DURATION: 20 NIGHTS/ 21DAYS

PLACES TO VISIT: DELHI - RANTHAMBHORE - JAIPUR - BHARATPUR - AGRA KHAJURAHO - VARANASI - KATNI - BANDHAVGARH - DELHI
DAY 01 : DEPART your city

Board international flight to Delhi.

Overnight on board

DAY 02 : ARRIVE DELHI early morning. Welcome, meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to
hotel. On arrival, check into the rooms. (Room protected for immediate occupancy).
Delhi - the capital of India, is a fascinating city rich in the architecture of its monuments. Delhi is not only
the present metropolis of India but also a Necropolis. location,on the banks of the river Yamuna,
Late morning : proceed on a Combined tour of Old & New Delhi. The Qutab Minar, is a Tower of Victory
built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, which
dates back to the 4th century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta style. The pillar has
puzzled scientists, as its iron has not rusted in all these centuries. Visit India Gate, the memorial of the
First World War and drive past Rashtrapathi Bhawan - the residence of the President of India, which is
flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings.
The historic Red Fort - Shah Jehans elegant citadel in red sandstone, was built as an octagon measuring
900m by 550m and surrounded by a 9-meter deep moat which was at its inception fed by the waters of
the Yamuna river. The fort is entered from the Lahori Gate and leads to a roofed passage called Chatta
Chowk. The Naqqar Khana (drum house) at the end of this passage marks the entrance to the royal
enclosure. A spacious lawn leads to the Diwan-i-Am - the pillared Hall of Public Audience, Diwan-i-Khas the Hall of Private Audience where the emperor met select visitors and the Pearl Mosque built by Shah
Jahans son, Aurangazeb, the last of the Great Mughals. Drive past the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque),
Indias largest mosque and the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk which is adjacent to both the Fort and
the Mosque. . Welcome Dinner at a nice restaurant in Delhi Overnight in Delhi TAJ PALACE / QUTUB
RESIDENCY

DAY 03 : DELHI - SAWAI MADHOPUR - RANTHAMBORE

Morning transfer to the Railway Station to board the train for Sawai Madhopur. Leave Delhi for Sawai
Madhopur by your city
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and transfer to hotel in
Ranthambore. On arrival, check into the Jungle Resort.

Ranthambore: With an area of 400 sq. km encompassing rocky hill crests which descend to open valleys
between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, dotted with water pools and fruit trees, this park gets its
name from the thousand year old fortress, which looms above the forest. Well known for the diurnal

activity of tigers, Ranthambore is a very special and unusual area where a natural present meets a
historical past. Sambhar, cheetal, chinkara, nilgai and langoor. The elusive leopard and tigers are found
in this reserve with tourists standing a very good chance of seeing tigers during the day.

Dotted across the landscape are the crumbling ruins of its past glory, be it chhatris or cupolas, like
palaces or old guard posts, all of which reinforce the magical and ethereal quality of this great
wilderness. Lunch at the lodge. After lunch, proceed on a game drive into the sanctuary. Overnight in
Ranthambore TIGER DEN RESORT/RANTHAMBORE REGENCY

DAY 04 : RANTHAMBORE
Morning and afternoon game drive into the sanctuary by Jeep. Overnight in Ranthambore TIGER DEN
RESORT/ RANTHAMBORE REGENCY
DAY 05 : RANTHAMBORE
Morning and afternoon game drive into the sanctuary by Jeep. Overnight in Ranthambore TIGER DEN
RESORT/ RANTHAMBORE REGENCY
DAY 06 : RANTHAMBORE / JAIPUR
Morning game drive into the sanctuary. Return to the hotel for Breakfast at and drive to Jaipur (170
kms/ 5 hours). Assistance on arrival and check into the hotel.
Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan, is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput
culture. This Pink City of fairy tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues,
is picturesque. The first planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. Rest of the day
at leisure for independent activities.Overnight in Jaipur JAI MAHAL PALACE / ALSISAR HAVELI

