ROYAL RAJASTHAN

Circuit: RAJASTHAN TOUR with CAMEL SAFARI & TIGERS

Covering: Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Bikamkor – Dabdi – Osian – Jodhpur – Luni – (Ranakpur) – Udaipur – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambhore National Park) – Bharatpur (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) – (Fatehpur Sikri) – Agra – (Sikandra) - Delhi

Day 01: Arrive DELHI
Late evening: Meeting and assistance on arrival at the DELHI international airport and transfer to the hotel. Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India, typifies the soul of the country. In time the city conceals within its bosom annals of civilisations that flourished for more than three thousand years. Since those early days many dynasties and rulers flourished on its regal soil. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by the regents, each a chronicle of the glory of its time and an imprint of the character of the ruler. Today, the city is a curious blend of the modern and traditional, skyscrapers, beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined avenues perpetuate the Mughal passion of landscaping and architectural excellence. More important, however, Delhi blends within its folds the great cultural variety of India; an unceasing range of activity, a million ways of saying 'You are Welcome'. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: In DELHI
Morning: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Visit the Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199. This minaret stands tall at an impressive height of 73 metres. One more work of wonder to be seen here is an iron pillar that still remains unrusted; the Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century as a memorial to the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Its design inspired the Taj Mahal; and later, drive past the India Gate, a majestic arch, 42 metre high war memorial in honour of the Indian soldiers who died during the First World War; the Rashtrapati Bhawan, built by the British with a blend of Mughal and Western culture, now the official residence of the President of India; the Government Secretariat buildings and Parliament House, an impressive collonaded building which houses the two houses of Parliament. Afternoon: Continue with sightseeing tour of Old Delhi - Shahjahanabad. Visit the Jama Masjid, built as the mosque of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan's capital city in 1658; thereafter, Cycle-rickshaw ride from the mosque to the fort through the by-lanes and bazaars of the old city; the Red Fort, the 17th century fortress of Emperor Shahjahan, and later, proceed to Raj Ghat, the serene memorial of Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of Yamuna river. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: DELHI – MANDAWA (Shekhawati) (280 kms)
Morning: Drive to MANDAWA in the heart of the semi-arid Shekhawati region. Shekhawati owes its name to Rao Shekha who ruled this area in the 14th century. The Fort of Mandawa was built in the year 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh, the founder of the town. These were the times when Mandawa was settled and fortified by the rich and dominant Silk Route merchants of the region, who constructed many Havelis (Mansions), Chhatris (Cenotaphs), Temples and Baolis (Step-wells) with ornate frescoes adorning their walls and now aptly given the epithet - Open-Air Gallery. With the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Mandawa still retains the charm and aura of a bygone era and coming here is like stepping into a different world. Late afternoon: On arrival, check into the hotel. Rest of the day, explore the Mandawa Fort, located in the very heart of Mandawa and a classic example of the famed Rajput style of architecture. It houses many beautiful paintings and frescoes that dazzle the eyes and now been converted into a heritage hotel. Gulab Rai Haveli built in the year 1870 that has some of the best murals in Shekhawati on both the exterior and interior walls with elephants and camels on its façade. Goenka Double Haveli, built in the year 1890, with monumental frescoes of elephants and horses decorating its façade. Bansidhar Newatia Haveli built in the year 1921 combines traditional frescoes of horses and elephants with those depicting a young boy using a phone plus opulent touring cars and the Wright Brothers' plane. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: MANDAWA – BIKANER (160 kms)
