Highlights
- See the incomparable Taj Mahal
- Experience the excitement of a tiger safari
- Spend time in a traditional village
- Ride an elephant to the majestic Amer Fort
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Delhi | Delhi |
| Day 2 | Tour of New Delhi, National Rail Museum & Humayun's Tomb | Delhi |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Agra, Sloth Bear Rescue Center & Taj Mahal | Agra |
| Day 4 | Chambal Sanctuary River Safari & Agra Fort | Agra |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Bharatpur via Fatehpur Sikri | Bharatpur |
| Day 6 | Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Transfer to Ranthambore | Ranthambore |
| Day 7 | Tiger Safari in Ranthambore National Park, Ranthambore Fort | Ranthambore |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Jaipur, Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort & Village Trip | Jaipur |
| Day 9 | Tour Jaipur, Block Printing & Elephant Experience | Jaipur |
| Day 10 | Fly to Delhi, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Welcome to India! You and your family will be welcomed at the airport in Delhi by your driver, who will take you to your accommodation. Along the way, your driver will talk about points of interest, explain your itinerary, and answer any questions you have. Once you've settled in, waste no time getting out to explore―there's a vast number of things to do here. First off, head to the Qutub Minar. Built in 1192 CE, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world's tallest minarets at 238 feet (72.5 m). Surrounded by attractive gardens, this is also a good place for the kids to stretch their legs after your flight.
If there's time, visit the Kingdom of Dreams, home to two theaters, and Culture Gully, a showcase of Indian craft and cuisine. Take a crash course in Indian culture as you attend a Bollywood musical or a mythological show, and explore traditions and food from each region of the country. The kids will be captivated by the color and drama of it all. Afterward, head back to your accommodation for dinner and rest―tomorrow will be full of new adventures!
Day 2: Tour of New Delhi, National Rail Museum & Humayun's Tomb
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning, and then head out with your family on a tour of New Delhi. Your first stop is the National Rail Museum―with its large, simulated working railway yard and life-size exhibits, it will captivate the kids and any train enthusiasts in the family. Learn about more than 166 years of rail history, explore the collection of diesel, electric, and steam locomotives, and take a ride on one of the small steam trains around the site. If the kids get hungry, there's an on-site cafeteria, or you're welcome to picnic on the grounds.
Next, you'll head out on a tour of the historic monuments of New Delhi. You'll visit the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, see the British colonial-era buildings along the Rajpath, take in the Presidential Palance and India Gate (a memorial to Indian soldiers who fell in World War I), and finally, Humayun's Tomb. Built in 1564 by emperor Humayun's widow, Haji Begum, this impressive garden mausoleum makes for an awe-inspiring visit. Your final stop for today is Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, an important Sikh place of worship. Admire the Sarovar, the temple's pool, and the incredible community kitchen where over 20,000 people eat for free every day.Day 3: Transfer to Agra, Sloth Bear Rescue Center & Taj Mahal
Your family's day gets off to an early start as you join your driver for the transfer to Agra and see some inspiring sights as you pass through time from the colonial era to the time of the Mughals. Once a center of art, commerce, and culture, Agra still possesses a bounty of attractions. Along the way, you'll stop off at the Sloth Bear Rescue Center. The kids will love the chance to watch over 200 rescued sloth bears as they play, forage, climb, and dig. Once you reach Agra, head to your accommodation for a chance to refresh yourselves before the next adventure.
When you're ready to go, take a tuk-tuk to Mehtab Bagh, the gorgeous "Moonlight Garden." Sited in the ideal place to view the Taj Mahal, you will, of course, get the most striking views on a moonlit night―but it's stunning at any time of day. Highly structured, with fountains, ponds, and ornamental domes, the garden is beautiful in its own right. It's most famous, however, as the perfect place to view the Taj Mahal without all the crowds. With plenty of space for the kids to scamper around as you linger over the views, this is bound to be a trip highlight.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Chambal Sanctuary River Safari & Agra Fort
Head out from the busy city this morning to the unspoiled beauty of the Chambal Sanctuary. You'll take a guided river safari through this birdwatcher's paradise as you keep your eyes peeled for over 316 species. The kids will also love spotting the larger animals here. Rare Ganges river dolphins, gharial, marsh crocodiles, turtles, otters, hyenas, jungle cats, jackals, wolves, and foxes all number among the abundant species they can find. On the way back, stop at the Bateshwar Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 12th century, only a few may now be visited―it is said that there were originally 101 in total!
