Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour With Ranthambore Tiger Safari – All Inclusive

Depart your homeland today on your overnight flight to Delhi (please note, some flights may depart 1 day prior). You will arrive at New Delhi International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, One of the Akbran Tour representatives will meet you at the exit of the arrivals hall gate number -5 and later on will help you in hotel check In.

Delhi is a heaven for food-lovers and has something to please every palate. There is an unlimited variety available across cuisines, across price - brackets and across experiences – from street food of North India to International cuisine and from roadside dhabas to fine - dining – Delhi has it all.

Today we will head to explore Delhi. Begin your day with a guided tour of the Old City of ‘Shahjahanabad’. Your introduction to the city will start with Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, driving past the Red Fort — the magical monument in red sandstone built at the pinnacle of the Mughal Empire. From here proceed to the bustling streets to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia built by Shahjahan, on a bicycle rickshaw.

Continue on a guided tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy that the British left behind. You will visit Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India built to establish the might of Islam and the onset of Muslim rule in India. After that comes the Humayun’s Tomb, the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty.

We also drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), the Parliament Buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence). You will also get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome dinner.

Overnight at Hotel, New Delhi

After breakfast, we will drive to the Mughal City of Agra (a journey of 202 km/ 4 hrs drive approximately). Known as the city of the ‘Taj Mahal’, Agra is still associated with the Mughals, who besides being great rulers were also great builders. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, forts and palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire. From the Taj Mahal to the massive Agra Fort. Agra is amongst the most remarkable city in the world and a must-visit.

After relaxing and fresh up, we explore the Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Shah Jahan, the creator of Taj, spent the last years of his life imprisonment awarded by his son Aurangzeb, here. It was built in the late 1560s by their predecessor, Akbar, with later embellishments by Jahangir, his son, and Shah Jahan, his grandson.

Exquisite Indian Lunch at Pinch of Spice Restaurant, Agra.

After lunch, we will proceed to Itmad - ud - Daulah’s Tomb, the marble mausoleum built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father, Ghiyas Beg. Also known as the ‘Baby Taj’, it is beautifully conceived in white marble, mosaic and lattice.

Overnight at Hotel in Agra

This is it! The Taj Mahal. Today we head out on a spectacular sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal, celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. Emperor Shah Jahan built this exquisite white marble mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. The monument was commissioned in 1631 and took 20, 000 artisans, 22 years to complete. Witness the dramatic interplay of light as the sun rises and casts its golden rays over the pearl white tomb, recreating the magic of the Taj. Once you have taken some memorising morning photos, there is time to explore the Taj. After which we head back to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we explore the Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Shah Jahan, the creator of Taj, spent the last years of his life imprisonment awarded by his son Aurangzeb, here. It was built in the late 1560s by their predecessor, Akbar, with later embellishments by Jahangir, his son, and Shah Jahan, his grandson. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Agra.

After breakfast, drive to Ranthambhore en-route visiting Akbar’s abandoned capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Located 37 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned due to paucity of water. Made of red sandstone and combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture. Even to this day, the entrance to the fort is through the road that Akbar built which leads to the Buland Darwaza, a huge 54 metres gateway. Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal House and the Diwan - i - Khas. later on, continue the drive to Ranthambore. On arrival check in to the hotel. The evening is at Leisure. Overnight at Hotel in Ranthambore.

The morning and afternoon will be dedicated to jungle excursions in a Jungle Safari Canter. Ranthambhore is known for India's friendliest protected tigers. These nocturnal creatures are seen often also during the day. The best way to explore Ranthambore is in Canter.

Today, after breakfast we head to the pink city of Jaipur (237 Km / 4 hours drive approx). Upon arrival in Jaipur, proceed to check-in at the hotel. Jaipur, one of the most enticing places in India, is nestled between mighty forts and the rugged Aravalli Hills. It is known as ‘the pink city as its prominent buildings are washed in this colour. Jaipur is a bustling capital city and a business centre with all the trappings of a modern metropolis yet flavoured strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise a traveller. The rest of the evening is at leisure and you can enjoy musical dinner at The Virasat Restaurant (Own Expenses).

An exciting day awaits you today, with a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storey wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Continue your tour as you drive to the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks Moata Lake. Ruins and remains of the fort are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding area.

You will be taken on the jeep or a decorative elephant ride up to the main gate. Explore the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for their excellent design and decoration. Within the complex is Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with the images of the Elephant Headed God - Ganesh. The merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is captured in the Sukh Niwas, Jas Mandir Apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its perfectly proportioned landscaping. Pierced screen windows offer views from different vantage points and shimmering mirrors encrust the walls of Sheesh Mahal.

This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Pink City, an “abode of rajahs”. The tour highlights include a visit to the City Palace Museum, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiselled handles. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. It also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit.

Proceed to the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, A stone Astrological & Astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century.

After breakfast, we head back to Delhi (260 Km/ 5 Hours approx.). Upon arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure. Late evening driver will drop you at the airport for your onward flight to your homeland