A great value tour to discover and experience the best of North India. Start your journey Delhi, the capital of India. Discover the architecture, history and culture of both New and Old Delhi including Red Fort, Qutab Minar, and Humayun's Tomb. Then fly to Varanasi, the holy city on the river Ganges, where ghats (temple) steps reach down into the river and pilgrims bathe and pray along its banks. Funeral pyres dot the banks and the smoke blends in with morning mist on your dawn boat ride. It is a surreal and memorable experience. Fly back to Delhi and transfer to Agra. The next day take a leisurely visit to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal and Fort, followed by a carriage ride. Head to the tiger reserve of Ranthambore, where the ruined palaces of the Taj peek through overgrown jungle, a memory of faded grandeur. Daily tiger tracking with a private guide will seek out the elusive Bengal tigers. Transfer to Jaipur to explore the Amber Fort, City Palace, Observatory and Hawa Mahal. Enjoy shopping in the bustling markets and take an elephant ride. Return to Delhi in time for your airport transfer and departure.

Travel confidently with the 24/7 support of our local office. Customize or change this tour to suit your exact wishes. Private touring means you will have your own english-speaking guide, your own A/C vehicle, and your own driver.

Day 1
Delhi
Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Lalit New Delhi, a 460 room super luxury hotel, stands tall in the heart of city’s premier business and commercial district – Connaught Place. Right next to lively shopping centers, office complexes and colourful streets, the hotel is 24 kms from the international airport and just minutes from government offices, cultural centers and international trade fair grounds. It is also within close proximity to historical landmarks like India Gate, Jama Masjid and Red Fort. Delhi is a city of dramatic contrasts, and is the most popular starting point for any tour of India. A tour to Old Delhi includes the Red Fort and the mosque of Jama Masjid with a stroll through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Square"). A New Delhi travel includes the Humayun's Tomb, in many ways the precursor of the Taj Mahal, the India Gate, a memorial dedicated to the unknown soldiers who laid their lives in the World War I, the President's House, and the Parliament House.

Day 2
Delhi
Private guided tour of old Delhi. The Red Fort was the palace for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's new capital, Shahjahanabad, when he moved his capital from Agra to bring prestige to his reign. It's wall is 1.5 miles long, and varies in height from 60-110 ft. At 72.5 meters, the Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Surrounding the building are many fine examples of Indian artwork dating back to 1193. Humayun's tomb is a complex of buildings of Mughal architecture dating to the Slave Dynasty (1268-1287 AD). The complex is a World Heritage Site and the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. This style of mausoleum is similar to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 3
Delhi - Varanasi
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. DEL-VNS Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Private guided tour of Sarnath, located 5 miles from Varanasi, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Amongst the ruins the Dharmekh Stupa is impressive at 128 feet high, and 93 in diameter. This dates from around 200 BC and is the sport where the Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Radisson Hotel Varanasi is a five star hotel conveniently located in the heart of the main business district. With its modern architecture, warm hospitality and topnotch services, the hotel is sure to please business and leisure travelers alike. Varanasi is set at the left bank of the mighty river Ganges, this immensely chaotic place of pilgrimage is known for its ritual burnings. A dawn boat ride down the river is a fascinating and unforgettable spectacle. The city is sacred to Hindus and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the back drop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world - definitely a must see destination on any trip to northern India.

Day 4
Varanasi - Agra
A dawn boat ride on the Ganges with a private expert guide. The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all sins. People can be seen swimming and bathing immediately next to the funeral pyres of the riverside temples. This is a somewhat surreal experience and only for those with a strong constitution. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. VNS-DEL Private guided tour of Sikandra, the site of Akbar's mausoleum. The temple reflects the fusion of Hindu and Muslim art and architecture which characterized the era. The tomb is situated in the centre of a large garden and four identical red sandstone gates lead to the tomb complex. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Located in the main tourist district of Agra, on Fatehabad Road, the Jaypee Palace Hotel is near the Cantonment Railway Station and Kheria Airport. The Jaypee Palace Hotel offers 350 elegantly appointed guest rooms that have been elegantly furnished with an array of modern amenities to ensure you utmost ease and luxury. Choose from any of the specialty restaurants that serve a wide variety of delicious Indian and Continental specialities. Overlooking the pool, the cozy bar serves a wide variety of exotic cocktails. Leisure facilities like gymnasium, swimming pool and Jacuzzi can be availed during your stay. Agra boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, and nearby Fatehpur Sikri. The Taj Mahal in all its timeless beauty is still the inspiration of poets and painters, writers and photographers. Agra Fort is a testament to the Mughal dynasties and their conqueror architecture. And the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri dazzles with its temples and palace yards.

