Tigers, Taj and Temples

This morning, you'll start the day with a tour of New Delhi, where the wide boulevards and imposing buildings conjure up images of the British Empire at its zenith. The Lutyen’s designed Rashtrapati (formerly the Viceregal’s Lodge) is particularly impressive, whilst India Gate is one of the city’s most iconic memorials. You’ll also visit Raj Ghat, the site of Mahatma Ghandi’s cremation, now marked by a black marble plinth and memorial gardens. You’ll leave for an early afternoon flight south to Udaipur. Udaipur is sometimes called the ‘Venice of the East’, with its beautiful lakes and grandiose palaces that line the shore, an oasis in the otherwise stark and arid state of Rajasthan. It’s a short transfer from the city’s small airport to your ideally located hotel.

Lake Pichola Hotel - Located on the western banks of Lake Pichola, this hotel is surrounded by fantastic sights and sounds. Currency exchange services are available here and there is a travel desk for more information on the area. Rooms are spacious, comfortable and en suite. (2 nights - B)

This morning you’ll awake in the famous ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. After disembarking you’ll make the short transfer to your hotel for the next two nights. Jaipur, like Delhi, has both an old and a new part to the city, and you’ll spend most time in the old city. The streets are busy with camels and bullock-carts, and above it all monkeys make their home in the old city walls. After time to freshen up after your journey, you’ll take a half-day city tour to see some of Jaipur’s most celebrated sights. You’ll head to the City Palace and the famous Palace of the Winds; here royal maidens once watched the streets below. They were able to see without being seen, due to the fabulous jali (lattice screens) which hid them from prying male eyes. Today snake-charmers and fortune-tellers ply their trade below the same hideaway. Close by is the 18th century Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by the city’s founder Jai Singh who, having a passion for the science, built five such wonders in major cities all over the north.

Fort Chandragupt - The ambiance of the property specialises in time-honoured architecture, style and sophistication. With an excellent level of service, this hotel also offers a multi cuisne resturant and spacious, comfortable en suite rooms that are all equipped with air conditioning. (2 nights - B)

You’ll make an early start after breakfast this morning for the 180km drive to Ranthambore National Park (approx 4-5hrs.) Over the last few days in Rajasthan you’ll have become aware that this is one of India’s most colourful regions and today’s journey is an excellent opportunity to see the rural side of life. Most notable are the elegant women carrying terracotta pots of water from the village wells, dressed in saris in a myriad of colours. They and their families are the proud descendants of the heroic Rajputs who once ruled the state. On arrival Ranthambore you’ll check in to your hotel on the edge of the park.

Ranthambore National Park, covering 411 square kilometres, is one of the premier national parks of India. A wonderful blend of historical ruins and wildlife, it is the habitat of tiger, nilgai, sambar and chital (all types of antelope), sloth bear and caracal (a lynx-like cat), plus crocodile in the lake. During your two night stay here you'll make morning and evening game drives.

Tiger Den Resort - Inspired by nature and its beauty, the interior of the hotel is very ethnic in style so that you can get the best out of your surroundings.The dining hall adds an exotic taste to your trip, although continental cuisine is also available. The scenery of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve changes dramatically from the slopes of the Vindhyas to the sharp conical hills of the Arvalis, scenery that can be enjoyed from the resort's gardens and adds to the essence of unspoilt natural beauty. The hotel has a swimming pool, and the rooms are en suite with air conditioning. (2 nights - Bx2,Lx2,Dx2)

No matter how many times you’ve seen it, watching the reflections of light gradually wash over the Taj continues to have a fresh impact. Early this morning, just as the city begins to wake you’ll make the short journey by auto rickshaw to the gates of the Taj Mahal. The Taj was built as a mausoleum for Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, Mumtaz, after she died giving birth to their fourteenth child, and must surely be the world’s greatest monument to love. Architects from as far afield as Europe were commissioned to take part in its creation. At first glance, the Taj appears to be simply white marble, but closer inspection reveals that the surface is inlaid with a profusion of semi-precious stones, which form stylised flowers and bowers. Words fail to do it justice - only a visit can show you its exquisite beauty.

Although Agra is best known for the Taj Mahal, it also boasts a wonderful fort, and this afternoon you will have an opportunity to wander through its pavilions, gardens and passages. Started by Akbar and finally completed four generations later by Aurangzeb, the fort is a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, and is early evidence of the distinctive Indian style. In the Afternoon make the drive (taking approximately 5 to 6 hours) back to Delhi. En-route, you'll pay a visit to the Wildlife SOS Bear Rescue Facility. As tonight is your last evening in India your Group Leader will no doubt organise a traditional ‘last supper’.

Comfort Inn President Hotel - Ideally located in the heart of the city, The President hotel is minutes from Old Delhi and only 30 miles away from the airport. The surrounding area is steeped in culture and filled with things to explore including temples and historical monuments. Various entertainment venues and charming street markets are also within easy reach. There is a currency exchange service available here and all rooms are equipped with air conditioning. (1 night - B)