16 Days Glorious Rajasthan, Ganges & Taj With Tiger Safari

This morning after breakfast head on for full day guided tour of Old and New Delhi. First you will visit Old Delhi, build by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shanjahan known as Shahjahanabad during Mughal rule. Here you will first visit the largest Mosque of Asia Jama Masjid and there upon enjoy rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Shahjahanabad, it will give you a glimpse of the bygone era, followed by drive pass of Red fort build by the same emperor. Later visit the Raj Ghat, the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi. Than have lunch at city restaurant. After Lunch, you visit Humayun’s Tomb- also called precursor of Taj Mahal. Followed by drive through the Lutyens Delhi, where you will have glimpse of British era which is renowned for its formal parks and magnificent parliament building with short stop at India gate, war memorial built in the memory of Soldiers who died in First World War. Lastly visit Qutab Minar, the tallest and famous towers in the world, also famous for its architecture, history and design.

Overnight at City Hotel

Meals:Breakfast Only

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to airport to board morning flight to Varanasi.

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Many names have been given to Varanasi, though its recently revived official appellation is mentioned in the Mahabharata and in the Jataka tales of Buddhism. The great river banks of Varanasi, built high with eighteenth and nineteenth-century pavilions and palaces, temples and terraces, are lined with an endless chain of stone steps – the ghats – progressing along the whole of the waterfront, altering in appearance with the dramatic seasonal fluctuations of the river level.

Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel. Late afternoon between 4 & 5 pm, head on a guided visit to Dashwamedha Ghat to witness the spectacular “Aarti Ceremony” must see in the itinerary of every visitor of Varanasi.

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:Breakfast Only

Today have leisurely breakfast and be transferred to airport to board noon flight to Khajuraho

Upon arrival, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.

After brief rest and freshen up head on for guided sightseeing tour of exotic Khajuraho temples. The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups: Western, Eastern and Southern. The Western group is the best and the largest temple complex. The Kandariya Mahadev temple soars 31 km high. The Chaunsat Yogini, is the only granite temple dedicated to Kali, quadrangular in plan. Only 35 of the original 65 cells remain and no image of Kali has survived: Another Kali Temple (originally dedicated to Vishnu) is the Devi Jagadambe Temple. The Chitragupta temple, dedicated to the sun-god, Surya. The image of this powerful deity in the inner sanctum is particularly imposing: 5ft high, and driving a seven-horsed chariot. The group scenes depicted is equally spectacular: royal processions, elephant- fights, hunting scenes, group dances. The lavish lifestyle of the Chandela kings and their court is here in all its pomp and glory. The Eastern Group main consists of Hindu and Jain temples make up the Eastern Group, which lies close to the Khajuraho village. The largest Jain temple, Parswanath, is in this group. Exquisite in detail, the sculptures on the northern outer wall make this temple perhaps the finest in the group. The Southern Group has fine Chaturbhuj Temple has a massive intricately carved image of Vishnu in the sanctum. Duladeo Temple, another of the southern group, is a little away from the road to the Jain group of temples.

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:Breakfast Only

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Jhansi (182Km 5hrs), to board evening Shatabdi fast train to Agra. Enroute visit Orchha, founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by graceful chhatris. The view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular. The Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceilings to rich life.

After sightseeing of Orchha you will be transferred to Jhansi, railway station to New Delhi Shatabdi, departing Jhansi at:1745 hrs. Up on arrival in Agra; check in to your hotel

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:Breakfast Only

Today after break, head on for full day sightseeing of Agra, include visit to Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, and Sikandra

Agra fort built by Akbar, the great Mughal Emperor in 1565 A.D. later additions Jahangir his son and Shah Jahan his grandson Shah Jahan.. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It has a total perimeter of 2.4 km and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated at regular intervals by bastions. A 9mt. wide and 10mt. deep moat surround the outer wall. There are number of exquisite building like Moti Mastoid-a white marvel mosque akin to a perfect pearl, Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Shish Mahal and Musamman or Samman Burj where Shahjahan was held captive in 1666 A.D.