Day 5: Transfer to Bharatpur via Fatehpur Sikri
This morning you and your family will bid farewell to Agra and transfer to the city of Bharatpur. On the way, you'll stop off at the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of the Mughal Empire but later abandoned and now home to about 30,000 people. Savor the sense of mystery and the well-preserved buildings, once intended to create the most beautiful city on earth. Rarely busy, this is a great place for the kids to explore and for their imaginations to run wild. Enjoy a delicious lunch here and then hit the road to Bharatpur.
Once you've arrived in the city, settle into your accommodation and, if time allows, explore a little. Check out the Government Museum―housed in the historic Lohargarh Fort, you'll find a collection of sculptures, terracotta, coins, weapons, and local art. Get a sense of the history of the area as you view the artifacts of Bharatpur royalty. The kids will marvel at the collection of tiny miniature paintings on peepal tree leaves. Afterward, head to your accommodation and rest up for tomorrow.Day 6: Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Transfer to Ranthambore
After breakfast, you and the family will head to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park (formerly knowns as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traveling through the park by cycle rickshaw, you and the kids can spot up to 366 bird species, 379 plant species, fish, lizards, frogs, and turtles. You can also see larger wildlife species such as hyenas, gazelle, boar, wildcats, and nilgai (antelope) as you make your way through grasslands, woodlands, swamps, and wetlands.
Savor the incredible natural variety around you before heading for your next stop, Sawai Madhopur, pausing for lunch on the way. You'll arrive late in the evening, so check into your hotel, grab some dinner, and relax.
Day 7: Tiger Safari in Ranthambore National Park, Ranthambore Fort
Get the kids up early this morning for a sunrise safari Jeep tour that your family won't forget in a hurry. Driving through Ranthambore National Park, the former hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, you'll search for the elusive Bengal tigers and a host of other exciting animals, including leopards, hyenas, foxes, monkeys, bears, boar, deer, and gazelle. Hundreds of species of birds and reptiles can also be found here. You'll take two tours of the park, morning and afternoon, to maximize your chances of spotting tigers―and you can imagine your family's excitement when you do!
Between your two three-hour safaris, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at your hotel and spend some time exploring the imposing Ranthambore Fort. High on the hillside, you'll gain panoramic views of the towns and countryside, including the park's lush vegetation. Construction began on this formidable fort of stone walls, steps, pillars, and domes, sometime in the 10th century. There are several temples inside and an array of architectural styles. The kids will be entranced by the parrots, monkeys, and peacocks that can be seen in the complex due to its proximity to the reserve.
Day 8: Transfer to Jaipur, Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort & Village Trip
This morning, your family will leave Ranthambore early for Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe and famous for its palaces, forts, and blend of architectural styles, the "Pink City" is sure to captivate. After checking into your accommodation, begin your explorations with a stop-off at the Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of the Winds." Its honeycomb of 953 windows allowed the royal harem to watch street processions below, unseen by the public. Next, you'll head to the Amer Fort, built as a royal residence over a thousand years ago. The elephant ride to the top is sure to be a hit with the kids, and there is plenty of scope for exploration in the ornate fort itself.
In the late afternoon, you'll head out on a memorable three-hour Jeep tour to a traditional village. This is your family's chance to authentically experience the culture and warmth of local hospitality. You and the kids will be able to observe the daily life of village farmers firsthand as you learn about their tasks, traditions, customs, and ceremonies. You'll have the rare privilege of meeting people in their own homes and, with the help of your guide, asking them any questions. This is a fantastic opportunity for your kids to see what life is like for families in other countries.Day 9: Tour Jaipur, Block Printing & Elephant Experience
Spend the morning exploring a few more of Jaipur's most beautiful sights. Head to the City Palace nice and early to avoid the crowds. Take your time admiring the ornate pink architecture and artwork―with extensive corridors, mysterious doorways, and open courtyards, there is plenty of space for the kids to scamper. There are several displays, a museum, and an art gallery on-site, and if you're lucky, the kids will even see a traditional puppet show. Afterward, head to the Jantar Mantar, a 17th-century solar observatory and astronomical museum home to the world's largest sundial.
Your next stop is a visit to Jaipur's artisans, where you and the kids will learn the art of block printing. Make your own printed handkerchief souvenirs while you get to know the artisans and learn the tricks of one of India's oldest printing techniques. Afterward, head with your guide to an elephant sanctuary. Bound to be a trip highlight, you and the kids will not only meet the elephants but also feed, paint, walk, and bathe them. You'll learn the traditional methods for caring for elephants as you relax and spend time in the company of these amazing animals.
Day 10: Transfer to New Delhi, Depart
It's the last day of your trip today, so you'll be driving from Jaipur to Delhi for your flight. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and, if time allows, head out to explore a little or grab some souvenirs before you hit the road. Your driver will drop you off at the airport in New Delhi in time for your flight. Safe travels!
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