Morning: Drive to BIKANER. On arrival, check into the hotel. Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world. The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most adventurous of them. It is said that an insensitive remark from his father about his whispering in the Durbar provoked Bikaji to set up his own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur. The barren wilderness called Jangladesh became his focus point and he transformed it to an impressive city. He accomplished his task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers, and established his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the 'Shankhlas'. When Bikaji died in 1504 his rule had extended to over 3000 villages. Afternoon: On arrival, check into the hotel. Rest of the day, sightseeing tour of Bikaner city. Visit the Junagarh Fort, built in the year 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1612 AD), the 6th ruler of Bikaner, one of the most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar. The Fort is a formidable structure and largely remained unconquered during its eventful history. It houses number of beautiful palaces, temples and pavilions, which are richly decorated. The beautifully maintained rooms of Anup Mahal now display the treasures of the Royal family. The Fort Museum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars, carpets, weapons, treaties, decorations and Farmans (King's Orders). Later, visit the Camel Breeding Farm. Camel constitutes a vital  species of  the desert ecosystem. It utilises various adaptive mechanisms that are most suited to desert life. It can survive in hot climate with high solar radiation and sustain on coarse fodder, salty and thorny bushes. Considering the importance of the species in development of arid and semi-arid zones, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has established National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC) at Jorbeer, Bikaner (8 kms). Bikaner is the home tract of camel breed Bikaneri  that is true representative of single humped Indian camels (Camelus dromedarius). This government-managed farm is unique and largest in Asia. There are hundreds of camels here and the scenario in late afternoon is great when camels come back from grazing. It's here that you can see what an interesting animal the camel is. You can have some thick camel milk while listening to a Raika or Rebari, a camel breeder's tribe telling you about camels and camellore and how they are bred. The gamboling baby-camels make a very enchanting sight.The British army had camel corps drawn from Bikaner during World War I.  Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: BIKANER – JAISALMER (330 kms)
Morning: Drive to JAISALMER. Late afternoon: On arrival, check into the hotel. The name Jaisalmer induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain notwithstanding the warmth and colour of people is simply overwhelming. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156. In Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The Bhatti Rajput rulers lined their coffer with gains from traditional taxes on passing-by caravans and sometimes through illicit gains by rustling cattle. Ages have gone by and the monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting winds of the desert all through. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience. The old city was completely encircled by wall but much of it is now pulled down sadly for want of building material in recent years. The massive golden fort, which is the essence of Jaisalmer, is entered through First Gate. It is a burrow of narrow streets complete with Jain temples and old palaces. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: In JAISALMER
Morning: Visit the Jaisalmer Fort, which is one of the largest of desert forts of the world. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from whom it derives it name. The fort stands proudly admist the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill and had been the scene of many battles. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the day, turning to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets and camouflages the fort making it appear a part of the picturesque yellow desert. Thus, no wonder, it is also known as the "Golden Fort". The famous Indian film director Satyajit Ray wrote a detective novel and later made it into a film — Sonar Kella (The Golden Fortress) which was based on this fort. During the medieval times, the city played a major role in the trade with Persia, Arabia, Egypt and Africa. This is the world's only living fort and about a quarter of city's population live in the fort. At one point of time the entire population of Jaisalmer used to live within the fort. The main attractions inside the fort are: Raj Mahal (Royal Palace), Jain temples, Laxminath temple, 4 massive gateways, and the mammoth Merchant Havelis. Late afternoon: Excursion to Khuri sand dunes by jeep, including one-hour "camel safari". Khuri Sand Dunes is one of the spectacular sand dunes of Rajasthan that is about 40 kms. in the south-west of Jaisalmer. Khuri is a small village with thatched huts and retains a unique charm of the desert life. The camels, the narrow lanes and the buzzing local bazaars selling ethnic artifacts cast an Arabian Nights atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: JAISALMER - BIKAMKOR (240 kms) & BIKAMKOR to DABDI sand dunes "Camel Safari"
Morning: Drive to BIKAMKOR. Afternoon: On arrival at the Camel Camp at Bikamkor (16 kms from Osian), you will be met by our safari staff and camel riders. Lunch will be served at the campsite. After a short rest in the tents, commence your "camel safari" for village DABDI sand dunes. Just before sunset arrive at the mobile camp set up exclusively for you. Evening folk entertainment followed by a candlelit dinner. Overnight is at Dabdi sand dunes in the mobile camp.

