Ranthambore and The Golden Triangle

Day 01: - Arrive Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International Airport.

Delhi - A bustling metropolis and a city of 14 million inhabitants, is also India's capital. A near perfect blend of the ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting two parts Old & New Delhi, is a city with something for everyone. From Forts and monuments that are almost 500 years old, to modern shopping malls, nightclubs and golf courses, Delhi truly is India's crown jewel.

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our representative who will present you with a welcome pack including all necessary documentation and arrange your transfer to the Claridges hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today, since most of the International flights arrive into India close to midnight only.

The Claridges : Located in the heart of the city, The Claridges has been a landmark in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950's. Set on 3 acres of land, the hotel is a low-rise building with only three floors. It is within close proximity of the business district, ministries, diplomatic missions, shopping & cultural centers and historical landmarks. The Hotel's facilities include a Swimming Pool, Health Club and several Bars and Restaurants.

For the ultimate in luxury, you could choose to upgrade to The Imperial : - The Imperial Hotel, one of Delhi's best known luxury Hotels is also one of the oldest hotels in Delhi .Built in 1933, it has a somewhat unconventional style & design; a mixture of Victorian and old colonial with a playful dosage of art deco. The hotel, which is centrally located on Janpath, is set in beautiful gardens and its facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a shopping arcade, permanent in-house art galleries and a variety of restaurants.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi

Rajghat

This morning you are collected from your hotel for full day tour of Old and New Delhi.

The tour of the 17th-century old city includes the great mosque of Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Street"). Drive past Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

The tour of New Delhi includes the Humayun's Tomb, the precursor of the Taj Mahal. Drive down the spectacular Rajpath ("the Kingsway,") passing the India Gate (the memorial built to commemorate the unknown soldiers,) the President's House, and the House of Parliament. Enjoy a brief respite from the otherwise bustling city at Birla Mandir, a modern and colourful Hindu temple.

Evening at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover the city or its many restaurants on your own. Overnight at hotel

Day 03: Delhi - Agra
This morning you drive to Agra (220kms/4 hrs.).

Taj Mahal

Agra : "The Land of Taj" was once the capital of the Mughal Empire and even today it seems to linger in the past. Not surprising, for the Mughal emperors with their passion for building, endowed the city with some of the finest structures in the world. Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest that's finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. In more recent times Agra came into prominence when Sikandar Lodi made it his capital city in 1501. Later it passed into the possession of the Mughals. It was during the time of the third emperor "Akbar" that Agra came into its own and later on his grandson "Shah Jehan" ornamented the city with that masterpiece of Mughal architecture - The Taj Mahal.

Upon arrival check in at the Trident.

Agra Fort

Trident : The Trident Agra, is set amidst beautiful gardens and is only a few minutes walk away from the famous Taj Mahal. The hotel is built of the red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era, designed around landscaped central courtyard with swimming pool and fountains. All rooms are centrally air-conditioned and equipped with modern facilities like a mini-bar, complimentary tea and coffee making facility, direct dial telephone, data port connectivity, television set with satellite transmission and a personal safe. The hotel features an informal, poolside brasserie and a Bar. The restaurant serves an extensive buffet, and a choice of Continental and Indian cuisine.

For the ultimate in luxury, you could choose to upgrade to the Oberoi Amar - Vilas : - Only 600 metres from the Taj Mahal stands the Oberoi Group's luxury resort, Amarvilas. The classical architecture of the hotel is complemented by the elaborate gardens, terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions. The hotel has been designed to give guests uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal from all rooms and suites. The lobby, restaurants, bar and tea lounge also offer spectacular views of the world famous monument. The décor and service spell the ultimate in comfort and the luxurious spa offers non-clinical therapies.

Afternoon, you are collected for half day city tour of Agra visiting The Taj Mahal - a poem, a feeling of love, in white marble, is a fine example of the fusion of many architectural styles. It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Your tour also includes a visit to the Red Sandstone Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century, lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, almost in the heart of town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years of 1565-1573.

Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Agra - Ranthambore
This morning you drive to Ranthambore (290 kms/06 hrs.) visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route - often called the ghost city, built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire, Fatehpur Sikri was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later.

Later continue your drive to Ranthambore.

