About
This incredible Taj & Tigers 8-Night India Tour holiday is perfect for getting a concentrated dose of what makes this colourful country so enchanting.
During your India tour, you’ll have the opportunity to stay in some of the most incredible resorts, including 3,4 & 5-star accommodation. But when you’re not living the life of luxury, you’ll be exploring some of the most incredible sights in the world. Including no less than 7 UNESCO world heritage sites.
One of the great things about touring holidays in general is the opportunity to explore more than you ever would in a standard India holiday package.
On this blockbuster 8-night adventure you’ll discover every side of awesome India. From walking the sense-jangling streets of the capital Delhi to spotting Bengal tigers in the stunning Ranthambore National Park to taking in the mesmeric beauty of the Taj Mahal.
Nowhere else can you see this volume of UNESCO sites, wonders of the natural and manmade world, and stay in opulent luxury each evening.
- An epic tour of India taking in some of the country's most incredible areas.
- Discover 7 UNESCO sites and a bona fide Wonder of the World in one trip.
- Stay 2 nights in the stunning Ranthambore National Park during your safari.
Overview
At a glance
Accommodation
- Hotel Vivanta by Taj or the Leela Ambiance Shahadra (or similar)
- Taj Hotel & Convention (or similar)
- Clarks Safari, Ranthambore (or similar)
- Taj Devi Ratan (or similar)
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrive in Delhi
When you touch down in Delhi there will be a meet and greet at the airport. You’ll also be warmly welcomed with a traditional Aarti-Tikka with refreshments at the hotel.
Day 2 – Sightseeing in Delhi
Get ready to experience the cultural kaleidoscope that is India’s main city, Delhi.
Old Delhi
Travel back in time to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries to the time of the Mughal Empire with a trip to Old Delhi and its central locale Chandni Chowk. Experience the busy market, selling an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewellery, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables.
Rikshaw Ride Through Old Delhi & Visit to Jama Masjid
Get to know every area of Chandni Chowk even better with a sense-jangling rickshaw ride through its narrow streets.
Following your jaunt through the winding corridors, you’ll pull up to the lavish doors of Jama Masjid. Built in 1658, it took 14 years to complete this architectural masterpiece – at the order of Shah Jahan.
When you get closer you’ll be able to see that the intricate walls and details of the Mosque are constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble.
Raj Ghat
After your jaunt through Old Delhi, you’ll jump in a vehicle and be whisked 3 km away to Raj Ghat. A simple square platform of black marble marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. The site of the marble is surrounded by a gorgeous park filled with trees which were originally planted by international royalty & dignitaries.
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
The Gurdwara includes a temple, a kitchen, a large (holy) pond, a school and an art gallery. The idea of a Sikh Gurudwara is a “langar” or free kitchen. This central temple complex acts as a hub for people to come and socialise, cook and eat the delicious food on offer.
At this Gurudwara, the talented and devoted team serve 180 meals every 15 minutes. The dishes are made of a fresh chapatti, lightly spiced basmati rice, vitamin-rich dal, a spicy potato dish and a creamy yellow turmeric-based sauce with onion pakora.
Complimentary Optional Activity 1 – Visi to Dilli Haat
Speaking of food, the Dilli Haat, in South Delhi, is an open-air food and craft bazaar. Eat your way around the country in here with food stalls cooking up specials from every state.
During your 60-90-minute excursions through the marketplace, you have the chance to sample a world of delights. You’ll also have ample opportunity to check out some souvenirs – from rosewood and sandalwood carvings to colourful fabrics and drapery.
Complimentary Optional Activity 2 – Visit the Heritage Park, Sunder Nursery
Enclosed in Sunder Nursery’s 90-acre space, you have the chance to explore several UNESCO World Heritage monuments including Sunder Buri, Sunderwala Mahal, Lakkarwala Buri, Mriza Muzaffar Husssin’s Tomb, Chota Batshewala and Mughal Tomb.
Not to mention the 300 plant and shrub species, a selection of gardens, marble fountains and 80 resident bird species.
New Delhi Tour
After working your way through Old Delhi and its unending wonders, you'll move on to attractions of New Delhi. First up is a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO world heritage site and the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India.
Wander the stunningly picturesque gardens and marvel at the gorgeous architecture. The mausoleum's walls are s revered, they're said to have inspired the great Taj Mahal.
Qutub Minar, India Gate, Presidential Palace & Parliament House
Following your stop off at Humayun's Tomb, you'll break for a spot of lunch before moving on to the next awe-inspiring site. This time it's Qutub Minar. This beautiful complex is dripping with architectural and historical significance.
The Qutub Minar itself is an ornate carved tower, originally built by QUrtub-ud-din-Aibak in 1199. Elsewhere in the site you'll also find The Quwwat-Ul-Islam, the first mosque in India.