Day 08: DABDI sand dunes to OSIAN "Camel Safari"
Enjoy your breakfast at leisure and commence your "camel Safari" journey through the Thar. After 4 hours’ riding, you will approach the oasis village 'Khetasar' where you visit the local weavers and potters huts. Lunch will be served by the oasis or at a village hut. After an hour’s break, resume "camel safari" for OSIAN, which is three hours’ ride. All along the safari route you will be stopping at different tribal dwellings and viewing various species of desert wildlife - the likes of blue bull (one of Asia's largest antelopes), gazelle's, foxes, hare along with partridges, sand grouses, peacocks, demoiselle cranes etc. On arrival at Camel Camp you will check into your tents. Evening folk entertainment followed by dinner.

Day 09: OSIAN – JODHPUR (65 kms)
After breakfast there is a tour of the temples in OSIAN near the camp. Osian (Osiyan) is an ancient town and an oasis in the Thar Desert. Osian is famous as home to the cluster of ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples dating from the 8th to 11th centuries. The city was a major religious centre of the kingdom of Marwar during the Pratihara dynasty. Of the 18 shrines in the group, the Surya or Sun temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira stand out in their grace and architecture. Thereafter, drive to JODHPUR (65 kms). Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha - chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century A.D. Meherangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 mts. above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall 10km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. A major trade centre of the 16th century A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. While the graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. Afternoon: Visit the Meherangarh Fort. Mehrangarh Fort is situated on a lofty height, 400 feet above the city, and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its territorial boundaries, there are several palaces, which are known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards. In 1458, Rao Jodha (1438-1488), one of Ranmal's 24 sons became the fifteenth Rathore ruler. After one year of his accession, Jodha was suggested to move his capital to a safer place because the one thousand years old Mandore fort was no longer considered to be strong and safe. This need for a safer place for Jodha gave India one of her largest forts, Meherangarh. The Sun-deity has been the chief deity of the Rathore dynasty. Though the fortress was originally started in 1459 by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur, most of the fort which stands today dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638–78). Later, visit Jaswant Thada. Jaswant Thada is an architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs. The Jaswant Thada is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers. The grounds are also comprised of exquisitely carved gazebos, a beautiful multi-tiered garden, and a small lake. Evening: Take a "horse carriage ride" to visit the Clock Tower Bazaar. The Clock Tower Bazaar is one of the largest wholesale market for textiles, spices and vegetables. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: JODHPUR to LUNI "Jeep Safari" (40 kms)
Morning: Check-out from the hotel, and enjoy a "jeep safari" to the Bishnoi tribes. This will take you to traditional villages seeing local handicrafts viz. shoe makers, pottery, hand-weaving and also men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral silver jewellery; en route watch and photograph wildlife - Chinkaras, Peacock etc. freely moving in abundance protected by "Bishnois" protectors of wildlife and tree and also participate in the "Opium Ceremony". Finish the safari at lunch in Fort Chanwa in the heart of a small village, LUNI. Maharaja Jaswant Singh II Ruler of Jodhpur Marwar from 1876-1895 A.D is remembered as the benign Monarch who steered the administration and economy of Marwar away from chaos and instability to a period of sustained development and security and justice for all. Amongst the prominent civil servants in this Ruler's coterie of adminstrators, was a young Charan by the name of Kaviraj Muraridanji. He was an astute politician and a farsighted administrator. In 1894 Kaviraj Muraridanji received in Jagir the little known hamlet of Chanwa. There he built an exquisite little fortress-palace known as Fort Chanwa. Today Fort Chanwa restored to its pristine glory and charm by its proud owners Maharaj Dalip Singh and Rani Madhu Devi, warmly welcome travellers from distant lands offering princely hospitality in an inimitably enchanting setting - a Heritage Hotel in the finest traditions.
Rest of the day, at leisure for independent activities. (Option: You may take a horse safari around the village.) Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: LUNI – Ranakpur – UDAIPUR (200 kms)
Morning: Drive to UDAIPUR, en route visiting the Jain temples of Ranakpur (110 kms) in the Aravalli Valley. Ranakpur boasts some of the most exquisite Jain temples in the country famous for their intricate friezes and sculptures and is one of the holiest Jain sites of India. The main Chaumukha (four-faced) temple was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first Enlightened One, Adinatha Rishabdeva. An inscription in it traces its origin to the reign of Rana Kumbha. Erected on a raised platform, it is surrounded by 66 subsidiary shrines. It has 1444 beautifully carved pillars, of which no two are alike. Afternoon: Continue to Udaipur (90 kms). On arrival, check into the hotel. Udaipur, the city of lakes, is known as the Venice of the east. Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568 after his citadel Chittorgarh was sacked by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The legend says that Udai Singh was guided by a holy man meditating on the hill near Pichola Lake to establish his capital on this very spot. Surrounded by Aravali Ranges, forests and lakes this place was less vulnerable than Chittorgarh. Maharana Udai Singh died in 1572 and was succeeded by Maharana Pratap who valiantly defended Udaipur from subsequent Mughal attacks. Maharana Pratap is the most revered Rajput icon and gallantly fought the Mughal at the Haldighati in 1576. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, crafts and its famed miniature paintings. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: In UDAIPUR
