India - Tigers and Golden Triangle Tour

Everything in India is created out of love. The love for science and truth allows us today to behold the Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur. Thanks to bhakti, the love for God, people erected the temples of Vrindavan, the Lotus Temple, and Akshardham in Delhi. The love for wives led one of the rulers to realize a magnificent palace, Hawa Mahal, where the women of the harem lived. A classic example of love that allows us to admire the Taj Mahal. In our case, it is the love for travel that usually initiates the love for India. The program is complemented by a visit to the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will follow the trail of the Indian Tiger.

 

Guaranteed Tour to India + a visa to India as a gift.

 

Sights visited:

• Delhi: India Gate, Presidential Palace, Lotus Temple (exterior), Qutub Minar Minaret, Akshardham Temple.
• Ranthambore: Jungle safari in search of tigers.
• Jaipur: Amber Fort, elephant ride to the fort, City Palace, Birla Temple, Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).
• Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb, Akbar's Tomb (Sikandra), Abhaneri (Stepwell), Temple of the Goddess of Happiness (Harshita Mata), and Fatehpur Sikri.
• Vrindavan: ISCON Temple and Prem Temple.

 

Program:

Day 1. Thursday. Departure to Delhi (International flight).

Arrival in Delhi on a regular flight from one of the international airlines. After completing the formalities and collecting baggage at Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal-3), you will be greeted by our company representative with a traditional Indian welcome "Swagat" with a garland of flowers. After the welcome, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Short rest.

*Note: The hotel is confirmed from 13:00 on Thursday; the sightseeing program begins on Friday.

 

Day 2. Friday. Delhi.

At 09:00, after breakfast, a city tour of Delhi. Delhi is the capital of modern India, with many dynasties and rulers flourishing on its royal land over the past three thousand years. Their legacy still lives on in many monuments, from the 13th-century Lodhi Kings' mausoleum to the buildings of the British Empire, such as the Parliament building or the Presidential Palace. The program includes a visit to India Gate, the Presidential Palace and government buildings (exterior), the Lotus Temple (exterior), and Akshardham Temple, as well as the Qutub Minar Minaret. The Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays) is one of the most remarkable temples in India. Built in the shape of a lotus flower, it is the largest and most beautiful Baha'i temple, serving as a symbol for followers of this faith worldwide. Another iconic site is the 72-meter Qutub Minar Minaret, built in the 12th-14th centuries, adorned with calligraphic inscriptions and symbolizing Muslim dominance in Delhi. Next, we visit Akshardham, one of the grandest Hindu temples in the world, entered in the Guinness Book of Records. The palace's height is 42 m, width and length are 94 and 106 m. It is adorned with 234 columns, 9 majestic domes, 20 four-sided towers, and more than 20,000 statues. Around the building, there are figures of 148 elephants. The exterior of the temple is covered with pink stone, symbolizing love, while the interior is made of white marble, representing purity and the Absolute. In fact, it is not just a temple but a complex with a light and music fountain, sculptures, and channels where you can boat. Night and dinner at the hotel in Delhi.

 

Day 3. Saturday. Delhi – Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) (Departure by Jaan Shatabdi at 13:20 / Arrival at 18:02)

After breakfast, free time, later transfer to the railway station, departure by train to Ranthambore. Ranthambore National Park is located in the state of Rajasthan and covers an area of about 400 sq km. The park's landscape includes the Vindhya and Aravalli mountains, as well as the outskirts of the Tar Desert. Its main attractions are the tiger reserve, the ancient fort, and the picturesque lake. Tigers can be easily encountered here during safaris throughout the day. Bears, leopards, jackals, mongoose, and langurs also inhabit the area. From the 12th century until 1955, the year Ranthambore was declared a national park, the territory was the hunting grounds of Indian maharajas. Upon arrival, meeting at the station. Check-in at the hotel. Night and dinner in Ranthambore.

 

Day 4. Sunday. Sawai Madhopur. Ranthambore National Park (safari).

Early in the morning and in the afternoon, a safari in the jungle will be organized. Ranthambore National Park is one of the most successful tiger conservation projects in India. According to the latest census, a total of 28 tigers live freely here, some of which we will see with the help of guides. In the evening, there will be an opportunity to take an evening stroll in the cool greenery of the jungle. After dinner, free time, overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 5. Monday. Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur (4.5-hour drive).

Early in the morning, after breakfast, a tour to Ranthambore Fort. The fort was built in the 10th-13th centuries and was an important outpost for trade routes between North and Central India. In the 16th century, Ranthambore Fort was abandoned, and since then, its only permanent residents have been langurs. Here, they feel like rightful owners.

