Reader Holidays - India, Tigers and the Taj Mahal from Salisbury Journal

Reader Holidays - India, Tigers and the Taj Mahal from Salisbury Journal

Fascinating, alluring and exotic

This superb-value tour of northern India features the three great cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and the opportunity to spend some time in beautiful Ranthambhore Park. Once the hunting ground of Indian princes, this park stands atop a hill range of grasslands, streams, lakes and old ruins, and is the home of the Tigers of Ranthambhore.

What The Price Includes

• Return scheduled flights from selected regional airports
• One suitcase allowance per person
• Air-conditioned coach travel throughout
• Eight nights' half-board accommodation in a series of good hotels
• City tours in New and Old Delhi, Jaipur and Agra
• Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi
• A visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset
• An Elephant or jeep ride up to the Amber Fort
• A full-day safari at Ranthambhore
• Cookery demonstration in Geejgarh
• Four lunches
• The services of a Newmarket Tour Manager
• Government taxes and service charges

Single rooms are available for a supplement

Itinerary

Day One

Board the overnight flight from the UK to Delhi.

Day Two

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Later, a guided tour of the Old City will introduce you to Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, Gandhi's cremation site, with a drive by the Red Fort, and a Rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk.

Day Three

This morning's tour will introduce you to the British Imperial grandeur of New Delhi. Highlights include the India Gate war memorial, the vast boulevard of the Rajpath, Parliament House, and - from an earlier epoch - the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the ornate Qutb Minar tower. This afternoon you'll head to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur for a two-night stay.

Day Four

Visit Amber, ancient capital of the Rajput Empire, with its magnificent palaces and temples dominated by the stronghold of Amber Fort. Make the final part of the climb by elephant or jeep to marvel at the Royal Halls and the stupendous views from the ramparts. This afternoon enjoy an included sightseeing tour of Jaipur, introducing the 'Palace of the Winds', the City Palace and the amazing astronomical observatory built by the city's founder Jai Singh II.

Day Five

After breakfast, depart for Ranthambhore National Park, one of the prime examples of Indian conservation and your base for two nights. Once the hunting ground of Indian princes, this national park stands atop a 600-metre-high hill range and is the home to Project Tiger and the Tigers of Ranthambhore. After lunch, relax for the rest of the day or take an optional visit to nearby Ranthambhore Fort.

Day Six

Enjoy a true highlight of your trip to India - morning and afternoon canter (open-air vehicle) safaris in the Park with your naturalist guide. Lunch is also included today.

Day Seven

Today you'll visit Abhaneri, a small town popular for its amazing 'Baoris', or step wells, and the mighty Harshat Mata Temple. Explore the architectural beauty of the Chand Baoli step well with its carved panels, before spending the night in lodge accommodation in Geejgarh, for an authentic feel of the India of the past, where you'll also enjoy a local cookery demonstration with the chef.

Day Eight

Today you'll head to Agra, fabled 'City of Love' and site of the exquisite, incomparable Taj Mahal. See the royal pavilions, palaces and courtyards of majestic Agra Fort before your first sight of the Taj Mahal, as the sun sets.

Day Nine

Perhaps pay another unforgettable visit to the Taj Mahal, this time as the sun rises, before we return to Delhi for a final night.

Day 10

Transfer back to the airport and board your return flight to the UK.

Further Information

Ranthambhore National Park

Please note that during September parts of the park are restricted and not open to visitors. However, there is still ample opportunity to enjoy tiger viewings.

Manchester and Birmingham departures via Dubai

Please note that passengers departing from Manchester and Birmingham on Emirates flights via Dubai will not spend a last full night in Delhi. Your room will be available to rest and freshen up prior to departure for the airport in the early hours of the morning for the return flight.

Passports and Visas

Visas are required for entry to india and must be applied for prior to departure. This process is handled by the India Visa Application Centre on behalf of the Indian authorities. We will send you full details about eight weeks prior to departure. Passports must be valid for six months from the date of Visa application and include two adjacent blank pages.

The following hotels are offered with this holiday (subject to availability and supplementary pricing)