Depart Home for New Delhi, India
Arrive in Delhi, India (late evening, usually)
Airport Transfer
Check-In, Relax & Refresh
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Morning - Safety and In-Country Orientation
Afternoon - Visit Central Vista and India Gate - Central Vista is the Administrative Capital and a popular place for tourists. It holds most of the country’s festivals and various other ceremonial events.
Evening - Visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara - The Gurdwara is a place of worship for the Sikhs - the youngest religion in India.
Welcome Dinner
* All these locations are close to the accommodation. The day is not too active for the group to recuperate from their flight journey to the Eastern Time Zone.*
Breakfast & Day Briefing
The Red Fort Complex was built as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad – the new capital of the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. A large enclosure of red sandstone walls forms the Red Fort Complex. The planning of the palace is based on Islamic prototypes, but each pavilion reveals architectural elements typical of the Mughal building, reflecting a fusion of Persian, Timurid, and Hindu traditions. Several later buildings and gardens in Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra, and further afield were influenced by the Red Fort's innovative planning and architectural style.
Akshardham - The word Akshardham in Hinduism means the abode of God. It represents the serenity and the holiness of the place where devotees worship the divine and seek their blessings. Swaminarayan Akshardham Delhi is not only a temple; the complex is also a cultural and spiritual campus where various activities and exhibitions related to Hindu religion and harmony are organized.
Dilli Haat - This place provides the ambiance of a traditional village market but one suited for more contemporary needs. Here one sees a synthesis of crafts, food, and cultural activity. This Food and Craft Bazar is a treasure house of Indian culture, handicrafts, and ethnic cuisine, Incorporating a fascinating panorama of craft, cuisine, and cultural activities, this bazaar demonstrates the richness and transports you into the magical world of Indian art and heritage.
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Early morning Train Journey to Agra (approx 2 hrs)
Taj Mahal - Famed ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra.
Lunch Break
Fatehpur Sikri - This is a city constructed on the sloping slopes of the Vindhyan hill ranges southeast of an artificial lake. Known as "the city of victory," the Mughal emperor Akbar built it between 1571 and 1573. Fatehpur Sikri was the first planned city of the Mughals to be marked by magnificent administrative, residential, and religious buildings comprising palaces, public buildings, mosques, and living areas for the court, the army, the servants of the king, and an entire city.
Explore Agra City in the Evening
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Transfer to Sawai Madhopur by Private Coach (approx 6 hrs - inclusive of restroom breaks)
Check-In
Afternoon - This is a good opportunity to get some mid-journey downtime and prepare for the next day's visit to Ranthambore National Park
Evening - Cultural Game Night
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Ranthambore National Park - The park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in their natural habitat. The group can easily spot the tigers even during the daytime, busy hunting and taking proper care of their young ones.
Ranthambore is also a famous heritage site because of the pictorial ruins that dot the wildlife park.
Travel to Jaipur by Private Coach (approx. 3 hours)
City Palace - This is a building that has preserved the city's history and is an icon of grandeur. Once you enter the palace, all you can do is stand transfixed by its beauty while you soak in the marvelous architecture and artifacts. City Palace used to be the home for the royal family of Jaipur, but later it was divided into two parts; one which contains a few courtyards and museums and the other where the royal family still resides.
Jantar Mantar - The Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur constitutes the most significant and best-preserved set of fixed monumental instruments built in India in the first half of the 18th century; some of them are the largest ever built in their categories. Designed to observe astronomical positions with the naked eye, they embody several architectural and instrumental innovations. The observatory forms part of a tradition of Ptolemaic positional astronomy shared by many civilizations. This type of observation contributes to completing the astronomical tables of Zij. It is a late and ultimate monumental culmination of this tradition. Through the impetus of its creator, prince Jai Singh II, the observatory was a meeting point for different scientific cultures and gave rise to widespread social practices linked to cosmology. It symbolized royal authority through its urban dimensions, control of time, and rational and astrological forecasting capacities. The observatory is the monumental embodiment of the coming together of needs that were simultaneously political, scientific, and religious.
Hawa Mahal - Hawa Mahal was built in 1799. It has 953 windows on the outside walls. The honeycomb-shaped and beautifully carved windows allow the breeze to blow through the palace, making it a perfect summer palace.
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Amer Palace Fort - It sits atop a small hill about 11 km from the main city. The magnificent Amer Fort is an extensive palace complex with pale yellow and pink sandstone and white marble. The fort is divided into four main sections graced with their own courtyards. As you arrive at the Amer Fort, you will enter through the Suraj Pol; unless you arrive by car, then you enter via the Chand Pol. Both these gates open into the Jaleb Chowk, the main courtyard, where returning armies used to display their plunder to the people in earlier times. The fort has several sections, including the King’s quarters, the zenana, gardens, temples, etc.
Village Visit - Here, one can notice village houses, occupations, agriculture farms, and the life of people and visit schools and local panchayats. Witness the authentic culture. Enjoy some masala tea with the locals and some gossip with them. Also, one can play gully cricket and tyre rolling with the kids who still seem to enjoy these games rather than sticking to mobile phones!
Breakfast & Day Briefing
The Nahargarh Fort - Perched on the Aravali hills, it houses the Wax museum. It is the highest point with a majestic view of the Pink City. At the entrance, the 10-foot-long bullet ‘Gati Gamini’ is a head turner. The museum showcases wax and silicon statues of iconic personalities who have given their best in their fields. The unique features of the statues are the life-like feel of the sculptures with a background to complement the illustrious history of the personality.
Rajmandir Cinemas - This is a truly historic experience. Here you can catch a Bollywood movie that will transport you back to the days of yore. A famous landmark among the locals, it has hosted many movie premieres and exclusive shows over the years. The gorgeous ceiling is decorated with antique chandeliers and winding staircases, making this an experience worth remembering.
Chokhi Dhani - This is a spectacular resort where the old hospitality of the Rajputs comes alive in its true nature and rustic settings. The resort captures Rajasthan's essence and allows you to explore the magic of Jaipur with its cultural activities and delicious cuisine. It is highly advised not to have lunch, as you will be fed to the brim!
Farewell Dinner
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Morning - Take this time to go shopping or rest - it has been a long journey!
Early Evening - Depart to New Delhi by Private Coach (approx 4 hrs)
*Most International flights depart late at night/early hours of the next day (i.e. in the night between the 12th and 13th).
Due to the time zone difference, the group will land in the US on January 13th.*