RMC Travel presents …
INDIA
with a special Bengal Tiger Safari
October 19-31, 2008
It’s hard to describe India with a terrain as diverse as abundant forests, golden deserts and the majestic Himalayan range. Stories can tell you all you want to know about the complex cultures of the Indian people, their languages and dialects, their rituals and traditions. But to feel her magic, be touched by her spirituality, experience her intensity or join in her celebrations, you have to be in India. She is everything you have heard and read about and more, much more. It’s a country to be experienced: seen with the heart and understood with the soul. One of the highlights of the tour will be spending some time in the Ranthambhore National Park famous for its tigers. We will discover the beauty of the majestic Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur. With stunning ecological diversity surrounded by rugged hills on the edge of the mighty Thar Desert, the land is home to 300 bird species and exotic wildlife including gazelle, mongoose and the elusive tiger. It will be an opportunity to witness something special that may not be around in the future. For those with a few more days, there is an optional tour to beautiful Udaipur. On a personal note to those who raise an eyebrow about traveling to India, let me assure you it is a special, special place and a journey that you will always remember.
OUR HOTELS
In Delhi: The Le Meridien
Located near the Parliament, the impressive deluxe Le Méridien offers a truly unique experience
in every one of its stylish 355 guest rooms. Warm earth tones in addition to the luxurious sitting
areas create an inviting ambiance for you to experience and enjoy. French, Indian and
Chinese restaurants are perfect for dining.
In Jaipur: The Rajputana Sheraton
This centrally located Palace style hotel is one of the best in Jaipur. 218 wonderful rooms with
balconies makes this a perfect setting. Hotel includes a health club, jogging track and swimming
pool. One of its restaurants even serves the special Dum Pukht cuisine.
In Ranthambhore National Park: Nahargarth Fort Hotel
The hotel is modeled in the style of a traditional hunting lodge with 40 well-furnished air-conditioned
rooms that speak of traditional elegance and hospitality. The hotel staff is known for
its special service and old world charm is ever present. It’s multi-cuisine restaurants offer
sumptuous Indian and European meals.
In Agra: Mughai Sheraton
An exotic hotel set on 33 acres with amenities ranging from lawn tennis to croquet, a health
club and Yoga. Exquisite interiors, impeccable service and extraordinary cuisines come
together in this hotel. Four great restaurants serving a multitude of international cuisines.
TOUR INCLUDES
•Round-trip Luxury Liner transportation to JFK
•Round-trip jet flights to India
•Rail transportation within India
•Round-trip transfers between airport and hotels
•Accommodations in Superior hotels
•Airline & hotel taxes
•Service charges at the hotel
•Portage
•Daily breakfast
•Additional meals as indicated
•Sightseeing tour as per itinerary
•Sightseeing entrance fees
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
•Welcome Reception
•Elephant ride in Jaipur at the Ambor Fort
•Unique 4-day/3-night Tiger Safari in Ranthambore National Park
•A Special Farewell Dinner in Delhi
•Optional tour to Udaipur
Our Itinerary
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Day 1, Sunday, October 19: Depart for Delhi
Depart this evening for India.
Day 2, Monday, October 20: Arrive Delhi (D)
Arrival at Delhi airport. Meet and greet by our representative and transfer to hotel where we have the balance of the day to rest before our welcome dinner in a city that has been the capital of several empires in ancient India.
Day 3, Tuesday, October 21: In Delhi (B)
After breakfast, proceed for a half-day tour of Old Delhi that was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessed an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, and created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue, filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Afternoon on your own to visit New Delhi. New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's — it's a city of wide boulevards impressive government buildings, green parks and gardens. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the design and construction of New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947. Dinner on your own.
Day 4, Wednesday, October 22: Delhi/Jaipur (B/D)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning to Jaipur — the capital of Rajasthan and known as the “Pink” city. Built in 1727 by the great warrior and even better astronomer, Raja Sawai Jai Singh II it boasts forts, enchanting palaces and lovely temples. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 5, Thursday, October 23: In Jaipur (B)
After breakfast, depart the hotel for a half-day tour of the city and visit the Amber Fort. Five miles from Jaipur, Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure, feel the history and visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered. Afternoon and evening free for shopping and independent activities.
