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.
Today depart the UK on the Jet Airways non-stop flight to Delhi. (N)
Arrive into Delhi and stay for two nights at Le Meridien New Delhi. Alternatively upgrade to the Maidens Hotel. 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)
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)
This morning travel by train from Delhi to Agra and stay overnight at the ITC Mughal Hotel. 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)
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. Stay for three nights at Nahargarh or upgrade to either Khem Villas or Sher Bagh. (B/L/D)
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)
Today leave Ranthambore and continue to the colourful ‘pink city’ of Jaipur where you will stay for two nights at either Dera Mandawa, 47 Jobner Bagh or upgrade to Samode Haveli. 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)
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)
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)
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)
After breakfast return to Ramnagar then take the train back to Delhi. On arrival you will be met and taken to the Oberoi Maidens Hotel for an overnight stay. Alternatively upgrade to the Imperial Hotel. (B)
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
The price above is a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season. If you wish to travel alone we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements and will provide a proposal on request
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