DAY 07 : JAIPUR
Morning : Proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort with Elephant ride up to the Fort. Drive past Hawa
Mahal, known popularly as the Palace of Winds, is a facade built for the Ladies of the Royal household in
the 19th century. The Amber Fort, the capital of the erstwhile State of Jaipur until 1728 is perched on a
hill. It has halls of Public and Private audience, a Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) various marble palaces
which are marvelous examples of ancient Rajput architecture. The Temple of Amba (Mother Goddess),
the patron deity of the Royal family is at the entrance to the palace. Ride an elephant to ascend the hill
on which the Fort is situated.
Afternoon : proceed on a city tour visiting the City Palace - the former royal residence built in a blend of
Rajasthani and Mughal styles which houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes

and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs, including swords of different shapes and sizes with ornate
handles. It has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal
paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Also visit the Jantar
Mantar - an astrological and astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century,
which is remarkable for its accuracy even in the present times. Overnight in Jaipur JAI MAHAL PALACE /
ALSISAR HAVELI

DAY 08 : JAIPUR / BHARATPUR

Morning drive to Bharatpur (200 kms/ 5 hrs). On arrival, check-in to the room. Bharatpur is popular for
its bird sanctuary - the Keoladeo Ghana National Park - finest in Asia, inundated with over 400 species of
water birds. The sanctuary covers an area of 40 sq. km of swampy, lightly wooded terrain which was
once the private hunting and shooting preserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Today it is the protected
breeding ground for many species of birds and also the home of migratory birds, especially of the
Siberian Crane, that spends its winter here. Colonies of cormorants, spoonbills, storks, egrets, herons,
pelicans, ibis and grey herons can be spotted all over the park, besides a fairly rich habitation of deer
and snakes. [The best time to visit the Park is from October though March] Late afternoon: Visit the
Sanctuary by boats - an excellent way to see the birds and watch the spectacular sunset (subject to
availability). Overnight in Bharatpur LAXMI VILAS PALACE
DAY 09 : BHARATPUR
Morning visit the park once again, on a Cycle Rickshaw. afternoon visit the Sanctuary. Overnight in
Bharatpur LAXMI VILAS PALACE

DAY 10: BHARATPUR / AGRA

Morning drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri (15 kms). Fatehpur Sikri - This exquisite city built by
Akbar the Great in 1569, in red sandstone, with its forts, palaces and mosques was abandoned 14 years
after its creation due to political reasons. The Diwan-i-am - a vast courtyard in which the emperor gave
daily public audience. Diwan-i-khas - a large quadrangle which contained all the major functions of the
Palace, Pachisi court, the Emperors private living quarter, Jodha Bais Palace, Mariams Palace, Birbals
Palace, Hawa Mahal and Panch Mahal are some of the important buildings of this residential complex.
The Friday Mosque and the exquisite tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti are in the religious grounds set aside in
a separate enclosure adjacent to the secular buildings. Continue drive to Agra (40 kms). On arrival,
check-in to the room.
Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. The architectural
splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the
legendary Mughal empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A pleasant town,
with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by
artisans who are hereditary crafts persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread

embroidery and leather shoes.

Afternoon : tour of the Taj Mahal - the inimitable poem in white marble. Built over a period of 22 years,
by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630, for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal
remains, it is one of the seven modern wonders of the World. [The Taj is closed on Fridays] Overnight in
Agra TRIDENT / JAYPEE PALACE

DAY 11 : AGRA / KHAJURAHO

Morning : visit the Agra Fort, built by three Mughal Emperors starting from Akbar the Great in 1565 AD,
which is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings
including the Moti Masjid, Jahangirs Palace, Khas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-iKhas and Musamman Burj, where Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, died a prisoner. Later
transfer to the airport to board the flight for Khajuraho. Leave Agra for Khajuraho by CD: 7407 ( 1225 /
1315 hrs ) (Flight operates on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays as per current schedule) Meeting and
assistance on arrival at Khajuraho airport and transfer to the hotel. On arrival, check-in to the room.

