Arrive at Delhi / Day 01
Arrive in Delhi. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel. (Rooms will be available from 14:00 hrs) DELHI - It is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed, and then rebuilt here. On arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Delhi / Day 02
After a breakfast enjoy the Jamali Kamali Walk Start the walk from the main entrance to the Mehrauli Archaeological Park. It is a beautiful 02 hours walk to Jamali Kamali Mosque. The beautiful and spruced up lawns of Jamali Kamali make it a scenic picnic spot for Delhiites. Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, located in the Archaeological Village complex in Mehrauli, Delhi, India, comprises of two monuments adjacent to each other; one is the mosque and the other is the tomb of two persons with the names Jamali and Kamali. Later, walk half a kilometer to reach Qutub Minar. Qutub Minar - Qutub Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. The tower has five distinct storey’s, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storey’s are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled. Drive to the south of Delhi and enjoy Lunch with a Local Indian Family, where guest will get the opportunity to interact with them. Clients will be given brief introduction on Indian Herbs & Cooking Class. Client will also learn the traditional Indian cooking methods. We will demonstrate Indian meal. Guest will enjoy this cooked meal for Lunch. Drive past the Govt. Buildings - New Delhi houses several government buildings and official residences reminiscent of the British colonial architecture. Today we will drive past few of them, like The Parliament House, designed by Baker is 173m in diameter, the Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy’s residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles. Photo stop at the India Gate - At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triumph" like archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. Visit the Humayun’s Tomb - Humayun's Tomb is probably one of the most innovative and experimental monuments of its time, incorporating within it Indo-Islamic architectural styles. This magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (Charbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome. Overnight in the Hotel.
Delhi / Agra / Day 03
After breakfast drive to Agra. AGRA - The city of the inimitable “TAJ MAHAL”. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. While its significance as a political center ended with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured its place on the international map. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. Check in at the Hotel and relax. OR you can learn about the Marble inlay work. Visit Marble Factory. Agra is famous for Marble Inlay work (also known as pietra dura) because it happens to be the only place in the world where this art form is still being practiced in its original form i.e the complete work is still being carried out by hand no machines are involved. The artistes involved in this art form are descendants of the people who worked to create “Taj Mahal”. Once the construction of Taj Mahal was complete, a number of these workers decided to stay back in Agra instead of going back to the places they came from. Overnight in the Hotel.
Agra / Day 04
Sunrise visit Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal Taj Mahal or Crown of Palaces is a white marble mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. A world-renowned wonder, Taj Mahal looks the same from all the four sides and is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in the beauty alone but in the deep planning and design that went into its making. This enchanting mausoleum started in 1631 and it took 22 years to complete with the help of an estimated 20000 workers. (It remains closed on Fridays). Note: Since Taj Mahal is a World Heritage Site and hence require some maintenance or restoration work routinely. Return to Hotel for a late breakfast. After breakfast visit Agra Fort. Agra Fort The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1666, A.D. although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shahjahan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal. Enjoy Lunch in a unique Cafe known as Sheros Cafe. This cafe is dedicated to women who have fought to survive after acid Attacks. All the workers in this cafe are these survivor ladies. Return to the Hotel and you can relax for the rest of the day. Overnight at the hotel.
Agra / Ramathra / Day 05
After breakfast drive to Ramthara. Ramathra – The name Ramathra honours Lord Rama, who, it is believed, camped here while on his epic journey to Lanka. Today, Ramathra Fort belongs to Thakur Brijendra Raj Pal and his family who are descendents of the founder the King of Karauli. Ramathra lies between two of India’s internationally famous wildlife reserves, Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur. Arrive Ramathra village and check in at the Ramathra Fort and rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy your beautiful hotel at a secluded location. You can also walk around the village in the evening to see the rural village life. Overnight at the hotel.
Ramathra / Day 06
Enjoy a Ramathra Village Trail - A complete walking tour of Ramathra village, a small hamlet of farmers and cattle herders, takes about 3 hours. You see all kinds of work associated with tending crops and animals. Rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening enjoy a Boating experience At Sunset - In a row boat in the kalisil dam. It is peaceful & picturesque with breathtaking views of the sunset & rich with birdlife. We provide life jackets, a bird book & also a pair of binoculars. Overnight at the hotel.
