Welcome to India! Upon arrival in Delhi a travel-to-nature Asia guide/representative will be at the airport to greet and take us to our hotel. Please look out for your name-card once you exit out of arrival area.

Afternoon visit the Bangla Sahib Gurduwara (Sikh Temple).

Accommodation: The Suryaa New Delhi

Full day sightseeing.  Visit – Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, drive past Government buildings including President’s Palace.

We start the tour with visit to Humayuns Tomb – the Oldest Moghul Monument in Delhi- India and then proceed to India Gate, Raj Ghat and to Jamia Masjid, Chandni Chowk etc. If time permits visit a Sikh Temple/ Hindu temple also. During the days sightseeing stop at some local restaurant for Lunch (optional). Humayun’s Tomb:Located near the crossing of Mathura road and Lodhi road, 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 (chaharbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome. There are several graves of Mughal rulers located inside the walled enclosure and from here in 1857 A.D; Lieutenant Hudson had captured the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah II.

The Jamia Masjid
This great mosque of Old Delhi is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. The highly decorative mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. The Chandni Chowk: Chandni Chowk , originally meaning moonlit square or market, is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, now in central north Delhi. Built in 17th century by the great Muslim Emperor of India,Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter Jahan Ara, The market was once divided by canals to reflect moonlight, now closed, yet it still remains one of India’s largest whole sale markets. Chandni Chowk is the major street in the walled city of Old Delhi, which was originally called Shahjahanabad

Accommodation: The Suryaa New Delhi
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning after breakfast leave Delhi and drive to Agra. approx 200 km which takes about 4 hours. Upon arrival in Agra, check in at the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Agra to visit the world famous monument of love “Taj Mahal” & fascinating Agra Fort.

Note: The Taj Mahal remains Closed on Fridays.

The Agra
Agra was the Capital city of Sikander Lodhi, the second ruler of the Lodhi dynasty, who was defeated by the persian King Babur in 1526 A.D. Babur too made Agra his capital city and so began the great Mughal rule. it was Babur who build the first monument in Agra, a planned garden called Gul-e-Afgaan or the Aaram Bagh.After Babar in (1530 AD) HUMAUN took over the thrown of Agra. Sher Shah Suri also continued Agra as his Capital. During the rule of Akbar (1556 to 1605 A.D.) Agra earned fame all over the world and was counted one of the great and beautiful cities of Medeavial India. Emperor Akbar constructed many beautiful buildings. In the premises of famous Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort. During his rule, people of all caste and religion living friendly upon which Akbar declared the concept of “Sulah Kul” in making the personality of Akbar the great. His “NAVARATANS”- (The Nine Important Ministers) Raja Man Singh, Raja Toder Mal Hakeem Lukman, Raja Birbal, Mullah-Do-Pyaza, Abdul-Fazal-Feuzi, Abdul Rahim Khana Khan and Miyan Tan Sen Played an important role.For developing feeling of harmony and brotherhood among the people of various religions, Akbar started new religion named Deen-E-Elahi.

Accommodation: Howard Plaza The Fern
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning we visit Mother Teressa charity home in Agra and spend time with children at the Charity home. Afterwards leave Agra and drive to Chambhal which is approx. 70 km and takes about 1 & 1/2 hours. Upon arrival in Chambhal, check in at the Resort.

Afternoon: Take a walk around village (nature walk) and look for the birds.

The Chambal
To visit Chambal Sanctury is an attempt to acquaint visitors with a land that has retained its unique landscapes, rugged charm and rare wildlife. A magical land far removed from the chaotic madness of modern cities. A wildlife experience with a River Safari, quite unlike any other. A journey through time with a Camel Safari across ravines and ruins. A discovery of vibrant villages and ancient temples. A charming family run eco-lodge nestling in sprawling acres of woodland and farm.

History
Jarar has been the main seat of the family since 1472. Rai Saheb Ch. Suraj Pal Singh, the Zamindaar of Jarar, built the Mela Kothi in the late 1890s. Nestling amidst acres of woodland and pasture, the Mela Kothi was ideally located to serve as a camp office for the family’s bi-annual cattle fair (Mela).

The fair was a source of great pride and prestige for the family, with traders coming from as far afield as Maharashtra and Orissa. However, by the 1990s, the numbers dwindled, and the Kothi and its grounds fell into disrepair.