Day 6, Friday, October 24: In Jaipur (B)
Today will be a full-day at leisure in a city that is a paradise for shoppers. Jaipur offers jewelry, carpets, rugs, textiles and other great shopping bargains. This glorious city boasts its cultural heritage in every nook and corner, and is considered one of the reservoirs of Indian customs, traditions, civilization and legacy. Jaipur is the first planned city of India and once had been the capital of the royalty. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal family with ancient testimonials in the form of mind-blowing monuments that reminds one of the past ages.
Day 7, Saturday, October 25: Jaipur/Ranthambore National Park (B/L/D)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to the Ranthambore National Park - one of the finest tiger reserves in the country. It previously was the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a game sanctuary and in 1980, it became a national park. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. The terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills and open valleys with lakes and pools. Ranthambhore Park is famous for tigers and due to conservation efforts the tiger population has stabilized if not increased here. After lunch at hotel enjoy game drive to the National Park. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 8, Sunday, October 26: Ranthambore (B/L/D)
Early morning drive to the game park. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, at their normal pursuits — hunting and taking care of their young ones. Ranthambhore is one of the best places to see these majestic predators. Return back to the hotel for breakfast. After lunch enjoy second safari of the day. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 9, Monday, October 27: Ranthambore (B/L/D)
Early morning drive to the game park. Return back to the hotel for breakfast. After lunch enjoy second safari of the day. Ranthambore is a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins that dot the wildlife park. There are lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort, overlooking the park. The lovely Jogi Mahal is located at the foot of the fort and gives magnificent view of the Padam Talao, painted white with water lilies. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 10, Tuesday October 28: Ranthambore/ Bharatpur and onto Agra (B)
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the station to board train for Bharatpur. Upon arrival in Bharatpur we drive to Agra. En route you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, a mysterious ghost city founded by the Mughal Emperior “Akbar the Great.” Then, on to Agra, famous for being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World — the Taj Mahal. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 11, Wednesday, October 29: In Agra (B)
Early this morning at Sunrise, visit that magnificent monument to love – Taj Mahal, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori's hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding other than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as lush gardens where running streams flow. When the Moghuls brought this concept to India they elevated it to the heights of incomparable history. Later visit the Agra Fort and the city. At the impressive Agra Fort you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city, you will witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Afternoon is free for independent activities.
Day 12, Thursday, October 30: To Delhi (B/D)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive back to Delhi. After checking in at our hotel, we have the rest of day at leisure before our farewell dinner.
Day 13, Friday, October 31: Departure Delhi to JFK (B)
In time transfer to International airport to connect flight back home.
Note: Itinerary correct at time of printing and subject to change for circumstances beyond our control.
Optional Tour to Udaipur
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Day 13, Friday, October 31: Departure Delhi to Udaipur (B/D)
After breakfast at the hotel morning is at leisure, afternoon in time transfer to the airport to board flight for Udaipur departs at 1335 hrs. We will be met upon arrival in Udaipur at 1445 hrs and transferred to the hotel for check in. Rest of the day is free for independent activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14, Saturday, November 1: In Udaipur (B/D)
After breakfast, proceed on half-day city tour to visit the City Palace Museum — grandeur and intricacy stroked all over in granite, marble and mosaic displayed in the sparkling white filigreed balconies and windows, ornate arches and cupolas atop magnificent octagonal towers, Jagdish Temple — built in 1651 AD. Also visit Sahelion Ki Bari — the spectacular garden displaying the unique life style of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces. Later this afternoon take a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola. The island palace on the lake called Jagmandir Palace is quite fascinating. The banks of the lake provided interesting glimpses of the daily bathing and laundry that takes place here. Looking across the lake, with the city and its great palace rising up behind the island palace, is a scene of rare beauty. You will also have time to spend in the bustling market that sprawls behind the City Palace Complex. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15, Sunday, November 2: To Delhi (B)
Transfer to the airport to board flight for Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel where you have the balance of the day and evening at leisure. Dinner on your own.
Day 16, Monday, November 3: Departure Delhi to JFK (B)
In time transfer to International airport to connecting flight back home.
Note: Itinerary correct at time of printing and subject to change for circumstances beyond our control.
