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Holidays to Mumbai, India: Tiger Safari Train Tours Goa Beach Packages

India: Culture and Wildlife Holidays: Golden Triangle + Taj Mahal + Gir (Asiatic Lions) + Mumbai

India: Golden Triangle + Gir (Asiatic Lions) + Mumbai
India Culture Wildlife Holidays: Golden Triangle Taj Mahal Gir Asiatic Lions Mumbai
13 NIGHTS FROM:
$3,279
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
IPN13D
• India Culture & Wildlife Holidays
• Golden Triangle
• Delhi
• Taj Mahal, Agra
• Ranthambore
• Tigers
• Jaipur
• Gir (Asiatic Lions)
• Mumbai
• Elephanta Island

Our India culture & wildlife holidays include the key sights of the Golden Triangle, including the historical city of Delhi, the pink city of Jaipur & the incomparable Taj Mahal in Agra. Continue to Ranthambore National Park to search for majestic tigers, then fly to Gir National Park - the last remaining habitat of Asiatic Lions and a haven for a diverse array of birdlife. Finally, end your holiday in Mumbai with a visit to the remarkable caves of Elephanta Island.

Day 1
You will be met at Delhi Airport and transferred to your hotel in this ancient capital of kingdoms and empires that is now a sprawling metropolis.
 
Delhi's strategic location was one of the main reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power and today it is a conglomerate of seven cities. The division between the old walled city and New Delhi marks a division in lifestyles, with the old city retaining its past traditions whilst New Delhi strives to match the pace of the 21st century.
Day 2
Today enjoy a full day private tour of modern New Delhi and the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi, which came to prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital here from Agra.
 
In Old Delhi enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through 300-year old Chandni Chowk market, a maze of lanes crowded with noisy shops selling an extraordinary variety of items and foods, and past the Jama Masjid (or Friday Mosque), the largest in India, and drive past the imposing walls & battlements of the Red Fort, once the most opulent palace in the Mughal Empire. We continue to the Raj Ghat - the simple but moving memorial on the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
 
In the afternoon our tour of New Delhi starts with a visit to the Qutub Minar, an ancient victory tower built of red sandstone and marble in 1199 and still the tallest minaret in India. With its imposing cylindrical towers and surrounding ruins, it is today a World Heritage Site. Our next stop is Humayun's Tomb, the beautiful mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, that inspired the Taj Mahal.
 
We drive along the Rajpath - the capital's broadest avenue - where you will see the imposing arch of the India Gate war memorial, Parliament House, the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential residence built for the Viceroy of India, and the government buildings on Raisina Hill.
 
Note: The Red Fort is closed on Mondays.
Day 3
This morning we drive 3.5-hours from Delhi to the ancient city of Agra, set along the banks of the Yamuna River and originally the capital of the Mughal Empire.
 
Along the way we visit the the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation Centre, which works to rehabilitate rescued elephants.
 
Afterwards we visit the Agra Bear Rescue Centre, which provides sanctuary to over 200 orphaned and distressed sloth bears, including many rescued dancing circus bears, where you can have lunch (own account).
 
We then continue to Agra, which is world renowned as the home of the Taj Mahal - that great symbol of love built by emperor Shah Jahan in the 16th century as a memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal.
 
In the late afternoon, visit the Mehtab Bagh Gardens that are located across the river from the Taj Mahal, to enjoy your first views of this magnificent edifice at sunset.
 
Note: The bear sanctuary visiting times are from 9-11 am, 12-2 pm and 2-4 pm.
Day 4
Rise early this morning to visit the stunning Taj Mahal at sunrise. This magnificent white marble mausoleum took 22 years to build and, apart from its stunning design and perfect symmetry, it is noted for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best marble inlay work ever done. Sunrise and sunset are particularly good times to visit and see the dome subtly change its colour.
 
After returning to your hotel for breakfast, later in the day we visit Agra Fort, a massive structure with walls over 70-ft high and 1.5-miles long that encompasses an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Shah Jahan. After he was deposed by his son, he was imprisoned in this fort where he remained until his death - spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting place of his beloved wife.
 
Note: Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. You are allowed a maximum of 3-hours at the monument and cannot take in anything except your camera, water and essential medicine. From mid-January to mid-February there may be early morning fog, in which case you will visit the Taj Mahal a little later.
Day 5
This morning we leave Agra and travel 1-hour to the magnificent red sandstone royal city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by the emperor Mohammad Akbar as the capital of the Mughal Empire. The city was abandoned due to water shortage, when the capital was moved north to Delhi, and in more recent years the fort has provided a dramatic backdrop to several famous films.
 
