13 Days – Temple and Tiger Tour North India

Arrive at Delhi International Airport – Temples and Tigers Tour Begins Here: Delhi, the capital of India, is a bustling metropolis with a population of 14 million people.

A unique blend of ancient heritage and modernity, Delhi is divided into Old and New Delhi, offering something fascinating for every traveler. From monuments dating back over 500 years to contemporary shopping malls, and from vibrant clubs to serene golf courses, Delhi is a city that caters to diverse interests.

Indeed, Delhi is the crown jewel of India. After clearing immigration, one of our representatives will greet you, provide you with a welcome package containing all essential documents, and arrange your transportation to the hotel. They will also assist you with the check-in process.

Please note that no activities are scheduled on the first day, as most international flights tend to arrive in India around midnight. Overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, our representative will meet you at the hotel to begin a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi.

The Old Delhi tour takes you back to the 17th century, featuring the iconic Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. You will also explore the vibrant Chandni Chowk (Avenue of the Moonlight), a bustling market filled with colorful sights and sounds.

Next, visit the magnificent Red Fort, an architectural masterpiece built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, and pass by Raj Ghat, the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.

The New Delhi tour includes a visit to the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1199, and the Tomb of Humayun, the precursor to the Taj Mahal. You’ll also explore Rajpath (“Route of the Kings”), passing the India Gate (a war memorial dedicated to fallen soldiers), the President’s House, and the Parliament House. For a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle, you’ll visit Birla Mandir, a colorful modern Hindu temple.

Enjoy a free evening to explore the city and try out its diverse restaurants. Overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, our representative will meet you at the hotel for your private transfer to Delhi Airport, where you will board a flight to Varanasi (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).

**Temples and Tigers Varanasi** – One of the most sacred cities in India, Varanasi is a significant destination for both pilgrims and travelers. For centuries, it has been the heart of Hinduism.

Situated alongside the sacred Ganges River, Varanasi has been a hub of knowledge and civilization for over 2,000 years. The Skanda Purana and Mahabharata mention the city’s existence dating back 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in India and the world.

Known as a great cultural center, Varanasi is renowned for its music, intellectual heritage, and silk weaving traditions. Upon arrival, our representative will escort you to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Varanasi.

This tour includes visits to the Bharat Mata Temple, which features a large marble map of India, the Benares Hindu University and its art gallery, the mosque built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb on the site of an ancient Hindu temple, historic baths, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Durgakund.

The evening is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early in the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a serene boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. One of the most memorable experiences in Varanasi is witnessing the countless devotees who gather at the river at sunrise to offer prayers to the Sun God. The view of the river at dawn is incredibly spiritual.

The influence of Hinduism is all around you—seen in decorated doors, vibrant temples, sacred bells, the chants of priests, and the fragrant scent of flowers. After this tranquil experience, you can enjoy a peaceful breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will have private transportation to the Varanasi airport for your flight to Khajuraho (approximately 45 minutes).

Upon arrival in Khajuraho, you will be privately transferred to your hotel for check-in. **Khajuraho** is renowned worldwide for its stunning temples, which stand as a unique gift from India to the world. These temples symbolize life, love, happiness, and beautifully depict the many forms and emotions of existence through their intricate architecture.

The temples not only showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the architects but also reflect the visionary leadership of the Chandela Rajputs, who planned and constructed these temples over a short period of 100 years, from 950 to 1050—an era marked by great energy and creativity in Khajuraho.

In the afternoon, our representative will meet you at the hotel for a private tour of the city, including visits to both the Eastern and Western temples.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

This morning, you will travel by car to Bandhavgarh (approximately 250 km / 7 hours). **Bandhavgarh** is famous for its white tigers and is home to a beautiful fort located at its center.

The park, with its hills, forests, and mountains, provides a sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife, including Rhesus Macaques, Jungle Cats, Hyenas, Nilgai, and more. Bandhavgarh features diverse ecosystems and is home to over 22 species of mammals and more than 250 species of birds.

Upon arrival in Bandhavgarh, check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the surroundings at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Early in the morning, embark on a safari to explore the wildlife in **Bandhavgarh National Park**. The safari can be taken in 4×4 vehicles or on an elephant, with experienced guides and naturalists accompanying you to enhance your experience.

In the evening, you will travel by car from Bandhavgarh to **Umaria** (approximately 35 km / 1 hour), where the nearest train station to Bandhavgarh is located.

