India - Tigers and Golden Triangle Tour

All that exists in India is created thanks to love. Love for science and truth allows us today to witness the Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur. Thanks to bhakti, love for God, people have erected the temples of Vrindavan, the Lotus Temple, and Akshardham in Delhi. The love for wives led one of the rulers to realize the magnificent Hawa Mahal palace – where the harem women lived. A classic example of love is responsible for us being able to admire the Taj Mahal mausoleum. And in our case, it's the love for travel – usually how love for India begins. The program is complemented by a visit to Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will trace the trail of the Indian Tiger.

Guaranteed Tour to India + free Indian visa

The price includes:

• 8 nights accommodation according to the chosen category.
• 8 breakfasts and dinners.
• Lunch at Ranthambore.
• Air-conditioned transportation along the route.
• Russian-speaking tour guide.
• Train travel from Delhi to 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 upon arrival from Thursday 12:00 to Friday 07:00. If the client arrives at another time, an individual transfer must be booked.
• Group transfer on the day the tour ends to the airport or a hotel near the airport (if the client has booked an additional night in Delhi).

Not included in the price:

• Flights.
• Personal expenses.
• Transportation on days without a program.
• Tips for the guide and driver.
• Visa to India is provided as a gift.

Visited attractions:

• Delhi: India Gate, Presidential Palace, Lotus Temple (outside view), Qutub Minar, Akshardham Temple.
• Ranthambore: Jungle safari in search of tigers.
• Jaipur: Amber Fort, elephant ride to the Fort, City Palace, Birla Temple, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Hawa Mahal.
• Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula Mausoleum, Tomb of Akbar (Sikandra), Galta Ji, Abhaneri (Stepwell), Temple of Goddess Happiness (Harshat Mata), and Fatehpur Sikri.
• Vrindavan: ISKCON 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 formalities and collecting baggage at New Delhi 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: Hotel check-in confirmed from 13:00 on Thursday, sightseeing program starts from Friday.

Day 2. Friday. Delhi.

At 09:00, after breakfast, a sightseeing tour of Delhi. Delhi is the capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers flourished on its royal land over the last three thousand years. Their legacy still lives on in many monuments, from the 13th-century Lodi Kings' mausoleum to British Empire buildings like Parliament House or the Presidential Palace. The program includes visits to India Gate, Presidential Palace and government buildings (outside view), Lotus Temple (outside view), Akshardham Temple, and Qutub Minar. The Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays) is one of the most astonishing 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 adherents of this faith worldwide. Another iconic place is the 72-meter Qutub Minar, built in the 12th-14th centuries, adorned with calligraphic inscriptions and symbolizing Muslim dominion in Delhi. Next, we visit Akshardham, one of the grandest Hindu temples in the world, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The palace's height is 42 m, width and length 94 and 106 m respectively. It is adorned with 234 columns, 9 majestic domes, 20 quadrangular towers, and over 20 thousand statues. Around the building perimeter, there are figures of 148 elephants. The exterior of the temple is covered with pink stone, symbolizing love, while the interior is adorned with white marble, symbolizing purity and the Absolute. In reality, it's not just a temple but an entire complex with a light-and-sound fountain, sculptures, and canals where boats can be floated.

Night and dinner at the hotel in Delhi.

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

After breakfast, free time and later transfer to the railway station for the train to Ranthambore. Ranthambore National Park is located in the state of Rajasthan and covers an area of approximately 400 sq km. The park's landscape is dominated by the Vindhya and Aravali mountain ranges, as well as the outskirts of the Thar Desert. Its main attractions include a tiger reserve, an ancient fortress, and a picturesque lake. Tigers can be easily spotted here during safaris throughout the day. Other wildlife includes bears, leopards, jackals, mongooses, and langurs. From the 12th century until 1955, when Ranthambore was declared a national park, the area served as hunting grounds for Indian maharajas. Upon arrival, meet and greet at the station. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight and dinner in Ranthambore.

Day 4: Sunday. Sawai Madhopur. Ranthambore National Park (Safari)

Early morning and afternoon safaris in the jungle. Ranthambore National Park is one of India's most successful tiger conservation projects. According to the latest census, there are a total of 28 tigers living freely here, some of which we will see with the help of guides. In the evening, there will be an opportunity for a leisurely walk amidst the cool greenery of the jungle. Overnight and dinner in Ranthambore.

