Taj with Tigers 8D

Day 1 ARRIVAL DELHI

Day 2 DELHI

Delhi City Tour- SIGHTSEEING

Red Fort- SIGHTSEEING

The Red Fort is a historical fort in the city of Delhi in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, until 1857. It is located in the center of Delhi and houses a number of museums. In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political centre of the Mughal state and the setting for events critically impacting the region. Constructed in 1639 by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the palace of his fortified capital Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort is named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone and is adjacent to the older Salimgarh Fort, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546. The imperial apartments consist of a row of pavilions, connected by a water channel known as the Stream of Paradise (Nahr-i-Bihisht).

Jama Masjid- SIGHTSEEING

The Masjid-i Jahān-Numā (World-reflecting Mosque), commonly known as the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of 1 million rupees, and was inaugurated by an imam from Bukhara, present-day Uzbekistan. The mosque was completed in 1656 AD with three great gates, four towers and two 40 m high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. The courtyard can accommodate more than 25,000 persons. There are three domes on the terrace which are surrounded by the two minarets. On the floor, a total of 899 black borders are marked for worshippers. The architectural plan of Badshahi Masjid, built by Shah Jahan's son Aurangzeb at Lahore, Pakistan, is similar to the Jama Masjid, Delhi. The mosque has been the site of two attacks, one in 2006 and another in 2010. During the first, two explosions occurred in the mosque, injuring thirteen people. In the second, two Taiwanese students were injured as two gunmen opened fire upon them.

Chandni Chowk- SIGHTSEEING

Chandni Chowk is the perfect place to shop in. This densely populated market has been around for more than three centuries and was once visited by merchants from Turkey, China and even Holland. You may buy curios and souvenirs from here. Dariba Kalan is known for its pearl, gold and silver jewellery and attar (natural perfumes). Gulab Singh Johri Mal, established in 1819, are well-known manufacturers and exporters of attar. A visit to Khari Baoli is a must for the spice-lover — don't forget spices are what connected India to the West. Kinari Bazaar is the best place to look for zari and zardozi trimmings and tinsel. The cloth bazaar of Katra Neel offers all kinds of fabrics such as silks, satin, crepe, cotton and muslin. Bhagirath Palace is Asia's largest market for electrical goods and also offers medical equipment and allopathic medicines. 

Raj Ghat- SIGHTSEEING

Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Originally it was the name of a historic ghat of Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) on the banks of Yamuna river. Close to it, and east of Daryaganj was Raj Ghat Gate of the walled city, opening at Raj Ghat on Yamuna River. Later the memorial area was also called Raj ghat. It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation, Antyesti (Antim Sanskar) on 31 January 1948, a day after his assassination. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns perpetually at one end. It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna in Delhi in India on Ring Road officially known as Mahatma Gandhi Road. A stone footpath flanked by lawns leads to the walled enclosure that houses the memorial. All guests must remove their footwear before entering the Raj Ghat walls.

India Gate- SIGHTSEEING

The India Gate, (originally called the All India War Memorial), is a war memorial located astride the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of the ‘ceremonial axis’ of New Delhi, India, formerly called Kingsway. India Gate is a memorial to 82,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in the period 1914–21 in the First World War, in France, Flanders, Mesopotamia, Persia, East Africa, Gallipoli and elsewhere in the Near and the Far East, and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. 13,300 servicemen's names, including some soldiers and officers from the United Kingdom, are inscribed on the gate.The India Gate, even though a war memorial, evokes the architectural style of the triumphal arch like the Arch of Constantine, outside the Colosseum in Rome, and is often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and the Gateway of India in Mumbai. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. In 1971, following the Bangladesh Liberation war, a small simple structure, consisting of a black marble plinth, with a reversed rifle, capped by a war helmet, bounded by four eternal flames, was built beneath the soaring Memorial Archway. This structure, called Amar Jawan Jyoti, or the Flame of the Immortal Soldier, since 1971 has served as India's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Presidential Palace- SIGHTSEEING

The Rashtrapati Bhavan: Presidential Residence" previously "Viceroy's House") is the official home of the president located at the Western end of Rajpath in New Delhi, India. It may refer to only the mansion (the 340-room main building) that has the president's official residence, halls, guest rooms and offices; it may also refer to the entire 130-hectare (320 acre) President Estate that additionally includes huge presidential gardens (Mughal Gardens), large open spaces, residences of bodyguards and staff, stables, other offices and utilities within its perimeter walls. In terms of area, it is one of the largest residences of a head of state in the world.

