, beautiful palaces, fine havelis and spectacular forts. Early evening take a guide walk through the colourful bazaars. (B)

Accommodation in Jaipur: Dera Mandawa (or similar)

Alternative option: 47 Jobner Bagh

Upgrade option: Samode Haveli

Day 9 Jaipur

This morning drive outside of Jaipur to the dramatically located Amber Fort set on a ridge above the rugged sounding hills. A Rajput capital for over 700 years, there is plenty to explore here from courtyard gardens and small temples to the private chambers of the Maharaja. In the afternoon return to Jaipur to visit the superb City Palace complex which is home to the beautiful Peacock Gate and famous Hawa Mahal, or ‘Palace of the Winds’ and the Jantar Mantar – the largest stone observatory in the world. (B)

Accommodation in Jaipur: Dera Mandawa (or similar)

Alternative option: 47 Jobner Bagh

Upgrade option: Samode Haveli

Day 10 Jaipur to Delhi / Delhi to Corbett via Ramnagar

After breakfast transfer to Jaipur Airport and fly to Delhi then continue your journey by train to Ramnagar. Once in Ramnagar travel the short distance to Jim’s Jungle Retreat which is located to the southeast of the reserve close to Ramnagar and where you will stay for three nights. Established in 1935, Corbett is India’s oldest and best known wildlife sanctuary. Corbett is named after the hunter-turned-conservationist and author Jim Corbett who lived in the area for many years and who wrote the legendary book ‘Man Eaters of Kumaon’. (B/D)

Accommodation in Corbett: Jim’s Jungle Retreat (or similar)

Days 11 & 12 Corbett National Park

Situated along a valley of the Ramganga River and bordered by the Himalayan foothills, Corbett encompasses a varied terrain ranging from savannah grassland to deciduous forest. The park also supports a remarkable variety of wildlife including elephant and bear, leopard and tiger and is home to an astonishing 600 species of birds. Viewing at Corbett is undertaken by shared jeep and over the next two days visit the park at sunrise and sunset. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Corbett: Jim’s Jungle Retreat (or similar)

Day 13 Corbett to Ramnagar – 30kms / Ramnagar to Delhi – by train

After breakfast return to Ramnagar then take the train back to Delhi. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. (B)

Accommodation in Delhi: Maidens Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Imperial Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Delhi to UK

Today transfer back to Delhi Airport to catch the Jet Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

**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

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.

Taj and Tigers - From Ranthambore to Corbett

14 days from £3435 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Taj and Tigers - From Ranthambore to Corbett

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What's included

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Guide to Price

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