11 Day India s Temples, Tigers and Taj Signature Package

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1 11 Day India s Temples, Tigers and Taj Signature Package International airfares 10 nights deluxe accommodation Breakfast daily plus all meals in Ranthambore Professional Webjet guide In-depth sightseeing throughout Air-conditioned transportation #1 Online Travel Company in Australia Webjet Approved Guides Webjet Crafted Itineraries Always Includes Flights No Fuss, Easy Booking Day 1: Australia - - Delhi Depart Australia today on your flight to Delhi (please note, some flight may depart 1 day before). You will arrive at New Delhi International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a Webjet representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals hall. 28 Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov Feb Feb March March March March April April May May Sep Oct Oct Nov Nov 2018 (B) - Breakfast / (L) - Lunch / (D) - Dinner Flight Cruise Train India s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone time, in the form of its many monuments, stand as silent reminders to the region s ancient legacy. Delhi is a food -lovers haven and has something to please every palate. There is an unlimited variety available across cuisines, across price-brackets and across experiences from street food of North India to International cuisine and from road-side dhabas to fine dining Delhi has it all. Day 2: Delhi (B,L) Today we head out on a full day to explore Delhi. Begin your day with a guided tour of the Old City of Shahjahanabad. Your introduction to the city will start with a visit to Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, drive past the Red Fort the magical monument in red sandstone built at the pinnacle of the Mughal Empire. After, continue on to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia built by Shahjahan. Later, enjoy a guided walk through the bustling streets of Old Delhi. After, we enjoy a lunch at Chor Bizarre. A restaurant that completes the eating out experience - great décor, distinct ambience enhanced superlative food and charming 'old world' service. Continue on a guided tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. Enjoy a photo stop at the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), drive past the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President s residence). Stop for a

2 visit to Agrasen ki Baoli, a 60-meter long and 15-meter wide ancient step well. Then, proceed to the holy shrine of Sikhs, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Originally, a bungalow owned by Raja Jai Singh, this huge complex features a devotion centre, a large pond for a holy dip, a missionary school, an art gallery, a charitable hospital and the free kitchen called Langar. Later, visit the museum dedicated to the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Proceed to Humayun s tomb, the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and today a World Heritage Site. It was the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. Once done, we visit Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India built to establish the might of Islam and onset of Muslim rule in India. Day 3: Delhi Agra Dholpur (B) After breakfast you will be driven to the Mughal city of Agra (a journey of 202 km/ 4 ½ hrs drive approximately). Known to the world as the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra is still associated with the Mughals, who besides being great rulers were also great builders. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, forts and palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. From the Taj Mahal to the massive Agra Fort; Agra is amongst the most remarkable city of the world and a must visit. On arrival we proceed to possibly India s most incredible sight, the Taj Mahal! The Taj Mahal, celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. Emperor Shah Jahan built this exquisite white marble mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. The monument was commissioned in 1631 and took 20,000 artisans, 22 years to complete. Once here, there is plenty of time to explore the grounds of the Taj or enter the tomb to see the wonder up close. After the Taj, we explore the Agra Fort. The fort is an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Shah Jahan, the Taj's creator, spent the last years of his life imprisoned at the

3 It was built in the late 1560`s by their predecessor, Akbar, with later embellishments by Jahangir, his son, and Shah Jahan, his grandson. Optional Meal: Peshawari Lunch Enjoy north-western Indian cuisine at a Peshawari restaurant. After, we continue on to Dholpur (a journey of 60 km/ 1.5 hrs approx). Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel. Day 4: Dholpur (B) This morning, enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Dholpur Old Town. About 4kms from Dholpur lies Muchchhkund, an ancient sacred place and is named after Raja Muchchhkund, who is said to have reigned nineteen generations before Lord Rama. Muchchhkund is surrounded by a series of temples of different deities, Machkund temple is an ancient place having reference in Puranas and Shri Madbhagwat. It is believed that after visiting to all Theerth Sthaan (pilgrimage) one need to take a holy dip in Machkund then only the pilgrimage is complete. This afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Chambal River. The safari is the best way to experience the Chambal Sanctuary is to take a boat safari in Chambal river, experiencing the magnificent Ravines on one side of the bank and happening wildlife on the expanse of the river, the other side. Your boat escort takes you quite far in to the river bed to experience the natural habitat of Ghariyals, Crocodile, turtles and close to 300 species of resident and migratory birds. Continue to visit the Gharial Breeding Farm where Gharials (a kind of alligator) which was developed for protection of gharials and their habitat, involving further research on ecology. After, we return to the hotel. Day 5: Dholpur Ranthambore (B,L,D) Today, we make our way to Ranthambhore (a journey of 220 km / 5.5 hrs approx). Nestling at the foot of the Aravalli Hills is Ranthambore National Park, a famous tiger reserve and an outstanding example of Project Tiger's efforts at conservation in the country. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur.