Day 5: Monday. Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur (4.5 hours transfer)

Early morning after breakfast, visit to Ranthambore Fort. The fort, built between the 10th and 13th centuries, was an important outpost on trade routes between North and Central India. Abandoned in the 16th century, it has since been inhabited only by langur monkeys, who now consider themselves its rightful rulers. The fort's settlement area is quite large, with fortress walls extending over five kilometers. Exploring the ancient ruins could take days, but we will focus on the most interesting parts. Then, depart for Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," was painted yellow by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, but in the mid-19th century, all buildings were painted pink to welcome the arrival of Prince Albert of England – a traditional color of hospitality. Jaipur offers many pleasant moments as you stroll along its pink sandstone streets, admire the shimmering silk saris, pass through narrow doorways adorned with swastikas bringing good fortune to Indian homes. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight and dinner in Jaipur.

Optional: Dinner with traditional dance show and introduction to Jaipur by night.

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Jaipur by attending an evening program at one of its famous hotels. Enjoy mesmerizing views of the city's renowned architectural landmarks, which are particularly impressive in the evening light. You will marvel at the stunning architecture of Jaipur's most notable palaces, including Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, and Albert Hall (all exterior views only). After the tour, enjoy dinner at one of Jaipur's finest restaurants, accompanied by a performance of traditional Rajasthan dances.

Cost: US$ 70 per person.

Day 6: Tuesday. Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit to Amber Fort (also known as Amber Palace). Located 11 km north of Jaipur, Amber Fort once served as the ancient capital of Jaipur state, perched on the Aravalli Hills. Construction of this magnificent fort-palace complex began in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh. The fort encompasses grand palaces, pavilions, gardens, and temples, dominated by its honey-colored fortress-palace. Experience the magic of bygone eras as you ascend the fort's heights on elephant back, accompanied by musicians along the way. From the apartments of the maharajas, enjoy a breathtaking view of the narrow gorge below.

In the afternoon, explore the city with visits to the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory, a majestic structure built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1728, housing the world's largest sundials. Visit the City Palace, where museums display exquisite collections of Mughal costumes, weapons, and miniature paintings. Admire the exterior of Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-story pink sandstone building adorned with columns and balconies, built in 1799. The intricate lattice windows on the facade are a signature of Jaipur.

Jaipur is renowned for its textiles and is India's main jewelry center, hosting an annual international exhibition of precious stones and jewelry. Visit a jewelry workshop to admire the craftsmanship of local jewelry. You will also visit a textile factory, where you can marvel at the artistry of Indian block printing on fabrics. Ladies can try on authentic Indian saris, while gentlemen can try traditional Indian attire – the kurta.

In the evening, visit Birla Temple. Also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple or Birla Mandir, this modern architectural wonder is located at the base of Moti Dungri Hill in Jaipur. Entirely constructed from high-quality white marble, the temple is adorned with carved sculptures and statues of gods. It is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi and god Narayan. The temple's three main domes represent India's secular ideals, depicting various approaches to different religions in the nation. Alongside statues of gods, you'll also find statues of great thinkers and philosophers such as Buddha and Socrates.

Overnight and dinner at the hotel in Jaipur.

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

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel. Today's destination is the city of Agra, with the first stop at Galta Ji Temple Complex, also known as the Monkey Temple, located 10 km from Jaipur. Notable for its unusual architecture, sacred water tanks, and a population of monkeys, the complex includes the main temple and the Sun Temple, drawing pilgrims from across India.

In Abhaneri, you will encounter Chand Baori, a stepwell dating back to the 7th century. Chand Baori's structure is astonishing – such stepwells were unique to India, and this particular one is the deepest of its kind. With its thousands of steps descending to the water, it's a marvel of engineering designed solely to provide water. You will also see the Harshat Mata Temple (Temple of Happiness) with its medieval Indian architecture, and explore the "ghost town" of Fatehpur Sikri. Built from red sandstone in a deserted location by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was briefly the capital of the Mughal Empire, abandoned due to water scarcity. Perhaps because of this, it remains remarkably well-preserved today, showcasing its former grandeur.

Arrival in Agra and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight and dinner at the hotel in Agra.

