Duration: 17 Days/ 16 Nights
Destinations Covered:
Delhi » Agra » Chambal Sanctuary » Ranthambore » Jaipur » Goa » Mumbai
 Highlights:
- Wildlife safaris in Ranthambore and Chambal National Parks.
- Bird watching in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
- Tour of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
- Monuments, Forts and Palaces of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.
- Holiday on the Beaches of Goa.
Day 1: Arrival at Delhi
You will arrive in Delhi. Here you will be met and taken to the hotel where you will stay for 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2: Delhi
Today we will explore the bustling cities of Old and New Delhi.
Old Delhi pulses with energy and color everywhere you turn, giving you insight into the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian subcontinent. In Old Delhi, you will see the famous Red Fort (built by the Emperor Shah Jahan - the builder of Taj Mahal), the Jama Masjid Mosque with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes, Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi's business center), all with the hustle and bustle of everyday Indian life around you.
 As a complete contrast, New Delhi stands in formal splendor, like a lone sentry guarding an outpost of a long-gone empire. It is a city of wide boulevards, which offers ever-changing perspectives of this landscaped city designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It is a city rich with formal parks where you can see the magnificent Parliament Building, the Rashtrapati Bhawan, once the awe-inspiring residence of the British Viceroys and now the Presidential Palace set in 330 acres of land, the Raj Ghat (cremation site of Mahatama Gandhi), India Gate (a majestic arch, 42 meters high, built as a memorial to the Indian Soldiers killed in World War I), Qutab Minar (the 72.5 meter high tower dating back to 13th century and one of the greatest bequests of Islamic Culture), Humayun's Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore-runner of the Taj Mahal, demonstrating Mughal architecture at its graceful best) and finally the Birla Mandir (a large Hindu Temple built in 1938).
Day 3: Delhi - Agra
Today you will be transferred by road to Agra, which is approximately 4 hours away. On arrival you will be taken to Col. Lamba's Home stay where you will stay for 4 nights, on a bed and breakfast basis.
Col. Lamba Indian Homestay accommodates up to 14 guests in 7 double rooms with attached bathrooms. Breakfast is served with the family or separately to the choice of the guests on Indian and Continental menus. The Homestay venue is owned and managed by a retired Colonel from the Indian Army and his wife.
In the afternoon/ evening you may enjoy an afternoon tour of Agra and see the Taj Mahal at sunset.
Day 4: Agra
The next morning we go on a tour of one of the eight wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a monument of love built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. For 22 years, 20,000 men labored day and night to build this masterpiece, which has held the world awe-struck ever since.
Day 5: Agra - National Chambal Sanctuary
 This morning you will be transferred to the National Chambal Sanctuary for a full day visit. The National Chambal Sanctuary, located in Etawah, 70 kilometers from Agra is spread over an area of 635 square kilometers. Established in 1979, the park has a rare collection of exotic, rarely found species. The unusual Gangetic dolphin is the main attraction of National Chambal sanctuary. Besides, the park is also inhabited by chinkara, sambar deer, nilgai, wolf and wild boar.
The River Chambal is one of the country's most beautiful and least polluted river systems. It is the mainstay for the entire wildlife of the sanctuary, harboring a variety of aquatic life, including the elusive Gangetic Dolphin, Marsh Crocodile, Gharial or Fish Eating Crocodile, Freshwater Turtles, River Otters and a various species of fish. The river now boasts of a population of over 1600 Gharials and 200 Crocodiles.
The surrounding environs of the river are a true bird watcher's delight. During the season (November - March) one can see thousands of migratory and resident birds flock at the shores of the river. A least 150 species of birds have been identified. Species of birds in abundance are the Bar-headed Geese, Brahmini Duck, Common Tea, Pelicans, Flamingoes and Cormorants. One can have an easy sighting of the Indian Skimmer - the highest population of which in the world is found in Chambal.
Day 6: National Chambal Sanctuary
This day will be spent at your leisure.