Parliament House- SIGHTSEEING

Parliament House is also known as Sansad Bhawan. It is a magnificent circular colonnaded structure where the representatives of Indian democracy meet. Parliament House is the office of the world’s largest democracy where the future course of the country is discussed and debated. Parliament House was built for the Chamber of Princes, the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly. Today it is the chambers of the Lok Sabha (House of the people), Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and the Library. This mesmerizing circular structure was designed by the two famous architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. The Foundation Stone of Parliament House was laid by H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught on 12th February, 1921. It took around six years to complete this building. After its completion in 1927, it was inaugurated by the then Governor-General of India, Lord Irwin on 18th January. 

Birla Mandir- SIGHTSEEING

The Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, or the Birla Mandir, as it is more popularly known as, is located at the base of Moti Dungari. Built on an elevated platform, this comparatively modern temple is built entirely of white marble and dominates the skyline of south Jaipur. The temple was commissioned and built by renowned Indian industrialists, the Birlas, in 1988. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also called Narayan, and his companion, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune. The temple is a work of art and has a marvellous display of exquisite carvings and sculptures covering many mythological themes. The eye is drawn to the images of Laxmi and Narayan, carved as they are, from one piece of marble. The top of the temple has three domes, each representing the three religions followed in India. This is designed to pay homage to secular India. The temple looks spectacular at night when it is lit up. Other than the main temple, the complex has a museum that exhibits the earlier belongings of the Birla family. 

Day 3 DELHI – AGRA (210km – 3.5 hrs)

Taj Mahal- SIGHTSEEING

The Taj Mahal, meaning “Crown of the Palace” is one of the marvels of architecture, Seven Wonders of the World and recognized as UNESCO world Heritage site. It is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in Agra, was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to complete and by more than 20000 workers. The main mausoleum has two buildings constructed with red sandstone, where one is a guesthouse and other is a mosque. There are 4 pillars of white marble to protect the main mausoleum. It has Persian and Mughal style of architecture. It has three entrances, East, West and South gates. It is the most visited tourist attraction of India.

Agra Fort- SIGHTSEEING

Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra, can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort was built in 1573 by Akbar in Red Sandstone. Some 1,444,000 builders worked on it for eight years. Some of the exquisite structures that deserve a mention are: Sheesh Mahal, Deewan-e-Khaas, Deewan-e-Aam,etc. 

Day 4 AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – BHARATPUR – SAWAI MADHOPUR (4.5 hrs total by road and rail)

Fatehpur Sikri- SIGHTSEEING

Fatehpur Sikri is one of the mostly visited spots in India, listed among the World Heritage sites. It is an important specimen of the Mughal dynasty, situated at an easy distance from the city of Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Fatehpur Sikri was made the political capital of the Mughal Empire by Emperor Akbar from the period of 1571 to 1585. There are majestic buildings built by Akbar in Fatehpur Sikri. These buildings are blend of Mughal and Persian architecture. Fatehpur Sikri consists of beautiful monuments includes, Buland Darwaza (largest gateway in the world), Diwan-i-Khas- Hall, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Salim Chisti, the Palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhawan, Diwan-i-Aam and Karawan Serai. 

Ranthambore National Park, Adarsh Nagar, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, India- SIGHTSEEING'

Day 5 RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan- SIGHTSEEING

The national park also provides an opportunity to view numerous bird species and flora. The park does not possess many amphibians and offers the closer view of common Indian toads and frogs. This national park spreads over an area of 392 sq, km and is one of the finest parks for the conservation of Tigers. The park also features hills, hillocks and flat valleys. The concerned authorities of the park make special arrangements for wildlife photography and video shootings.  

Ranthambhore Fort, Rajasthan, India- SIGHTSEEING

This fort possesses beautiful architecture and is situated in the middle of Vindhya and Aravali hills. The fort is huge and spreads across vast geographical area. The infrastructure of the fort is marked by various Hindu and Jain temples and a mosque. 

Day 6 SAWAI MADHOPUR – JAIPUR (185 km – 4.5 hrs)

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan- SIGHTSEEING

The national park also provides an opportunity to view numerous bird species and flora. The park does not possess many amphibians and offers the closer view of common Indian toads and frogs. This national park spreads over an area of 392 sq, km and is one of the finest parks for the conservation of Tigers. The park also features hills, hillocks and flat valleys. The concerned authorities of the park make special arrangements for wildlife photography and video shootings.