The Eco-lodge
In 1999, Rai Saheb Suraj Pal Singh’s great grandson, IIT engineer and conservationist Ram Pratap Singh, and his environmental scientist wife, Anu, began restoring their neglected inheritance. The product of their labour, set within 35 sprawling acres of the original heritage plantation, surrounded by farmland – Mela Kothi – The Chambal Safari Lodge is an oasis of peace, tranquility and gracious hospitality.

Accommodation: The Chambal Safari Lodge
Meal: Breakfast

Boat trip | Optional camel ride | Walk around the lodge grounds | Night hike

After fortifying ourselves at the sumptuous breakfast buffet, we embark on a boat safari on the Chambal River. Our aim is to spot the endangered Ganges dolphins, turtles, and Ganges gavials. It is not uncommon to see swamp crocodiles lurking on the river banks and a wide variety and rare of bird species chirping, i.e Indian Skimmer, Black-necked Stork, etc. If you like, you can take a camel ride after the boat tour (not included).

In the afternoon we take a closer look at the extensive (total of 35 acres) grounds of our lodge. Many mammals, reptiles and almost two hundred bird species live here. During our walk through the paths and fields we get a great impression of the original landscape. As on the previous day, we end the evening with a delicious meal and cocktails around the campfire. If you still feel like a late-night adventure, you can also take part in a night hike.

Accommodation: The Chambal Safari Lodge
Meal: Breakfast

We leave Chambal after breakfast and drive to Bharatpur which is approx. 135 km and takes roughly 3 hours. Upon arrival in Bharatpur, check in at the hotel.

Afternoon free for independent activities.

The Keoladeo National Park
The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India is a famous avifauna sanctuary that sees (or saw) thousands of rare and highly endangered birds such as the Siberian Crane come here during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the National Park their home. It is also a major tourist centre with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernate season. It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a declared World Heritage Site.

The sanctuary was created 250 years ago and is named after a Keoladeo (Shiva) temple within its boundaries. Initially, it was a natural depression; and was flooded after the Ajan Bund was constructed by Maharaja Suraj Mal, the then ruler of the princely state of Bharatpur, between 1726 to 1763. The bund was created at the confluence of two rivers, the Gambhir and Banganga. The park was a hunting ground for the maharajas of Bharatpur, a tradition dating back to 1850, and duck shoots were organized yearly in honor of the British viceroys. In one shoot alone in 1938, over 4,273 birds such as mallards and teals were killed by Lord Linlithgow, the then Governor-General of India. After India’s independence, the rulers of the princely states were allowed shooting rights until 1972. In 1982, grazing was banned in the park, leading to violent clashes between the local farmer and Gujjar communities and the government.

Accommodation: Hotel Udai Vilas Palace
Meal: Breakfast

Morning visit the bird sanctuary again to view the birds and take the cycle rickshaws to go around in the Bird Sanctuary. Afterwards return to the hotel for rest.

Around noon leave Bharatpur and drive to Ranthambhore which is approx. 200 km and takes about 5 hours.  Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Accommodation: Ranthambhore Heritage Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning and afternoon Game Drives into Ranthambhore Wild Life Park by a Canter bus on seat sharing basis.

Ranthambhore
Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national park in Northern India. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, which is about 170 km from Jaipur. Being considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park terrain is major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers in this destination.

Ranthambore National park is spread over an area of 1,334 sq km along with its nearby sanctuaries like – the Man Singh 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.

Ranthambore is also counted as the famous heritage site because of the pictorial ruins that dot the wildlife park. Certainly, a visit to Ranthambore National Park is a treat for every wildlife and nature lover. The time spend on 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.

Accommodation: Ranthambhore Heritage Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast leave Ranthambhore and drive to Jaipur which is approx. 160 km and takes about 4 hours. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at our hotel.

Afternoon sightseeing of city visiting City Palace & Astronomical Observatory.

Accommodation: Mandavi Haveli
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we proceed on a tour commencing with a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Continue your drive to the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area.

Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration. Within the complex is Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with the images of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh. The merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is captured in the Sukh Niwas and Jas Mandir apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its perfectly proportioned landscaping. Pierced screen windows offer views from different vantage points and shimmering mirrors encrust the walls of Sheesh Mahal. In the evening attend the cooking course at one of the places in Jaipur followed by dinner at same place. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Accommodation: Mandavi Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning free in Jaipur for independent activities. After lunch leave Jaipur and drive to Delhi which is approx. 265 km and takes about 5 hours. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.

Accommodation: Pride Plaza
Meal: Breakfast

Transfer to airport for your homeward-bound flight.

Meal: Breakfast