We then drive 15-minutes to Bharatpur Station to board the express train (air-conditioned chair car) travelling for 2.15-hours to Sawai Madhopur in southeast Rajasthan.
 
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel situated near Ranthambore National Park. This world famous tiger sanctuary was originally the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Today it is the largest wildlife reserve in northern India, covering an area of over 250 sq miles (400 sq km).
 
Note: At Fatehpur Sikri there is a short transfer from the car park in a local bus, that will be very full and will not be air-conditioned.
 
When you board the train take only a small day pack, as your main luggage will remain with your driver. To avoid unnecessary stress, on the train you will be accompanied by a local helper who will ensure you disembark at the correct stop. Please note he is not a guide and may have limited English. Always be alert for possible theft (eg do not wear expensive watches or jewellery & never leave your belongings unattended); do not buy any food or drink from hawkers and know the toilets are likely to be in a poor condition. Because of the very short (2-minute) stops at each station, train travel in India is not recommended for the elderly or those travelling with children, where a road transfer will be substituted. This will also be done during adverse weather conditions.
Day 6
This morning enjoy a private jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park.
 
Early morning is the best time to see tigers, but be aware that it is extremely difficult to find them in the jungle and sightings are never guaranteed. Best viewings are generally in the cooler months (December to March), when tigers are most active - but you need to take at least 4 game drives for a good chance of a sighting.
 
Other animals you can hope to see include leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, caracal, civet, desert cat, mongoose, ratel, sloth bear, langur & macaque monkeys, wild boar, palm squirrel, flying fox, porcupine, long-eared hedgehog, marsh crocodile, tortoise and softshell turtle. Also antelope such as sambar deer, chital, nilgai, chinkara and black buck.
 
In the afternoon return to the park for another game drive. In addition to the many mammals and reptiles, there are over 270 bird species - including eagles, falcons, owls, greylag geese, flamingos, parakeets, fly catchers, bee-eaters, grebe, terns, woodpeckers, hornbills and kingfishers.
 
Note: Zones 1 to 5 are closed every Wednesday and during Holi and the monsoon season (July to early October). Zones 6 to 10 are closed every Tuesday, but otherwise remain open all year.
 
You will need to take your passport with you to enter the national park. Please note that we have no control over the driver and vehicle allocated to you, as this is done by the local park authorities according to a rota. In the winter months wear warm clothes, including woolly hats and gloves to protect you from the wind chill in your open vehicle.
 
Also do not expect this to be like an African safari, as there will be many jeeps in the park and fewer animals.
Day 7
Today we drive 4-hours from Ranthambore National Park to the chaotic and colourful "Pink City" of Jaipur that is home to over 3 million people.
 
On arrival enjoy a tour of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan which has been declared a World Heritage Site due to its cultural heritage. Our first stop is to view the magnificent Hawa Mahal (the "Palace of the Winds") designed in the form of the crown of the Hindu god Krishna. This five-storey frontage looks like a bee's honeycomb with 953 small windows, each decorated with intricate latticework so that the court ladies living in secluded purdah could watch royal processions, without being seen themselves. Built of red and pink sandstone, it is particularly striking early in the morning when lit by the sunrise.
 
We then visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world and also a World Heritage Site. It is the best preserved of five observatories built by Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. It has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.
 
Our day finishes with a visit to the nearby City Palace, the former Royal Residence part of which is now a museum. One of the major attractions here is the armoury with its impressive array of pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers used by the Maharajas of Jaipur. The Textile and Costume Museum on the first floor is another fine display, with items from all over India.
Day 8
Today enjoy a full day tour of the city of Jaipur, which has been declared a World Heritage Site due to its cultural heritage.
 
Our first stop is to view the magnificent Hawa Mahal (the "Palace of the Winds") designed in the form of the crown of the Hindu god Krishna. This five-storey frontage looks like a bee's honeycomb with 953 small windows, each decorated with intricate latticework so that the court ladies living in secluded purdah could watch royal processions, without being seen themselves. Built of red and pink sandstone, it is particularly striking early in the morning when lit by the sunrise.
 
We continue to the imposing Amber Fort - another World Heritage Site. This magnificent royal palace was built from pale yellow & pink sandstone and white marble and is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. You will enter via the main courtyard (Jaleb Chowk) where returning armies would display their war booty and women could view them from the veiled windows of the palace. Once inside explore the amazing Palace of Mirrors and Hall of Public Audience.
 
Afterwards enjoy an Elephant Interaction, spending time up close and personal with an Asian elephant cared for by a mahout family. You can help feed them and learn about elephant decoration, medicines and treatment. During the summer you can also see him being bathed.
 
After lunch (own account) we visit the City Palace, the former Royal Residence, part of which is now a museum. One of the major attractions here is the armoury with its impressive array of pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers used by the Maharajas of Jaipur. The Textile and Costume Museum on the first floor is another fine display, with items from all over India.
 