Day 7 JAIPUR

Amber Fort- SIGHTSEEING

Amber Fort is also known as Amber fort. Amer Fort is one of the tourist attractions of Rajasthan as well as one of the famous Historical Place of India. Today in this article i will tell you a brief history of Amer Fort , what to see in Amer fort and places to see around Amer Fort. Amer Fort Is located in small town Amer of Rajasthan which is just 11kilometers away from Jaipur.Every year Too many tourists came in Amer fort to see awesome architecture of Amer fort and beauty of Jaipur. Amer Fort is Built in 16th century by Raja Man singh. Actually before 16th century Amer was known as Dhundar and ruled by Kachhwahas. Before 16th century Amer was the capital of Rajasthan. In 16th century capital of Rajasthan is moved from Amer to Jaipur and Raja Man singh has built a fort which became famous as Amer Fort. Later on Raja Jai Singh has renovated this Amer Fort.

City Palace- SIGHTSEEING

City Palace Located in the heart of the Pink City Jaipur, the City Palace was where the Maharaja reigned from. This palace also includes the famous 'Chandra Mahal' and 'Mubarak Mahal', and other buildings which form a part of the palace complex. The palace is located towards the northeast side of central Jaipur and has many courtyards and buildings. The palace was built between 1729 and 1732 AD by Sawai Jai Singh II. He ruled in Amer and planned and built the outer walls of the palace and later rulers added to the architecture of this palace. These additions have been known to take place right up to the 20th century. The urban layout of the city of Jaipur was commissioned to Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. The architectural styles are largely based on a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European styles. Today, the 'Chandra Mahal' has been turned into a museum which is home to unique handcrafted products, various uniforms of the rulers and many more things pertaining to the royal heritage of the City Palace.

Jaipur City Tour- SIGHTSEEING

Here is an enthusiastic tour of Jaipur, the majestic Pink City as it is called, to let you witness the undying charisma this old city possesses through its forts, palaces and ancient buildings. Start exploring the hidden features of this royal city of India. 

Hawa Mahal- SIGHTSEEING

The Hawa Mahal Jaipur is the beautiful many windowed extension of the City Palace that is said to resemble the honeycomb structure of a bee’s nest. Since the construction of the Hawa Mahal Jaipur in 1799 the building has become the iconic structure of the city and the pink sandstone palace is considered as the finest example of Rajput architecture.The Hawa Mahal Jaipur translated into English means the Palace of the Winds and this name is in reference to the clever cooling system which propagates a gentle breezes through the inner rooms even during the intense Rajasthan summers. This ingenious design has been completely lost after a recent renovation in which windows were installed behind each of the lattice openings, so today the palace of winds has no wind.

Johari Bazaar- SIGHTSEEING

Jaipur is home to India’s largest and the most fabulous collection of jewelry of all types. There are many markets in Jaipur selling precious stones & gems, semi-precious stones, and jewelry with a limited warranty. And Johari Bazaar is one of the earliest Jaipur shopping places where you can buy all these. The plethora of choices and amazing designs will leave you spellbound, especially the wonderful handmade, delicate jewelry. Specialty: Shop for jewelry with precious gemstones and handmade necklaces which are just beautiful and available at reasonable prices at this Jaipur market. Open: All 7 days open Johari Bazaar Jaipur Timings – 11 am to 10 pm 

Jal Mahal- SIGHTSEEING

Jal Mahal (signifying "Water Palace") is a royal residence situated amidst the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, the capital of the condition of Rajasthan, India. The royal residence and the lake around it were revamped and amplified in the eighteenth century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber."The Jal Mahal castle has an eye-popping makeover. Conventional vessel creators from Vrindavan have made the Rajput style wooden water crafts. A tender sprinkling of paddles on the reasonable lake waters takes you to Jal Mahal. You move past finished foyers and chambers on the principal floor to climb as far as possible up to the fragrant Chameli Bagh. Over the lake, you can see the slopes, spotted with sanctuaries and old fortresses, and on the other side, clamoring Jaipur. 

Jantar Mantar- SIGHTSEEING

Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh. Located in the city of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar draws its name from Sanskrit terms 'yantra' and 'mantra'. The former term means instrument while the latter means formulae. Built between the period of 1728-34, the Jantar Mantar is based on the astronomical studies conducted by Sawai Jai Singh and his men around the world. One of his men brought a manual which was a copy of La Hire's "Tables". Accordingly, Jai Singh ordered the construction of the observatories based on the information provided in this manual. Jai Singh had to make choice regarding the material used for the construction of the observatory. He had the option of using either metal or masonry instruments and he preferred the latter to the former. Infact, he himself designed the stone and masonry instruments of the observatory. Rs. 40 per person for Indians Rs. 15 per person for students Rs. 200 per person for foreign tourists 

Day 8 JAIPUR – DEPARTURE DELHI (265km – 5 hrs)