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Golden Triangle India Holidays Delhi Taj Mahal Jaipur Rajasthan Tigers

Maldives and India Holidays: Taj Mahal + Tigers + Water Villas & Bungalows

India: Golden Triangle + Ranthambore + Maldives
IPF15D
15 NIGHTS
FROM $4,303
Per person sharing
Flights quoted separately
Maldives and India Holidays Taj Mahal Tigers Water Villas Bungalows

Our wonderful Maldives and India Holidays visit Delhi, the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, Ranthambore tigers reserve (with private jeep) & the 'blue city' of Jaipur, before flying to the spectacular Maldives, with a choice of water villas or bungalows. Relax in a luxury hotel on a pristine atoll, surrounded by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Private guide in India, all transfers & speedboat or sea plane in Maldives included.

Maldives and India Holidays Taj Mahal Tigers Water Villas Bungalows
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Maldives and India Holidays
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New & Old Delhi
• 
Taj Mahal
• 
Fatehpur Sikri
• 
Tigers of Ranthambore
• 
Jaipur - Amber Fort
• 
Maldive Islands
• 
Water Villas Bungalows
• 
Snorkelling & Diving antar Mantar Observatory
• 
Indian Ocean Atolls
• 
Maldives and India Holidays
• 
New & Old Delhi
• 
Taj Mahal
• 
Fatehpur Sikri
• 
Tigers of Ranthambore
• 
Jaipur - Amber Fort
• 
Maldive Islands
• 
Water Villas Bungalows
• 
Snorkelling & Diving antar Mantar Observatory
• 
Indian Ocean Atolls
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.
 
Agra 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.
 
Along the way we visit the Agra Bear Rescue Centre. This facility provides sanctuary to over 200 orphaned and distressed sloth bears, including many rescued dancing circus bears.
 
We also visit the small Itmad-ud-Daulah mausoleum (fondly known as the 'Baby Taj') built to honour the grandfather of Mumtaz and the forerunner of the Taj Mahal, before checking in to your hotel in this ancient city.
 
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, we visit the the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation Centre, which works to rehabilitate rescued elephants.
 
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 rise early to pay a second visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
 
After returning to your hotel for breakfast, we 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.
 
Afterwards we drive 4-hours to Jaipur, which is the capital of Rajasthan. Check into your hotel in this chaotic and colourful "Pink City" that is home to over 3 million people.
 
Note: From mid-January to mid-February there may be early morning fog, in which case you will visit the Taj Mahal a little later.
 
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.
Day 6
This morning enjoy a half 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 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 tour 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 7
This morning we visit 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.
 
After lunch (own account) enjoy an Elephant Interaction, spending time up close and personal with an Asian elephant cared for by a mahout family. You can touch and feed him, and learn about elephant decoration, medicines and treatment. During the summer you can also see him being bathed.
 
In the evening enjoy the unique experience of dining with a local family, where you will taste spicy Rajasthan food and gain insight into their lifestyle, with different generations living under the same roof.
 
Note: If you would like to take a gift for your hosts, we suggest flowers. Avoid edible items, because of varying religious and dietary restrictions.
Day 8
Rise early this morning for a private jeep safari in Jhalana Wildlife Sanctuary, a small 6.6 square mile (17 sq km) reserve situated in the Aravali Foothills in the heart of the city  of Jaipur.
 
Home to over 30 leopards, sightings of these magnificent big cats are fairly good in this protected forest - although never guaranteed as they are shy animals and can retreat to the hills. You may also see peacocks, jackal, sambar, spotted deer and grey langur monkeys. Birds you may see include the Spotted owlet, Bay backed shrike, White-throated kingfisher, Red collared dove, sandpiper, dunlin and flamingo.
 
Afterwards we visit the town of Sanganer, a busy suburban hub of craft workshops where local artisans sell traditional Bagru textile prints and handmade paper. Here you can see textiles being produced using traditional 'Tie & Dye' techniques. You can also enjoy Rajasthani music and dance, with restaurants serving classic northern Indian cuisine.
 
The balance of the day is at leisure to relax at your hotel in Jaipur, or explore more of the city with your driver (pay any entrance fees locally).
Day 9
This morning we travel 4-hours from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur in southeast Rajasthan.
 
On arrival say goodbye to your guide, who will drop you off at your lodge situated near Ranthambore National Park. In the afternoon enjoy a private jeep safari in this world famous tiger sanctuary. Originally the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur, today it is the largest wildlife reserve in northern India and covers an area of over 250 sq miles (400 sq km).
 
Note: Zones 1 to 5 are closed every Tuesda and during Holi and the monsoon season (July to early October). Zones 6 to 10 are closed every Wednesday, but otherwise remain open all year.
 
You will need to take a copy of 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.
Day 10
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 at the end of the dry season (March to May, although it is extremely hot from April onwards), when the tigers search out the waterholes - 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 Tuesda and during Holi and the monsoon season (July to early October). Zones 6 to 10 are closed every Wednesday, but otherwise remain open all year.
 
You will need to take a copy of 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.
Day 11
This morning transfer to Sawai Madhopur Station to board the express train (air-conditioned chair car) for your 5-hour journey to Delhi.
 
You will be met at Delhi Station and transferred to your hotel situated near the airport.
 
Note: To avoid unnecessary stress, on the train you will be accompanied part of the way by a local helper. 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.
Day 12
Transfer to Delhi Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Male Airport and transferred by speedboat to your resort in the magnificent Maldives Islands.
 
Kick off your shoes and relax on the dazzling white powder-soft sands of your secluded paradise island, backed by swaying palm trees and lapped by turquoise waters.
Days 13 To 15
At leisure to relax on your small atoll in the beautiful Maldives Islands.
 
With its warm crystal clear turquoise waters, these paradise Indian Ocean islands offer some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the world - as well as the opportunity to completely unwind and escape the pressures of modern life.
 
The underwater world is a kaleidoscope of colour, where you can have close encounters with gentle giants like whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins & turtles. Water sports such as kayaking, kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and deep sea fishing are also on offer.
 
Enjoy relaxing spa treatments or picnic on a private shell-strewn beach. Then take a sunset cruise on a wooden dhoni before dining feet-in-the-sand under the stars. Seafood is a speciality, but you will find a wide variety of delectable cuisine on offer.
Day 16
Transfer by speedboat to Male Airport for your flight home.