Gujarat and Rajasthan: Culture and Wildlife

Early morning game drive at the Gir National Park in an exclusive jeep in search of the elusive lion. Gir forest is the only place in the world, where the Asiatic lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Also one will come across a host of other herbivores like Chital, Nilgai – Blue Bull and rare four horned antelopes.( Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Please don’t forget your cameras or your binoculars).

Embark on a Heritage Walk to explore Ahmedabad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin at the Swaminarayan Temple that was built on a base of Burmese teakwood. You’ll be awed at the immaculate carvings and brightly painted pillars, arches and walls. Your walk takes you through the ‘pols, a unique housing concept where families cluster together based on caste, profession or religion. As you walk past these houses, witness the wooden façades and elaborately carved windows. Further on, visit the beautifully carved Hutheesing Jain Temple built from marble in 1848 AD. Your walk ends at the Jama Masjid, a splendid mosque built with yellow sandstone in the 15th century. Choose to continue your visit to other landmarks such as the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque that has the famous ‘tree of life’ motif delicately etched in its marbled lattice windows. (Half Day; Time of the day: Morning, 0730 hrs; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please carry comfortable walking shoes.)

Wander into regality during your full day tour! Explore Amber Fort, a fabulous sandstone fort complex that overlooks the city. Visit Albert Hall, the state museum of Rajasthan with its vast collection of interesting regional Indian artifacts. Observe the aesthetically beautiful honeycombed façade of Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal). Discover the architecturally rich City Palace with its many regal courtyards, temples and pavilions, and Govind Devji Temple, dedicated to Hindu God Krishna, situated in the heart of the old city. Head to the world’s largest stone observatory – the Jantar Mantar. Visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, which acts to preserve the traditional Indian technique of hand block textile printing and boasts numerous beautiful examples. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Safari in style! Ranthambore National Park is a hotspot for discovering the celebrated Bengal tiger in its native habitat! Head out into thick foliage on morning and afternoon safaris, which are the best times for the big cats to reveal themselves. Safari routes are selected using a government-run lottery system, so it is the luck of the draw as to which path you take, however all of them provide a fascinating variety of native wildlife and bird life for you to witness. (2 safaris per day, Morning and late afternoon . Shared Activity & Transfer, Travel time to Activity: 30 mins, Duration: each safari 3.5 hrs , Fitness level: Easy; please wear comfortable walking shoes and light colored clothing. Please note that each jeep will accommodate 6 people in total. Please carry your water bottles along if required )

Discover the magic of white marble at Agra! The city is home to UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. As it lies on the banks of Yamuna River, this architectural marvel and testimony of undying love is steeped in history and romance. With a somewhat charming side, the city reveals an amazing tapestry of life as you are greeted by vendors in bustling markets and curious locals in chaotic alleyways. The city was first mentioned in the remarkable 5th century Indian epic, the Mahābhārata, and was a former capital of the great Mughal empire.

Discover the majesty of Mughal architecture during your tour of Agra’s most famous monuments. Set off for the red sandstone ramparts of Agra Fort that sits on the banks of the River Yamuna. Explore exquisitely designed palaces, mosques, and audience halls that still stand witness to the grandeur of Mughal craftsmanship. Feel the longing of the imprisoned emperor, Shah Jahan, as you gaze across the river to the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum of his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Witness next the fabled beauty of this marble homage to love that inevitably figures on any list of the World’s Wonders. Take in the breathtaking beauty of its dimensions, the intricacy of its engineering, and the ornate wall carvings that were once inlaid with precious stones. Finally, make your way to the delicately laid out Mehtab Bagh which offers one of the most scenic vantage points for the iconic Taj. (Taj Mahal closed on Fridays; Private Activity & Transfer; Duration: 3 hrs; Fitness level: Easy)

Whether you want a whirlwind tour or wish to enjoy an in-depth experience of Delhi’s numerous sights, the choice is yours on this full day tour! Discover the Old Town with its bustling markets, including Chandni Chowk, once the grandest Indian market. Head to the imposing Red Fort and onto India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, beautifully decorated with paintings, inlaid stones, carvings and glazed tiles. Feast at the colorful, open-air food and craft bazaar of Dilli Haat. Visit Laxminarayan Temple, built in honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth, and its beautiful gardens. Discover the UNESCO World heritage site Humayun’s Tomb, a monumental landmark in Indo-Islamic architecture with its perfect synthesis of Persian architecture and Indian traditions. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Red Fort closed on Mondays)