Mountains & Tigers - Family Holiday

Agra stands on the bank of the River Yamuna and was once the capital of the Moghul Empire. Agra flourished under Akbar and Shah Jahan added many of the buildings in and around Agra Fort including the Taj Mahal, built as a mausoleum for Shah Jahan’s beloved wife Mumtaz, after she died giving birth to their fourteenth child. This morning it is possible to rise early and watch the sunrise over this exquisite monument, but it is a beautiful building to admire at any time of day. This must surely be the world’s greatest monument to love. Architects from as far afield as Europe were commissioned to take part in its construction. Its staggering architecture of white marble inlaid with thousands of pieces of coloured and semi-precious stone makes the Taj Mahal one of the world’s most beautiful buildings.

Construction of the nearby Agra Fort was started by Akbar in 1565 and was finally completed four generations later by Aurangzeb. Here you find a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, which led to the emergence of a distinctive Indian style.

This afternoon you'll drive back up to Delhi (approx 6hrs) where you'll board the overnight train to Kathgodam, the railhead for Naini Tal. 
Berth on overnight train (B)

Nb. During peak seasons, this train journey becomes extremely popular. On rare occasions it is not always possible to obtain seats for the train for the whole group. In these instances, we will charter an overnight sleeper coach to transfer the group from Delhi straight to Naini Tal. 

Set beneath the Himalayas, the jeep ride to Corbett National Park today takes about 2 ½ hours, journeying along winding mountain roads before you gradually head down towards the River Ramganga at the Gangetic plain. Corbett was the first national park to be established in India and remains one of the finest, abounding in flora and fauna. Originally called Hailey National Park, in 1936 it was renamed after Jim Corbett, a man who did much to conserve the wildlife of India. Although seeing tigers can never be guaranteed, the chances here are relatively high. Even if you do not spot a tiger, you may see wild elephant, sambar, chital, hog deer, barking deer and maybe even leopard.

Upon arrival on day seven, you’ll have a guided nature walk for your first chance to spot these animals before taking to jeeps the following day; an excellent way to see wildlife. Rising early you set off into the towering hardwood forest in search of wildlife. Your guides are experienced trackers; they easily spot animals amongst the tall elephant grass and birds hiding in the trees. Whatever the time of year, come prepared for a chilly start to the morning; these are generally cold and misty! Daytime temperatures rise quickly and you rest when it is hottest. As the sun gets lower you enter the park again. The tiger population is static (approx. 120 in 1994) and a sighting is not uncommon though, as ever, a degree of luck is needed. Lodge (AAA) - 2 nights (Swimming Pool) (Bx2, Lx2, Dx2)

Today you continue north for 2 ½ hours, following the Ganges to Rishikesh, famous as a centre for yoga, meditation and relaxation. Rishikesh is considered a sacred place, it is believed that meditation here leads to attainment of salvation. Your accommodation for the next two nights is at Shivpuri, 18km from Rishikesh, where you’ll stay on the banks of the River Ganges on the beach. You will camp in good quality tents with twin beds, shower and toilets on the campsite. This location is especially good for children as there’s plenty of space to run around, play games and swim, and for the adults to kick back and relax. It’s also a great base from which to start your Himalayan walk tomorrow. NB – in some months, particularly December and January, the river may be too cold for swimming. Camp (CC) – 2 nights (Swimming opportunity) (BLD) Nb. On occasions where the weather is unsuitable for camping, you will be accommodated in a nearby hotel.

You spend the day at leisure, either in or around Rishikesh. As it flows through the town, the Ganges is slow moving - very different from upstream, where it is well known for its strong currents and fierce behaviour. A wander between the pilgrimage centres or ashrams to the north of the main town provides a relaxing day. The town is connected by suspension bridges; the pedestrian bridge at Lakshaman Jhula is said to be where Rama’s brother Lakshmana crossed the river on a jute rope. This area is very picturesque, buzzing with life, and provides a pleasant walk back towards the main town. After the activities of the day you drive the short distance to Haridwar and board the evening train back to Delhi; it’ll take about 4 ½ hours and you’ll arrive shortly before 11pm. Dinner is included on the train, so it will be a tray of Indian food – try to buy some snacks before-hand if you don’t fancy this! Hotel (AAA) - 2 nights (BD)