Temples & Tigers

You will arrive late in the evening at Delhi International Airport Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a MECH representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel. A holiday at Delhi, the capital city of India will expose you to innumerable facets of Indian heritage, culture and tourism. It will be a vacation much beyond just monuments, museums or gardens of the Mughal and British period. For it also offers you a wealth of new age tourist attractions to choose from. With shopping malls, multiplexes and amusement parks springing up around Delhi, the city has left behind its image of being a sedate city of politicians and has acquired a younger and more dynamic feel, which you will discover on your Indian holiday in Delhi. Overnight in Delhi

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Later, proceed on a combined sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. You will head for a guided city tour of the Old City of ‘Shahjahanabad’, founded by one of the greatest Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Your introduction to the city will be with a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia built by Shahjahan, drive past the Red Fort (Remain closed on Monday’s) - the magical monument in red sandstone, built at the pinnacle of the Mogul empire, Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon proceed for a guided tour of New Delhi. You will drive past the India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan – the President’s Residence, the Parliament House – the Government headquarters and other Government buildings. Humayun’s Tomb - the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. Also visit Qutab Minar (Tower of Victory) - built to establish the might of Islam and onset of Muslim rule in India. Return back to your hotel, following sightseeing tour Overnight in Delhi

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be driven towards Agra (approx 205 Kms /04.30 hours) en route visiting Akbar’s mausoleum at Sikandra. Located 10 km from Agra on the Agra-Delhi road. The sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar, the greatest of the Mughal emperors, is situated in the middle of a peaceful garden. Akbar started its construction himself, blending Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian motifs and styles and was completed by his son Jahangir in 1613 AD. The tomb is a splendid example of the combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture and represents Akbar's philosophy and secular outlook. Upon arrival in Agra, proceed for check-in at your hotel. This afternoon, proceed to visit the Great Fort of Agra, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace. Situated 1 km upstream of the Taj Mahal, on the right bank of the Yamuna, the Agra fort was built under the direction of Akbar, by Mohammed Quasim Khan, his commander-in-Chief and Governor of Kabul and added to by his son Jehangir and grandson Shahjahan. An imposing structure with walls of red sandstone, almost 3 kilometres (two miles) long. Also visit Baby Taj (Itmad-ud-Daulah). Later visit to the world renowned Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday). Referred to as one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is the epitome of tourism in India and is celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. A symphony in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, it was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. There are tombs of Mumtaz and Shahjahan within the mausoleum. Done in white marble, it took 22 years and over 20,000 workers and craftsmen to complete this rhapsody in stone (1630-52 AD). The main structure is set amidst landscaped gardens. While on three sides it is surrounded by high walls, the rear is bound by the river Yamuna. Return back to the hotel following sightseeing tour. Overnight in Agra

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Later you will be driven to Bharatpur (approx 81 kms/ 3 hrs) enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri Located 40 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned due to paucity of water. It is made of red sandstone and combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture. Even to this day, the entrance to the fort is through the road that Akbar built which leads to the Buland Darwaza, a huge 54 metres gateway. Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hiran Minar that Akbar built in memory of his favourite elephant, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal's House and the Diwan-i-Khas. Following visit, continue your drive Bharatpur with packed lunch. Upon arrival at Bharatpur, you will be taken to visit the Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world with over 360 species. Wildlife is especially good from October to February when it is frequented by Northern Hemisphere migratory birds. The prize attraction of the park is the arrival of the rare Siberian Crane, which visits no other waters in India except the marshes of Keoladeo. Enjoy a short rickshaw ride and take in spectacular sightings of large flocks of water birds and their exquisite birdsongs. Later, you will be transferred to railway station to board your train to Ranthambore. Departure: Bharatpur At: 1546 Hours By: Kota Jan Shatabdi Arrive: Sawai Madhopur At: 1800 Hours Upon arrival, you will be met at the railway station and transferred to your hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Ranthambhore

Early morning proceed for game drive into Ranthambhore National Park (by Shared Jeep/Canter). Get ready for an encounter with the king of the Jungle. Enjoy exploring the Park, famous for its lush environs, clear lakes, meandering rivers and various wild species Return back your hotel for buffet breakfast. Morning at leisure. Buffet lunch at the hotel. Afternoon again proceed for the game drive into Ranthambhore National Park (by Shared Jeep/Canter). An afternoon drive to the dense jungle of Ranthambore for tiger tracking and bird watching accompanied by a naturalist. The great variety of bird life is evident, with red-vented bulbul, Indian tree pie, red-wattled lapwing and peafowl commonly heard. Return back to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Ranthambhore

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure for independent activities. Check-out from your hotel at 1200 hours Later you will be driven to the pink city of Jaipur (approx 185 Kms /04 hours). Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Jaipur

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will visit Amber Fort with a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Continue on drive to the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding area. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Pink City, an “abode of rajahs”. The highlights of the tour include a visit to the City Palace Museum, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiseled handles. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. It also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Proceed to the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century. End the tour with a rickshaw ride in the colorful bazaar of the old city. Overnight in Jaipur

Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure for independent activities. Check out from your hotel at 1200 hours Later, you will be driven back to Delhi (260 Kms/approx 7 hours). Upon arrival, you will be met by MECH representative at the airport assisted transfer to international airport for your flight for onward journey NO HOTEL ACCOMODATION ENVISAGED ON THIS DAY.