Next you'll drive on to Parliament House, taking in the beauty and majesty of the Presidential Palace and India Gate as you go.
Day 3 – Delhi to Agra & Taj Mahal Tour
After your unforgettable experience in Delhi, you’ll make the 200+ km journey south to Agra. Here is where you’ll find the and explore the incredible Taj Mahal.
One of the 7 New Wonders of the World, this stunning piece of architectural brilliance is actually a mausoleum. Built by Shah Jahan back in 1632 as a final resting place and monument to his lost love Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz, Shah Jahan’s wife, died during childbirth – so the heartbroken Emperor built this stunningly symmetrical space just for her.
Take the chance to head out on one of the Taj tours and learn more about this epic space, including the “Diana seat”.
Paid Optional Activity – Mohabbat-E-Taj Sound & Light Show
The 80-minute musical extravaganza features a replica of the Taj Mahal made in pure white Makrana marble. Presented in 10 moods to match different seasonal and hourly changes, the show depicts a 17th century love story set in the Taj.
Day 4 – Drive from Agra to Bharatpur and Train to Ranthambore
Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire. As such, it’s here that you’ll find some of the dynasty’s greatest monuments. One such build is Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the antiquated fortification was built back in 1565.
Inside the vast fort complex you’ll uncover more beautiful buildings like Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, as well as Diwan-i-Khas (a grand audience hall) and a couple of picturesque mosques.
Fatehpur Sikri
Discover the haunting beauty of the “Ghost City” of Fatehpur Sikri. First built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar to honour the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons, Fatehpur Sikri was the emperor’s capital.
However, following 14 years of occupation, water scarcity and Akbar leaving the city meant it fell into abandonment. Nowadays, the city remains beautifully preserved including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chishti, and Panch Mahal Palace.
After you’ve finished explore this beautiful ancient relic it will be time to head for the Bharatpur Railway station and on to your next dazzling destination.
Day 5 – Ranthambore
After all that time spent in the towns and cities of India, you’ll now get the chance experience the wild outdoors at Ranthambore National Park.
During your time at Ranthambore, you’ll have the chance to head out on 2 safaris. Strike out at dawn for the best chance to spot the elusive and majestic Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. You can also keep ‘em peeled for exotic wildlife such as leopards, wild boars, and different species of deer.
Alongside the stunning wildlife, you can also explore the gorgeous 10th-century Ranthambore Fort.
Day 6 – Ranthambore to Jaipur
Day 6 of our Indian touring holiday will see you say goodbye to the bush and head 170km northwest to Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan state.
Your afternoon will be spent getting stuck into one of the most famous traditional arts of the area ‘Block Printing and Textiles of Jaipur’ workshop. Print a stole or some table napkins, the choice is yours.
Paid Optional Activity – Dinner with an Indian Family
Take the unique opportunity to join an Indian family for dinner at their residence and enjoy festive rituals. Men will participate in turban tying, while ladies are presented with a ceremonial scarf, signifying compassion.
You will also be honoured with a Tikka. The Tikka, a red vermilion, paste is applied with the thumb in a single upward stroke to the guests’ forehead to signify the energy of spiritual enlightenment and wisdom.
Day 7 – Jaipur
Amber Fort (another stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site) is your next destination in Jaipur. This beautiful Rajasthani Fort Palace is bedecked in murals painted on the walls depicting ancient hunting and war scenes or festivals.
Continue your Jaipur sightseeing mission by taking in famous sites like ‘Chandra Mahal’ and ‘Mubarak Mahal’. These palaces inside the vast Maharaja’s City Palace complex form museums, courtyards, gardens and stunning works of art.
Why not end your time in Jaipur with a visit to Jantar Mantar. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest astronomical observatories on the planet.
Complimentary Optional Activity – Aarti Ceremony at Birla Temple in Jaipur
Why not take the option to end your Jaipur holiday with a beautiful Aarti Ceremony at Birla Temple.
The ceremony is a fundamental part of Hindu culture; representing the elements of fire, earth, water and air as well as the senses. After offerings have been made to Lord Vishnu & Goddess Lakshmi, the ceremony ends with everyone sharing the food.
Day 8 – Leave Jaipur for Delhi
The final full day on your tour of India is yours to enjoy however you wish. Following the 250km journey back from Jaipur, you can spend some time chilling and making use of the luxurious facilities at Vivanta by Taj Dwarka.
Day 9 – Transfer to Delhi Airport and Home
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport ready for your trip home.
