Wild wonders of North India and the Taj Mahal

1. Day 1 Arrive Delhi

   Delhi: A bustling metropolis and a city of almost 17 million inhabitants, is also India's capital. A near-perfect blend of the ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting of 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 in 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 1950s. 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. Overnight in Delhi.

2. Day 2 Delhi - Ranthambore

   This morning you will be met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to the Delhi railway station in time to board the train to Sawai Madhopur (Nearest railway station for Ranthambore). Ranthambhore: The most conveniently 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, you will be met and escorted for check-in to Nahargarh. Nahargarh is a royal retreat, one of the most indulgent properties in Rajasthan. Combine pampering luxury with adventurous safaris and tiger tour while engaging with cultural performances and pampering with royal amenities. The opulent layout of the luxury property comprises of delightful accommodation with modern amenities, a spa, Bar and grand courtyards, 3 different swimming pools, amphitheatre called Hathi Kund where the entertainment for the evening is hosted, restaurants serving mouth-watering platters and more. Feel like a royal in the royal land of Ranthambore. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

3. Day 3 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 stay in Ranthambore.

4. Day 4 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 stay in Ranthambore.

5. Day 5 Ranthambore - Bharatpur

   Morning game safari into Ranthambore National Park. Later meet our representative and escorted from your hotel to Sawai Madhopur railway station in time to board the train to Bharatpur. Bharatpur: Now known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, situated in the North Indian state of Rajasthan (actually very close to Agra) is without question one of the finest birdwatching locations in the world. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reserve provides diversity and abundance of birdlife only equaled in Africa and keen birdwatchers are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of birds present. Notable species amongst the throngs of nesting Painted Storks, White Ibises, Darters, and Spoonbills are specialties such as the threatened Black-necked Stork, Comb Duck, and the elusive Spotted Creeper. Thousands of ducks crowd the marshes and pools and include, amongst the more familiar species, hundreds of Ferruginous and Lesser Whistling Ducks plus smaller numbers of Red-crested Pochards and Spotbilled Ducks. Both White and Dalmatian Pelicans may occur and large numbers of Common Cranes along with smaller numbers of Sarus Cranes use the reserve in which to winter. Bharatpur has also been famous as the winter hideaway of the very rare Siberian Cranes, though the sighting of these has reduced considerably in recent years. Bharatpur also provides unrivaled opportunities for observing a large range of raptors, including Spotted, Imperial, Steppe and Tawny Eagles, as well as a host of vultures. Bharatpur is also known for the sighting of rare bird species such as Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Dusky Warbler, Marshall's Iora and Large-tailed Nightjar. Other wildlife inhabiting the Bharatpur Sanctuary includes the rare and beautiful Blackbuck, Indian Smooth Otter, Fishing Cat, Soft-shelled Turtle, and Indian Python. Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer, and Rhesus Macaques. A very interesting feature of Bharatpur is the way game rides are done -- on cycle rickshaws. You could also take a cycling or walking tour of this park. Upon arrival, you will be met & escorted for check-in at the Bagh. The Bagh: The Bagh is a heritage hotel set in 12 acres of beautiful gardens, very close to the Bharatpur Bird sanctuary. The hotel's twenty-three rooms are located in three different residential complexes. A restaurant, banquet hall, coffee shop, library, and a gym, all situated in a verdant orchard, allow guests to enjoy solitude and companionship in restful indoor and outdoor spaces. Each of the Bagh's twenty-three rooms is unique. Spacious bathrooms, luxurious fabrics, fine furnishings, and all modern-day amenities, let the weary traveler retreat and recoup after a day of sightseeing and bird watching. Gulmohar, the main restaurant, specializes in the wonderful vegetarian cuisine of the Braj region. With over fifty species of flora, including fruiting trees and flowering plants which attract birds, small animals, and insects, guests can enjoy quiet walks in the garden and commune with nature. The handsome buildings made in local stones are designed to merge with their natural surroundings. Works by contemporary Indian women artists are displayed throughout the complex. A stroll through the Bagh's garden and buildings leads a visitor through the realms of nature and art. Late in the afternoon rickshaw ride into Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Safaris in Bharatpur are organized on Cycle rickshaw. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight in Bharatpur.

