• Hotel Vivanta by Taj or the Leela Ambiance Shahadra (or similar)
• Taj Hotel & Convention (or similar)
• Clarks Safari, Ranthambore (or similar)
• Taj Devi Ratan (or similar)

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrive in Delhi

When you touch down in Delhi there will be a meet and greet at the airport. You’ll also be warmly welcomed with a traditional Aarti-Tikka with refreshments at the hotel.

Day 2 – Sightseeing in Delhi

Get ready to experience the cultural kaleidoscope that is India’s main city, Delhi.

Old Delhi

Travel back in time to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries to the time of the Mughal Empire with a trip to Old Delhi and its central locale Chandni Chowk. Experience the busy market, selling an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewellery, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables.

Rikshaw Ride Through Old Delhi & Visit to Jama Masjid

Get to know every area of Chandni Chowk even better with a sense-jangling rickshaw ride through its narrow streets.

Following your jaunt through the winding corridors, you’ll pull up to the lavish doors of Jama Masjid. Built in 1658, it took 14 years to complete this architectural masterpiece – at the order of Shah Jahan.

When you get closer you’ll be able to see that the intricate walls and details of the Mosque are constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble.

Raj Ghat

After your jaunt through Old Delhi, you’ll jump in a vehicle and be whisked 3 km away to Raj Ghat. A simple square platform of black marble marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. The site of the marble is surrounded by a gorgeous park filled with trees which were originally planted by international royalty & dignitaries.

Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

The Gurdwara includes a temple, a kitchen, a large (holy) pond, a school and an art gallery. The idea of a Sikh Gurudwara is a “langar” or free kitchen. This central temple complex acts as a hub for people to come and socialise, cook and eat the delicious food on offer.

At this Gurudwara, the talented and devoted team serve 180 meals every 15 minutes. The dishes are made of a fresh chapatti, lightly spiced basmati rice, vitamin-rich dal, a spicy potato dish and a creamy yellow turmeric-based sauce with onion pakora.

Complimentary Optional Activity 1 – Visi to Dilli Haat

Speaking of food, the Dilli Haat, in South Delhi, is an open-air food and craft bazaar. Eat your way around the country in here with food stalls cooking up specials from every state.

During your 60-90-minute excursions through the marketplace, you have the chance to sample a world of delights. You’ll also have ample opportunity to check out some souvenirs – from rosewood and sandalwood carvings to colourful fabrics and drapery.

Complimentary Optional Activity 2 – Visit the Heritage Park, Sunder Nursery

Enclosed in Sunder Nursery’s 90-acre space, you have the chance to explore several UNESCO World Heritage monuments including Sunder Buri, Sunderwala Mahal, Lakkarwala Buri, Mriza Muzaffar Husssin’s Tomb, Chota Batshewala and Mughal Tomb.

Not to mention the 300 plant and shrub species, a selection of gardens, marble fountains and 80 resident bird species.

New Delhi Tour

After working your way through Old Delhi and its unending wonders, you'll move on to attractions of New Delhi. First up is a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO world heritage site and the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India.

Wander the stunningly picturesque gardens and marvel at the gorgeous architecture. The mausoleum's walls are s revered, they're said to have inspired the great Taj Mahal.

Qutub Minar, India Gate, Presidential Palace & Parliament House

Following your stop off at Humayun's Tomb, you'll break for a spot of lunch before moving on to the next awe-inspiring site. This time it's Qutub Minar. This beautiful complex is dripping with architectural and historical significance.

The Qutub Minar itself is an ornate carved tower, originally built by QUrtub-ud-din-Aibak in 1199. Elsewhere in the site you'll also find The Quwwat-Ul-Islam, the first mosque in India.

Next you'll drive on to Parliament House, taking in the beauty and majesty of the Presidential Palace and India Gate as you go.

Day 3 – Delhi to Agra & Taj Mahal Tour

After your unforgettable experience in Delhi, you’ll make the 200+ km journey south to Agra. Here is where you’ll find the and explore the incredible Taj Mahal.

