16-Day Forts, Tigers & Holy Ganges

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You'll start your tour to India with a visit to Rajghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi (also known as Father of Nation). You'll continue your day with an orientation tour of New Delhi, the foundation stone of the city was laid by Emperor George V during the Delhi Durbar of 1911. You'll drive past the President House, Indian Parliament, India Gate and Connaught Place. You'll continue to visit Humayun’s Tomb and later, you'll proceed to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

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This morning, you'll transfer to the airport for your connecting flight to Udaipur, known for its artificial water bodies hence also known as The City of Lakes. This city is located around waters of Lake Pichola, and Aravalli Hills. After settling into your hotel in the evening, you'll enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola with a stop at Jag Mandir island famous for its marble pillars, fountains and domes.

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Today, you'll begin the day by visiting the City Palace Complex, known for its architecture, mosaics, mirror and miniature painting work. Inside the palace, you will also see a massive collection of paintings and further continue the visit to Crystal Gallery which has a huge collection of crystal objects. Finally, you'll stroll through extensive lawns of Sahelion Ki Bari and finish the tour by visiting a painting boutique which showcases the skilful work of miniature paintings.

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This morning, you'll drive to Deogarh for an overnight stay at Deogarh Mahal, the residence of Deogarh family members but now converted into a heritage hotel with modern facilities. The imposing edifice of Deogarh Mahal dates back to 1670 when Rawat Dwarka Dasji built it as a family residence. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by the family. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a rural rail ride through nearby villages, the route is abundant in unspoilt natural scenic beauty.

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This morning, you'll drive to Jaipur, an enthralling prolific 'pink’ city and capital of Rajasthan state. The city was painted in pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria in 1876 and since the colour is the mark of Hospitality. On the way, you'll stop at Pushkar, a sacred Hindu site with hundreds of temples, including a 14th-century temple dedicated to Lord Brahma who is considered as a “creator of Universe”. In the late afternoon, you'll visit a local Indian family for dinner.

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You'll begin the day with a visit to the famous Amber Fort constructed in the 16th century by the trusted general of Emperor Akbar. After a photo stop at Jaipur’s most photographed building, the Hawa Mahal, you'll have lunch at Samode Haveli. Then, you'll proceed to the beautiful City Palace that came into existence with the establishment of the city of Jaipur. You'll continue your tour with a visit to the 18th-century astronomical observation site, the Jantar Mantar.

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This morning, with your guide you'll drive to Ranthambore National Park which was once the royal Maharaja’s hunting grounds. Today, this national park has abundant wildlife and protected tigers. Upon arrival, after checking into your hotel which boasts fabulous sighting opportunities for wildlife, you'll head out on an afternoon game drive in a shared safari jeep.

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Today, you'll head out on two safari drives - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Ranthambhore National Park, covering an area of 1334 square kilometres, is known for its Bengal tigers. The park's deciduous forests are characteristic examples of the type of jungle found in Central India. Other wildlife found in the park includes the Indian leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, striped hyena, sloth bear, southern plains grey langur, rhesus macaque, mugger crocodile and chital.

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This morning, you'll leave Ranthambhore and drive to Agra with a stop en route at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri to visit this ghost town. Built during the second half of the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only 10 years. It is comprised of a complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style. After the visit, you'll continue to Agra, once a Mughal capital.

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In the morning, you'll visit the Taj Mahal, an enormous mausoleum complex commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his beloved wife. The Taj Mahal, built of shimmering white marble, seems to change colour depending on the daylight. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, it remains one of the world’s most celebrated structures and a stunning symbol of India’s rich history. Later, you'll visit the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Today, you'll travel to Lucknow, a historically important city at the heart of Northern Indian culture. You will find great architecture in Lucknow such as British Raj-era buildings and mausoleums. On this tour, you'll visit the architecturally-beautiful La Martiniere, built by Claude Martin as his palatial home. You'll then continue to the ruins of Lucknow Residency and Asafi Imambara, a complex with a mosque, gardens and a stepwell. Later in the evening, you'll walk through the local market.

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This morning, you'll catch the train to Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India and the destination for millions of pilgrims each year who come to bathe in the River Ganges and say farewell to their loved ones. You'll take to the waters tonight to observe the Aarti ceremony on the ghats. Thousands of locals and pilgrims gather together every sunset to offer their prayers to the Mother Ganges. The ceremony begins with the blowing of a conch shell and the circling of large flaming lamps.

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Early in the morning, you'll take a boat ride on the River Ganges to enjoy the sunrise and observe the devotees having their ritual bath and performing prayers to the rising sun. This is an ancient tradition that has stood the test of time for centuries and is still followed today. You'll then return to your hotel for breakfast before heading out into the city with your guide for a half-day tour of Varanasi.

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This morning, you'll have an introduction to yoga, a 5,000-year-old Indian practice. For everyone, it has a different meaning. For some, it is a way of life or spiritual practice and for others, it is a way to feel good in their bodies. After yoga, you'll return back to the hotel for breakfast. You'll then visit the city of Sarnath, a major Buddhist centre where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. You'll then head to the airport to catch your flight back to Delhi.