Tiger & Taj Trail

A wonderful introduction to northern India combining history, culture, the Taj Mahal, wildlife and magnificent scenery.

Accompanied by a local naturalist, this tour includes a number of game drives on the trail of the elusive tiger, plus the chance to spot other flora and fauna in India’s most revered National Parks. Choose from three or four star hotels and a choice of fabulous extensions to the tour.

Guide

•   The main tour is escorted throughout by an experienced local naturalist.

•   With the exception of any included sightseeing, extensions aren't escorted, but assistance is provided in each destination by local representatives and guides.

•   Please note that there is no local representative in Corbett. However, assistance will be available via telephone.

MEAL PLAN
Prices include:
•   Breakfast daily
•   Lunch on Days 5 and 6
•   Dinner on Days 5-7
•   Breakfast daily on all extensions.
•   Dinner at Corbett Hideaway and lunch on Days 11 and 12.

GRATUITIES
•   Tipping is a way of life in India.
•   Porterage and tips for meals are included in your tour price.
•   For your driver and guide we recommend you tip at the end of your holiday.

TRAVEL TIPS
•   Best tiger sightings are between Nov and Apr.
•   During Dec and Jan night time temperatures in the National Parks can drop dramatically, we recommend that you take warm clothing for early morning game drives.

GROUP SIZE
•   Maximum 14 passengers.

MINIMUM NUMBERS
•   This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers (please call for details).

NB
•   Please note that Ranthambore is closed from Jul01-Sep30. Corbett is closed from Jul01-Sep30.
•   Local conditions may necessitate slight variations to the timings of the itinerary.
•   Driving times are approximate and do not include time taken for sightseeing, meals and comfort stops.
•   Check-in at hotels in India is only after 12pm.
•   Due to foggy weather in Dec and Jan in North India, there may be slight changes in the timing of sightseeing due to low visibility.
•   The Festival of Colours, Holi, will be celebrated all over India on Mar08 2012, during which people spray each other with different coloured dyes and this may cause a slight change to the itinerary, if affected.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO DELHI
Fly Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow to Delhi.

DAY 2 - DELHI Arrive late morning in Delhi and transfer to the Hotel the Royal Plaza (three star) or the Maidens Hotel (four star) for one night. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, or perhaps embark on the optional Glimpses of Delhi tour featuring Lodhi Gardens, Ghandi Smiriti and Birla Temple.

DAY 3 - DELHI TO JAIPUR
Begin the day with a fascinating morning orientation of Delhi, exploring the narrow bustling streets, teeming colourful bazaars and the outstanding Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) of Old Delhi. Later tour Lutyen’s New Delhi, stopping at the Gandhi Memorial Rajghat and passing by the monumental government buildings. Afternoon drive to Jaipur (160 miles, approx. 5 hours) where you will spend two nights at the Clarks Amer (three star) or the Trident, Jaipur (four star).

DAY 4 - JAIPUR
Drive out of Jaipur and visit the ancient imposing Amber Fort, perched high above the surrounding area. Constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1592, the austere exterior of the fort gives way to a beautiful fusion of Hindu and Mughal architectural influences. Later tour the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and visit the Royal Observatory and Maharajah’s Palace with a photo opportunity at the unique Palace of the Winds, a five-storey wonder with a pyramidical façade dotted with overhanging windows and latticed screens.

DAY 5 - JAIPUR TO RANTHAMBORE
In the morning drive to Ranthambore National Park (110 miles, approx. 4 hours) for a two night stay at the Ranthmanbore Regency (three star) or the Sawai Madhopur Lodge (four star). The afternoon is yours to relax or explore Ranthambore at leisure. In the evening enjoy a discussion on the famous tigers with a renowned local naturalist. Optional evening safari.

DAY 6 RANTHAMBORE
Covering some 240 square miles of beautiful scenery, the National Park boasts one of the country’s leading tiger conservation efforts and is one of the best parks in India to spot this elusive animal. You may be lucky enough to spot one during the two safaris in open top canters into the park today, as well as leopards, crocodiles and over 300 species of birds.

DAY 7 RANTHAMBORE TO BHARATPUR
After breakfast drive to Bharatpur, home to the Keoladeo National Park (140 miles, approx. 6 hours). On arrival, check in at the Laxmi Vilas Palace for an overnight stay. This evening enjoy dinner with a puppet show.

DAY 8 →BHARATPUR TO AGRA
This morning, visit the Bird Sanctuary on a cycle rickshaw and spend time admiring the flora and fauna. Later make the short drive to the fabled city of Agra for a one night stay at Clarks Shiraz (three star) or Trident Agra (four star). En route, tour the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by the Emperor Akbar in 1569 as his new capital but later abandoned, and also the fascinating 16th Century red sandstone Agra Fort (35 miles, approx. 2 hours).

DAY 9 - AGRA TO DELHI
A highlight of your tour will be this morning’s visit to the Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz. The cool marble and clear symmetry are justifiably a masterpiece of the modern world. In the afternoon drive back to Delhi (130 miles, approx. 5 hours) for a one night stay at the Hotel the Royal Plaza (three star) or the Maidens Hotel (four star).

DAY 10 - DELHI TO LONDON
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight with Virgin Atlantic to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.

YOUR CHOICE OF EXTENSIONS

CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
Named after famous naturalist and hunter Jim Corbett, this National Park is one of India’s finest wildlife sanctuaries and home to the Bengal Tiger.
DAY 10 - DELHI TO CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast drive to Corbett National Park for three nights at the Corbett Hideaway (187 miles, approx. 7 hours). This three star lodge is set over a 13-acre mango grove and has 52 cottages with air-conditioning and sit-out area.
DAY 11 & 12 - CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
One morning jungle jeep safari is included each day. Optional walks with an experienced naturalist are available at extra cost locally.
DAY 13 - CORBETT NATIONAL PARK TO DELHI
Drive back to Delhi for an overnight stay at your original hotel.
DAY 14 - DELHI TO LONDON
Morning at leisure before your flight with Virgin Atlantic to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.

SHIMLA
Shimla was once the summer capital of the British Raj.
DAY 10 - DELHI TO SHIMLA
Board the Shatabdhi Express for Chandigarh, then drive through the foothills of the Himalayas (approx. 4 hours) to Shimla for a three night stay at the four star Radisson.
DAY 11 & 12 - SHIMLA
Enjoy the next two days in this beautiful mountain resort, including a morning ride on the toy train to Taradevi, a visit to Vice Regal Lodge and plenty of time free to relax or explore at leisure.
DAY 13 - SHIMLA TO DELHI
Transfer by road (approx. 3 hours) to Kalka, before re-boarding the Shatabdi Express to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer for an overnight stay at your original hotel.
DAY 14 - DELHI TO LONDON
Transfer back to the airport for your Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.

VARANASI
The exotic city of Varanasi is the cultural and religious centre of North India. Hinduism's holiest city draws more than a million pilgrims annually to ritually bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River.
DAY 10 - DELHI TO VARANASI
Fly from Delhi to Varanasi and transfer to either the Ramada Plaza JHV (three star) or The Gateway Hotel Ganges (four star) for two nights.
DAY 11 - VARANASI 
Enjoy a morning boat ride on the Ganges followed by a tour of Varanasi which includes a visit to the city's holy temples. Afternoon visit to pilgrimage site of Sarnath.
DAY 12 - VARANASI TO DELHI
Fly back to Delhi and spend a final night in this eclectic city at your original hotel.
DAY 13 - DELHI TO LONDON
Fly Virgin Atlantic to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.