A wonderful introduction to northern India combining history, culture, the Taj Mahal, wildlife and magnificent scenery. Accompanied by a local naturalist, this tour includes a number of game drives on the trail of the elusive tiger, plus the chance to spot other flora and fauna in India’s most revered National Parks. Choose from three or four star hotels and a choice of fabulous extensions to the tour.

DAY 1
Fly Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow to Delhi.

DAY 2
Arrive late morning in Delhi and transfer to your hotel for a one night. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, or perhaps embark on the optional 'Glimpses of Delhi' tour featuring Lodhi Gardens, Ghandi Smiriti and Birla Temple.

DAY 3
Begin the day with a fascinating morning orientation of Delhi, exploring the narrow bustling streets, teeming colourful bazaars and the outstanding Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) of Old Delhi.

Later tour Lutyen’s New Delhi, stopping at the Gandhi Memorial Rajghat and passing by the monumental government buildings. Afternoon drive to Jaipur where you will spend two nights (160 miles, approx. 5 hours).

DAY 4
Drive out of Jaipur and visit the ancient imposing Amber Fort, perched high above the surrounding area. Constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1592, the austere exterior of the fort gives way to a beautiful fusion of Hindu and Mughal architectural influences.

Later tour the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and visit the Royal Observatory and Maharajah’s Palace with a photo opportunity at the unique Palace of the Winds, a five-story wonder with a pyramidical façade dotted with overhanging windows and latticed screens.

DAY 5
In the morning drive to Ranthambore National Park for a three-night stay (110 miles, approx. 4 hours). This afternoon relax or explore at leisure, and in the evening enjoy a discussion on the famous tigers with a renowned local naturalist.

DAY 6
Covering some 240 square miles of beautiful scenery, the National Park boasts one of the country’s leading tiger conservation efforts and is one of the best parks in India to spot this elusive animal. You may be lucky enough to spot one during the two safaris in open top canters into the park today, as well as leopards, crocodiles and over 300 species of birds.

DAY 7
After breakfast drive to Bharatpur, home to the Keoladeo National Park (140 miles, approx. 6 hours). On arrival, check in at the Laxmi Vilas Palace for an overnight stay. This evening enjoy dinner with a puppet show.

DAY 8
This morning, visit the Bird Sanctuary on a cycle rickshaw and spend time admiring the flora and fauna. Later make the short drive to the fabled city of Agra for a one night stay. En route, tour the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by the Emperor Akbar in 1569 as his new capital but later abandoned, and also the fascinating 16th Century red sandstone Agra Fort (35 miles, approx 2 hours).

DAY 9
A highlight of your tour will be this morning’s visit to the Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz. The cool marble and clear symmetry are justifiably a masterpiece of the modern world. In the afternoon drive back to Delhi for a one night stay (130 miles, approx. 5 hours).

DAY 10
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight with Virgin Atlantic to Heathrow arriving later the same day.


Guide • The main tour is escorted throughout by an experienced local naturalist. • With the exception of any included sightseeing, extensions aren't escorted, but assistance is provided in each destination by local representatives and guides. • Please note that there is no local representative in Corbett. However, assistance will be available via telephone.

MEAL PLAN • Prices include breakfast in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra; • Breakfast and dinner in Ranthambore with lunch on Days 5 and 6; • Breakfast and dinner in Bharatpur. • Breakfast is included for all extensions. • Dinner is also included at Corbett Hideaway in Corbett with lunch on Days 11 and 12.

GRATUITIES • Tipping is a way of life in India. • Porterage and tips for meals are included in your tour price. • For your driver and guide we recommend you tip at the end of your holiday.

TRAVEL TIPS • Best tiger sightings are between Nov and Apr. • During Dec and Jan night time temperatures in the National Parks can drop dramatically, we recommend that you take warm clothing for early morning game drives.

GROUP SIZE • Maximum 14 passengers. MINIMUM NUMBERS • This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers (please call for details).

NB • Please note that Ranthambore is closed from Jul01-Sep30. Corbett is closed from Jul01-Sep30. • Local conditions may necessitate slight variations to the timings of the itinerary. • Driving times are approximate and do not include time taken for sightseeing, meals and comfort stops. • Check-in at hotels in India is only after 12pm. • Due to foggy weather in Dec and Jan in North India, there may be slight changes in the timing of sightseeing due to low visibility. • The Festival of Colours, Holi, will be celebrated all over India on Mar08 2012, during which people spray each other with different coloured dyes and this may cause a slight change to the itinerary, if affected.