Morning: Sightseeing tour of Udaipur city. Visit the City Palace. Udaipur's fascinating City Palace is the largest royal complex in Rajasthan. Standing on a rocky promontory the palace has balconies, towers and cupolas and presents a wonderful view of the lake and the city. The complex has eleven constituent mahals (palaces), constructed by successive maharanas during the three hundred years that followed the foundation of Udaipur in 1559. Added to this, Crystal Gallery and Durbar Hall within the complex is spectacular. Explore them for their mosaics, miniatures, mirror work and motifs; Jagdish temple, built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh - this Indo-Aryan temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Vishnu. The largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur, it is always seething with constant activity and noted for its beautiful sculpted images and towering shikhara; Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir is home to an attractive collection of folk dresses, puppets, ornaments, dolls, masks, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. The museum is the best place for those interested in puppetry. Short amusing puppet shows are staged throughout the day; and Sahelion-ki-bari - the "garden of the maids of honour" was designed and laid out early in the eighteenth century as a retreat for ladies of the royal household to spend their time in leisure. The lotus pool, fountains, lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions all combine to make it a captivating place. Towards sunset: Boat-ride on Lake Pichola. A man made lake, the lake is known for the palaces built amidst the lake. The lake was built by Maharana Udai Singh II. It was made basically for defence purpose. Cradled amongst hills, gardens, havelis, temples and ghats, Lake Pichola is the picturesque spotlight of Udaipur. The lake sports two island palaces - Jagniwas (Lake Palace) and Jagmandir. The lake is about 4km long and 3km wide, and not much deep - it often dries up in times of severe summers. The beauty of the lake and its surroundings can only be felt by seeing it, which increases many folds during sunrise and sunset. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: UDAIPUR / JAIPUR
Morning: You will be transferred to the airport in time to connect the flight to JAIPUR. The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh Ji, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharaja’s are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one. On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred directly to the Amber Fort-Palace. The Amber Fort is set in a picturesque location 11 kms away from Jaipur. It presents a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Raja Man Singh built the Amber Fort in the 16th century (the construction of the fort was started in 1592). It is built in red sandstone and white marble. The palace complex of the Amber fort has very attractive apartments. This complex was built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries. The most fascinating way to reach the Amber fort is on elephant back. This is truly a royal experience. Return to the base will be by jeep. Later, we will transfer you to the hotel where you will check-in. Afternoon: Continue with sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Visit Jantar Mantar (Observatory). The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1733. The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemeredes; the famous palace of Jaipur which is popularly known as The City Palace was built by the Kachhwaha ruler of Amber Sawai Jai Singh II in early 18th century, but a lot of changes and additions were made to the original structure by his successors. The architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The complex comprises of many structures, courtyards, gardens and buildings. There are many splendid small palaces and halls in the complex, such as the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal. There is also a famous temple called the Shri Govind Temple and a museum inside, named the City Palace Museum; and later, proceed back to the hotel with a photo-stop at Hawa Mahal. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and has now become one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. The palace is shaped like a pyramid and is a five-storied building, with number of small windows and screens, with arched roofs. Since the Hawa Mahal was built at a time when women of the royal families had to observe strict purdah, many believe that the Hawa Mahal was built, just so these ladies could watch the processions and various activities taking place on the streets. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: JAIPUR – SAWAI MADHOPUR (Ranthambore National Park) (145 kms)
Morning: Drive to SAWAI MADHOPUR. Sawai Madhopur is popularly known as the 'gateway to Ranthambore'. The town has seen many historic episodes and reigns. Passed on from the Chauhan Rajput king, Govinda to Vagabhatta, from Rana Kumbha to Akbar and Aurangzeb, the city has been patronised by almost all the rulers. The city derives its name from Maharaja Sawai Madho Singhji I who is believed to have given the city its current plan in 1765 AD. The main tourist attraction of Sawai Madhopur is the Ranthambore National Park located 11 kms from Sawai Madhopur, which is a famed tiger reserve of Rajasthan. On arrival, check into the hotel. The former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Ranthambore National Park is situated at the confluence of the Aravali hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau. Two rivers flow through the Park - the Chambal river in the South and the Banas river in the North. Six man-made lakes and many perennial streams pass through the entire national park. In 1955, the Park was declared a game sanctuary; and in 1980, it attained the status of a national park. With the initiation of Project Tiger in 1972, it was declared as a tiger reserve in India. The total area of the Ranthambore National Park is 1,334 sq km along with its adjoining sanctuaries - the Kaila Devi Sanctuary and the Mansingh Sanctuary. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are major features of this national park, which has among the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India. The park is famous for the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, which can be seen around the lakes and watering holes, prowling through the forest or resting on the ruins of the fort. Naturalists studying the fauna of Ranthambore National Park have recorded over 30 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds as resident species. The animals of the Park are native to the dry deciduous forest environment. The wildlife in the Park includes many species of herbivores such as Chital or spotted Deer, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chinkara or Blackbuck and Gazelles. Other mammals include wild boar, sloth bear, mongoose, Indian hare and porcupines. There are many species of monkeys in the Park. The monkey species include, Hanuman Langurs or common langurs and macaques. Bats flying foxes and civet cats are seen at night. Predator species of animals in the Park include jackals, Jungle cat, Leopard and Tigers. Monitor lizards and many species of snakes including cobras and kraits are commonly found reptiles in Ranthambore. Crocodiles are also seen in the swamps and lakes of Ranthambore and prey on the deer as they come to the edge of the lakes to drink. The largest populations of animals at Ranthambore are of the herbivorous deer and antelope species. The tiger population consists of around 36 tigers and there are also around 40 leopards at Ranthambore. The wildlife can be seen on jeep safaris around the park. Ranthambore is also categorised as a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins of the fort that dot the park. The lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic fort dating back to 1,000 years overlook the park. The Jogi Mahal and the Padam Talao are the unique features of Park. Late afternoon: Undertake your first "jeep safari" into the Park (3 hrs). Evening: There may be a slide show and an orientation talk about the park and its wildlife by the hotel staff. Overnight at the hotel.