4 One of the most popular parks with tiger sightings at its best, a photographers dream come true, dotted with lakes and ponds around which the wildlife abounds, predators and prey enact their day to day drama. Ranthambore, hailed as one of India's finest wildlife locations, is also categorized as a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins of the fort that dot the park. Our lunch today is included at the hotel. After, we explore off the beaten track, stopping at the local village. Enjoy interacting with the locals witnessing their daily lifestyles before visiting Dastkar centre a noble craft s community project for income generation, especially for the women in the villages surrounding the Ranthambore National Park. See the skills being practiced here by local women including block printing, patchwork, pottery, leatherwork amongst others. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel. Day 6: Ranthambhore (B,L,D) Wake up early today to undertake an experience you ll never forget, a thrilling jungle safari in open top jeeps through Ranthambhore National Park. The experience is likened to an African safari. Drive to the dense jungle of Ranthambore for tiger tracking and bird watching accompanied by a naturalist. The scrub woodlands of Ranthambore were the erstwhile hunting reserve of Maharajas of Jaipur, and royal hunting parties were hosted in the Park. Today, it is a sanctuary for India s exotic wildlife, and famous for spotting the majestic predator the tiger. The park is also home to a large variety of other animals, including sambar deer, panthers, marsh crocodiles, jungle cats, civets, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards, as well as being a birdwatcher s delight with more than 250 species of birds nesting there. After, return to the hotel for breakfast. This afternoon, head back out on another jungle safari to hopefully spot the animals you missed earlier! Get another chance to track the wildlife as you embark on another game drive into Ranthambore National Park in an open air game vehicle. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

5 Day 7: Ranthambore Jaipur (B) After breakfast at the hotel you will be driven to the pink city of Jaipur (185 Km / 4.5 Hrs approx). Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It has long been established on tourist itineraries as the third corner of India's Golden Triangle. The old city of Jaipur is partially encircled with seven gates - the major gates are Chandpol, Sanganeri, and Ajmeri. The 'pink city' label, applies specifically, to the old walled quarter of the Rajasthani capital, while in the northeast of the town, glorious palaces and temples, in an assortment of styles, spanning centuries, are scattered throughout the predominantly urban area. Jaipur is a tourist's delight. It is an extremely colourful city, and in the evening light, the pink and the orange buildings exude a magical glow, which is complemented by the vibrantly attired Rajasthanis. Later today, enjoy a trip to Sanganer. Located 16 km south of Jaipur, the town of Sanganer famous for its handmade paper and block printed fabrics, is entered through the ruins of two tripolias or triple gateways. This small village is an important trade and industry centre and produces the finest hand-printed textiles (block printing or silk screen). A perfect place for souvenirs from your Jaipur holiday, the blue pottery available here makes excellent gift options. Truly, a shopper s paradise! Day 8: Jaipur (B) This morning we visit Amer Town. The town around Amber Fort consists of beautiful small temples and a step well called Panna Meena. Amer was a flourishing settlement originally occupied by the Meena tribe. Explore this atmospheric ancient town as you pass numerous local shops selling traditional sweets, historic temples, havelis, and water harvesting structures amidst the natural beauty of Aravali mountain range with your guide. After, we head for Amber Fort. Situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city, surrounded by fortified battlements, 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. At the foot of the hill you will be taken on the jeep up to the main gate. Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration.

6 After the fort we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, enjoy a heritage walk in the pink city. Starting from the massive Tripolia Gate, make your way through the bustling lanes of Jaipur as you walk past the beautiful old temples and painted havelis. Wander through the streets as you see some of the gorgeous temples on both side of the roads dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and the many forms of Lord Krishna. Appreciate the beautiful murals on their exterior walls as you continue to the big terracotta red building called the Jaipur College. Proceed through the narrow alleys seeing a collection of textiles, utensils, wedding attires and street food vendors. We continue on to explore the City Palace Museum, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armoury 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. Then, we finish the day with a visit to Jantar Mantar. The awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century. Day 9: Jaipur Delhi (B) Today, leave Jaipur behind you as we make our way back to Delhi (260 Km / 6.5 hours approx). On arrival, the rest of the evening is free at leisure Day 10: Delhi - - Australia (B) After breakfast, the rest of the morning is at leisure. You will be met at your hotel by a Webjet representative and assisted with your transfer to the international airport for your onward flight home. Day 11: Australia Arrive home today