Golden Triangle with Ranthambore

Arrive New Delhi, the capital city of India, where you will be greeted by our representative at the airport, and escorted to your hotel. This afternoon, visit Qutab Minar, a fine example of early Muslim and Afghani architecture in India. Then drive past India’s seat of power, the President House and Parliament House. Take a short photo stop at India Gate, the famous war memorial arch of India. Then visit the gold tombed Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a live Sikh temple still in active worship. This sacred temple is highly spiritual and the holy water here is believed to have cured many followers of their illness. At this temple you get an opportunity to step inside the unique communal kitchen. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

After an early breakfast, take a morning tour of Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and an architectural masterpiece of Muslim faith. Then drive past Red Fort, a splendid fort made of red sandstone which was once the residence of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan and later became the landmark from where India’s independence from British Raj was announced. Embark on your drive to Agra – home to the beautiful Taj Mahal. Before reaching Agra, we may stop for lunch at a local mid way restaurant (at own expense) This afternoon visit the splendid Agra fort, built in red sandstone, encapsulating magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens. Check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

This morning witness the surreal views of the Taj Mahal by sunrise. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and appreciate the intricate designs and symmetries that rhyme as a poem written in marble. Taj Mahal is an extravagant display of love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. This afternoon, drive to Geejgarh camp to experience life in a small Rajasthan village. En route to Geejgarh, make a brief stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture and the capital city of Mughal Empire in 16th century. This place was built by Emperor Akbar in gratitude of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who foretold the birth of Emperor Akbar’s sons. Ever since then followers have been visiting Fatehpur Sikri to make a wish and tie a thread on the ‘Wish Pillar’, with the hope that their wishes will be fulfilled. Continue drive to Geejarh. Enroute we may stop for lunch at a local mid way restaurant. Upon arrival check in at Geejgarh camp for overnight stay.

Today, enjoy a camel ride exploring the nearby villages, visiting village homes, temple, school, organic farms allowing you a unique window to observe the local village life around Geejgarh. Also visit Abhaneri, a small village adjoining Geejgarh, where we will see the amazing 'Baoris' (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. This afternoon explore the architectural beauty of the Chand Baoli step well with carved panels. With lunch, chef would be happy to arrange a cooking demonstration for you, so you can learn a few tips on traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Later this afternoon, drive to Ranthambore, acclaimed as one of the best places in the world to photograph tigers in the wild. Upon arrival in Ranthambore, check in at your lodge for 2 nights stay.

Today, enjoy an early morning and afternoon Canter safari (accompanied by a trained naturalist) into the national park. The Ranthambore National Park is one of the prime examples of India’s conservation program, Project Tiger. Once the hunting ground of Indian princes, this national park stands atop a 600 m high hill range, and is covered with thorn trees, scrub and grasslands. Dotted with beautiful ponds, streams, lakes and old ruins, it is the home of the tigers of Ranthambhore that have often been photographed by visitors from all over the world. Overnight stay at hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Jaipur, the pink hued capital city of Rajasthan. This city of erstwhile Rajput Maharajas, is built in 9 rectangular sectors symbolizing 9 divisions of the universe, as per Indian cosmology Lunch may be taken at an enroute mid way restaurant or Mc Donalds or Pizza Hut or at a local restaurant upon reaching Jaipur (at own expense) Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel for overnight stay. Spend the evening at leisure in Jaipur.

This morning, visit the magnificent Amber Fort - built in the 16th century, this is one of the most beautiful samples of Rajput architecture, housing a complex of palaces and pavilions, gardens and temples. A decorated elephant ride will help you ascend to this hilltop fort (elephants are subject to availability). Alternatively, you could choose to walk or drive up to the fort. Lunch at local restaurant. This afternoon, visit Jaipur’s City Palace complex with its various museums where you can see a beautiful collection of Mughal costumes, weapons and miniature paintings. Then visit the fascinating Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, which is the largest stone observatory in the world. Also see Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in the 18th century. This palace with its innumerable windows and screened balconies was especially built for the royal women to view the city and street processions from behind their ‘purdahs’ so they remain invisible to the public. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

This morning, visit the magnificent Amber Fort - built in the 16th century, this is one of the most beautiful samples of Rajput architecture, housing a complex of palaces and pavilions, gardens and temples. A decorated elephant ride will help you ascend to this hilltop fort (elephants are subject to availability). Alternatively, you could choose to walk or drive up to the fort. Lunch at local restaurant. This afternoon, visit Jaipur’s City Palace complex with its various museums where you can see a beautiful collection of Mughal costumes, weapons and miniature paintings. Then visit the fascinating Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, which is the largest stone observatory in the world. Also see Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in the 18th century. This palace with its innumerable windows and screened balconies was especially built for the royal women to view the city and street processions from behind their ‘purdahs’ so they remain invisible to the public. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home.