The settlement area is quite large, with fortress walls exceeding five kilometers. Exploring the ancient ruins could take more than a day, but we will only touch upon the most interesting aspects.

Next, departure to Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan. Jaipur, the legendary "Pink City," the capital of Rajasthan. Maharaja Jai Singh II originally built it in yellow, but in the mid-19th century, in honor of the arrival of English Prince Albert, all buildings were repainted pink – the traditional color of hospitality. Jaipur will provide you with many pleasant moments as you stroll along the pink stone streets, experience the vibrant shine of silk saris, walk through courtyards past narrow doors adorned with swastikas, bringing goodwill and luck to Indian homes. Check-in at the Jaipur hotel, night, and dinner at the hotel.

 

Day 6. Tuesday. Jaipur.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, a tour of Amber Fort. Amber Fort is located 11 km north of Jaipur. This is where the ancient capital of the state of Jaipur was once located, on the hills of the Aravalli range. The construction of the magnificent fort-palace began in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh. The fort is a grand complex of palaces, pavilions, gardens, and temples. Rising above all of this is the whimsical honey-colored palace-fortress. You can feel the magic of bygone times by ascending to the fort's peaks on the backs of elephants. Along the way, your ears will be delighted by musicians. From the top, the maharaja's apartments offer a stunning view of the narrow gorge. In the second half of the day, a city tour with a visit to the unique Jantar Mantar observatory, a majestic structure built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728, where the world's largest sundials are housed. The City Palace, in the museums of which you can see beautiful collections of Mughal costumes, weapons, and miniature paintings. Observation from the side of Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This five-story building of pink stone, adorned with columns and balconies, was built in 1799. The intricate relief of the palace, with a thousand lattice windows on the carved facade, is considered a symbol of Jaipur.

Jaipur is famous for its textiles and is also the main jewelry center in India; it's no coincidence that the annual international exhibition of precious stones and jewelry takes place here. You will be able to appreciate the sophistication of local jewelry by visiting a jewelry workshop. You will also visit a textile factory, where you will be delighted by the magical art of Indian fabric printing. Ladies can try on authentic Indian saris, and gentlemen traditional Indian attire – kurta.

In the evening in Jaipur, we will visit the Birla Temple. The Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is a modern architectural marvel. The majestic temple is located at the foot of Moti Dungri hill in Jaipur. Built entirely of high-quality white marble, the temple is adorned with carved sculptures and statues of gods. It is dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi and God Narayana. The three main domes of the temple provide a clear representation of secular India; they depict various approaches to different religions of the nation. The temple has several beautifully crafted statues of Ganesha and other Hindu gods. Alongside the statues of the gods, you can also find statues of great thinkers and philosophers, such as Buddha and Socrates. Night and dinner at the Jaipur hotel.

 

 

Day 7. Wednesday. Jaipur – Galta Ji – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (250 km – 6 hours)

After an early breakfast, we depart from the hotel. The final destination of today's journey is the city of Agra. However, the first stop is at the Galta Ji temple complex, also known as the Monkey Temple, located 10 km from Jaipur. It is notable for its unusual architecture, sacred springs, and a population of monkeys. The temple complex consists of the Main temple, the Sun temple, and a series of sacred pools, into which many pilgrims from all over India come to immerse themselves. Galta Ji is a true kingdom of monkeys, and they consider themselves the true masters here.

In Abhaneri, you will encounter the stepwell called Chand Baori, built in the 7th century. The sight of Chand Baori is astonishing – such stepwells were exclusively constructed in India, so this architecture can only be seen here. Moreover, Chand Baori is the deepest stepwell of its kind. This remarkable structure, consisting of thousands of steps descending towards the water, is a massive and ingenious construction designed for one sole purpose – providing water to the people. You will also visit the Harshat Mata Temple (Goddess of Happiness) with medieval Indian architecture and explore the "ghost city" of Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri, built in a deserted place from red sandstone by Emperor Akbar, is just a glimpse of its magnificent past. It briefly served as the capital of the Great Mughals, and the residents abandoned it due to water scarcity. Perhaps, thanks to this circumstance, we can witness its pristine beauty today. Arrival in Agra and check-in at the hotel, followed by dinner at the Agra hotel.

 

Day 8. Thursday. Agra.

