Golden Triangle with Art & Wildlife

Arrive Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi – the former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the ‘cycle rickshaw’ for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the towering minaret of Qutub Minar. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Mandawa (250 km). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Afternoon visit the town, a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. Walk through the Shekawati region, which was the stronghold of Kayamkhani Nawabs till 1730. Besides the cenotaphs, wells, forts and temples the majority of frescoes are painted on the walls and gateways of Havelis. The havelis are mansion of a unique residential architectural style that evolved around courtyards to serve the purpose of family security, privacy for the women as also protecting the inhabitants from the long, harsh summers. The enormous Havelis with fascinating murals built by the wealthy Rajasthani merchants ("Marwaris") in the 19th century. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Jaipur (157 km). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant (subject to availability) for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul ruling families. Afternoon city tour of Jaipur - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Ranthambore (156 kms). Upon arrival, check-in at hotel.
Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan's most renowned wildlife sanctuary, it is 400 sq kms of dry deciduous forest, perfect natural habitat for tigers, and is set in the Aravalli and Vindhya hills, dotted with pavilions and dominated by a hilltop fort. Ranthambore was one of the hunting preserves of the former rulers of Jaipur and because of this the Maharajas ensured the environment was preserved and the forest and their inhabitants well protected. It has a good population of tiger and their prey species, and has been declared a "Project Tiger" reserve. Wildlife includes blue bull, black buck, spotted deer or cheetal, wild boar, a large variety of bird species and, if very lucky, the rarely seen leopard.
Late afternoon enjoy game viewing in the sanctuary by canter/jeep. Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning and late afternoon enjoy game viewing in the sanctuary by canter/jeep. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning drive to Agra (290 kms) enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted, red sandstone city was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest gateway in the world. Thereafter continue drive to Agra and upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise - This most famous Moghul monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). Thereafter visit the Red Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Drive to Delhi (203 kms). Upon arrival in Delhi – transfer to the International airport for flight for your onward journey.

Depart Delhi.