Note: The Ranthambore National Park remains open to from October 1st to June 30th. It remains closed during the monsoon months, from July 1st to September 30th.

Day 15: In SAWAI MADHOPUR (Ranthambore National Park)
Early morning: Undertake your second "jeep safari" into the Park. After the visit, return to your accommodation for a late breakfast. Rest of the morning, you may like to spend the afternoon visiting nearby temples and sites. Also visit the Ranthambore fort built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century and is regarded as one of the oldest forts of Rajasthan. Due to its strategic location, the fort was ideal to keep the enemy at bay. The fort is also related to the historical legend of the royal women performing jauhar (self-immolation) when the Muslim invader Ala-ud-din Khilji laid siege on this fort in 1303. The fort is characterised by temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls. (A good day to visit the fort is Wednesday, the day of the Lord Ganesh, when a lot of local people visit the Ganesh temple dressed in their best finery.) Late afternoon: You will have another opportunity for tiger-spotting during your third "jeep safari" into the Park. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: SAWAI MADHOPUR = BHARATPUR (Bharatpur Bird Santuary) – Fatehpur Sikri – AGRA (62 kms)
Early morning: You will be transferred to Sawai Madhopur railway-station in time to connect 2059 Shatabdi Express train to BHARATPUR at 07:10 hrs. (Class: AC Chair Car.) 09:25 hrs.: On arrival, you will met by our representative and transferred to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. One of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the only manmade wildlife sanctuary in India, developed by an erstwhile Maharaja of Bharatpur as a hunting reserve in 1890. Also known as the 'Keoladeo Ghana National Park', the sanctuary covers an area of 29 sq km, 10 sq km of which comprises of fresh water marshes and bogs. The favourable environment at the sanctuary attracts thousands of indigenous as well as migratory birds every year including the world renowned Siberian Cranes. The area was declared a national park - the Keoladeo Ghana National Park - on 10th March 1982 and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1985. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary shelters over 400 species of birds consisting of a variety of indigenous as well as migratory birds, making it one of the most inviting destinations in the world for ornithologists, amateurs and nature lovers. Various species of indigenous water birds, waterside birds, migratory water birds, land migratory birds, and a variety of wild animals can be spotted in the park. The prime attractions at the park are the Siberian Cranes, who travel all the way from Siberia (about 6,500km away) to spend their winters in the sanctuary - the only second habitat for them in the world. Other interesting birds at the sanctuary include Pelicans, Cranes, Egrets, Darters, Cormorants, Grey Herons, Stork, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Pipits, Warblers, Wheatears, Wagtails, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks, Shanks, and Stints to name a few. Bharatpur heronry - one of its kind in the world - produces about 30,000 chicks during the breeding season. There are over 10-15,000 nests of Pelicans, Cranes, Egrets, Darters, Cormorants, Grey Herons and Storks. The sanctuary also shelters a number of mammalian species like Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambhar, Chital, Black bucks, Fishing cat, Otter, Mongoose, Jungle cat and Wild boar among many others. Spend about 2 hours here spotting various birds on "cycle rickshaw". Afternoon: Drive on to AGRA, en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri (25 kms). Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO World Heritage Site) was the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. It was built in honour of Sufi saint Salim Chishti in 1571 by Mughal emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri shared its imperial duties as a capital city with Agra, where a bulk of the arsenal, treasure hoards, and other reserves were kept at its Red Fort for security. It is regarded as Emperor Akbar's crowning architectural legacy. Indeed, its numerous palaces, halls, and masjids satisfy his creative and aesthetic impulses, typical of Mughals. Towards evening: On arrival in Agra (37 kms), check into the hotel. Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna river in Uttar Pradesh. It finds mention in the epic Mahabharata when it was called Agrabana or Paradise. Ptolemy, the famous second century A.D. geographer, marked it on his map of the world as Agra. Tradition and legend ascribe the present city of Raja Badal Singh (around 1475 A.D.) whose Fort, Badalgarh, stood on or near the site of the present Fort. However, the 12th century A.D. Persian poet Salman writes of a desperate assault on the fortress of Agra, then held by one King Jaipal, by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni. It was ruled by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in the year 1506. It achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Overnight at the hotel.