From the Blog
14 Unforgettable Things To Do On 1 Luxurious Guided Tour Of India
Toying with the idea of getting an immersive and unforgettable guided tour of India on your calendar? Here’s 14 reasons why that’s a brilliant idea Choosing to experience a guided tour of India for your next incredible escape might just be the best idea you’ve ever had. Forget about “Where’s hot in October?“ Sure, you could plump for another sparkling beach escape instead and quaff the same cocktail you’ve had a million times before. Or you could treat your senses to something new and truly unforgettable. Touring India is an experience that will stay with you forever. And, we’re going to use this blog to tell you exactly why – through the medium of outlining all the activities you can experience in just 1 8-night adventure. But first, let’s simplify this whole deal. Why Choose a Guided Tour Of India? We should say, throughout this piece, we will be referring to our awesome new Taj & Tigers 8-Night India Tour. Just so you know that everything we’re about to share is a) possible and b) absolutely attainable. With that in mind, the first core thing to consider when weighing up whether an India tour holiday is for you is – price. This tour is available now from £1,299pp. Now, You couldn’t choose between a remote beach or water villa in the Maldives for that money. Whereas here you get an 8-night itinerary packed with some of the best sights and experiences India has to offer. We love a good beach as much as the next person (probably more) but some choices are easy. While we’re on the subject of villas, if you’re thinking that tours of India usually end up with you bedding down in a basic bedsit in central Delhi, then you’ve got another thing coming. And finally, I’m not sure if we’ve outlined this yet. But there are a staggering amount of things to do on this trip. So, why don’t we get into it and explore some of the activities we’ve outlined in more detail? 15 Things To Do, 1 Trip Experience Delhi Rikshaw through Old Delhi See where Gandhi was cremated Visit a real “Langar” Try authentic Indian street food Explore Agra Tour the Taj Mahal Witness the E-Taj Sound & Light Show Explore Fatehpur Sikri the “ghost city” Explore the Pink City Uncover a world of wildlife at Ranthambore Have dinner with an Indian family Witness a stunning Aarti Ceremony at Birla Temple Tick off 11 UNESCO Heritage sites 1. Experience Delhi Delhi is an incredible city. From the moment you step out onto the streets, it attacks your senses and awakens them. Getting immersed in the city vibes is the best way to begin ticking off those bucket-list activities. The Red Fort and India Gate are 2 of the big sightseeing attractions here. While you’re exploring-it-up in New Delhi, take the chance to visit Qutub Minar. Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest stone building in India. But the stunning complex around the tower is home to some other impressive structures like: Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in India. Quwwat-ul-Islam (or “Might of Islam”)was built in 1192 Alai Darwaza: Created as a main gateway to the stunning Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, Alai Darwaza is a square stone archway with 4 entries, built by Alauddin Khalji in 1310. Tomb of Imam Zamin: Just east of Alai Darwaza lies the tomb of Imam Zamin. Imam Zamin migrated to India around the late 15th to early 16th century and he was in charge of handing out duties in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Alai Minar: Created by Alauddin Khalji to commemorate his military achievements. Alauddin wanted to build a more impressive tower than Qutb Minar. But construction stopped following his death. The Iron Pillar: One of the most famous cultural attractions in Delhi. The Iron Pillar was built by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, in honour of the Hindu god Vishnu. It;’s the oldest standing Hindhu relic in the complex. Iltutmish’s Tomb: Built in 1235, the tomb houses the body of Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish. The understated exterior of the building belies the heavily decorated interior. Inscriptions, iconography and geometric patterns adorn the ancient walls. But don’t worry, there’s more stunning experiences around the corner. Let’s get even more immersed by dropping into the antiquated streets of Old Delhi. 2. Go On A Rikshaw Ride Through Old Delhi On the Taj & Tigers Tour take the chance to go hurtling through the 16th-century streets of Old Delhi and its bustling central hub, Chandni Chowk, on an authentic Rikshaw. It’s the only way to experience this area of the city like a true local. Your jaunt through Chandni Chowk will come to an end as you reach the resplendent walls of Jama Masjid, a stunning example of Mughal architecture constructed by emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-1600s. Have a tour of the stunning mosque grounds and interior which include revered prayer areas and ancient relics believed to be from the Prophet Mohammad. 3. Stop Off At Raj Ghat: The Place Where Mahatma Gandhi Was Cremated On the face of it, Raj Ghat might not seem like an important spot. The beautifully manicured park is undeniably easy on the eye. But there’s more going on here than just a pretty park to walk around. Head to the centre of the park and you come to a simple square platform crafted from sheer black marble. This sombre monument marks the place where the great Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. 4. Feel The Community Spirit at the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara “Langar” A Gurudwara or “langar” is a Sikh idea of a social area and free kitchen. Take the chance to see this sentiment in action at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in New Dehli, as around 35,000-40,000 people come together every day to be fed. The simple, wholesome dishes are created to be vitamin-rich and filling to ensure everyone who comes gets a nutritional meal without the cost. 5. […]
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