Taj and Tigers - From Ranthambore to Corbett

14 days from £3990 per person

Indian roller perched on a branch in an Indian national Park

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

Fly with Virgin Atlantic to the Indian capital of Delhi. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

Arrive into Delhi where you will be met and taken to your hotel. With two distinct identities, Delhi is one of India’s most interesting cities. Old Delhi, with its mosques, bazaars, monuments and forts, was the capital of Muslim India from the 17th century whilst New Delhi is the current centre of Indian political power and was purpose-built in the 1930s during the British Raj. (N)
Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Taj Mahal Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Delhi

After breakfast join your guide and visit Old Delhi to explore the dense warren of alleyways, homes, markets, mosques and churches of this atmospheric neighbourhood. Places of interest include the shops of Chandni Chowk, the beautiful Jama Masjid mosque, the Red Fort and Rajghat. Later in the afternoon drive to New Delhi. Famously designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, today this area of the city is home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and imposing India Gate. (B)

Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Taj Mahal Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Delhi to Agra – by train

Early this morning travel by express train to Agra. Once one of the India’s greatest cities, later visit 400 year old Agra Fort and the beautiful Itmad-ud-Daula, known locally as the ‘Baby Taj’. At sunset make your way to the Taj Mahal, arguably the world’s greatest monument to love which was built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. The Taj Mahal is a building renowned for its scale and beauty and the craftsmanship is outstanding. (B)
Accommodation in Agra: ITC Mughal Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Agra to Ranthambore – 250kms

Today drive to Ranthambore National Park stopping en-route to visit the remains of the deserted 16th century city of Fatehpur Sikri. Stretching between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, the Project Tiger reserve of Ranthambore is predominately set in a landscape of dry deciduous forest interspersed with small watering holes. Supporting a wide range of birds and mammals, the park is best known for its tiger population, however, leopard, jackal and hyena are also present as well as sambar, chital, wild boar, nilgai, chinkara and crocodile. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Ranthambore: Khem Villas
Alternative option: Sher Bagh

Days 6 & 7 Ranthambore National Park

Over the next two days visit the reserve 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 with the ruined 13th century fort the focal point of the park. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Ranthambore: Khem Villas
Alternative option: Sher Bagh

Day 8 Ranthambore to Jaipur – 160kms

Early this morning undertake one final safari drive then continue with your driver to the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur which will be your base for the next two nights. Jaipur was planned by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, and is a beautiful city of markets, exquisite haveli homes, opulent palaces and spectacular forts. In the early evening take a guided walk through the colourful bazaars. (B)
Accommodation in Jaipur: Dera Mandawa (or similar)
Upgrade option: Samode Haveli

Day 9 Jaipur

Start your day outside of Jaipur at the dramatically sited Amber Fort which is set high on a ridge surrounded by hills. A Rajput capital for over 700 years, the complex houses gardens, a number of small temples, public rooms and the private chambers of the Maharaja. Return to Jaipur and in the afternoon visit the superb City Palace complex, including the beautiful Peacock Gate and famous Hawa Mahal, or ‘Palace of the Winds’, and the Jantar Mantar observatory. (B)
Accommodation in Jaipur: Dera Mandawa (or similar)
Upgrade option: Samode Haveli

Day 10 Jaipur to Delhi / Delhi to Corbett via Ramnagar

Today transfer to Jaipur Airport and fly to Delhi. On arrival continue your journey by train to Ramnagar where you will be met and taken to Jim’s Jungle Retreat, located to the southeast of the reserve, and where you will stay for three nights. Established in 1935, Corbett is India’s oldest wildlife sanctuary and 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

Bordered by the Himalayan foothills and the Ramganga River, Corbett is a beautiful reserve. The varied terrain supports a remarkably wide variety of wildlife including elephant and bear, leopard and tiger and is also 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 with a naturalist. (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 Railway Station and take the train back to Delhi. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B)

Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Taj Mahal Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Delhi to UK

Depart Delhi on the Virgin Atlantic 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 £3990 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Taj and Tigers - From Ranthambore to Corbett

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