One of the 7 New Wonders of the World, this stunning piece of architectural brilliance is actually a mausoleum. Built by Shah Jahan back in 1632 as a final resting place and monument to his lost love Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz, Shah Jahan’s wife, died during childbirth – so the heartbroken Emperor built this stunningly symmetrical space just for her.

Take the chance to head out on one of the Taj tours and learn more about this epic space, including the “Diana seat”.

Paid Optional Activity – Mohabbat-E-Taj Sound & Light Show

The 80-minute musical extravaganza features a replica of the Taj Mahal made in pure white Makrana marble. Presented in 10 moods to match different seasonal and hourly changes, the show depicts a 17th century love story set in the Taj.

Day 4 – Drive from Agra to Bharatpur and Train to Ranthambore

Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire. As such, it’s here that you’ll find some of the dynasty’s greatest monuments. One such build is Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the antiquated fortification was built back in 1565.

Inside the vast fort complex you’ll uncover more beautiful buildings like Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, as well as Diwan-i-Khas (a grand audience hall) and a couple of picturesque mosques.

Fatehpur Sikri

Discover the haunting beauty of the “Ghost City” of Fatehpur Sikri. First built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar to honour the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons, Fatehpur Sikri was the emperor’s capital.

However, following 14 years of occupation, water scarcity and Akbar leaving the city meant it fell into abandonment. Nowadays, the city remains beautifully preserved including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chishti, and Panch Mahal Palace.

After you’ve finished explore this beautiful ancient relic it will be time to head for the Bharatpur Railway station and on to your next dazzling destination.

Day 5 – Ranthambore

After all that time spent in the towns and cities of India, you’ll now get the chance experience the wild outdoors at Ranthambore National Park.

During your time at Ranthambore, you’ll have the chance to head out on 2 safaris. Strike out at dawn for the best chance to spot the elusive and majestic Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. You can also keep ‘em peeled for exotic wildlife such as leopards, wild boars, and different species of deer.

Alongside the stunning wildlife, you can also explore the gorgeous 10th-century Ranthambore Fort.

Day 6 – Ranthambore to Jaipur

Day 6 of our Indian touring holiday will see you say goodbye to the bush and head 170km northwest to Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan state.

Your afternoon will be spent getting stuck into one of the most famous traditional arts of the area ‘Block Printing and Textiles of Jaipur’ workshop. Print a stole or some table napkins, the choice is yours.

Paid Optional Activity – Dinner with an Indian Family

Take the unique opportunity to join an Indian family for dinner at their residence and enjoy festive rituals. Men will participate in turban tying, while ladies are presented with a ceremonial scarf, signifying compassion.

You will also be honoured with a Tikka. The Tikka, a red vermilion, paste is applied with the thumb in a single upward stroke to the guests’ forehead to signify the energy of spiritual enlightenment and wisdom.

Day 7 – Jaipur

Amber Fort (another stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site) is your next destination in Jaipur. This beautiful Rajasthani Fort Palace is bedecked in murals painted on the walls depicting ancient hunting and war scenes or festivals.

Continue your Jaipur sightseeing mission by taking in famous sites like ‘Chandra Mahal’ and ‘Mubarak Mahal’. These palaces inside the vast Maharaja’s City Palace complex form museums, courtyards, gardens and stunning works of art.

Why not end your time in Jaipur with a visit to Jantar Mantar. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest astronomical observatories on the planet.

Complimentary Optional Activity – Aarti Ceremony at Birla Temple in Jaipur

Why not take the option to end your Jaipur holiday with a beautiful Aarti Ceremony at Birla Temple.

The ceremony is a fundamental part of Hindu culture; representing the elements of fire, earth, water and air as well as the senses. After offerings have been made to Lord Vishnu & Goddess Lakshmi, the ceremony ends with everyone sharing the food.

Day 8 – Leave Jaipur for Delhi

The final full day on your tour of India is yours to enjoy however you wish. Following the 250km journey back from Jaipur, you can spend some time chilling and making use of the luxurious facilities at Vivanta by Taj Dwarka.

Day 9 – Transfer to Delhi Airport and Home

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport ready for your trip home.