13 Days Best of India: Land of the Taj & Tigers

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Welcome to Delhi, a magnetic blend of old and new, and the capital of modern India. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

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Day 2: Delhi sightseeing

Your day starts with an orientation drive to see India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Then, take a rickshaw ride through the alleys of Chandni Chowk, a captivating bazaar. Visit Jama Masjid and Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, explore Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). Drive to Agra this afternoon. Your Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner at your hotel tonight.

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Day 3: Delhi → Agra (Taj Mahal)

Start your day with an incomparable sunrise visit to the famous Taj Mahal. This remarkable monument, commissioned by Sjah Jahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, took 22 years to build. Return to your hotel for some time at leisure. This afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a colossal, red sandstone UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the spectacular Mughal Palace with audience halls, the Room of Mirrors, and the pavilion where Shah Jahan spent his last days.

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Day 4: Agra → Fatehpur Sikri → Ranthambore

Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the sandstone palaces, elegant courtyards, and victory gate of this ghostly place built in 1569 and deserted by its people when water was no longer available. Then, travel to Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park.

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Day 5: Ranthambore National Park (safari)

Explore Ranthambore National Park on a morning game drive in an open-air safari vehicle. In addition to Bengal tigers, the park is home to leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Return to your resort where the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy your jungle surroundings. You may wish to join an optional game drive this afternoon for another chance to spot wildlife.

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Day 6: Ranthambore → Jaipur

Enjoy free time this morning. After lunch at the hotel, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City” for its distinctive rose colored buildings painted in the 19th century to welcome royal visitors.

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Day 7: Jaipur sightseeing

Sightseeing today starts at Jantar Mantar, then explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. Later, visit the legendary Amber Fort, the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Jaipur.

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Day 8: Jaipur → Delhi

Drive back to Delhi. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your tour of India.

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Day 9: Depart Delhi

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.