Temples & Tigers

Depart from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic for our overnight flight to Delhi.

On arrival into Delhi, we transfer to Eros Hotel, New Delhi Nehru Place where we spend our first two nights in India. Late afternoon, we join our Tour Manager and fellow travellers to visit the Lotus Temple. Built in the shape of a lotus flower, it is one of only seven Bahai temples built around the world. Later, we return to the hotel for a welcome drink, where we will have the opportunity to become better acquainted for our adventures ahead. We finish our first day in India with dinner at our hotel.

Explore historical and modern India during an action-packed day in Delhi. After breakfast, we start the day with an unmissable rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, exploring the sights as we ride through. We visit Red Fort, an opulent palace from the mughal Empire (1500s), Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and the old-city market Chandni Chowk. Later that day, witness Parliament House and the imposing India Gate as we explore New Delhi further. We also visit Humayun’s Tomb, where the 16th century Mughal Emperor lies.

An early start this morning as we make our way to the train station where we board the Shatabdi Express to Amritsar. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel, either the ITC Welcome Amritsar or the Radisson Blu Hotel. Located just a short drive from the Golden Temple, we stay here for the next two nights. Following dinner this evening we see the breath-taking Golden Temple at night, when numerous lights illuminate its beauty, and witness the sacred and much revered Palki Sahib ceremony.

Tour Highlight

Today’s activities include a trip to the magnificent Golden Temple, undoubtedly one of today’s highlights and one of the most spiritual places in India. Explore the complex and community kitchens used by local volunteers to produce up to 20,000 meals per day. Up next is Jallianwala Bagh, a historic garden and memorial of national importance, before visiting the Partition Museum – the world’s first museum dedicated to the Partition of 1947. The museum tells historical stories through sound, personal artefacts, letters and photographs, documenting the lives of millions affected during the Partition. Later that afternoon, we enjoy a drive out to the India – Pakistan border, where we will enjoy the impressive Wagah-Attari border ceremony, a musical with Massed Bands of the Household Division. It truly is a mesmerising experience.

This morning, we visit some of the best foodie locations in Amritsar. Enjoy mouth-watering Punjabi dishes such as Amritsari Kulche, Lassi, Maa di daal, Jalebi, Samose, and more! Punctuating the food are the stories of their origin which provide interesting insights into the history of Amritsar, their preparation methods, and cultural significance today. This afternoon we travel to the airport for our evening flight to Jaipur. On arrival we transfer to either the Trident Hotel or the Jaipur Hilton, where we will stay for the next three nights.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before we embark on a tour of the impressive ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Enjoy a tour of the Pink City and its delightful sights, including the City Palace and its impressive courtyard and gardens. We also visit Jantar Mantar, the ancient equinoctial sundial, before stopping for a photo opportunity at Jaipur’s amazing pink sandstone palace – Hawa Mahal. In the evening, enjoy a delightful cookery demonstration at the home of a local Rajasthani family.

After breakfast, we take a short journey to meet our waiting jeeps. The jeeps will take us to the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Amber Fort. Nestled amongst the dramatic pink hills, overlooking Maota Lake, this majestic Amber Fort is the best way to familiarise yourself with Rajput architecture. Next, there is an optional guided walk during which we explore the old stables that were coveted into a market. This is a great opportunity to observe the likes of local milk-sellers and sweet traders as they promote their products. Or, if you prefer, explore the neighbouring eateries to sample a local delicacy or two.

We leave Jaipur behind as we journey to Ranthambore. Over the next two nights, we will stay at the Ranthambore Regency Hotel, located just a short journey from Rajasthan’s premier national park. The charming hotel is a great base that allows us to explore the park. There’s even an optional tour to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ranthambore Fort.

Before breakfast, we begin the day with a trip to Ranthambore National Park, a former private hunting ground of India’s great ruler, the Maharaja. Boarding our open shared canter vehicles we venture into the park for our first safari of the day. The national park is famed for its impressive yet imposing tigers, and celebrated for its wildlife conservation. Look out for sloth bears, monkeys, marsh crocodiles, sambar deer, leopards and over 250 species of bird as we travel through the park. Following our safari, we return to the hotel breakfast. The day is then yours to relax and enjoy the surroundings of your hotel. Late afternoon, we enjoy the second safari of the day as we further explore the national park, before returning to the hotel for a relaxing dinner and some time to reflect on today’s action-packed adventures.

Today we leave Ranthambore to travel to Chand Baori in Abhaneri. The 1,300 year-old sleepwell is a 13 storey masterpiece that was constructed with awe-inspiring geometry and aesthetics. Later, we continue our journey to Agra, where we will stay overnight at the Taj Hotel Agra or the Trident Hotel Agra.

Tour Highlight

This morning, as the sun rises, we take a sunrise trip to explore the iconic Taj Mahal, India’s most iconic attraction that is a true testament of love. It was commissioned back in 1632 by Shah Jahan, Mughal Emperor, to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a breath-taking attraction, crafted by over 20,000 stone carvers, masons and artists, that we are lucky enough to experience for a sunrise like no other. We return to the hotel for breakfast and then visit Agra Fort. Also known as the ‘Red Fort’  this vast fort, once the residence of the Mughal emperors is one of the finest Mughal forts in India. We return to Delhi in the afternoon for our final night in India, staying at the Welcomhotel by ITC  Dwarka.

After 13 amazing days discovering the delights of India, it’s time to say farewell to this amazing country and our new found friends. We depart for the UK this morning, arriving in the UK in the evening.