Created by the Chandela kings around 925 AD, Khajuraho emerged when the west was still finding its
place in the Sun. The temples are a spectacular feat of architectural excellence, carved with the roughest
of tools, all within the span of a hundred years. There were 85 temples in all, portraying the zest for life
of the people. The elaborate carvings depict spirituality, love, music, dance, hunting and feasting. Today,
22 temples survive. Khajuraho has achieved fame for the sensual appeal of the erotic sculptures. But,
these form only part of the wealth of the site that depicts everyday life of the people and the court in
the 10th and 11th centuries.
Architecturally the temples have some unique features. They stand on high platforms and do not have
the customary enclosure. Each temple has a large number of spires in ascending order representing
man's aspirations towards spiritual goals. The sculptures describe the moments of truth, amazement
and bliss in which one forgets everything and surrenders completely to spiritual emotion. And this
wonder is the elusive theme of the temples at Khajuraho.
Afternoon : visit the Western Group of temples. The Kandariya Mahadeo temple of the Western group is
the largest, dedicated to Shiva. The main shrine is exquisitely carved and features, in delicate detail,
gods, goddesses, celestial maidens and lovers. Also visit the Chaunsat Yogini temple dedicated to Kali
and Chitragupta temple dedicated to the Sun-god Surya. Overnight in Khajuraho TRIDENT

DAY 12 : KHAJURAHO / VARANASI

Morning : visit the Eastern and Southern group of temples. The Parsvanath temple of the Eastern group

is the groups largest Jain temple. The themes depict, in charming detail, everyday activity. Also visit the
Duladeo temple dedicated to Shiva and the Chaturbhuj temple of the Southern group.
Afternoon transfer to the airport to board the flight for Varanasi. Leave Khajuraho for Varanasi by 9W:
724 ( 1405 / 1445 hrs ) Meeting and assistance on arrival at Varanasi airport and transfer to the hotel.
On arrival, check-in to the room.
Varanasi is one of Indias most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus.
Known also as Kashi and Benaras, Varanasi is one of the worlds oldest living cities, and has been a
centre of learning and culture for well over 2000 years.
Evening : Visit the Ghats or bank of the Ganga River. This is a fascinating walk as you can experience
the cultural ethos that guides the life of the pious. See the rituals that take place to the setting sum and
the ablutions that are performed in the river. As boats float down-stream, some carrying goods, fruits
and vegetables, you will see others carrying the pious who perform ceremonies along the river. On the
banks or ghats, you can see some absorbed in prayer and the chanting of hymns, and others engaged
in commerce and yet others performing functions like hair-cutting, massaging and even cleaning ears!
Walk across to the Manikarnika Ghat, where you can see cremation, performed with intense ritual - the
process of sending the departed soul to the heavens. Hindus believe that the gateway to the Heavens
and for the Re-incarnation of the Soul `in a better state, is possible when lifes last journey is from
Varanasi. Overnight in Varanasi TAJ GANGES / HINDUSTHAN INTL

DAY 13 : VARANASI
Early morning : Take a boat ride at dawn down India's most sacred river, The Ganges. Sun rise at the holy
river is a truly tranquil and breath taking sight with pilgrims standing waist-deep in water, praying to the
rising Sun. Past these bathing ghats, see the "burning ghats" where the Hindus cremate their dead. This
is done with great religious fervour which makes for a moving experience. On your return walk through
the streets of the old city. See the famous Vishwanath temple with its spires covered with gold,
dedicated to Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Return to the hotel for Breakfast
Late morning : Visit the Benaras Hindu University founded in 1916 and its famous Museum - Bharat Kala
Bhavan which houses one of the finest collection of Mughal miniature paintings and brocade textiles.
The Bharat Mata and Durga Temple
Afternoon : Proceed on an excursion to Sarnath - The place where the Buddha turned the Wheel of
Law and delivered His First Sermon. See the Chowkandi and Dhamek Stupas, the ruins of 9th and 10th
century monasteries and temples, the temple built by the Mahabodhi Society in 1931, and the Tibetan
Temple. Visit the famous Sarnath Museum. Overnight in Varanasi TAJ GANGES / HINDUSTHAN INTL