Day 7-10: Chambal - Ranthambhore National Park
Today you will be transferred to Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, visiting Bharatpur on route. Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur is arguably the finest bird sanctuary in the world. Formerly a shooting preserve of the Rajput Maharajahs of Bharatpur, it is just 29 square kilometers but holds a remarkable diversity of habitats. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Amongst these is an unequalled array of wetland species, a great variety of vultures, eagles, falcons and owls, plus numerous small land birds. Notable species amongst the throngs of nesting Painted Storks, White Ibises, darters and spoonbills are specialties such as the Pallas's Sea Eagle, Black-necked Stork, Comb Duck and the elusive Spotted Creeper. As well as birds, the park has an excellent variety of wild animals. Nilgai (blue bull), Sambar and Spotted Deer, Blackbuck, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Asiatic Jackal and Mongoose are all common, and this is one of the few places in India where the rare Fishing Cat may be seen.
On arrival in Ranthambore you will be taken to the Hotel, which will be your home for the following 4 nights on a bed and breakfast basis including game watching activities.
Managed by Dr. Goverdhan Singh Rathore and his wife Usha, White House is located within half a kilometre of the Ranthambhore National Park. Set amongst trees of dhok, mango and shisham, the house overlooks the waterhole, which attracts an abundance of birds, butterflies and wildlife coming together to bathe, to drink or just to sit for a while. Leopards are regular visitors and drink unobserved from the pool in the dead of night. Meals at The White House are vegetarian and are prepared from fresh local produce, mainly organic and, more often than not, picked the same day from the garden. There are two large double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms on the ground floor with marble floors and balconies overlooking the water hole. A third en-suite bedroom on the first floor has its own private verandah and roof space with views over the grounds to the Ranthambore hills.
Situated in Rajasthan at the eastern end of the Aravalli Range, Ranthambore's rolling hills, decorated with the crumbling ruins of numerous temples and a hilltop fort, possess all the princely splendor of this famous Rajput state. The park offers one of the best opportunities for seeing Tigers during the day, as well as many other mammals, including Leopard, Sloth Bear, Rhesus Macaque, Common Langur, Nilgai, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Jackal, Sambar and Chital (Spotted Deer). With more than 300 species of bird, the bird-life here is also excellent, particularly around the lakes. Parakeets, Painted Storks, Egrets, Flycatchers, Eagles and Partridges, together with migrants including Black Eagle, Greylag Goose, Ruddy Shelduck and Pintails may all be spotted.
Day 11: Ranthambore - Jaipur
This morning you will transfer by road to Jaipur, where you will spend 2 nights at Mandawa Haveli on a bed and breakfast basis. Chirmi Palace is very centrally located, 11 kms from the airport and 1 km from the railway station. It is an old residence, which has now been converted into a heritage home stay and is run by Thakur Kesari singh. Each air-conditioned bedroom has en suite facilities.
Day 12: Jaipur
Today you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the rose colored city of Jaipur. Visit the early 17th C Amber Fort by elephant back, and in the afternoon; visit the Maharaja's City Palace, the Jantar Mantar (the Observatory), the local bazaars and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), with its incredible facade of balconies and pierced screens.
Amber Fort, built by Man Singh, embodies the Rajput belief that the fort symbolizes the strength of the King. Its commanding view, sheer walls and rock face and the curved route that leads to the palaces within, all point to concern with security and defense. The fort is mirrored in Maota Lake, which stands adjacent to the Dilaram Garden. A visit to the private apartments, which were started in the 17th Century and combine Hindu and Mughal architecture, and the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) are both a must, together with the Jag Mandir, Jai Mahal and the Kali Temple.
Days 13-16: Jaipur - Goa
Today you will be transferred back to the airport in time for flight to Mumbai and connecting flight to Goa. On arrival you will be met and taken to the Hotel. You will stay here for 4 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
For the next 3 days enjoy a relaxing beach holiday in Goa.
Day 17: Mumbai - Departure
Today you are taken back to the airport in time for your flight to Mumbai and connecting international flight back home.
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