ESSENTIAL NORTH INDIA The Golden Triangle with Time for Tigers A grand introduction to North India’s iconic sites. Make the most of a short break to see the grand monuments, forts, palaces, and landscapes that will stay with you forever. See the wealth of architectural gems in the energetic capital Delhi and the romantic pink city of Jaipur. Marvel at the Taj Mahal in Agra. Scout for big jungle cats on scenic wildlife safaris. Be entertained by the passing landscapes from bustling colourful roadways to quiet country lanes. Experience the ambience of a rural palace hotel carefully maintained by the 11th generation descendant of the original noble owner and get active with walks and cycling opportunities in an authentic rural setting. An ideal short break that’s guaranteed to have you coming back for more!
Essential North India | 2 DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS 01-02 Delhi Old Delhi and the grand monuments 03-05 Jaipur Marvels of the Pink City and a walk with elephants 06-07 Ranthambore Tiger and wildlife safari 08-09 Karauli Authentic village life, walking, and cycling 10 Agra The Taj Mahal and the Red Fort 11 Delhi Departure
www.alaya-travels.com Essential North India | 3 DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01-02 Getting into India New Delhi You are welcomed at the airport on arrival and escorted to your hotel. The next day get a taste of the tremendous vitality and diversity of the capital. Travel the winding streets of Old Delhi by rickshaw and visit India’s largest mosque. See the famous Qutab Minar, the magnificent monument built by conquering Mughal leaders, now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and the lavish Akshardham Temple with its elaborate reliefs depicting gods and mythical creatures. Follow the vast Rajpath parade, designed by British rulers, linking India Gate to the offices of the Indian government. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Essential North India | 4 Day 03-05 City of arts & architecture plus elephants! Jaipur Enjoy the colourful drive to Jaipur on Day 3. The journey provides constant entertainment as brightly painted trucks, honking cars, and meandering cows share the road. Spend all of Day 4 in the pink city, visit the magnificent Amber Fort with its exquisite decorations, see the elegant Rajput City Palace, and dive into the colourful bazaars. On Day 5, travel into the countryside around Jaipur to see traditional village life. Enjoy an adventurous elephant trek, walking alongside one of these magnificent animals in the Aravalli forest. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Essential North India | 5 Day 06-07 Time for Tigers Ranthambore Continue south by car towards Ranthambore National Park. On arrival, explore the hilltop fortress populated by squads of engaging monkeys. On Day 7, head into the National Park twice with early morning and late afternoon safaris in the Project Tiger reserve on the look out for one of the 60 wild tigers that roam here. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Essential North India | 6 Day 08-09 Village life Karauli Enjoy a quiet, magical corner of rural India for two days. Stay in a 350-year-old fort perched on a hilltop with fantastic views over the countryside, dotted with small villages and farms. Enjoy a walk in the area to discover local customs, visit cave temples, and hike to hidden gorges. This is a great place to experience traditional home cooking from the organic garden. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Essential North India | 7 Day 10 The Red Fort and the Taj Mahal Agra Follow back roads, stopping to explore the magnificent abandoned World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, briefly the capital of the Mughal empire now a peaceful 16th C walled city with a stunning mosque and three palaces for three favoured princesses. Visit the magnificent Agra fort, one of the finest in India; walk through the many courtyards of the palatial red sandstone and marble fortress. On Day 11 get up early for a pre-dawn visit to that grand monument to love, the Taj Mahal, glowing pink and gold in the morning light. It’s a sight that will stay with you forever! Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 International Departure Delhi Return to Delhi Airport. www.alaya-travels.com Essential North India | 8 What’s Included: • All airport and hotel transfers • Accommodation based on double occupancy for 10 nights • Breakfast daily • Lunch and dinner daily at Ranthambore and at Karauli • Services of your driver/host • Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage • Complimentary bottled water and snacks in the vehicle • All activities with your private guide as listed: o Delhi: Full day tour o Jaipur: Full day city tour including Amber Fort, City Palace, and block print studio o Jaipur: Full day excursion to Aravalli countryside and elephant walk o Ranthambore: Visit to Fortress o Ranthambore: Two safari drives in the National Park o Karauli: Village walk, resort activities o Agra: Visit of Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort o Agra: Visit of Taj Mahal • Entrance fees where applicable • 24/7 Support Service • Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information • All taxes and fees
What’s not included: • International flights • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc. • Video / Photography fees at monuments • Travel insurance • Visa fees • Domestic flights within the USA • Gratuities • Beverages (other than water) at meals
www.alaya-travels.com Essential North India | 9 ACCOMMODATIONS
City Stay Luxury Classic / Boutique Moderate
Delhi 2 N The Oberoi Trident Taj Mahal
Jaipur 3 N Oberoi Raj Vilas Jai Mahal Palace Rajputana / Trident
Ranthambore 2 N Oberoi Vanya Vilas Khem Vilas / Taj Lodge Dev Vilas
Karauli 2 N Ramathra Fort Ramathra Fort Ramathra Fort
Agra 1 N Amar Vilas ITC Mughal Trident
www.alaya-travels.com Essential North India | 10