Taj Mahal, completed in 1653 A.D. built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his Queen, Mumtaz. It is India’s most fascinating and beautiful monument, perfectly symmetrical monuments took 22 years (1630-1652) and 20,000 workers, Masons and Jewelers to built. Set amidst landscaped gardens Taj Mahal on the bank of the Yamuna River. It can be observed like a Mirage from the Agra Fort from where Emperor Shah Jahan stared at it, for the last eight years his life as a prisoner of his son Aurangzeb.

Sikandra- the mausoleum of emperor Akbar represent his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative region. Completed in 1613 A.D. by his son Jahangir, it is one of the well preserved monuments. Itmad-ud-Daulah is the tomb of Mirza Ghyas Beg, a Persian who had obtained service in Akbar Court. The Marvel tomb was built by Emperor Jehangir's Queen, Noorjahan, for her father Mirza Ghyas Beg during 1622-1628 A.D

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:Breakfast Only

Today, after breakfast, you will be driven to Ranthambore National Park (240Km/6hrs), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri the first planned city of the Mughals, built by Akbar, the grandson of Babar. The sloping levels of the city were connected into terraces which were utilized for various complexes such as Jami masjid, Buland-Darwazah and tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti; Khass Mahal, Shahi-Bazar, Mina-Bazar, the Panch-Mahal, Khwabgah, Diwan-i-Khass, Anup-Talao, Chaupar and Diwan-i-Am. The efficient system of drainage and water-supply adopted here suggest an extremely intelligent town-planning.

Ranthambore national Park one of the world famous and most renowned national park in Northern India. It is located in the southeastern Rajasthan, which is about 180 km from Jaipur. It covers an area of 1,334 sq km along with its nearby sanctuaries like – the Mansingh Sanctuary and the Kaila Devi Sanctuary. The park is majorly famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in its natural habitat. The tigers can be easily spotted even during the day time busy at their ordinary quest- hunting and taking proper care of their young ones.

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:Breakfast & Dinner

You day starts early morning wakeup call and tea before you head on early morning Game drive. Our local naturalists are extremely knowledgeable about park and the tiger movements since they grew up there and spent many years working as a naturalist. Having a couple days ensures tiger sightings and if you are lucky may catch a glimpse of them playing, hunting, sleeping and drinking. Return late morning to the lodge where the hot breakfast awaits you. Relax in your room or by the pool side a perfect treat for the hot day. Later after lunch, around 3 pm head on for the afternoon game drive. A treat for every wildlife and nature lover, watching tigers roaming around, verdant greenery, a gamut of other species of chirpy birds and animals is priceless and worth enough to be explored at least once in a life.

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Following to your morning game drive and breakfast, you will be driven to Jaipur (180 Km / 4Hrs), upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

Jaipur the pink city and its pink color associated with hospitality in Rajasthan, spreading out pink carpet for its visitors. Planned by young architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 AD. Laid in a grid system, with straight avenues, roads, streets, lanes criss cross the city with rows of shops on either side of main bazaars arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (Chowkris), based on the principles of “Shilpshastra”, an epochal treatise on Hindu architecture.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:Breakfast Only

Today after an early breakfast, head on excursion to Amber, the former capital has a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries. It emerges from the placid waters of Mootha Lake and is approachable only through steep path. Enjoy short Elephant ride to reach the fort located on the hill.

