From Taj to Tigers of India

Day 1 - Welcome to India! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrivals hall at the Delhi International Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. Rest of the day is free to explore the national capital with its many attractions such as monuments, museums, galleries and bazaars. You may also choose to visit Lodi Gardens, a tranquil green space where you can take a stroll and discover historic tombs and monuments.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Post breakfast, we discover the history of Old Delhi; crowded, bustling, and still bearing remnants of the great Mughals who once ruled from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort. First, we drive past the Red Fort–the palace of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. We then reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India, built in the 17th century. We take a rickshaw ride through bustling bazaars and historical lanes of "Chandni Chowk” and Asia’s largest spice market. Our next stop is Raj Ghat–the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation. After the visit, we continued our journey towards Jaipur- gateway to colorful Rajasthan, established in 1727. It is one of India's most important heritage towns with a vibrant cultural heritage and a colorful history. Jaipur, also known as 'The City of Victory’, was the first planned city of its time, with imposing forts, dazzling palaces, beautiful gardens, lakes and markets. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free to visit Jaipur's vibrant bazaars. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - Today we explore the Pink City starting with a drive to the ancient capital of Amer, 11 km from Jaipur. Amer was the capital of the Kachhawaha Dynasty for six centuries and is famous for its majestic Amber Fort. We have the choice of either walking up or taking a short jeep ride to reach the Fort. On the way to the Amer Fort, we cross Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of Winds), a five-storied facade of pink sandstone. After visiting the Amer Fort, we explore the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Our next stop is Jantar Mantar, a solar observatory constructed in the 18th century. It is an astronomical treasure house that measures time according to the movement of the Sun, with an error of just 2 seconds, as well as solar instruments that give precise astrological forecasts to this day. Later, we also meet the local artisans of Jaipur and with their help, learn the art of block printing, one of the oldest printing techniques in India. We make our own handkerchiefs using Rajasthani woodblocks, while chatting with the artisans about their lives. Return to hotel and overnight stay in Jaipur.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - After breakfast we drive to the national park situated at the confluence of the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges and considered to be one of the finest places to see a large variety of animals and birds. The Ranthambore National Park has the largest population of tigers in India. Other wildlife inhabiting the area includes several species of monkeys, deer, crocodiles and birds such as purple herons, kingfishers, cormorants, parakeets, jacanas, waders and partridges. We arrive at Ranthambore by afternoon and check-in at the hotel. Later, we visit the majestic 1,000-year-old Ranthambore fort. The fort offers an enchanting view of the wildlife reserve and the city. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - Today we take two game drives into the park in open jeeps (on a seat-sharing basis) to enjoy unobstructed views of the animals and birds around. We take our first safari into the park early in the morning to try our luck at spotting the elusive tiger in its natural habitat. After this unique experience we return to the hotel for breakfast and unwind. Post lunch we head for our second safari, trying to catch a glimpse of the tiger and other animals and birds. At the end of this adventurous day, we return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ranthambore. Duration of the jeep safari is 3- 3 ½ Hrs

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - Today we are travelling down to Agra, stopping along the way at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted royal city constructed by Mughal Emperor, Akbar. This impressive and well-preserved citadel served as the political capital of Akbar for 14 years. In 1585, Akbar abandoned Fatehpur Sikri due to a shortage of water. We then continue our journey to Agra and witness the architectural wonder of the golden age of the Mughals. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. We spend the evening visiting the bazaar where some descendants of artisans (who worked on the Taj) continue to create wonders with marble called fine marble-inlay work. Overnight stay in Agra.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - At sunrise we visit the Taj Mahal, a sign of everlasting love that stands on the southern bank of the river Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved bride Mumtaz Mahal who died in the 16th century CE. The charisma of the glorious Taj Mahal never fails to mesmerize a first-time visitor. After the tour of the exquisite ivory-while marble mausoleum, we return to the hotel and after breakfast we will visit the massive Agra Fort - a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Originally belonging to various Mughal emperors periodically restored by the Rajputs, the artworks are made of red sandstone, bricks, and exquisite Makarana marble. We can accurately describe the fort as a walled, palatial city. Following our visit to Agra Fort we drive to the Delhi Airport for onward travel. Our tour of Taj to Tigers comes to an end. It is time to pack your bags and head back with memories and experiences to last you a lifetime.

Tour Ends