DAY 14: VARANASI / KATNI / BANDHAVGARH

Morning transfer to the Railway Station to board the train for Katni. Leave Varanasi for Katni by Howrah
Mumbai Mail ( 0830 / 1557 hrs ) Carry packed lunch from the hotel. Meeting and assistance on arrival at
Katni Railway Station and transfer to the Forest Lodge in Bandhavgarh (95 Kms). On arrival check-in at
the Jungle Resort
The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is relatively high. The possibility of spotting Sloth
Bear, Wild Boar, Leopard and Tiger is very good. The park is also densely populated with animals like the
Chital (Spotted Deer), Sambhar, Barking Deer, Nilgai (Blue Bull), Chowsingha (Four Horned Antelope)
and is rich in bird life.
The terrain is rocky, rising sharply from the swampy and densely forested valley. The finest of these hills
is Bandhavgarh which is bounded by great cliffs and eroded rocks. The Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to be
2000 years old, stands at the highest point. There is a temple at the fort that can be visited by jeeps.
Scattered throughout the park, particularly around the fort, are numerous caves containing shrines with
ancient Sanskrit inscriptions. The ramparts of the fort provide a home for vultures, blue rock thrushes
and crag martins. Dinner and overnight in Bandhavgarh TIGERS DEN RESORT

DAY 15 : BANDHAVGARH
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning and afternoon game drive into the sanctuary by
Jeep/ Elephant.
The Forest Department has devised an ingenuous system of tracking the tiger at this Park. Every day,
early in the morning, elephants and their "Mahouts" (drivers) are sent out into the jungle, in search of
the Tiger. Once it has been sighted, a radio message is flashed to the Forest Ranger, who in turn informs
the visitors in their jeeps, who are then taken on elephant-back, into the bush, to see the elusive Tiger.
Overnight in Bandhavgarh TIGERS DEN RESORT
DAY 16 : BANDHAVGARH
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning and afternoon game drive into the sanctuary by
Jeep/ Elephant Overnight in Bandhavgarh TIGERS DEN RESORT

DAY 17 : BANDHAVGARH
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. Morning and afternoon game drive into the sanctuary by
Jeep/ Elephant Overnight in Bandhavgarh TIGERS DEN RESORT
DAY 18 : BANDHAVGARH / UMARIA / DELHI

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge. During your stay in Bandhavgarh, arrangements will also be
made to visit the local villages and the Tala School. A visit to the Bandhavgarh Fort will also be arranged
with picnic lunch.
Morning game drive into the sanctuary by Jeep/ Elephant. Evening transfer to Umaria Railway station
(45 kms/ 1 hrs) to connect the train for Delhi. Carry packed Breakfast from the hotel. Leave Umaria for
Delhi by Utkal Kalinga Express leaving Umaria at 2242 hrs. Overnight enroute ON BOARD THE TRAIN

DAY 19 : ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive Delhi at 1330 hrs. Meeting and assistance on arrival at Hazrat Nizam-uddin Railway Station and
transfer to the hotel. On arrival, check-in to the rooms. Rest of the afternoon at leisure for independent
activities. Evening : Visit an Indian home and participate in some specially planned activities. Overnight
in Delhi PARK ROYAL / QUTUB RESIDENCY
DAY 20 : DELHI Full day free for shopping, packing and independent activities.
Evening: FAREWELL DINNER at a nice restaurant. After Dinner, transfer to the Airport to board flight
back home. ( Rooms may be retained till departure for airport)
DAY 21 : LEAVE DELHI

Leave Delhi for your city