With all the highlights of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, we also go in search of Shere Khan himself, at Ranthambhore, one of India's best national parks and home of the tiger!
Saturday. Upon arrival into Delhi, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or independently explore this bustling capital. Overnight - Delhi
This morning, our Welcome Meeting takes place. We’ll then enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi, taking in the impressive Red Fort, Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat - the site of Gandhi’s cremation and more. Tonight, we enjoy a group Namaste Dinner at a restaurant specialising in classic Indian cuisine. Overnight - Delhi (B, D)
Shere Khan - 9 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Delhi - Agra. Departing Delhi, we journey to Agra, once India’s Mughal capital. Here, we visit the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind it's fortified walls. Later on we take a motorised buggy to the legendary Taj Mahal and witness a magical sunset. Built by Shah Jahan in the 16th century as an enduring memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz. Built entirely of white marble, the Taj Mahal has no peers. Overnight - Agra (B)
Agra - Jaipur. En route to Jaipur, we visit the ghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, abandoned due to lack of water. As we get closer to Jaipur we stop for a tasty lunch and visit Chandra Haveli, a charming haveli (mansion house) with small courtyard, lawned gardens and rustic appeal carefully being restored to the splendour of better farming years (if open, currently under renovation till Dec 2012). Once in Jaipur, we visit a cotton trading/tailor shop where you can get clothing tailored for delivery to your hotel before we leave! Overnight - Jaipur (B, L)
Today, you can choose to bolt on an
early morning hot air balloon flight over Jaipur.Look out for the snake charmers that dot our route, as we continue to the 16th century Amber Fort. An exotic elephant ride transports us to the lofty fort, where we’ll enjoy a tour of this Rajput extravaganza. Later in the afternoon we tour the City Palace, which boasts an interesting museum of regal attire and Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory. Overnight - Jaipur (B)
Jaipur - Ranthambhore. After breakfast on day 6, we have a 3-4 hour drive to Ranthambhore National Park. We check-in, freshen up and then venture out for an evening game drive. Ranthambhore NP is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan. On day 7 we enjoy both morning and evening game drives with some time to relax during the day. Overnight - Ranthambhore NP (B:2, L:1, D:2)
Ranthambhore - Delhi. After an early breakfast we return to Delhi by train. The remainder of the day is free for you to relex or independently explore Delhi your own way. Overnight - Delhi (B)
Sunday. Our tour concludes after breakfast. Goodbye India! We transfer you to the airport for your onwards international flight. (B)
Enjoy a Mumbai Breakaway!
Extend your stay with our 4 day/3 night Mumbai Breakaway Bolt-on. Formally known as Bombay, exhilarating and charismatic Mumbai is the most populated city in the world, home of Bollywood and the setting of the hit film ‘Slum Dog Millionaire’. Discover this city of contrasts where gleaming sky scrapers stand side by side with run down slums. Explore this bustling city and immerse yourself in the madness of Mumbai!
Hola Mohalla Sikh Festival
For a truly unique experience combine your tour with the spectacle of the Hola Mohalla Sikh Festival held in the holy city of Anandpur Sahib. Witness the colourful festivities including mock martial arts battles, impressive displays of weaponry, archery and wrestling as well as music, poetry and prayers, singing and chanting, while food is served to pilgrims from all castes and creeds by women from the neighbouring villages.
If travelling on our 30 March 2013 Shere Khan departure you can combine this with our 5 day Hola Mohalla Sikh Festival tour departing on 26 March 2013. Contact us for further details.
FROM USD $1,599
Prices & Departure Dates
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, (if another solo traveller of the same sex is already booked upon the tour), thus avoiding the single person supplement.
All our scheduled tour departures are guaranteed subject to a minimum of 2 travellers. To date we have not cancelled a single trip.
This tour is also available on a private basis - for details please see the Supplementary Prices at the bottom of this page.
Family Departures - Families with teens, aged 12 and above are welcome to join our tours marked with the 'Family' icon below. The adult/ price per person cost applies.
Shere Khan - 9 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Bolt-ons
Make the most of your time away! Listed below are the optional activities that are available on this trip. Please note that you will need to book these prior to travel as we cannot always guarantee availability of these activities once you are on holiday.
Sail within a breath of lofty hilltop forts and
fine regal palaces. Look down upon sleepy
villages waking to the early morning sun. Drift
past expansive waterside manors and intricately
stone carved temples with the Pink City of Jaipur in the distance on a magical hot air balloon
adventure.
Ride the narrow gauge railway aboard the Himalayan Queen Toy Train to Shimla. Nestled between lofty peaks and breathtaking scenery, the charming getaway was once the summer capital of British India. The natural beauty of Shimla will enchant you, being famous for its colourful bazaar, temples at soaring heights, stunning sunsets and verdant woods, contrasted with the quintessential English pomp and style.
Experience Eastern spirituality on this 4 day/3 night bolt-on to Haridwar and Rishikesh - two of the holiest
cities in India. Haridwar - the ‘Gateway to the
Gods’, attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world who come to cleanse
their sins by bathing in the Holy Ganges River and Rishikesh - the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Home to the world famous Golden Temple and the seat of the Sikh religion, Amritsar
is one of the Punjab’s principal cities. Built in 1803 and made of marble, copper and
pure leaf gold, the temple is an amazing architectural feat. During your stay, enjoy
a visit to Wagah - the only road border crossing between India and Pakistan where
the fascinating sunset ‘retreat’ ceremony takes place with great pomp.
Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
Found across Asia and Africa, the largest concentration of elephants can be spotted in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa. Track elephant with us on safari in Africa and India, visit the elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka or ride an elephant on safari in Nepal.
