5 Day Private Tour of Tigers, Taj Mahal and Palaces from Cochin

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Pick-up from Kochi (Cochin) Port & Fly To New Delhi⌄

   Pick up from Kochi (Cochin) Cruise Port and transfer to the local airport to board a commercial flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met by your chauffeur and be transferred to your hotel in Delhi for an overnight stay.

   Overnight: Overnight in Delhi: 5-star - Hotel The Grand New Delhi or similar

2. 2Delhi Sightseeing & Drive to Agra (3 Hrs Drive)⌄

   After breakfast, check out from the hotel and take a half-day city tour of Delhi and visit Humayun's Tomb (Unesco World Heritage site) - is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi. Constructed for the Mughal emperor in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, Humayun's Persian-born wife, the tomb marries Persian and Mughal elements, with restrained decoration enhancing the architecture.

   Qutub Minar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) - The Qutub Minar that gives the complex its name is an unmissable, soaring Afghan-style victory tower and minaret, erected by sultan Qutb-ud-din in 1193 to proclaim his supremacy over the vanquished Hindu rulers of Qila Rai Pithora.

   Gurudwara Bangla Sahib or just Sikh Temple in Delhi is one of the main worship places for Sikhs. A beautiful white building flanked by a golden dome has a pool (Sarovar) inside the complex where the devotees take bath before entering the temple. The holy rhymes of Gurbani meditate the visitor. Volunteer yourself and make some Indian bread (Roti or Chapati) in a large community kitchen in-side the temple which serves free food daily to all the visitors and devotees of all religions, society, caste, and creed. If you like relish the delicious Indian food cooked and served for free in this Sikh temple.

   This imposing 42m-high stone memorial arch was designed by Lutyens in 1921. It pays tribute to around 90,000 Indian army soldiers who died in WWI, the Northwest Frontier operations and the 1919 Anglo-Afghan War.

   This circular, colonnaded building, designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, was where the 1947 handover of power from Britain to the newly independent India took place, and parliament still meets here.

   Rashtrapati Bhavan or President House is the official residence of the President of India. Formerly home to the British Viceroy, the President’s House has 340 rooms, with 2.5km of corridors, and it's fascinating to take a peek inside.

   After Delhi Sightseeing drive 3hrs approx. to the City of Taj Mahal - Agra an ancient city on the banks of the River Yamuna. Upon arrival in Agra, check into your hotel.

   Meals: Breakfast: Buffet Breakfast at Hotel of stay

   Overnight: Overnight in Agra: 5-star - Hotel Jaypee Palace or similar

3. 3Agra Sightseeing & Drive To Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (5 Hrs Drive)⌄

   This morning (at sunrise) takes you early to the breathtaking Taj Mahal (a Unesco World Heritage Site) to avoid the crowds and heat in the daytime. Just immerse yourself in its amazing architecture, history, and beauty. The magical allure of the Taj Mahal shall definitely be the highlight of your tour. Later back to your hotel and enjoy your breakfast and soon after breakfast check out from hotel and visit a marble inlay studio (after seeing the exquisite Taj inlays, you must want to know how this marble magic works).

   Agra Fort (a Unesco World Heritage Site) - is a historical fort along the bank of the Yamuna River in the city of Agra. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638 and one of the finest Mughal forts in India. Walking through courtyard after courtyard of this palatial red-sandstone and marble fortress, your amazement grows as the scale of what was built here begins to sink in.

   Afternoon drive 5hrs approx. to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve one of the favorite national parks in India due to the high density of tigers living in their natural habitat. It is a former royal hunting ground and home to tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles. Upon arrival in Ranthambhore, check inn to the Jungle Resort.

   Meals: Breakfast: Buffet Breakfast at Hotel of stay · Dinner: Buffet Dinner at Hotel of stay

   Overnight: Overnight in Ranthambhore: 5-star - The Tigress Resort and Spa or similar

4. 4Ranthambhore Safari's & Drive To Jaipur (3 Hrs Drive)⌄

   Enjoy a morning Safari in the Tiger Reserve in a shared Jeep/Canter in search of Tigers. The Ranthambhore National Park offers perhaps the world’s best chance to see Royal Bengal tigers. You'll drive through the park in search of these beautiful and awe-inspiring creatures with an expert guide who knows the park and its big cats like the back of their hand. After the safari Return to your resort, enjoy the breakfast and relax.

   Enjoy an afternoon safari in the Tiger Reserve in a shared Jeep/Canter in search of Tigers that gives you another opportunity to explore Ranthambore National park. Apart from wildlife, there are also lakes, ruins of palaces, traditional Chhatri, old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort within the park.

   Later in the evening drive 3hrs to the Pink City of Jaipur. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. Upon arrival check inn to the hotel.

   Meals: Breakfast: Buffet Breakfast at Hotel of stay · Lunch: Buffet Lunch at Hotel of stay

   Overnight: Overnight in Jaipur: 5-star - Hotel Hilton Jaipur or similar

5. 5Jaipur Sightseeing & Evening Flight To Mumbai - Drop-off Cruise Port⌄

   After breakfast check out from the hotel and visit Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), which is a part of a Palace that sits atop a small hill is an extensive palace complex that has been built with pale yellow and pink sandstone, and with white marble. The palace is divided into four main sections that are graced with their own courtyards.

   Photo Stop at Jal Mahal (Water Palace) - Near the cenotaphs of the maharanis of Jaipur and beautifully situated in the watery expanse of Man Sagar, is this dreamlike palace. It's origins are uncertain, but it was believed to have been extensively restored if not built by Jai Singh II (1734).

   Photo Stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark is an extraordinary pink-painted delicately honeycombed hive that rises a dizzying five storeys. It was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city.

   The City Palace is the residence of the royal family. A complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings. There are palace buildings from different eras, some dating from the early 20th century. It is a striking blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

   Jantar Mantar Observatory (a Unesco World Heritage Site) - is a collection of curving geometric buildings that are carefully calibrated to monitor the movement of the stars and planets.

   Early evening you will be transferred to Jaipur airport to board your onward commercial flight to the Port City of Mumbai. Met upon arrival at Mumbai airport and transfer to your Ship.

   Meals: Breakfast: Buffet Breakfast at Hotel of stay