Ramathra / Ranthambhore / Day 07
Today early morning Bird Watching. There are a variety of species of birds seen around the Fort & Lake .Bird watching can be done at the lake, at the marshes below the fort or during your walk to the village After a late breakfast drive to Ranthambhore. RANTHAMBORE - Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest and most famous national parks in North India. It is named after the historic Ranthambore fortress that is found within the park. The park covers an area of 392 sq km. Bound to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal river, Ranthambore lies at the edge of a plateau. There are several lakes here and it is home to a variety of plants and animals. However, Ranthambore's pride is the population of tigers prowling in their own natural habitat. Overnight in the Hotel.
Ranthambhore / Day 08
Early morning enjoy a Game safari in Ranthambore National Park. Afternoon visit Dasktar Project. Visit Dastkar Ranthambore Project, founded in 1981 by six women united to protect India’s traditional artisans. Meet with artisans and have an interaction with them and understand their work and way of life. Overnight in the Hotel.
Ranthambore / Day 09
Today early morning enjoy a beautiful walk of Ranthambhore Fort Today enjoy an interesting walk to Ranthambore Fort. We will drive through the Jungle, just to reach our starting point of the walk, from where steps to Fort will start. There are more than 300 steps to reach the top of the fort. The height of the fort is approx 200 meters. The walls of the fort are about 7 kilometers in length and include an area of nearly 4 square kilometers. On the way, we will see some ruins of the fort which offers ample opportunities to click pictures. The path to the fort is surrounded by monkeys. You can see monkeys sitting beside you and walking on the wall. During the walk you will see lots of pilgrims heading to the temple and a bustling little local complex of stalls by the temple. There is also one cenotaph (Chattari). Return to the Hotel for a late breakfast. Afternoon enjoy another game safari in the Park. Overnight at the hotel.
Ranthambore / Jaipur / Day 10
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Jaipur. JAIPUR - The fascinating capital of the marvellous state of Rajasthan. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City, thanks to the colour of its buildings. It was built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. On arrival in Jaipur, transfer to hotel. This late afternoon enjoy The Pink City Heritage tour on pink rickshaw - Your Pink City rickshaw adventure starts with the rickshaw waiting for you at your hotel doorstep (or a pre designated spot if you’re on a planned itinerary). The rickshaw shall meander through the Johari Baraz and take you around the Statue Circle where a life size marble statue pays homage to the founder of Jaipur; the first planned city of India. The Pink city rickshaw shall drop you back to your hotel/ pick up place and leave you with memories of the vibrancy of our heritage city you will shop for a traditional Indian dress in the market. Overnight at the hotel.
Jaipur / Day 11
After breakfast Proceed for visit of Jaipur including following: Enjoy a cup of tea at one of the best Chai shop in Jaipur. Photo stop at the Hawa Mahal Palace - The poet king Sawai Pratap Singh built this palace of winds. This is easily the most well-known landmarks of Jaipur and is also its icon. This five-storey building overlooking the busy bazaar street is a fascinating example of Rajput architecture and artistry with its delicately honeycombed 953 pink sandstone windows known as 'jharokhas'. It was originally built for the ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life and processions in the city from their veiled comfort. Amber Fort - The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh, the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. Built mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents within the ramparts of the fort. Return back to hotel and relax in the Hotel and rest of the day is at leisure. OR You can go for a nice walk in the countryside. Once you are out of Amer town, you will start your walk in the countryside. The walk takes you on a rural forest track with no urban civilization in the proximity and passing by a medieval stepwell, the Ancient Delhi Gate, and a rescue center for circus tigers (visitors are not allowed inside the rescue centre).The trek through and bordering the Nahargarh Forest Area winds past small village hutments and a pretty medieval temple ending at Dera Amer. During the village visit, you can have a glimpse of life of villagers. You will also have the possibility of visiting a small school run by the government (not open on holidays). Fascinating is the local flora and fauna, birdlife, and the possibility of seeing antelopes and other wildlife. The whole trek would be about 2-3 hrs. The excursion culminates with a hot lunch at the Dera Amer camp. Return to the Hotel and relax. Evening enjoy a Dinner in one of the Oldest Havelis of Jaipur – “San Kotra” - You will enter the courtyard and will be greeted by local women in a traditional way by applying TIKKA (red marks on your foreheads) and flower garlands around your necks. You will sit in a large open living area where you will be joined by noble family for dinner and you will get a chance to chat with them. Overnight at the hotel
Jaipur / Delhi / Day 12
Early morning enjoy Yoga in the Hotel. Drive to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and connect to airport to board the flight back home with sweet memories.
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