From the station, board the overnight train to **Agra** (Departure: 20:55, Arrival: 10:15). You will spend the night on the train.

This morning, our representative will meet you at the train station and escort you to the hotel for check-in.

**Temples and Tigers Agra** – Agra, often referred to as “the place of the Taj,” was once the capital of the Mughal Empire, and today it feels like a living piece of history.

The Mughal emperors, known for their passion for architecture, constructed some of the world’s most impressive buildings. Agra is an ancient city, and its name is believed to have originated from *Agra bana*, a forest mentioned in the Mahabharata.

In 1501, Sikandar Lodi made it the capital city. The Mughals later took over, and under the reign of the third emperor, **Akbar**, Agra rose to prominence. However, it was Akbar’s grandson, **Shah Jahan**, who built the Taj Mahal, the Mughal architectural masterpiece.

In the afternoon, our representative will meet you for a tour of Agra.

The tour will include a visit to the **Taj Mahal**, where you can admire the poetry of love expressed in its stunning white marble. It is a perfect example of the fusion of various architectural styles and is widely considered the greatest monument built as a symbol of love.

You will also visit the **Red Fort of Agra**, which was the center of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. Located near the Yamuna River, almost at the heart of the city, the fort was built by **Akbar** between 1565 and 1573 as his citadel.

The evening is free for you to explore or relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Travel by car to Ranthambore (290 km / 7 hours), with a visit to Fatehpur Sikri along the way. Fatehpur Sikri, known as the “city of ghosts,” was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. However, just 13 years later, it was mysteriously abandoned for unknown reasons.

Continue your journey to Ranthambore. Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, Ranthambore is one of India’s most renowned national parks. Once a hunting ground for the Maharajah of Jaipur, it was declared a National Park in 1972 as part of the Tiger Project. Situated between the Aravalli Hills and the Vindhya Mountains, the park is a blend of forests, valleys, hills, and lagoons, providing a rich habitat and a source of water for the local wildlife.

Ranthambore is famous for its population of tigers, and with a little luck, you may spot one during a safari in 4×4 vehicles or on horseback. Other wildlife, such as monkeys, deer, and various bird species, also call the park home. Upon arrival in Ranthambore, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Embark on early morning and evening safaris to spot wildlife in Ranthambore National Park. These safaris are conducted in 4×4 vehicles and trucks, accompanied by local guides and naturalists who provide insightful information about the park and its inhabitants. Overnight stay in Ranthambore.

Start the day with an early morning safari to spot wildlife in Ranthambore National Park. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a drive to Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan (195 km / 3.5 hours).

Jaipur is a vibrant city, full of color, dance, and music, showcasing a rich variety of traditional arts. The city is known for its well-planned layout, featuring wide, straight avenues and an organized route system. Maharajah Jai Singh II, a famous soldier and astronomer, carefully designed Jaipur in the 18th century, following principles from an ancient Hindu architectural document.

Jaipur earned the nickname “Pink City” due to its buildings painted in shades of red, pink, and white, reminiscent of an autumn evening. The royal family once resided in Amber, just 11 kilometers away. The city is a unique blend of historic palaces and forts, once the domain of kings, now standing alongside modern monuments, creating a charming fusion of the past and present.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to explore at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

This morning, our representative will meet you at the hotel for a guided tour of Jaipur. First, visit the Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Winds,” one of Jaipur’s most famous landmarks, although only its façade remains. This five-story structure was designed to allow the royal ladies to observe the processions and daily life of the city from behind its intricately designed windows.

Next, visit the City Palace, located in the heart of the Old City. The palace is a vast complex of buildings, gardens, and terraces, and it also houses an intriguing museum. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, who had a keen interest in astronomy rather than warfare.

The tour also includes a visit to the Amber Fort, located on the outskirts of Jaipur. Here, you can step back in time and experience the royal life by riding decorated and painted elephants up to the majestic fort perched on a high mountain.

Until 1728, Amber Fort served as the capital of the state. Inside the fort, you’ll explore the Jagmandir, the Victoria Corridor with its brilliant mirrors, the Jai Mahal, and the Temple of Kali. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Check out of the hotel in the morning and embark on a drive to Delhi (265 km / 5 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax, explore the city, or shop for souvenirs.

Private transfer from the hotel to Delhi Airport for your international departure.