Culture of India

Duration : 11 nights / 12 days
Destination covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Tonk - Ranthambor - Orchha - Agra - Delhi

Highlights :
Visit small rural villages, ride elephants, shop in market bazaars, hunt for tigers on a jeep safari and visit the newest wonder of the world - the Taj Mahal - on this 12-day family adventure to a country so rich in history and culture!

Day 1 Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi at any time.

Day 2 Delhi
We dive into the heart of India's capital to explore both Old and New Delhi. Visit Delhi's famous Jama Masjid and count the steps to the top of the minaret for a great view over the old city. Walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India's oldest and busiest markets, and learn the some of the history of the Sikh religion at the Gurduwara. In the afternoon, discover the sites of New Delhi. (B)

Days 3-4 Shekhawati Region
Situated along the old caravan trade route, the Shekhawati region, named after its 15th century ruler Rao Shekha, resembles an open-air museum. With forts, temples and brightly painted havelis (merchant houses), you'll enjoy learning about history in this area! (B both days, D on day 3)

Day 5 Jaipur
Travel to the Pink City of Jaipur. Visit India's second most viewed site, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds. Follow in the footsteps of the royal harem and ride an elephant to the Amber Fort Palace, which sits atop a rocky hill, or sing and dance up a storm when you go see a Bollywood film at the art deco Raj Mandir cinema. (B)

Day 6 Tonk
Tonk is a colorful small rural Rajastan town. With its mixture of Muslim and old Rajput buildings, it is a lovely place to visit. Famous for its leather and felt industry, you are sure to pick up plenty of good bargains from the local markets. (BD)

Day 7 Ranthambore National Park
We go on safari into Ranthambore National Park, which is one of the original Project Tiger Reserves, and look for deer, birds, monkeys and, of course, tigers. With lakes, scrublands and ruined palaces, this park is a fascinating area to visit. (BD)

Days 8-9 Orchha
Visit the picturesque town of Orchha located on the banks of the Betwa River. Explore some of the many temples and palaces spread along the river and surrounding countryside, including the town's imposing 17th century fort, Chaturbhuj temple built on a vast platform of stone, and the numerous cenotaphs that dot the landscape. (B both days)

Day 10 Agra
Travel to Agra, visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the now deserted former capital of the Mughals. In Agra, ride on one of the ubiquitous cycle rickshaws to visit the Red Fort and Baby Taj. (B)

Day 11 Delhi
Before returning to Delhi for one final opportunity to shop, explore or take more photographs, we visit the site of India's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Waking up well before sunrise to get the best light, we enter this white marble testament to love. (B)

Day 12 Depart Delhi
Leave India for your homeward destination. (B)