Uttaranchal Wildlife and Taj Tour

Welcome to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where our representative will assist you and escort you by air-conditioned car to the pre-booked hotel. After check-in, all required documents related to the tour will be handed over, and your queries concerning the complete tour plan and services will be explained. Later in the evening, visit the Light and Sound Show at Red Fort, where selected episodes from the history of Delhi, a city with around 5,000 years of history, are brought to life through narration and special effects against the historic surroundings of the fort. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, visiting the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century and once the principal residence of the Mughal emperors. Continue to Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques, commissioned by Shah Jahan and known for its grand courtyard, domes and red sandstone and marble architecture, followed by Rajghat, the memorial marking the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Continue through New Delhi to see President House, the official residence of the President of India and an important landmark of Lutyens' Delhi, and India Gate, the iconic war memorial built in honour of Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. Visit Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, followed by Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important precursor to the Mughal garden-tomb architecture later seen in the Taj Mahal. Continue to the lotus-shaped Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship known for its distinctive flower-like design, and Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site begun by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty and renowned for its soaring height and intricate Indo-Islamic architecture. Visit Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi Temple. In the evening, you can opt for a Cycle Rickshaw Ride through the lively and colourful market of Chandni Chowk. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive towards Jaipur. En route, visit Neemrana Fort, one of the splendid citadels of Rajasthan, situated on an elevated hillock and now converted into a heritage hotel. You can opt to have lunch in the royal ambience, enjoy the Zip Tour, and experience Camel Cart Rides and Vintage Car Rides. Continue to Jaipur and, on arrival, transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, enjoy the evening at Chokhi Dhani, an authentic ethnic village resort designed around the traditional village environment of Rajasthan, with folk dances, puppet shows, astrology, music and camel rides. Enjoy traditional Rajasthani food before returning to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to Amber Fort, situated just outside Jaipur and built in the 15th century by Rajput King Man Singh. The magnificent hilltop fort combines Rajput and Mughal architectural traditions, with grand courtyards, palaces and richly decorated interiors reflecting the splendour of Jaipur's former royal capital. Enjoy the included Elephant Ride ascending Amber Fort. Later visit Nahargarh Fort, set in the Aravalli hills and offering panoramic views over Jaipur, before driving back to the main city to see the imperial City Palace, the historic seat of Jaipur's ruling family. Continue to Jantar Mantar, constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and renowned for its monumental astronomical instruments, followed by Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, with its distinctive façade of numerous small windows. Visit Birla Temple, built in white marble. You may also visit Amber Fort for its Light and Sound Show, presenting the history of the citadel and the Kachhwaha dynasty. Later explore the bustling market by Rickshaw Ride. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Ranthambore, once the hunting ground of the Royal Family of Jaipur. On arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. Later take the evening Jungle Safari by Open Canter to explore Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's best-known places to see a tiger in its natural habitat. During the dry season, tigers may be seen near watering holes and are more clearly visible in the dry forest, while the park also supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visit Ranthambore Fort, overlooking the National Park, along with Jogi Mahal and the famous Temple of Ganesha within the fort. Later return to the resort for dinner and overnight stay.

