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Essence of India

This carefully curated tour, combining the Golden Triangle with a National Park visit, encapsulates the very Essence of India. The incredible history portrayed in Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur. The rusticity of Sapotara and sheer excitement of going on safari makes this a true voyage of discovery. Feel the very heart of the land and come to understand – a little – what makes this magnificent country tick!

Delhi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Sapotara - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Delhi

from £3,370 / Per Person

15 Days / 14 Nights

Tour Highlights:

Old Delhi Street Food and Cultural walk  

Mehrauli village and Qutub archeological complex walk in Delhi

Sunrise visit of Taj Mahal in Agra

Heritage walk of Agra

Sunset Boat ride in Sapotara

Evening Culinary workshop in Ramathra Fort

Jungle Safaries in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Visit of Chand Baori (Stepwell)

City Palace tour in Jaipur with high tea.

What's included:

International flights in economy class.

13 nights hotel accommodation 

Daily Breakfast. Dinner on day 02 & 07. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve on Full Board.

All transfers and internal transportation

Game drives in Ranthambore on shared jeep

English speaking guides

Entrance fees to all the monuments mentioned in the itinerary

What's not included:

Visa Fees

Travel Insurance

Any meals other than mentioned in the itinerary

Expenses of personal nature such as tipping, telephone calls, laundry, camera fees still or videos etc.

Itinerary

Fly from UK to Delhi.

Arrive Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival by Novaturient’s representative and transfer to Heritage Haveli Dharampura, a well restored Haveli in Old Delhi near Chandni Chowk for 3 nights.

Morning explore the 16th C. Humayun’s Tomb built by Haji Begum, senior wife of Humanyun the 2nd  Mughal Emperor. Drive past India Gate, the 42-metre-high, free-standing arch, designed by Lutyens and dedicated to the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army, who died in World War I.  Finally visit the Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple which feeds thousands of people every day through its huge community kitchen. In the early evening check out the street food of Old Delhi. One of the major attractions of the capital is its vibrant and eclectic food scene, particularly in the noisy labyrinthine lanes of Chawri Bazaar and Chandni Chowk. End the walk with dinner in an old restaurant serving traditional food. 

Early morning walk of the Ghazipur flower market. Arrive around 6-8 am to admire the fabulous range of flowers with their heady perfume filling the air. Return to hotel for breakfast. Afternoon walk through the Mehrauli village area, which was once a sleepy village, and now, the capital city! Walk further to the Qutub archeological complex of Mehrauli with its 4th C. iron pillar…. the UNESCO listed Qutub Minar….plus many other heritage buildings.

Today morning drive to Agra. On arrival check in at the lovely Trident for 2 nights. Afternoon visit Agra Fort. Behind its impressive red sandstone battlements lay palaces silently telling the intriguing story of the Mughal Empire.

Early morning sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, the greatest love story ever told.  As the sun rises the rays caress the perfect marble stone, awakening the iconic Mausoleum. Return to the hotel for breakfast.  Later meet a local family and join in the ancient pastime of kabootarbazi (pigeon flying). About 200 families in Agra still practise this traditional pastime. Climb to the rooftop of their house and watch the pigeons being released then soaring high. This is a very authentic experience and absolutely fascinating. Afternoon Heritage Walk of Agra which takes you through the old market and surrounding areas. In the evening visit Sheroes Hangout Café, where (mainly women) survivors of atrocious chemical attacks are offered meaningful rehabilitation and empowered.

Today morning drive to Sapotara, enroute visit the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival check in at the Heritage Hotel Ramathra Fort for 3 nights. The fort is situated on a hilltop with spectacular views of Kalisil Lake, the surrounding hills and countryside. Sunset boat ride on the Kalisil Dam. It’s peaceful, picturesque and totally perfect for breathtaking sunsets.

Morning walking tour of Sapotara village, a small hamlet of farmers and cattle herders. Watch them at work tending their crops and animals. Explore the local area, meet the villagers and hear about their traditions and way of life.  In the evening learn how to cook on a fire chullas (stove). You get to choose your dish and accompanying bread which you will later dine on!

Morning Countryside drive. Visit ‘Gujar’ hamlets to experience their lifestyle, explore a cavernous gorge and an old cave Temple. Don’t forget to look out for wildlife. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Today morning drive to Ranthambore. On arrival check in at the luxury resort Sawai Vilas for 2 nights. Afternoon Safari in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. Known for its awesome Royal Bengal tigers the park is also home to leopards, sloth bears, chital and jackal.  With roughly 40 species of mammal, 35 of reptiles and over 320 of birds some fascinating sightings can be had!

Early morning safari in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.  Look out for the smaller inhabitants of the park – jungle cats, Indian porcupine, mongoose, macaques and palm squirrels – all enriching this superb habitat.  Post safari, visit Dhonk - Creation of Craft for Conservation. The Dhonk village is a unique concept encompassing the essence of the area -the people, their crafts and the wildlife – particularly the tigers. Dhonk's objective is to promote raw local talent and showcase the true colours of Rajasthan. Afternoon safari in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve for your last chance to glimpse the majestic Bengal Tiger.

Today morning drive to Jaipur, enroute visit the beautiful 8th C. Chand Baori (Stepwell) in Abhaneri village. On arrival in Jaipur check-in at the Dera Mandawa for 2 nights. In evening visit the Govind Dev Ji Temple to see the moving Aarti ceremony. 

Morning excursion to Amber (or Amer) Fort Palace by jeep. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace adorned with beautiful paintings and decorations. Enroute to Amber Fort, have a brief photographic stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds. In Jaipur city visit the outstanding Jantar Mantar: the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Next visit the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of which is now converted into a museum. Visit the private quarters of the Maharaja (not open for all tourists). End the tour with High Tea at the City Palace. Later, take an exciting Cycle Rickshaw Ride to the crowded bazaar of Old Jaipur before returning to the hotel.

Morning at leisure. Afternoon drive to Delhi. On arrival check in at Lemon Tree Premier Aerocity hotel for an overnight stay. 

Transfer to the airport to board your return flight back home.

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