6. Day 6 Bharatpur - Agra (56 kms/01 hrs)

   A morning rickshaw ride into Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Safaris in Bharatpur are organized on Cycle rickshaw. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Later drive to Agra (56 kms/01 hrs) visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route. Often called the ghost city, as it was abandoned within 13 years of its inaugural. Built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire, it is now a World Heritage Site. Later continue your drive to Agra. 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 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 to the Trident. 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 a landscaped central courtyard with a 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. Afternoon, you are collected from your hotel for a half-day 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 marvel of 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 and now it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Agra.

7. Day 7 Agra - Corbett (345 kms/08 hrs.)

   This morning you drive to Corbett (345 kms/08 hrs). Corbett: Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the North Indian state of Uttaranchal, Corbett, is arguably one of the most picturesque National Parks in India. Corbett was named in honor of late Jim Corbett, a legendary figure in the conservation history of India who played an important role in helping to create the reserve. The park spans across some 920.9 square km at an altitude of 600 to 1100 meters and has grown substantially in size, since being declared India's first Project Tiger Reserve in 1973. Corbett National Park has more than 50 species of mammals, 585 species of birds and 25 species of reptiles, but the Park is known for its elephants and leopards, even more than its tigers. Many kinds of deer, namely chital (spotted deer), sambar (Indian stag), chinkara (Indian gazelle), pada (hog deer) and muntjac (barking deer) abound in the Park. Tiger sighting is rare, in spite of a lot of alarm calls from monkeys and deer. Elephant herds comprising tuskers, females, and calves are commonly seen. Leopard sighting is even rarer than that of the tiger, and these spotted cats confine themselves to the higher reaches of the Park. Other feline species found in the Park are leopard cats, jungle cats, the rare fishing cat, and caracal, to name a few. Sloth bears, wild boars, monkeys, wild dogs, jackals, and mountain goats also inhabit the Park. The aquatic reptile population in the Park consists of mugger (Crocodylus palustris) and gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) crocodiles, while Indian rock pythons, Russell's vipers, cobras, king cobras, and common kraits are some of the snakes found in the Park. Birdlife includes parakeets, flycatchers, babblers, cuckoos, robins, bulbuls, Indian and Great Pied hornbills, warblers and finches amongst other rare Himalyan birds. Corbett is also a favorite amongst fishing enthusiasts, with opportunities to fish for the rare Mahseer and Catfish. Upon arrival check-in to the Corbett Ramganga Resort. Corbett Ramganga Resort: Situated on the northern boundary of famous Corbett National Park, right on the banks of the crystal clear River Ramganga, the resort is spread over 20 acres and facilities available include a full size swimming pool, toddler's pool for kids, indoor games such as table tennis, chess, carom, outdoor games like cricket, football, volleyball, badminton, tennis (hard court), tug-of-war, library . The biggest attraction of the resort is its fishing facilities - the Ramganga is just right for testing the King of the River...the Mahseer. The biggest catch recorded here is a 6-foot, 76 lbs. Overnight in Corbett.

8. Day 8 In Corbett

   Early morning & evening game safaris into the Corbett National Park. Safaris in Corbett are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight in Corbett.

9. Day 9 In Corbett

   Early morning & evening game safaris into the Corbett National Park. Safaris in Corbett are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight in Corbett.

10. Day 10 Corbett - Delhi (290 kms/07 hrs)

    Early morning game safari into the Corbett National Park. Safaris in Corbett are organized in jeeps. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Later drive to Delhi (290 Kms/07 hrs). Delhi: A bustling metropolis and a city of million inhabitants, is also India's capital. A near-perfect blend of the ancient and the modern, Delhi, consisting of 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 arrival check-in to the Claridges. The Claridges: Located in the heart of the city, The Claridges has been a landmark in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950s. 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. Overnight in Delhi.

11. Day 11 Depart Delhi

    This morning you are collected from your hotel for a full-day tour of Delhi. The tour of the 17th-century old city includes Red Fort- a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the great mosque of Jama Masjid, The main street of Old Delhi is the colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Street") and 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. Lastly, end the tour with Qutub Complex, housing the tallest brick minaret in the world, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your sightseeing tour is followed by a drop at Delhi International airport in time to board the flight home.

Price

Start from: USD 2564 Per Person

Accommodation

Important Information

• Small supplements may apply for travel between 18th November and 03rd December’ , 20th December' and 05th January' and during the month of February’ .
• All the figures quoted above are net per person in US Dollars.