India: City Sights, Temples & Tigers

Heritage Walk

Today you are invited to know the daily lives of these street children of Delhi, some of who live in the New Delhi railway station area and one of these children is your guide today to take you through their shelters and run you through their life-stories. The walk has been specially designed for you to give you the insight of these street children and their success stories and achievements in life as you learn about their lives on the railway track, platform (where these children spend their day), small school, shelter and Salaam Baalak Trust Contact Center and Office and get to interact with their coordinator, who is also a volunteer in the program. (This service is on a private basis.)

Old & New City Tour

Today, you will be fully introduced to India's capital, beginning with Old Delhi in the morning, and New Delhi in the afternoon. Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. In 1650, Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Your tour begins with a cycle rickshaw ride through this very area. You will drive past the famous Red Fort, which is the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. From there, continue onto the Jama Masjid, to see the largest mosque in India, followed by the Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. You will be captivated by the vibrant energy and the magnificent sites of the area.

After visiting the Raj Ghat, which is the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, your exploration proceeds with a visit to two monuments from Delhi's past. The first is the Qutub Minar, a historic construction of a landmark from 1199 and the second is Humayun's Tomb, which was built by emperor Humayun's wife. This tomb took eight years to complete and is regarded as an ideal example of the early Mughal architecture.

Later this afternoon, you will be taken on a drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate. This 42 meter high gate, stands tall in the center of New Delhi in the middle of a crossroad. From there, you will continue to the President House, which was built on an area of 330 acres and features an exquisite private garden. It was designed as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during the British reign, though today it is now the official residence of the First Citizen. Your final stop of the tour will be a visit to the Parliament House, which is a true symbol of Indian democracy. (This service is on a private basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to your accommodations in 4:00PM. (Duration: 4 hours.) (This service is on a private basis.)

Taj Mahal & Agra Fort

Today's unforgettable experience includes a city tour of Agra with visits to the breathtaking Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. That magnificent monument of love – The Taj Mahal, was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, and dazzling white during the day.

Later, proceed to Agra Fort. Agra Fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 kilometers northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The Fort can be accurately described as a walled palatial city. During a time when the country was governed from this royal residence, the great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb once lived here. It used to contain the largest state treasury, visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers and the highest dignitaries from all over the world, who participated in building India's history. (This service is on a private basis.)

Fatehpur Sikri En Route to Ranthambhore

Drive to Bharatpurrailway station. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, site of another of the four Mughal capitals. An elegant red sandstone edifice of monumental proportions, Fatehpur Sikri was a complete city built mid-16th century by the great emperor Akbar to celebrate the birth of a son, and deserted barely two decades later due to apparent water shortages. Now in a near perfect state of preservation, it harmonizes Hindu, Mughal and Persian architectural styles, and is redolent of the majesty and romance of a bygone era.

After your visit to Fatehpur Sikri, transfer to Bharatpur railway station for your train to Sawai Madhupor. You will be met on arrival at the station and transferred to your hotel in Ranthambhore. (This service is on a private basis.)

Tiger Tracking

From your lodge in Ranthambhore, enjoy both morning and afternoon group jungle safaris to track local tigers with your naturalist guide. Even during the day, tigers can be seen at their normal pursuits: hunting and taking care of their young ones. Ranthambhore is one of the best places to see these majestic predators. Ranthambore is a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins that dot the wildlife park. There are lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort, overlooking the park. (This service is on a group basis.)

Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambhore is the best place for a tiger safari in India. Over 1,000 square kilometers of wild landscape make up this spectacular tiger sanctuary, whose goal is the preservation of these impressive creatures. Actually spotting a tiger is a difficult task, and may happen only once or twice during your safari. The good news is that Ranthambhore also features plenty of other wildlife to spot. Overall, this park serves as a great break from the hustle and bustle of greater India, and gives travelers a chance to relax, and enjoy a couple of days of uninterrupted calm.

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to your accommodations in 4:00PM. (Duration: 4 hours.) (This service is on a private basis.)

Jaipur

Jaipur is where the enduring charisma of the past blends with the throbbing vitality of today. Where a colorful cast of characters - from painters and potters to artists and antique dealers - present a fascinating picture of a city that is alive to both tradition and change. Today, Jaipur has spread far beyond the pink crenellated walls that once defined its boundaries. It presents a fascinating picture of a city where growth, evolution and change are sustained by tradition.

Amber Fort & City Tour

After breakfast this morning, proceed on an excursion to the inspiring Amber Fort. Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture, with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings.

Following your exploration of Amber Fort, continue on a comprehensive city tour of Jaipur. You will first visit the fascinating City Palace Museum, where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art. The museum is truly impressive, with its collection of royal artifacts, carpets, an armory of old weapons and paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions. Afterwards, you will continue to the famous Jantar Mantar, one of the five observatories in India. Specifically, it is one of the largest and best preserved. A visit to the Hawa Mahal, also called the Palace of Winds, will be your final stop of the tour. Built back in 1799, this major landmark of Jaipur is a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade that features arched rooftops, overhanging windows with latticed screens, detailed domes and incredible spires. After plenty of time to admire this site, you will be returned to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to your accommodations in 4:00PM. (Duration: 5 hours.) (This service is on a private basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to the train station for your train to Haridwar. Upon arrival at the train station in Haridwar, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel in Rishikesh. The drive journey time is roughly 1.5 hours.

Rishikesh

Welcome to, as Rishikesh calls itself, the "Yoga Capital of the World." From across the world, yogis yearn to make the pilgrimage to one of Rishikesh's hundreds of ashrams. Meditation and yoga classes abound. The Ganges flows through the city, and green forest frames it. For backpackers and aspiring spiritualists, Rishikesh has become one of the more popular destinations in India, so prepare yourself for late night parties and new international friends.

Enjoy this free time at your leisure.

In the afternoon, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred back to the train station in Haridwar. In Haridwar you will board your onward train to Delhi. Upon arrival there, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel.

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight. (This service is on a private basis.)