13 Days Classic India with Ranthambore

Welcome to India! Upon arrival in the bustling capital city of New Delhi, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. After completing your check-in formalities, take some time to relax and unwind, allowing yourself to adjust to the new time zone after your journey.

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Embark on your journey with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar, an impressive minaret that exemplifies Mughal Islamic architecture. Explore Gandhi Smriti, a museum honoring Mahatma Gandhi's life and contributions. Following lunch, venture into Old Delhi, established by Shah Jahan, and enjoy a cycle rickshaw tour through Chandni Chowk. Attend an orientation session with your Tour Manager in the evening, followed by dinner, where you can meet fellow travelers and prepare for an unforgettable adventure ahead.

After enjoying breakfast in the morning, we will visit the magnificent Akshardham Temple, renowned for its intricate beauty. This stunning structure was meticulously carved by 7,000 sculptors from pink sandstone and white marble, adorned with over 20,000 statues. We will then continue our journey towards Agra, making a stop en route to explore the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. This exquisite tomb is constructed from the finest Indian marble and adorned with intricate mosaics and inlays of semi-precious stones. Upon reaching Agra tonight, we will check into our hotel for the night and enjoy dinner there.

Explore the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. Afterwards, visit the historic Agra Fort, situated just a few kilometers from the Taj Mahal along the riverbank, where you can wander through the palaces and royal gardens that served as the residence of Mughal rulers for many decades. Spend the night in Agra for a deeper exploration of its rich history and culture.

After breakfast and checking out from the hotel in Agra, we will depart for the quaint village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Upon arrival, explore the Chand Baori step well, an ancient marvel dating back to the 8th or 9th century, renowned as one of India's oldest and largest. Following lunch, continue your journey to the Ranthambore National Park area, famed as one of Northern India's largest and most prestigious national parks. Take some time to immerse yourself in the stunning new surroundings. Dinner will be served at the hotel tonight.

Plan an early morning excursion at Ranthambore National Park, where you'll be accompanied by a local naturalist guide in your designated Jeep or Canter vehicle. Embark on a quest to spot elusive tigers, alongside hyenas, jackals, and foxes. Renowned for its tiger population, the park offers one of India's prime opportunities to observe these majestic predators in their natural environment. Enjoy lunch at the hotel and unwind before an exhilarating evening safari. Head back to the lodge in time for dinner.

Following breakfast and checking out of the hotel, journey towards Jaipur, located in the state of Rajasthan. Upon arrival in this splendid city, you'll immediately grasp why it earned the moniker "Pink City." The city adopted this distinctive hue in 1876 to commemorate the inaugural visit of the Prince of Wales to Jaipur. As you travel to the hotel, catch glimpses of magnificent hilltop forts and grand palaces. After checking in, take some time to relax. Explore the renowned Raj Mandir Cinema, a striking auditorium known for its meringue-like architecture. Later, visit a local jewelry store before returning to the hotel for the night.

After breakfast, embark on an excursion to the Amber Fort, renowned for its stunning Palace of Mirrors. En route, pass by the Hawa Mahal, also known as the "Palace of Winds," distinguished by its delicate latticework and honeycomb windows. Upon reaching the Amber Fort, ascend the hill to the ramparts via jeep. From this vantage point, enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Jaipur's original city walls and Maotha Lake. In the afternoon, visit the 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory, featuring ingenious astronomical instruments, and explore the opulent City Palace, once a royal residence and now a grand museum showcasing a remarkable collection of paintings, costumes, and weaponry. Optionally, this evening indulge in the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine at a local restaurant, accompanied by traditional performances.

Following breakfast and checking out from the hotel in Jaipur, proceed on a drive to the city of Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and commence your day with a visit to the Jaswant Thada Memorial, constructed to honor the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Next, proceed to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, crafted from striking red sandstone, renowned as one of Rajasthan's most imposing forts. Conclude the day with dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast this morning, check out from the hotel in Jodhpur and begin your journey towards Udaipur. En route, make a stop in Ranakpur to visit one of the holiest pilgrimage centers for Jains. Enjoy picturesque views of the "City of Lakes," seemingly emerging from the waters of Lake Pichola. Arrive at your hotel in Udaipur late in the evening, check in, and take some time to rest and relax. Tonight, delve into the city's vibrant culinary offerings.

After breakfast, start your day exploring Udaipur. Begin with a tour of the City Palace, an exquisite structure made of marble and granite overlooking the lake. Next, visit the tranquil Sahelion-ki-Bari gardens, known for their charming fountains, lotus pools, and marble elephants. Enjoy leisure time in the afternoon before embarking on an evening boat cruise on Lake Pichola.

This morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. Begin your Mumbai tour at the iconic Gateway of India Arch, constructed to commemorate the royal visit of King George V in 1911. Ironically, 24 years later, the last British regiment marched through the Arch as India gained independence. Proceed to Dhobi Ghat, where laundry from across Mumbai is meticulously hand-washed by "dhobis" in long rows of concrete troughs fitted with flogging stones, offering a unique glimpse into the city's operations. Visit the Mani Bhavan Mahatma Gandhi Museum, where Gandhi's movement was initiated in 1942, and the serene ISKCON Temple. Drive through colonial Mumbai, observing its numerous buildings, structures, and historical monuments from the colonial era. Conclude the day with dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, you have the morning free to explore on your own. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.