Tigers & the Taj Mahal

India's Golden Triangle, comprising Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, is justifiably renowned for its famous historical sights: Delhi's immense Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque); the stunning beauty of Agra's Taj Mahal, the 'pink city' of Jaipur and Amber Fort perched on a hillside overlooking the countryside of Rajasthan.

Essential Experiences:

• Enjoy an early morning visit to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra
• Explore the pink city of Jaipur
• Take game drives in search of the elusive tiger

The tour: Offering an excellent introduction to this magical and enchanting country, our tour combines the highlights of the Golden Triangle with a visit to Sariska National Park in search of the elusive tiger.

Accommodation: India offers an incredible range of hotels from budget guesthouses to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. On this tour we offer a choice of accommodation. Our standard tour uses good value 3 star hotels or you can upgrade to our first class tour using 4 star properties (please note due to the remote location and lack of options at Sariska both tours share the same accommodation).

Sariska Tiger Reserve: This famous tiger reserve has attracted much attention, as the original tiger population was poached to extinction. This prompted a major effort by the Indian government in order to reintroduce tigers and provide suitable protection. There are currently 3 tigers in the reserve, with plans to relocate more in the near future. Other wildlife in the park includes leopards, striped hyenas and sambar deer.

EXTENSIONS & ALTERNATIVES:

• Tigers & the Taj + Ranthambore: For those with a keen interest in nature and who want to improve the chance of sighting a tiger, we offer an optional extension to Ranthambore National Park, a major example of Project Tiger’s conservation plans in Rajasthan. 11 night tour including extension to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve from £195 extra.

• Tigers & the Taj + Shimla:

Visit Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj. This hill station is a popular destination and is well known for its Victorian architecture. One of the highlights of a visit is taking the World Heritage listed Shimla Mountain Railway, a toy train that runs between Shimla and Kalka. 12 night tour including Shimla extension from £395 extra

• Goa beach extension:

Extend your stay on India’s beautiful west coast. With miles of long sandy beaches, colonial churches and green paddy fields, Goa is a perfect place to relax and unwind after your tour. We offer a choice of resorts and durations including the Majorda Beach.

» Day 1: LONDON TO DELHI
Overnight flight from London to Delhi.

» Day 2: DELHI

On arrival into Delhi transfer to your hotel for a 1 night stay. Rest of your day at leisure. (B)

» Day 3: DELHI TO AGRA

This morning enjoy an introductory tour of Delhi visiting India Gate, Old Delhi, the Jamma Masjid Mosque, Red Fort and atmospheric Old Delhi with its busy winding streets full of colourful bazaars. Continue south by road to Agra for a 2 night stay. (B)

» Day 4: AGRA
Early morning visit to the incredible Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. Watch as the white marble changes colours as the sun rises. In the evening we visit the impressive Agra Fort, where Shah Jahan spent the last 7 years of his life, placed under house arrest by his son. (B)

» Day 5: AGRA TO SARISKA

Travel from Agra to Sariska Tiger Reserve, stopping en route at the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Spend 2 nights in a heritage property located just outside the reserve. (B)

» Day 6: SARISKA TIGER RESERVE

Today enjoy morning and evening game drives in the park in search of tigers and other faunas (nb: please note tigers are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed). (B)

» Day 7: SARISKA TO JAIPUR

Continue to Jaipur for 2 nights. Explore the main sights of the city including the Palace of the Winds and Jai Singh’s observatory on our introductory city tour. (B)

» Day 8: JAIPUR & THE AMBER FORT

Morning visit to the beautiful Amber Fort, set on a hilltop overlooking Maota lake and the countryside of Rajasthan. More palace than fort, the architecture combines Hindu and Mughal influences. (B)

» Day 9: JAIPUR TO DELHI

Return to Delhi for a final night. (B)

» Day 10: DELHI TO LONDON

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)