After breakfast, explore Agra, the majestic city and former capital of the Great Mughal Empire. Agra continues to attract beauty seekers from around the world, enchanting them with the unforgettable Taj Mahal. The great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The palace was constructed by 20,000 craftsmen over 22 years. White marble was transported by a thousand elephants for its construction. Merchants from Tibet, Persia, and Russia sent gemstones for its embellishment. The floral ornamentation made of jade, agate, malachite, opal, obsidian, and mother-of-pearl, skillfully integrated into the perfect symmetry of the ivory palace, leaves a feeling of lightness and weightlessness. Next, visit Agra Fort, built as a military fortress in 1565 by Emperor Akbar. Here, Shah Jahan spent his last years in captivity, gazing from his room's window at the ivory Taj Mahal. The massive fort walls conceal magnificent architectural structures – masterpieces of Indian and Muslim craftsmen. In the second half of the day, visit another grand monument of Mughal architecture, the tomb of Emperor Akbar in Sikandra. Then, visit Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, a small and elegant park mausoleum. It was built by his daughter Nur Jahan, the beloved wife of Emperor Jahangir. Construction began in 1622 and lasted six years. The tomb combines white marble, colored mosaic, stone inlay, and lattice work. In style, it is the most innovative Mughal structure of the 17th century, displaying the transition from the massive structures of Akbar's era, made of red sandstone, to the sensual and refined buildings of Shah Jahan's time (Taj Mahal). After a full day of excursions, you can visit the marble workshop, where craftsmen create furniture and souvenirs from marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. It's a unique opportunity to observe the work of craftsmen whose skills have been passed down through generations. Return to the hotel. Night and dinner at the Agra hotel.

ADDITIONAL: Theatrical Show in Agra

"Mohabbat-e-Taj" is a beautiful love saga. The performance narrates the legendary love story of the royal couple, with vibrant costumes, captivating songs, and dances. Additionally, the largest replica of the Taj Mahal appears on stage. The show depicts the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, as well as the history of the creation of the Taj Mahal. The cost includes an audio translator in Russian.
Duration of the show: 80 minutes.

Cost: 65 EUR per person (Gold Class tickets)

 

Day 9. Friday. Agra – Vrindavan – Delhi (220 km – 5 hours)

After breakfast, you have free time. In the second half of the day, we will travel to Delhi, with a stopover to visit the city of Vrindavan, known as the "city of five thousand temples." Vrindavan is a sacred pilgrimage site for followers of Vaishnavism, associated with the birth and childhood of the god Krishna (temples are closed between 12:00 and 16:00). We will visit the spiritual complex of Prem Mandir and the Temple of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

At the end of the program (if time permits), you will visit Bangla Sahib, a famous Sikh Gurudwara (temple), known for its connection with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. Inside the complex is a large pond known as "Sarovar," the water of which is considered sacred by Sikhs and is known as "amrita" (nectar). The Gurudwara was built by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, along with nine other Sikh temples constructed during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam. There will be a dinner stop on the way to the airport. (Accommodation in the hotel is not provided).

 

Day 10. Saturday. Departure from Delhi (International flight)

• The price is specified per person in a DBL room.
• Price for SGL - € 1484.
• Extra bed - € 1019.

 

Additional night accommodation in Delhi (Option):

• Single Room - €90.
• DBL/Twin Room - €95.
• Extra bed - €25.
• Additional dinner at the hotel - €18.
• Additional transfer - €35 per car for up to 2 people / €45 per car for up to 4 people.

Mandatory supplement for Christmas Dinner on 24.12.2023: €90 per person.
Mandatory supplement for New Year's Dinner on 31.12.2023: €115 per person.

 

Included in the price:

• 8 nights accommodation.
• 8 breakfasts and 7 dinners
• Lunch in Ranthambore
• Air-conditioned transportation along the route
• Russian-speaking accompanying guide
• Train journey Delhi – Sawai Madhopur in an air-conditioned carriage
• Morning and evening group safaris in Ranthambore
• Elephant ride in Jaipur
• Entrance tickets to architectural monuments.
• All taxes and fees
• Group transfer on arrival from Thursday 12:00 to 07:00 Friday morning. If the client arrives at a different time, then it is necessary to book an individual transfer.
  • Group transfer on the day of the end of the excursion to the airport or to a hotel near the airport (if the client has purchased one more night of accommodation in Delhi).

 

Not included in the price:

• Airfare
• Personal expenses.
• Transport on days without a program
• Tips for the guide and driver
• Medical insurance

Visa to India is provided as a gift.

 

Proposed hotels for the program:

• Delhi - Golden Tulip Suites or similar
• Ranthambore - Shergarh / Angan Resort or similar
• Jaipur - Rudra Vilas / Park Ocean / Zone by Park or similar
• Agra - Royal Regent / Howard Fern or similar

 

The company reserves the right to change hotels based on their compliance with standards in case the specified hotels are fully booked. Standard check-in time at hotels is 1:00 PM, and check-out time is 12:00 PM. The travel times are indicative and may change depending on traffic.