Day 5
Agra
Private guided tour of Taj Mahal, the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal. Also visit Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble. This great monument of red sandstone dominating a bend in the river Yamuna, 2km northwest of Taj Mahal was constructed by the Mughals during 1565-1571.
Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 6
Agra - Ranthambore
Transfer by air-conditioned car from Agra to Ranthambore or Sawai Madhopur.

Private guided tour to Rajasthan's first Project Tiger reserve, spread over 392 sq. km, and named after the 1,000 year old fort which stands in the park. Game viewing for tigers is often successful, and the park is also home to sambhar, cheetal, wild boar, leopard, sloth bear, jackal, hyena among others. Khem Villas, is a jungle camp established by Usha and Goverdhan Singh Rathore along with Pritam Singh on the outskirts of Ranthambhore. Goverdhan is the son of Fateh Singh Rathore one of India’s leading Tiger experts who is also aptly referred to as the founding father of Ranthambhore helping put the park on the Tiger Map of the World. The resort's accomodation consists of rooms, cottages and tents and are sure to please even the most discerning travelers. The food in the camp is freshly cooked using mainly home grown organic vegetables. Guests will be provided a satisfying selection of Indian, Western and Oriental Cuisine during their stay. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities provided throughout and near the resort.
Ranthambore is a national park and tiger reserve in Rajasthan state of western India. There are several lakes in the park. It is named for the historic Ranthambore fortress, which lies within the national park. The park covers an area of 392 km², and is famous for its tiger population, and is one of India's Project Tiger reserves. Other major wild animals include the leopard, dhole, wild pig, sambar, chital and the gaur.

Day 7
Ranthambore
Private guided tour to Rajasthan's first Project Tiger reserve, spread over 392 sq. km, and named after the 1,000 year old fort which stands in the park. Game viewing for tigers is often successful, and the park is also home to sambhar, cheetal, wild boar, leopard, sloth bear, jackal, hyena among others. The 13th century Ranthambore fort is in the midst of the jungle, and features the palaces of Toran Dwar, Mahadeo Chhatri, Sameton KiHaveli, 32-Pillard Chhatri, Mosque & the Ganesh Temple.

Day 8
Ranthambore - Jaipur
Transfer to Jaipur with private vehicle and driver. Private guided tour of the City Palace of Jaipur, an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture, originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs. The vast palace complex occupies one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of massive astronomical instruments, built of local stone and marble. Each instrument carries an astronomical scale marked on the marble inner lining, and bronze tablets were also employed. Adjoining the Palace is the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal overlooks one of the main streets and also provides some excellent views of the city. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Traditional Rajput architect, a mixture of Mughal and Indian, a facade with domes and frescoes. The House is a very fine example of Shekhawati frescoes and architecture. The family portraits, which add to the charm of this family hotel where tradition still runs strong. Like many historic houses, Shahpura House is a curious mixture of the old and the new.
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and known as the Pink City for its reddish stucco on the massive Rajput forts.The Amber Palace complex overlooking the artificial lake south of the town is one of the most popular tourist sites. Bustling markets offer great shopping.

Day 9
Jaipur
Ride up the base of the Amber fort on an elephant accompanied by a professional mahout. Private guided tour of Amber Fort, located in Amber 11 km from Jaipur. The structure which is today known as Amber fort was initially a palace complex within the much larger Jaigarh Fort. The fort is constructed of red sandstone and white marble overlooking Maotha lake, and was reputed to be the treasure vault of the Kacchwaha rulers. The most magnificent sight inside is the hall of mirrors. When royalty lived there, at night they needed only a single candle, because the thousands of tiny intricate mirrors would light the entire room. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 10
Jaipur - Delhi
Transfer to Delhi with private vehicle and driver. Departure tax will be charged at Delhi airport, paid in cash by the passengers: 5US$ per person for domestic fligths, and 27US$ per person for International flights. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.