Note: You can visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary all round the year, still the best time to visit the sanctuary is from August-November for resident breeding birds and October-February for migratory birds including the world-renowned Siberian Cranes. Remember to carry your binoculars on your tour to the Sanctuary.

Day 17: In AGRA
Morning: The first half of the day will be devoted to the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage." While the white domed marble mausoleum is most familiar, Taj Mahal is an integrated complex of structures and was completed around 1648. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri is generally considered as the principal designer of Taj Mahal. Afternoon: Visit the Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb. Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It is the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travellers and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India. Before the Taj Mahal was built, its design was already standing in the form of Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb. This mausoleum houses the body of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the father of the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan. After Noor Jahan married the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, Mirza Ghiyas Beg was appointed the Lord Treasurer of the Empire or Itimad-ud-Daulah. After her father's death, Noor Jehan built this mausoleum for him from 1622-1625 A.D. The first example of a tomb built on a riverbank in India, Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb situated on the banks of the Yamuna, has many design features that were later used in the Taj Mahal. The tomb marks a significant departure from the tombs of the Mughal dynasty built earlier, because this tomb follows the central Asian pattern of a domed structure, set in a formal garden, with waterways and paths laid out in a geometrical pattern, a design followed while constructing the beautiful Taj Mahal. The inlaid designs on the wall of the tomb include flowers, trees, fruit, animals and birds as well as wine jars and even people, which is surprising since Islam does not permit the use of human images as decorative forms. Overnight at the hotel.

Note: The Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.

Day 18: AGRA – Sikandra - DELHI (205 kms) / Next Destination
Morning: Drive to DELHI, visiting Akbar’s mausoleum at Sikandra en route. Sikandra was built in 1492 by Sikander Lodi, a ruler of one of the last dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate. Mughal Emperor Akbar, in his time, ordered the construction of Sikandra again, this time as a site for his mausoleum, but he died before it could be completed. The work was completed by his son Jehangir in 1613. The tomb is a combination of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. The building of red sandstone is four storeys tall, approximately 31 metres in height. The first three storeys are of red sandstone, while the fourth is entirely of marble. Late afternoon: On arrival, transfer to the city center for last minute shopping. Evening: Transfer to the International Airport in time to connect the flight back home.