Ranthambore

Ranthambore : The most convienently located National Park in the North Indian state of Rajasthan, is considered by many to be one of India's most beautiful national parks .The Ranthambore National Park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger's conservation efforts in Rajasthan. It covers an area of 400 sq km with many steep crags embracing a network of lakes and rivers. Atop one of these hills, the 10th century Ranthambore Fort stands like a silent sentinel. The terrain is a blend of impregnable forests and open bush land. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type with dhok being the most prominent tree. Ranthambore is best known for its tiger population, and tiger sightings are common here. Apart from tigers, the park has its share of panthers, too. Kachida Valley is believed to be the place to sight these rather elusive cats. One can also find marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears apart from Chital, Nilgai, and Chinkara. The avian population comprises of black storks, quails, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent eagles and painted storks. During the winter months, the park attracts a lot of migratory birds, including a variety of ducks. It is the ideal park for wildlife photography.

Upon arrival check-in at the Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge.

Taj Sawai

The Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge : Located amidst 12 acres of lush gardens, this 70-year-old hunting lodge exudes a rustic, earthy charm and an air of history. The Lodge is a heritage building and was the the hunting lodge of the Maharajah of Jaipur . It has about 30 newly refurbished rooms , with all modern amenities . Leisure facilities at the Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge include a swimming pool, a well stocked bar, a library, a billiards/snooker room and massage services.

Vanya Vilas

To experience world class luxury accommodation in Ranthambhore, you could choose to upgrade to the Oberoi Vanya Vilas in Ranthambore : -Vanya vilas is India's first luxury jungle camp and it is situated adjacent to the famous tiger sanctuary of Ranthambore. Accommodation is in 25 luxury air-conditioned tents, which are located to ensure maximum privacy. In true Oberoi Vilas style, each tent has a large well-appointed marble bathroom with freestanding, bathtub, separate shower stall and double vanity. The resort area totals almost 20 acres and yet only 5% is to be built upon, leaving space for the many trees and extensive natural flora, ensuring the natural beauty of the area is maintained.Leisure facilities at the Oberoi Vanya Vilas , include a Swimming Pool, a Banyan Tree Spa , a library, a fully stocked bar and Cigar lounge .

Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 05 : - In Ranthambore

Ranthambore

Early morning & evening game safaris into the Ranthambore National Park. Safaris in Ranthambhore are organized in jeeps and open air mini trucks, and local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 06 : - In Ranthambore
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Ranthambore National Park. Safaris in Ranthambhore are organized in jeeps and open air mini trucks, and local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 07 : - Ranthambore - Jaipur
Early morning game safari at Ranthambore National Park. Later drive to the Pink city of Rajasthan - Jaipur (180 kms/3½ hrs.).

Hawa Mahal

Jaipur : Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance, and song with the traditional arts and crafts. It's one of India's most well planned cities, with wide, straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes in a grid system. The great warrior/astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II carefully planned Jaipur's foundation. Laid out in the 18th century, its design followed specifications from an epochal Hindu treatise on architecture.

This "Pink City," so called because its buildings are painted in the tones of an autumnal sunset, intersperses the play of red and pink with white borders and motifs. The royal family's residence at Amber is only 11 km away. The palaces and forts of yesteryear, once witness to royal processions, now shine amid the splendor of modern monuments, juxtaposition accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of an amazing people.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at the Jai Mahal Palace.

Jai Mahal Palace

Jai Mahal Palace :- Set in several acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the Jai Mahal Palace was the residence of the former Prime Minister of the state of Jaipur. Now a Deluxe hotel, managed by the Taj Group, the hotel has recently been refurbished and upgraded. Almost all rooms offer breathtaking views of the Moghul gardens or the swimming pool. Excellent service and modern amenities make the Jai Mahal Palace one of the finest hotels in Jaipur.

For the ultimate in luxury, you could choose to upgrade to the Rambagh Palace :- Once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, this magnificent palace is spread over 47 acres of land and is now a luxury hotel managed by the Taj Group. The hotel offers spacious rooms tastefully decorated in traditional Rajasthani style and excellent leisure facilities like an indoor swimming pool, health club and live entertainment every evening. The Rambagh Palace is also home to the Polo Bar, rated as one of the finest Bars in the world.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 : In Jaipur

Amber Fort

This morning you are collected from your hotel for excursion to Amber fort, situated on the outskirts of the city. Here, you are transported back in time today, riding like royalty atop elegantly draped and painted elephants into the high mountain fortress. Amber Fort was the ancient capital of the State until 1728 and inside the fort, you visit the Jagmandir or the Hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali.

Afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city visiting Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," one of the major landmarks of Jaipur, although it is actually little more than a façade. The five-story building was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.

The City Palace, located in the heart of the old city, is a large complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and also houses an interesting museum.

Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as a warrior.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 : Jaipur - Delhi Depart
Morning at leisure until drive to Delhi International airport (265 kms/05 hrs) in time to board flight home.