Tiger & Varanasi

Day 01: New Delhi » Traditional welcome - Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is god) on arrival with garlanding at Delhi international airport by Holiday India Travel executive. Transferred in your exclusive air-conditioned deluxe car to your hotel. Take a complete day tour of historic city of Delhi. The city where one can experience the influence of the many rulers who ruled this region, a city built and destroyed and re-built over seven times. The tour takes you to the monuments that depict the different eras. The tour includes visit to a Hindu temple of Goddess of wealth, Laxmi, the magnificent Red Fort (exterior), the Jama Masjid - one of the Asia's largest mosque, Rajghat - the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi - the "Father of the Nation". Afternoon tour of New Delhi to include Humanyun's Tomb, Qutab Minar, India Gate, President's House and drive through Connaught Place.

Day 02: Delhi - Jaipur - 5 Hrs Drive » In the morning proceed for a short drive to Jaipur - the Pink city of India. Upon arrival in Jaipur transfer to your hotel for wash 'n' change. Later take city tour of Jaipur covering Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Royal Astronomical Observatory).

Day 03: Jaipur » Breakfast at the hotel followed by excursion to the majestic Amber Fort on elephant back - the erstwhile capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs before they moved to their newly built capital in Jaipur. This is the only fort where one can still go by the elephant back even today like a Maharaja. Then visit Jaigarh Fort & Tiger Fort. Then on the way visit Water Palace. Time at leisure to do shopping in this famous city of gems & jewels or at leisure to enjoy a walk in the local colourful bazaar. In the evening go to Birla Temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Jaipur – Ranthambhore (3 Hours Drive) » Drive to Sawai Madhopur to stay at a resort in the Ranthambhore National Park. Ranthambhore is widely considered to be one of India's most beautiful national parks and Tiger reserves. Encircled by a series of high escarpments, the forests, lakes and dry scrub that make up the Reserve are dotted with old forts and temples, creating a wonderful atmosphere for both bird and mammal viewing among a landscape oozing with ancient Rajput history and Rajasthani culture.

Day 05: Ranthambhore » Early morning jeep safari to the Ranthambhore National Park to see the King of the jungle - the Indian Royal Bengal Tiger. You will see abundant spotted deers, Sambar deer, blue antelope (nilgai), Chinkara Antelope (or Indian Gazelle), monkeys, langoors, wild boars, variety of bird species such as Flocks of Peafowl, while on the lakes Cotton Pygmy Geese and both Bronze-winged and Pheasant-tailed Jacanas are common. The surrounding woodland and grasslands hold such species as Black-rumped Flame back Woodpecker, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Finch Lark (an Indian endemic), Painted Spur fowl, Jungle Bush Quail, Small Minivet and Stork-billed Kingfisher. There's a possibility of seeing up to five species of owl, including Brown Fish Owl, Dusky Eagle Owl and Collared Scops Owl. Return to resort for breakfast. Relax by the poolside. After lunch get ready for the afternoon jeep safari for another chance to view the Tiger and the wildlife in action. Bonfire with dinner at the resort will be arranged.

Day 06: Ranthambhore – Agra - 5 Hrs Drive» Breakfast at the hotel. then drive to Agra - the city of world famous 'Taj Mahal' - One of the Seven Wonders of the World. On the way visit Abhaneri, which is a small beautiful village, You will visit Chandbaori here.  En-route visit of Fatehpur Sikri, The erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See Darbar-e-Aam, Palaces, Panch Mahal and Taansen Seat. Continue to Agra & check into hotel. Take rest in Hotel.

Day 07: Agra – Night Train 2^nd Air-condition – Varanasi » Dawn-view visit of Taj Mahal to witness the wonder marble seems to change colours due to the rising sunlight. A UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal is best viewed & enjoyed in the non-chaotic and less crowded time of the day. Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later meet you guide in Agra in the hotel lobby for visiting Red Fort - built in red sandstone by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. Visit the halls of private and public; Itimad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) described as a 'Jewel Box' and often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal. It was built between 1622 and 1628 and also visits to a local marble factory to witness the inlay work of precious stones also known as Pietra dura. It's the same art of stone work which is illustrated on the Taj Mahal & Baby Taj. It's a learning experience and a treat to eyes to see the art. Later take a night train to Varanasi.

Day 08: Varanasi » In the morning you will be received by the driver at Railway station. Morning boat excursion on the river Ganges. People bathe early in the morning to offer the prayers to the rising sun. The two cremation ghats are Manikarnika & Harishchandra where funeral pyre burns Day and night. Every pious Hindu believes that to die in Kashi and to be cremated on banks of the Ganges is to attain release from the cycle of birth and death. Then visit Sarnath & Ramnagar.  Overnight at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 09: Varanasi – Flight - Delhi » In the morning take a flight to Delhi. You will be received by the driver at Airport in Delhi. According to your flight timing you can spend some time in Delhi. Later Check-in for international flights commences 3 hours prior to flight departure time for economy class and 2 hrs prior for business/first class.