Golden Triangle With Rajasthan Tour 11-day

This masterly golden triangle with Rajasthan tour is full of historic landmarks to searching for an elsuive Bengal tiger in Ranthambore tiger park. You'll also stay in the charming town of Bundi, exploring its blue alleyways, forts and hillside lake. The imposing forts of Jodhpur and Jaipur bear testament to the battles that once raged here, whilst the palaces in Udaipur, Fatehpur Sikri and the Taj Mahal offer a softer side to North India's rich history.

Highlights

• Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal
• Search for the elusive tiger
• Explore the 'Pearl of Rajasthan', Udaipur

Day 1- Arrive Delhi & City Tour.

Early morning collect from Delhi airport and transfer to the hotel. Later in the morning, we visit the walled city of Old Delhi; crowded, full of activities. We'll visit Jama Mosque - built in the 17th century and the largest mosque in India. Explore the bustling Chandni Chowk market. Enjoy a traditional pedicab ride in Old Delhi. Drive along the imposing India Gate- built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War, and Parliament House and on to visit Humayun’s Tomb - the last resting place of an esteemed 16th-century Mughal emperor and an architectural precursor of the Taj Mahal. At the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutab Minar, you’ll discover the tallest brick minaret in the world, a graceful fluted tower built in the 14th century.

Day 2- Transfer to Agra; afternoon visit to the Red Fort.

Today we will transfer to Agra (approx. 5 hrs drive) and in the afternoon visit the imposing Red Fort of Akbar, whose mighty sandstone walls enclose the beautiful white marble Pearl Mosque and the palaces, halls, courtyards and fountains of his sons and successors, Jehangir and Shah Jahan.

Day 3- Sunrise at the Taj Mahal; to Ranthambore via Fatehpur Sikri.

A very early start to see the incredible spectacle of the sunrise over the Taj Mahal. The Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631, built the beautiful white marble Taj Mahal. The Taj is serenely beautiful and never fails to amaze a first time visitor; the white marble exterior changes colour according to the position of the sun during the day and is matched by the rich interior detail. After our visit, it's time to leave Agra and drive to Ranthambore National Park. On the way, we visit Fatehpur Sikri which is the Emperor Akbar's deserted royal city. This impressive and well-preserved citadel became his capital in 1571 after the blessing of a local Moslem holy man correctly predicted the birth of a longed-for son, his successor the Emperor Jehangir. The mosque, designed to hold ten thousand worshippers, the palaces, residences and halls of audience are all made of decorative red sandstone. But this magnificence only lasted 14 years, as in 1584 Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri to secure his outlying territories, leaving this city much as we see it today - in perfect condition. This is another very full but rewarding day (approx. 7/8 hrs drive).

Day 4- Morning and evening game drives.

Today is more relaxed as we take two game drives into Ranthambore National Park. The reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 became part of Project Tiger. Sadly, after initial success, poaching has drastically reduced the tiger population. However, Ranthambore is still considered one of the best places to spot tigers in the wild and many Exodus groups over the last few years have seen the elusive predator. Tiger aside, Ranthambore is also home to a great variety of wildlife such as several species of monkey, deer, crocodile, birdlife, and together with the scenery, make the visit well worth it.

Day 5- To Bundi with its picturesque hillside lake

Today we leave Ranthambore and drive to Bundi. Bundi is a delightful town, with a rustic setting, that stands on the foothills of the Aravali Mountains. Bundi is especially famous for its palaces and the beautifully decorated stepwell that back in the 15th and 18th century were used to collect water during the monsoon season. In the afternoon we visit the Bundi Fort, arguably one of the most beautiful palaces in India, home to outstanding miniature paintings portraying the history of the palace and its royal family. The fort is set high on a hill overlooking Bundi and its Krishna blue stonewashed houses. (Approx. 4 hrs drive)

Day 6- To Udaipur.

Today we set off on our 145-mile journey to Udaipur. Known as 'The Pearl of Rajasthan', the 'City of Sunrise' and 'Venice of the East', Udaipur is a beautiful place regarded by both Indians and travellers as the most romantic city in India. (Approx. 5 hrs drive)

Day 7- Full day to explore Udaipur

Situated on the east side of Lake Pichola, the main palace commands an unsurpassed view across the shimmering lake to the dusty Aravalli Hills with the luxurious Lake Palace hotel adding to the scene. Lake Pichola has two islands, each with a palace to rival that on the mainland; Jag Mandir and Jag Nivas (the latter is now the Lake Palace Hotel) rise out of their own reflections in the waters of the lake. Udaipur is surrounded by a massive bastion with five gates and dominating the town is the City Palace of the Maharana. The sumptuous apartments are decorated with multi-coloured mosaics, elaborate mirror work and inlaid tiles; half of these can be visited as the current Maharaja still occupies the rest of the palace. We spend the morning visiting the City Palace and Jagdish Temple, with a huge black stone image of Jagannath, an aspect of Lord Vishnu. If time allows it may be possible to visit the gardens of Gulab Bag or take a boat trip on the lake. The afternoon is free to enjoy this evocative city.

Day 8- To Jodhpur via Ranakpur

Following the scenic road out of the beautiful lakeside town of Udaipur, we head towards Jodhpur. On the way, we stop and visit the stunning 15th Century Jain Temple at Ranakpur. The main temple, beautifully carved from marble, is dedicated to Adinath. It has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, each delicately carved with a different design. Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Roa Jodha and was formerly the capital of the State of Marwar. The city is surrounded by an immense wall almost ten kilometres in circumference and is dominated by the massive fort that stands on a rocky hill commanding the surrounding desert. (Approx. 7 hrs drive)

Day 9- Jodhpur Sightseeing and on to Jaipur

First thing in the morning we will visit the magnificent Meherangarh Fort from where you will have a great view of the blue houses, painted to distinguish them as those of Brahmins. The fort itself looks massive from the outside but inside there is an impressive collection of finely carved sandstone screens and lattice windows, and the palaces themselves are very finely decorated. Later visit other sights in Jodhpur. Late afternoon, head to Jaipur (Approx. 7 hrs drive)

Day 10- Full day tour of Jaipur

A day of sightseeing. The 'Pink City' of Jaipur is one of the most attractive and colourful cities in India. Rajah Jai Singh decided to abandon his nearby fortress and palace at Amber in 1727 and laid out a planned city of broad avenues, built of sandstone and painted pink at a later stage. In the centre of Jaipur is the City Palace, formerly the residence of the Maharaja, it is now a fine museum containing rare manuscripts, paintings, royal garments and weapons. Close to the palace is one of the most intriguing sights of India, the observatory of Jai Singh. This is an assembly of immense astronomical instruments made of marble and brass set in a pleasant garden. We will also see Jaipur's impressive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. A few miles from the main city is the splendid Amber Palace, rising above a lake. The imposing hilltop fort contains large courtyards and interiors with fine decorations including inlaid alabaster panels and a Chamber of Mirrors. Jaipur is a centre of many handicrafts, such as durries (woven rugs), carpets, printed cloth, semi-precious stones, leatherwear etc..

Day 11- Jaipur - Delhi / Departure

Today we drive back to Delhi to board flight for onward destination.

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