Go in search of the Big Five in some of Africa's greatest game parks, from the wilds of the Masai Mara, to gorillas in Uganda and the open plains of the Serengeti. Or perhaps head to one of India's finest national parks to try to spot the elusive big cat - the Royal Bengal tiger. There is nothing like seeing wildlife in its natural habitat!
There are very few places where the rare and enigmatic tiger can still be glimpsed in the wild, stalking through dense forest and undergrowth, a solitary predator with no natural enemies, save one. Go in search of tigers at some of the best wildlife parks in central India, Nepal and Siberia.
One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and an enduring Indian icon, the elegant structure known as the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who sadly died in 1631, giving birth to their 14th child. In her dying breath, Mumtaz Mahal urged Shah Jahan to build a mausoleum for her, more beautiful than any the world had ever seen. In 1632 building began on the world’s greatest monument to love, which, even today, undoubtedly has no peer. In order to ensure the perfection of the Taj Mahal could not be replicated anywhere else on earth, the artisans and workers who created it, are said to have later had their hands or thumbs amputated.
Highlights & Inclusions
Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.
Trip Highlights
Old and New Delhi - the magnificent Red Fort, India's largest mosque Jama Masjid, and Gandhi's crematorium Raj Ghat.
The Pink City of Jaipur - the lofty Amber Fort, the very regal City Palace and the ancient observatory of Jantar Mantar
Fatehpur Sikri - an ancient abandoned Mughal city
The spectacular Taj Mahal - India's most famous monument in all its glory at sunset.
An exotic elephant ride into Jaipur's Amber Fort - just like the Raj would have done
Ranthambhore NP - Beautiful Indian wildlife and (hopefully) some tigers!
3 game drives in shared canter, Ranthambhore National Park.
English speaking Indian tour leader for groups of 6 or more
Taj Mahal, Jaipur City Palace & Jantar Mantar entrance fees.
Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 9
8 nights - 3-4 star and heritage hotels and Jungle lodge
Elephant ride to Amber Fort - Jaipur (*Subject to Government regulations and availability)
Touring of Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Peharsar village
Specialist local guides at some sights
All relevant transfers and transportation
What's Not Included
International flights and visas
Entrance Fees: $55-65 USD
Tip for your tour leader. We suggest $13-$20 USD per person for this tour. Tipping your leader is an entirely personal gesture.
Tipping Kitty: $20-25 USD
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary.
Almondz Hotel - Delhi
The modern and smart Almondz Hotel offers guests good sized well appointed rooms which all come with complimentary Wi-Fi. The in house restaurant is highly recommended providing diners with delicious food and a friendly service.
The hotel is located in the heart of the Delhi in the lively Karol Bagh area and Patel Nagar Metro station is within walking distance giving you fast and efficient access to the rest of India’s buzzing capital.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Raj Mahal Hotel - Agra
The charming and elegant Raj Mahal hotel offers guests clean and spacious rooms with hard wood floors and stylish design. On a clear day some rooms benefit from a view of the legendary Taj Mahal. The roof top restaurant comes highly recommended with delicious food and magnificent views across the city.
Perfectly located near to the Eastern Gate of the Taj Mahal.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Mandawa Haveli - Jaipur
The beautiful heritage style Mandawa Haveli is a fine example of typical Rajasthan architecture - set in terraced gardens with pretty courtyards. All rooms are well appointed with intricately carved wooden beds and king-size royal portraits. An evening spent enjoying a lavish Rajasthani dinner in front of a traditional folk dance is highly recommended.
Well located in the heart of Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, just a few minute’s drive from the Palace of the Winds.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Heritage
Ranthambhore Forest Resort - Ranthambhore NP
Spread over five acres, Ranthambhore Forest Resort is surrounded by forest and has spacious, comfortable rooms.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: Standard Lodge
Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
Shere Khan - 9 days
Yusuf was an excellent tour leader. He was able to describe the highlights with personal stories and was most knowledgeable as he shared the culture of his home country India with us.
John Olmsted ,
Shere Khan - 9 days
What an amazing trip! After seeing the big cats in Africa, I knew I had to venture to India to try and see an illusive tiger and I wasn't disappointed - seeing my first 'Shere Khan' in Ranthambore was a fantastic experience and one I will remember for the rest of my life.
Chloe Hardcastle,
Shere Khan - 9 days
Would have appreciated extra day in Jaipur - an intriguing city. Thank you. Really enjoyed experience.
Edmund George Von Hartmann Halse ,
Shere Khan - 9 days
Yusuf has been a fantastic guide! He is knowledgable, friendly and helpful, and always seemed to be one step ahead of the crowds.
Catherine Brown ,
Shere Khan - 9 days
Tour guide was amazing. Bus driver was really good also. Yousaf went above and beyond with the information he provided us with regarding the monuments and beautiful Indian culture.
Hannah Mitchell ,
Shere Khan - 9 days
My first experience of travelling solo went so well. Everything ran smoothly and I felt safe at all times. India is incredible and I will surely be coming back.
Sarah-Jane,
Shere Khan - 9 days
Hi Ryan
Just to let you know we had a fantastic holiday in India. The tour was great and the add on's were exceptional, so glad you recommended a "Beach Symphony", we had a great time and they provided 4 top of the range mountain bikes which we used to explore the area.
Thanks for all your help and look forward to booking with you again next year.
Best Regards
Melanie Hooper,
Shere Khan - 9 days
Would recommend On The Go to anyone - we have travelled twice with you. This year my husband and I did the Shere Khan trip to India, again a fantastic trip. In 2008 my husband and myself and our daughters (then 18 and 21) did the Pharaohs Adventure to Egypt with the bolt on of the White Desert - absolutely incredible. Can't wait to plan our next one!