After visit, continue with Jaipur city tour visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal. The city palace houses museum with superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chased handles, some of them inlaid with enamel and embellished with Jewels and encased in magnificent Scabbards. The art gallery has excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets and rare artifacts

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:Breakfast Only

After breakfast, you will be driven to Deogarh Mahal (260Km/5hrs),its rulers have been serious players in the Mewar aristocracy, their magnificent fort a fitting stronghold for one of its sixteen “umraos” - the most senior feudal barons attending on the Maharana of Udaipur. Even so, you might not necessarily guess that the Rawats of Deogarh (a local title equivalent to “Raja”) once ruled over the fourth largest jagir in the whole of Rajasthan. At its most extensive, their territory comprised some 210 villages, with one of their defensive forts as far as 100 km away. Yet there is little ostentation and even less gold to be found in their palace. Like most of the Mewar nobility, they spent too much time fighting to have much to spare for amassing great wealth

Upon arrival, check in to Deogarh Mahal. Rest of the day is leisure.

Overnight at Deogarh Mahal

Meals:Breakfast Only

Today after breakfast the morning is at leisure. You can choose among the various activities, and be part of then, bird watching, Village Safari by Jeep, trekking, bicycling, walk through the village, etc.

Later in the afternoon you will be driven to Udaipur (140km/3 Hrs), the city of dawn is a jewel of Mewar, ruled by Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. City of fairy tale places and gardens, temples and narrow lanes create a picture perfect atmosphere. The placid lake Pichhola mirrors a feeling of wonder and tranquility.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Rest of the day is leisure.

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:Breakfast Only

Today after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing, includes visit to city palace a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenelated walls. It is conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors rooms and gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, called tripolia gate, with eight marble porticoes. The maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold and equivalent amount was distributed among the populace. After city palace move on for saheliyo ki bari, small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for stroll. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marbles.

After lunch around 1500 hrs, proceed for boat ride on the picturesque lake pichhola..

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:Breakfast Only

After breakfast, morning is at leisure, free time to explore the city at your own pace.

In time transferred to Airport to board flight to Delhi. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

Rest of the day is leisure.

Overnight at Hotel

Meals:Breakfast Only

Today after leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to Goa International Airport in time to board your flight back home. Depart India with exciting and sweet memories of your wildlife trip to India.

Meals:Breakfast Only

End of Safari

The Package Includes

• Welcome Drink on arrival at all hotels.
• Accommodation in city hotels on Bed and breakfast basis
• Ranthambhore and Jawai is on full board (all meals)
• Morning Evening Tea Coffee during the stay at Ranthambhore & Jawai.
• 3 Jeep Safaris in Ranthambhore National Park.
• English Speaking Guide at all the places for sightseeing
• Entrance fee to all the monuments as per itinerary
• Rickshaw ride at Delhi
• Elephant Ride at Jaipur – Amber Fort
• Boat Ride at Udaipur – Lake Pichola
• Services of a professional Naturalist for all your safaris.
• Free use of indoor / outdoor recreational activities at the hotels
• All airport and road transfers by AC Vehicle
• Udaipur to New Delhi domestic flight (One Way)
• Applicable Govt. Taxes.

The Package Excludes

• International Airfare and Taxes.
• Optional activities like boat rides, cultural visits, walking safaris, etc.
• Extras at the lodges or tented camps i.e. beverages and drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
• Visa fees
• Tipping
• Personal travel insurance
• Any other item not included in itinerary

Important Notes

• Maximum of 2 Children are allowed to share room with 2 Adults.
• We may have to re-route the itinerary or accommodate in similar Hotels / lodges in case of non-availability.
• Park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.
• As the group size is limited, please secure your seats by booking at the earliest
• Quoted prices are indicative only
• Flights & Trains costs included in the itinerary are based on advance purchase fares. These are subject to change and availability
• Bandhavgarh National Park is closed for afternoon safari on Wednesdays.
• The Especial Vacations reserves the right to change the hotels, lodges to similar category in case of no availability.
• The Especial Vacations reserves the right to reroute the itinerary in case of non-availability of Flight / Train tickets, or other reasons of similar nature.
• There are limited safari vehicles allowed to enter in the national parks and are most difficult to book at a short notice. Please book your tour much in advance
• The published price is not applicable during the Christmas and New Year period.
• Check-in and check-out time at all hotels is 12 noon unless otherwise specified.