Rajasthan, Culture and Wildlife Safari

Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival into Delhi International Airport you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax after your flight and let the anticipation build prior to your adventures of the coming days.

Overnight: Claridges Hotel

Delhi

This morning you will take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi; explore the narrow winding lanes which surround the Red Fort as well as the bustling the bazaars and shops - you will also have the opportunity to take a rickshaw ride. In the afternoon you will continue onto New Delhi, the part of the city which is renowned for its formal parks and magnificent parliament building. Your next stop will be the Sikh temple - Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

Overnight: Claridges Hotel (B)

Delhi - Agra

This morning, after a delicious breakfast, you will drive approximately four hours to Agra and will be able to visit the Agra Fort which was built in the 16th century AD by three generations of Mughal emperors. Next you will visit the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah; before the Taj Mahal was built its design was already standing and is known as the 'Baby Taj'. Built to represent a silver jewel box in marble, this mausoleum houses the body of Mirza Ghiyas Beg. You will end the day with a magical view of a sunset over the mausoleum from Mahtab Bagh or the Moonlight Garden.

Overnight: Gateway Hotel (B)

Agra - Ranthambore

This morning you will visit Taj Mahal at sunrise; a monument of love built by Shah Jehan in 1630 for his queen. For 22 years 20,000 men laboured day and night to build this masterpiece. Later you will drive to Bharatpur railway station; en route you will visit Fatehpur Sikri - an enigmatic deserted Mughal city. This spacious, red sandstone city was built in the 16th century by the great Mughal Emperor, Akbar. The architecture is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles. You will now board your train to Sawai Madhopur. Upon arrival you will be met and driven to your hotel.

Overnight: Khem Villas (B, D)

Ranthambore

Over the next couple of days you will be able to explore the vibrant Ranthambore National Park encompasses nearly 400 sq km of dry, deciduous forest in South Western Rajasthan, nestled between the Aravali and Vindhya Hills. Though mainly known for tigers, sounders of wild boar and gazelle can be seen, as well as the Indian hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. Among the other local fauna are the leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cats, sloth bear and marsh crocodile. The lakes and pools at the park are where the deer congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals.

Overnight: Khem Villas (B, L, D)

Ranthambore - Jaipur

This morning you will embark upon your final game drive within the park. After breakfast you will drive to Jaipur (approximately 3.5 hours). On arrival you will be able to check in at your hotel and have plenty of time to settle in and explore the capital of Rajasthan. Famous for its colourful culture, forts, palaces and lakes, the city basks in the glory of a rich and eventful past. It remains the only city in the world that symbolises the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.

Jaipur

Today you will embark upon a full-day tour of Jaipur. The bazaars teem with people, camels and horses, while around them loom magnificent palaces. In the morning you will drive past the Hawa Mahal and then continue to Amber Fort. Hawa Mahal is an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to sit and observe life below. Amber, the ancient capital of the region, still recalls its heyday in the majestic ramparts rising steeply along the contoured hillsides. Visit the Jagmandir, or the Hall of Victory, glittering with mirrors, as well as the Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali. Later in the day, you will visit Jaipur city itself, visiting the Maharaja's City Palace and the Jantar Mantar (observatory).

Jaipur - Jodhpur

Today after a leisurely breakfast you will drive to Jodhpur (approximately 5.5 hours). Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan; it lies at the entrance to the Thar Desert in a region called Marwar. Initially, Mandore served as the capital of the Rathore Rajputs but a more secure capital was needed which led to the founding of Jodhpur; which is overlooked by the massive Meherangarh Fort. Jodhpur is also called ‘blue city’ because of the indigo-washed houses in the old town.

Jodhpur

Today you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur where you can visit the impressive Meherangarh Fort. Rising 393 ft. above the surrounding plain, its huge and rugged exterior contains delicately latticed and decorated palaces. One of the best-run private museums in India, the Fort contains period rooms, art collections, and a conservation centre. Jaswant Thada is a 19th century royal crematorium; built of brilliant white marble. The cenotaph here was built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the 33rd Rathore ruler of Jodhpur.

Jodhpur - Jawai

This morning you will drive to Jawai Bandh (approximately 3.5 hours), en route you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the Bishnoi villagers. The Bishnoi people are known the world over for their love and protection of animals and plant life and they may be considered as some of the earliest conservationists in the world. Upon arrival in Jawai Bandh you will be able to settle in to your African-style tented camp, Jawai Leopard Camp, set in a dramatic location amongst craggy boulders, lovely water bodies and green fields. There will be an evening game drive in search of leopards.

Jawai

Today you will spend the day exploring the area, the browns and greens of the surrounding countryside broken by the vibrant colours of the women’s clothes and the men’s turbans. In both the morning and the evening you will be able to take game drives through your stunning surroundings continuing your search for the elusive leopards.

Jawai - Jodhpur - Delhi

Bid a fond farewell to the stunning area of Jawai with a final morning game drive before driving back to Jodhpur where you will catch your onward flight to Delhi. You will be met in Delhi by our local representative who will show you to your comfortable hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Imperial Hotel (B)

Depart Delhi

Today you will be transferred to the international airport within plenty of time for your onward flight.