We also visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world and also a World Heritage Site. It is the best preserved of five observatories built by Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. It has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.
Day 9
At leisure to explore more of the city of Jaipur with your driver providing your transport. You can walk through the old walled city, explore its many bazaars and shop for textiles.
 
Alternatively enjoy an optional Market Tour with a cooking demonstration by a local chef, or an optional elephant interaction.
 
You can also take an optional morning or afternoon jeep safari in Jhalana Wildlife Sanctuary, which is known for its leopards, or visit the town of Sanganer known for its textiles and paper prints (pay any entrance fees locally).
Day 10
This morning transfer to Jaipur Airport for your flight to Mumbai and onward connecting flight to Diu.
 
You will be met at Diu Airport and transferred 2.5-hours to Sasan Gir in the state of Gujarat.
 
Check in to your hotel near Gir National Park - the sole remaining habitat of the severely endangered Asiatic lion.
 
Note: Flights from Mumbai are on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday only. On other days flights will be via Rajkot.
 
Gujarat is a 'dry state, so ask your driver to take you to a government liquor store within 4 days of your arrival, where you can obtain a 7-day online permit (which can be extended 3 times = max 4 weeks). For this you need to retain your boarding pass or train ticket; have 2 forms of identification (eg passport & driving licence) & passport photo in up-loadable form. You will also be finger printed. Each weekly permit allows you to buy 1 bottle of spirits (eg whiskey), 3 bottles of wine or 10 beers. Do NOT carry alcohol in your luggage, as there are severe fines for this.
Day 11
Today is devoted to the wildlife of Gir National Park - the only game sanctuary in India where you can see the endangered Asiatic lion. It is home to 38 different mammals, 37 reptiles and more than 2,000 species of insects. With over 300 species, birding is also excellent in this national park.
 
Two private jeep safaris per day are included - one in the early morning and one in the afternoon. In addition to lions, other mammals found here include the sloth bear, cobra, jungle cat, striped hyena, golden jackal, mongoose, palm civet and ratel. Leopard, desert cat and rusty-spotted cat also live here but are rarely seen. The main herbivores you are likely to see are the chital, nilgai, sambar, four-horned antelope, chinkara, wild boar and blackbuck. There are no tigers in Gir National Park.
 
Note: You will need to take your passport with you to enter the national park & pay a camera fee locally of around $20 per camera (but not for mobile phones). Please note that we have no control over the driver and vehicle allocated to you, as this is done by the local park authorities according to a rota. In the winter months wear warm clothes, including woolly hats and gloves to protect you from the wind chill in your open vehicle.
 
Also do not expect this to be like an African safari, as there will be many jeeps in the park and fewer animals.
 
This park is closed during the Holi & Diwali festivals, as well as during the monsoon season (mid June to September).
Day 12
Enjoy a final early morning private jeep safari in Gir National Park.
 
Afterwards transfer 2.5-hours to Diu Airport for your flight to Mumbai, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in this bustling city. Formerly known as Bombay, this is the most populous city in India and its commercial capital, as well as the home of the Bollywood film industry.
 
Note: Flights from Mumbai are on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday only. On other days flights will be from Rajkot.
Day 13
Today enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Mumbai.
 
We start with a 1-hour ferry ride for a private tour of Elephanta Island - originally called Gharapuri ("Fortress City") but renamed by the Portuguese, who found a large stone elephant here. The Elephanta Caves date from between 450 to 750 AD and are now a World Heritage site, containing gigantic rock effigies of the Hindu faith. One of the most interesting of the large sculptured panels is the three-headed Shiva - shown as the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer. Another Shiva panel shows the God dancing the 'Tandava' and thereby causing the world to shake.
 
After lunch (own account) enjoy a private afternoon City Tour, starting with a photo stop at the Gateway of India and a drive past Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum (formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum). This is one of the premier art and history museums in India and the building itself is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. We also drive past the beautiful old buildings of Mumbai University, the Rajabhai Clock Tower and Mumbai High Court, with another photo stop at the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Railway Terminus, built in an exuberant Italian Gothic style and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 
We then take the Marine Lines flyover to Chowpatty, with its lovely seaside promenade, and the beautiful Hanging Gardens perched on the top of Malabar Hill. We drive past a Jain Temple and the circular Parsi Tower of Silence to the Mani Bhavan Museum, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed when visiting Mumbai.
 
Note: There are 129 steps on Elephanta Island, so this excursion is unsuitable if you have mobility issues.
 
Elephanta Island and Prince of Wales Museum are closed on Mondays.
Day 14
Transfer to Mumbai Airport for your flight home.