Early morning, you can take the Jungle Safari. After safari and breakfast, check out from the resort and drive towards Agra. En route, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted city of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti, who blessed Emperor Akbar with the birth of three sons. Explore its distinctive architecture, including Diwan-e-Khas, Panch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti and Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. Continue to Agra and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, visit Oswal Emporium to see its replica of the Taj Mahal, which the artists took 10 years to build, and enjoy the Mohabbat-the-Taj: The Saga of Love light and sound show. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Early morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, renowned for its white marble architecture, intricate inlay work and association with the love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Continue to Agra Fort, built in 1573 AD by Mughal Emperor Akbar and expanded by successive Mughal rulers, with its imposing red sandstone walls and historic structures including Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am and Musamman Burj, from where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by Aurangzeb and could see the Taj Mahal. Afterwards visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, built between 1622 and 1628 by Empress Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg and known for its delicate marble work, jali screens and pietra dura inlay. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Delhi. En route, stop at Sikandra to visit the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, a mausoleum combining elements of Hindu and Muslim architectural traditions. Continue to Delhi and, on arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation, enjoy an optional shopping experience in the capital, where you can find textiles, ready-to-wear clothes, jewellery, shoes, bags, leather, carpets, handicrafts, traditional and contemporary Indian art and curios. Explore the wholesale market of Chandni Chowk, search for handicrafts at Dilli Haat, or visit Connaught Place, one of Delhi's popular shopping venues since 1931, with a range of shops and eateries. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Nainital, enjoying the scenic beauty along the route. Situated in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas at around 1,938 metres above sea level, Nainital lies in a valley surrounding the pear-shaped Naini Lake, approximately two miles in circumference and enclosed by surrounding mountains. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure for relaxation and individual activities. In the evening, spend time on the famous Mall Road for shopping. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit Naina Devi Temple, located on the northern shores of Naini Lake and dedicated to Maa Naina Devi, represented by two eyes. Enjoy a Boat Ride on Naini Lake, the scenic heart of Nainital, before taking the Ropeway up to Snow View Point for panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. In the early evening, visit Nainital High Altitude Zoo, which provides a protected habitat for Himalayan wildlife including the Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Barking Deer, Himalayan birds and other species. Later visit Hanuman Garh, a well-known Lord Hanuman temple situated at around 6,401 ft and known for its sunset views. Continue to Bhimtal, a picturesque lake town surrounded by forested hills, and Naukuchiatal, known for its tranquil nine-cornered lake. After the sightseeing, return to Nainital for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Ranikhet, a picturesque hill station surrounded by the Kumaon Himalayas and known for its orchards, forests and mountain views. Visit the Kumaon Regimental Museum, associated with the history and military traditions of the Kumaon Regiment, followed by Kalika Mata Temple and the scenic Golf Ground. Continue to Dwarahat, a historic town once associated with the Katyuri Kingdom and known for its ancient temple groups, including Badnirath, Maniyan, Mrityunjaya, Dhwaj and Kachri Devtas. Proceed towards Kausani, with a stop at Majkhali for panoramic views towards the Himalayan range, including Mount Trishul. On arrival in Kausani, transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, visit Anasakti Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram, associated with Mahatma Gandhi's stay in Kausani. Afterwards return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Kausani, visiting Baijnath Temple, a historic temple complex on the banks of the Gomti in the Garuda Valley, where the black stone idol of Parvati is a principal feature at the entrance. Continue to Rudradhari Waterfall, a natural attraction with ancient caves in the surrounding area. Visit the Sumitranandan Pant Gallery, built to commemorate the poet Sumitranandan Pant and housing hundreds of English and Hindi books in glass cabinets. Continue to Kausani Tea Garden, where Girias Uttaranchal tea is produced across 208 hectares of tea plantations and exported to Australia, Germany, Korea and the US. Kausani lies at around 1,890 metres and offers views towards Himalayan peaks including Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Corbett, one of the region's major wildlife destinations, known for its location in the Himalayan foothills and its abundance of flora and fauna. Corbett National Park was India's first national park and the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger. The park supports varied vegetation and provides habitat for tigers and their prey, while its history is closely associated with Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter-naturalist, author and photographer. On arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. The remainder of the evening is free for leisure; if time permits, you can take a Jungle Safari or walk through the forest. Dinner and overnight at the jungle resort.

Early morning, go for a Jeep Safari at Jhirna Park, one of the safari zones inside Jim Corbett National Park, offering opportunities to observe the forest landscape and wildlife. Afterwards return to the hotel for breakfast. After rest and relaxation, go for another Jeep Safari in the Bijrani area in search of the elusive tiger. As your jeep passes through the deep jungle, keep your cameras ready for possible sightings of the Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife resting in their natural habitats. Corbett's varied topography, diverse flora and fauna, rivulets and natural landscapes form the setting for the safari experience. Afterwards return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Early morning, you may opt for an Elephant Safari in Corbett, subject to availability and applicable park regulations. After breakfast, check out from the resort and proceed towards Mussoorie, situated at around 6,580 ft above sea level. En route, take a halt at Dehradun and visit Durbar Shri Guru Ram Rai, a historic religious site, Tapkeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sahasra Dhara, known for its natural springs, Malsi Deer Park, a forested refuge and popular picnic spot, and Tapovan, traditionally associated with Guru Dronacharya's penance and ashram in the Mahabharata. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, take a walk along Mussoorie Mall Road. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Mussoorie.

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Mussoorie, a hill station in the foothills of the Himalayas, situated at an average altitude of around 2,000 metres and known as the Queen of the Hills. Visit Kempty Falls, situated at 4,500 ft and falling around 40 ft from the mountain, followed by Municipal Garden, also known as Company Bagh, in the Happy Valley area. Continue to Gun Hill, at 2,122 metres and the second-highest peak of the town, which received its name from the gun placed there during the colonial era and fired at midday to announce the time. You may opt for a Cable Car Ride at Gun Hill for views of the Doon Valley. Visit Camel's Back, named after its camel-back-shaped rock, Jwalaji Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga and situated atop Benog Hill at 2,100 metres, and Lal Tibba, a scenic 5 km uphill walk from Picture Palace to the highest point in Mussoorie. Afterwards return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. The day is free for leisure or, if time permits, shopping. Delhi offers a wide range of shopping opportunities, including textiles, ready-to-wear clothes, jewellery, shoes, bags, leather, carpets, handicrafts, traditional and contemporary Indian art and curios. Popular shopping destinations include Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, Khan Market, Old Delhi Market, Chandni Chowk, Spice Market (Khari Baoli) and Dilli Haat. While shopping, it is advisable to visit genuine and reputed shops. At other general shops, compare prices carefully and use discretion when assessing the products and prices offered. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi to board the scheduled flight for your hometown/onward journey. With the completion of this journey through Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra, Nainital, Ranikhet, Kausani, Corbett, Dehradun and Mussoorie, the tour concludes with happy memories.