Day 8: Thursday. Agra

After breakfast, embark on a tour of Agra, the majestic city and former capital of the Mughal Empire. Agra continues to enchant beauty seekers from around the world, offering an unforgettable visit to the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The palace was constructed by 20,000 craftsmen over 22 years. White marble was transported for its construction by a thousand elephants. Merchants from Tibet, Persia, and Russia sent gemstones for its embellishment. Floral ornaments of jasper, agate, malachite, opal, obsidian, and mother-of-pearl, intricately crafted into perfect symmetry within the snow-white palace, create a sense of lightness and weightlessness.

Next, visit Agra Fort, built as a military fortress in 1565 by Emperor Akbar. It was within these massive walls that Shah Jahan spent his final years in captivity, gazing out from his room window at the pristine Taj Mahal. The fort's enormous walls conceal magnificent architectural wonders – masterpieces of Indian and Muslim artisans. In the afternoon, explore another grand monument of Mughal architecture, the tomb of Emperor Akbar at Sikandra. Later, visit Itimad-ud-Daulah, a small and elegant garden tomb. It was built by Nur Jahan, daughter of Itimad-ud-Daulah and 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. Stylistically, it represents the most innovative Mughal construction of the 16th century, bridging the transition from Akbar's massive red sandstone structures to Shah Jahan's sensual and refined buildings (such as the Taj Mahal).

After an enriching day of sightseeing, you'll have the opportunity to visit a marble workshop, where craftsmen create furniture and souvenirs from semi-precious stone-inlaid marble. Witness centuries-old skills passed down through generations. Return to the hotel for overnight stay and dinner in Agra.

Additional: Theatrical Show in Agra

"Mohabbat the Taj" – a beautiful saga of love. This production narrates the legendary love story of a royal couple, featuring vibrant costumes, songs, and dances, culminating with the world's largest replica of the Taj Mahal on stage. The show depicts the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, as well as the history behind the creation of the Taj Mahal. Audio translation in Russian is included.

Duration: 80 minutes. Cost: US$ 60 per person (Platinum Class tickets).

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

After breakfast, depart for Delhi. En route, stop at Vrindavan, known as the "city of temples," with over five thousand temples dedicated to Krishna. Vrindavan is a sacred pilgrimage site for Vaishnavism followers, associated with the birth and childhood of Lord Krishna. Visit the spiritual complex of Prem Mandir and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple.

Upon arrival in Delhi, visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, a renowned Sikh gurudwara known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. Inside the complex is a large pond known as "Sarovar," whose water is considered sacred by Sikhs and is known as "Amrit." Gurudwara was built by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, along with nine other Sikh temples built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam.

After visiting the gurudwara, enjoy some shopping time in Delhi followed by dinner. After dinner, transfer to the airport. (Accommodation in Delhi not included).

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

Price per person based on DBL room:

• SGL (Single Room) price - €1534.
• Additional bed - €1069.

Additional night accommodation in Delhi (Option):

• Single Room - €95.
• DBL/Twin Room - €100.
• Additional bed - €24.
• Additional dinner at the hotel - €17.
• Additional transfer - €35 per car up to 2 people / €45 per car up to 4 people.

Mandatory supplements:

• Christmas Eve Dinner supplement on 24.12.2024: €95 per person.
• New Year's Eve Dinner supplement on 31.12.2024: €120 per person.

Included in the price:

• 8 nights of accommodation as per selected category.
• 8 breakfasts and 8 dinners.
• Lunch at Ranthambore.
• Air-conditioned transport throughout the itinerary.
• Russian-speaking tour guide.
• Train travel from Delhi to Sawai Madhopur in 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 upon arrival from Thursday 12:00 to Friday 07:00. Individual transfer required for arrivals at other times.
• Group transfer on the last day of the tour to the airport or a nearby hotel (if client has booked an extra night in Delhi).

Not included in the price:

• Airfare.
• Personal expenses.
• Transport on free days.
• Tips for guide and driver.

Visa to India is provided as a gift.

Proposed hotels according to the program:

• Delhi - Golden Suites / Regenta Suite / Park Plaza (East Delhi) or similar.
• Ranthambore - Shergarh / Angan Resort or similar.
• Jaipur - Park Ocean / Fern Habitat / Inde Signature / Zone by Park / Park Prime or similar.
• Agra - Regal Vista / Royale Regent / PL Palace / Howard Fern or similar.

The company reserves the right to change hotels if rooms are unavailable, ensuring they meet the standards. Standard check-in time is 13:00 and check-out time is 12:00. Travel times are indicative and may vary based on traffic conditions.