The Taj View Hotel at
Agra Ganj





Classic Tandori
chicken is marinated in
yogurt, lemon
juice, and plenty of
spices, then
grilled or broiled





In India, bamboo, cane,
jute, reeds, grasses and
palm leaves are used as
raw materials for
basketry and mats





The Golden Langur is
known for its rich
golden to bright
creamish hair, a
black face and a
very long tail
measuring up to
2 feet in length






An excited bride in
her colorful
attire


Classic Cultural
Adventure
India

Vibrant hues of saffron, red, orange and teal saris and turbans sweep through city streets, ancient alleyways and rural farmland, all recounting centuries-old stories amidst ancient structures and traditions. This is India as you’ve never seen it before – as you experience their cultures, you will be greeted with a gentleness of spirit and gracious old-world grandeur. Visit six World Heritage Sites:  Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Khajuraho, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar. Search the former hunting grounds of royals amidst crumbling monuments and forts for the magnificent wild tiger. Explore the creative facets of India’s artists at Sanskriti Kendra art space and see conservation in action at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility. Return in the evenings to hotels and lodges infused with yesteryear charms.

Days 1/2/3 - New York/Delhi
Board your overnight flight to Delhi. Upon your evening arrival, you are escorted to your hotel. Spend the next day touring the city, including ‘Old Delhi,’ surrounded by crumbling city walls and a labyrinth of streets crowded with rickshaws. Respectfully view the black marble memorial marking the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. See the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid, completed in 1656 A.D. and the imposing Red Fort, home to one of the first covered bazaars of the 17th century. Marvel at the India Gate , the architecture of Humayun’s Tomb and the soaring tower of Qutab Minar. Visit Sanskriti Kendra – a creative working space for artists that includes three unique museums. Your luxury hotel is situated amidst lush gardens in the exclusive Diplomatic Enclave of New Delhi. TAJ PALACE HOTEL. (Meals Aloft; B,D)

Days 4/5 - Agra
Drive to the medieval city of Agra and spend the day touring the eclectic architecture of the Agra Fort and the ornate mausoleum, Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Witness the architectural wonder of love that took 22 years to build, the Taj Mahal. The stunningly-designed temple of white marble with perfect balance and symmetry will leave you breathless with its sensual beauty. Visit the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, a sanctuary for rescued bears created by the Wildlife SOS. Touched with old-world splendor with views of the Taj Mahal, your hotel has gracious interiors and personalized service.  TAJ VIEW HOTEL. (B Daily)

Days 6/7 - Fatehpur Sikri/Bharatpur/Ranthambhore National Park
The chaotic scenery of rural India is your companion during your drive to the Red Sandstone City of Fatehpur Sikri built in the late 16th century and the Bulund Darwaza – the largest gateway in the world. Arrive at Bharatpur and board the Jan Shatabdi Express for Ranthambhore National Park, one of the best places in the world to see wild tigers. With Over 98,000 acres of mainly deciduous forest, it is dotted with ruins reflecting a bygone era. During your safari expeditions, you may see one of the 26-odd tigers hunting in full-view of your vehicle or wildlife such as jackal, mongoose, sloth bear, leopard and marsh crocodile. Graceful Sambar and spotted deer, and blue bull and Indian gazelle roam the area. Of 272 bird species, the Indian Gray Hornbill is commonly sighted in pairs. A former hunting lodge from the 1930’s, your accommodations are a historic and rustic hideaway. SAWAI MADHOPUR LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 8/9 - Ranthambhore National Park/Jaipur
Enjoy a pre-dawn safari before breakfast then begin your drive to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, founded in 1727 A.D, where the remainder of your day is at leisure. Next day, explore Amber Fort, tour the vast complex of Jaipur’s City Palace, the 16th century Royal Observatory, the Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. Marvel at the colorful dress of the city’s residents and their incredibly sweet countenances as you stroll amidst a plethora of shops and market stalls. Your regal accommodations bring to life the grandeur of the Rajasthani experience with on-site puppet shows and folk dances. JAI MAHAL PALACE. (B Daily)

Days 10/11 - Udaipur
Today’s flight takes you to the lake city of Udaipur. Founded in 1568, Udaipur is known for its Rajput-era palaces, including the Lake Palace built entirely of marble and covering a small island in Pichola Lake.  Perched high above Pichola Lake is majestic City Palace surrounded by crenellated fort walls – lying within beautiful paintings, inlay glass work, vibrant enamel and magnificent peacock mosaics. The entrance to Jagdish Temple is flanked by two massive stone elephants and is one of the largest Vishnu temples in India. Royal traditions surround you at your palace hotel overlooking the lake. FATEH PRAKASH PALACE. An upgrade is possible to the Lake Palace at additional cost. (B Daily)

Days 12/13 - Delhi/New York
Fly back to Delhi, where a day room awaits you at the ASHOK COUNTRY RESORT. The remainder of your day is at leisure before enjoying a farewell dinner. Afterwards, board your flight home with incredible memories of roaring tigers, ancient ruins and incredible people. (B,D; Meals Aloft)

Post Extension to Kanha National Park & Mumbai
Continue your adventure with a flight to Nagpur and a drive to Kanha National Park, the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s famous novel, Jungle Book.  The landmark achievements of this environmentally conscious park have been the preservation of the rare Barasingha (swamp deer), and the doubling of the tiger population since being named the first Project Tiger Reserve.  By open 4X4 vehicles, investigate the varied terrain for thrilling sightings of prowling tiger while the barking deer snaps its alarm.  If a tiger is sighted, get set for the viewing of a lifetime on elephant back.  The bird show gets an early start on misty mornings with almost 200 species to look for, including the colorful plumage of the Racquet-tailed Drongo.  Situated in a mature Sal forest, your eco-friendly lodge is inhabited by colorful butterflies.  End your Indian adventure with two nights in Mumbai, the financial capital of India.  Enjoy the many sites and finish off your last-minute shopping before your return flight home.

Your Journey Includes: 

  • Roundtrip air transportation from New York. All local flights within India per itinerary and Shatabdi Express train.
  • Superior or best available accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
  • Breakfasts daily and other meals per itinerary. Complimentary bottled water at meals and while touring.
  • Transportation in cities and sightseeing drives by air-conditioned motorcoach.
  • Services of English-speaking local guide for all city sightseeing.
  • Accompanied by professional naturalist with a minimum of ten travelers.
  • Wildlife viewing in canter or jeeps.
  • All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
  • All entry fees to national parks and points of interest.
  • Visits to Sanskriti Kendra in Delhi and Agra Bear Rescue Facility.
  • Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.

 

Call Today to begin planning your journey of a lifetime (800) 627-1244