Day /1
Delhi
Fly from London Heathrow to Delhi with British Airways. You will be met on arrival and transferred to The Imperial, New Delhi for a two-night stay. (BB)
Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Udaipur & Mumbai /Itinerary
Day /2
Delhi
A capital of ancient enchantment and modern intrigue; today will be spent exploring the turbulent avenues of Delhi. Sample the ancient relics of Old Delhi with a visit to one of Asia’s largest mosques – the Jama Masjid – painstakingly crafted from red sandstone and marble by 5,000 artisans. Make your way onto Chandi Chowk marketplace and the Raj Ghat memorial before New Delhi unearths three acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage sites including the crimson façade of the Red Fort. End the day with a driving tour of Delhi’s Imperial era architecture passing the India Gate memorial arch and Parliament House, the official residency of India’s President. (BB)
The ImperialDay /3
Agra
Moving south, the elegant palatial structures of Agra await. Wander the walls of Agra Fort, a fortress turned palace by its creator Emperor Akbar and still in use by the military today; before venturing to the Mehtab Magh gardens upon the banks of the River Yamuna. Standing parallel to the renowned Taj Mahal across the flowing water, the gardens were reconstructed to be perfectly aligned with those of the grand mausoleum, giving an impressive teaser of its glimmering marble façade. (BB)
The Oberoi AmarvilasDay /4
Fetahpur Sikri & Ranthambore
Rise early to witness the beauty of the Taj Mahal at the break of dawn, seizing the opportunity to study the exquisitely carved inlay of this marbled tomb in the absence of turbulent crowds. Moving onward to a guided tour of the deserted city of Fetahpur Sikri, time to wander the red sandstone palaces and courtyards of this brief Mughal capital makes way for your train journey south in search of India’s regal big cats in Ranthambore National Park. (FB)
The Oberoi VanyavilasDay /5 - 6
Ranthambore National Park
Journey through twisting Dhok trees and over vast plains dappled with lotus filled lakes on a quest to glimpse the elusive Bengal tiger. Accompanied by a park naturalist, sunrise and sunset game drives take you on a path to uncover some of India’s most famed animals, from leopards and striped hyena to Sambar deer and Sloth bears. Although considered the best place to spot tigers, the park is also known for its ancient temples and crumbling ruins scattered about the bewitching scenery. (FB)
The Oberoi VanyavilasDay /7 - 9
Jaipur
Leaving the wilderness behind, drive across the desert to India’s first planned metropolis, the rosy ‘pink city’ of Jaipur. Explore the turmeric courtyards of Amber Fort following a detour to the opulent Hawa Mahal, better known as the Palace of Winds for its 953 honeycomb like windows that allow a breeze to flow though the interior. Later wander the grounds of the City Palace, where rare manuscripts, costumes and paintings can be found within the palace’s pear drops walls; while the neck aching sundial of the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, constructed by Jaipur’s founder, can be found just a stone’s throw away. (BB)
Rambagh PalaceDay /10 - 12
Udaipur
Nestled beside the shimmering banks of three lakes lies Rajasthan’s water city, Udaipur. Here, a mystical ambience sweeps between the pale marble architecture; including the beguiling City Palace and the hand carved figures of the Jagdish Temple. At Fetah Sagar lake, walk in the footsteps of royal women beneath the palms at Sahelion-ki-Bari gardens, unearthing its many fountains and delicately chiselled elephant sculptures. A boat trip around Lake Pichola reveals ghats, havelis and the island of Jag Mandir that boasts an impressive domed pavilion and unparalleled views of the city and Aravalli Mountains. (BB)
Taj Lake PalaceDay /13 - 14
Mumbai
Proceed to Mumbai where a tour at daybreak illuminates the inner workings of the city as its residents start to stir. Witness the income of fresh produce ready for the day’s trade and watch the kaleidoscopic array of blooms come to life at the flower markets. While one half of this coastal metropolis is vibrantly affluent, its neighbouring slum, Dharavi, takes on a very different persona. Guided by a local, discover the secrets behind a plethora of the country’s industries, including leather and embroidery, as your tour through the bustling streets leaves an impression of a place of opportunity and joy. (BB)
The Taj Mahal PalaceDay /15
Return home
In time, transfer to Mumbai airport for your return flight home to London Heathrow.