Rajasthan: Tigers, Forts & Cities — 10 Days
Delhi, Agra, Bharatpur, Ranthambore and Jaipur with wildlife game drives and guided monument tours
This ten-day itinerary moves through northern India's major historical sites and wildlife reserves, beginning in Delhi and progressing through Agra, Bharatpur, Ranthambore National Park, and Jaipur before returning to Delhi. The route combines guided tours of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture—including Agra Fort, the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and the Palace of the Winds—with two game drives in Ranthambore's tiger reserve, birdwatching by cycle rickshaw in a protected wetland sanctuary, and direct engagement with local culture through a cooking demonstration, a Bollywood film screening, and informal activities in Delhi's markets and streets. Daily swimming facilities and a measured pace between destinations allow for rest between sightseeing and travel days. A professional English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout.
Highlights
- Two game drives in Ranthambore National Park with expert naturalists, searching for tigers among the Aravali Hills (October–June; summer months restricted to buffer zones)
- Cycle rickshaw ride through Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, a 230-species wetland reserve closed to motor vehicles
- Sunset visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, viewing the white marble monument as light shifts across its facades
- Amber Fort near Jaipur, a hilltop labyrinth of courtyards and passageways spanning the morning's guided tour
- Rickshaw rides through Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk bazaar and past the Red Fort's Mughal architecture
- Cooking demonstration with a local Rajasthani family, learning regional spices and curry preparation
- Bollywood film screening at a downtown Jaipur cinema
- Agra Fort, a walled complex of grand buildings and ornamental gardens east of the Taj Mahal
Day by day
1Arrival in Delhi and Old City SightseeingDelhi Airport · Connaught Place · Gurdwara Bangla Sahib · Chandni Chowk marketplace · Red Fort · Raj Ghat
Guests arrive at Delhi Airport and are transferred to the group hotel. After lunch, a guided afternoon tour covers two contrasting districts: Connaught Place, the modern centre with large gardens and tall office buildings, and Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, one of India's major Sikh houses of worship. A cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk marketplace provides exposure to market stalls and urban street life. The itinerary then passes the Red Fort—a 16th-century walled complex—and concludes at Raj Ghat, the open-air memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Return is to the hotel for the night.
2Train to Agra, Fort Tour and Taj Mahal at SunsetTaj Mahal · New Delhi Railway Station · Shatabdi Express · Agra Fort · local bazaar · hotel in Agra
An early transfer takes the group to New Delhi Railway Station for the Shatabdi Express to Agra, a fast tourist train with air-conditioned carriages and aircraft-type seating. The two-hour journey includes breakfast and refreshments, with views of rural Indian landscape from the windows. Upon arrival in Agra, guests transfer to their hotel for lunch. Swimming may be available depending on hotel facilities. The afternoon includes a guided tour of Agra Fort, a walled complex containing several grand buildings and ornamental gardens. Free time permits independent exploration of the local bazaar. At sunset, the group visits the Taj Mahal. Note: Access to the Taj Mahal at sunset is subject to site operating hours and entry policies.
3Fatehpur Sikri and Bharatpur Bird SanctuaryFatehpur Sikri · Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary · hotel
After breakfast, the group travels approximately one hour to Bharatpur, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th-century fortified settlement. Continuing to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, a protected wetland and grassland reserve, the group takes a cycle rickshaw ride through the sanctuary. The sanctuary has restrictions on vehicle access; only cycling and walking are permitted. Bird species observed may include cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks, and eagles. The group returns to the hotel. Swimming may be available depending on hotel facilities. In the evening, the guide reviews observations from the day's wildlife visit and the previous day's Taj Mahal visit.
4Rest Day and Transfer to Ranthambore National ParkRanthambore National Park · the hotel · Ranthambore Fort
The morning is unscheduled, allowing guests rest time at the hotel. Swimming may be available depending on hotel facilities. After lunch, the group drives approximately five hours to Ranthambore National Park. Weather and timing permitting, guests may visit Ranthambore Fort before arriving at the hotel, which is situated on the park's edge between the Aravali Hills.
5Tiger Spotting in Ranthambore National ParkRanthambore National Park · the resort accommodation
Two game drives bookend the day in Ranthambore National Park—one at dawn and one before sunset—when animals are most active at watering holes. Guests travel in shared 4x4 jeeps or canters with trained naturalists familiar with park operations. Tiger sightings cannot be guaranteed in the wild.
The midday hours are spent at the resort accommodation, where a swimming pool is available. This break allows time to rest between drives.
Seasonal note: October through June, game drives operate in the central Ranthambore zones. During July, August and September, the central zones close for conservation reasons, and drives operate instead in the Swai Mansingh Sanctuary buffer zones. Wildlife availability varies by season and zone.
Depending on timing and local conditions, informal activities with local communities may occur.
6Drive to Jaipur and Bollywood Film ScreeningJaipur · hotel · downtown cinema
After breakfast, the group drives approximately three hours to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the 'Pink City' for its terracotta-coloured architecture. After checking into the hotel, swimming may be available depending on hotel facilities. Guests are taken to a downtown cinema for a Bollywood film, typically a Hindi-language production featuring musical and dance sequences. Early departure from the cinema is an option. Dinner and overnight are at the hotel.
7Amber Fort, Palace of the Winds and Cooking DemonstrationAmber Fort · Palace of the Winds · City Palace · local bazaars · local Rajasthani family's home
The morning visit to Amber Fort, situated on a hilltop just outside Jaipur, includes a guided tour lasting most of the morning. The fort contains secret passageways and courtyards spanning centuries of royal occupation. After returning to Jaipur for lunch, the afternoon includes the City Palace, an observatory and the Palace of the Winds. As daylight fades, the local bazaars become active, offering opportunities for souvenir browsing. In the evening, guests visit a local Rajasthani family's home for a cooking demonstration focused on regional spices and curry preparation. Dinner is taken there, followed by overnight at the hotel.
8Drive to Delhi with Convenience StopsDelhi · hotel · Jaipur to Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast, the group departs Jaipur for Delhi on a journey of five or more hours, with planned convenience stops along the way. On arrival in Delhi, guests check into the same hotel as Day 1. The late afternoon is free for independent activities in the city or rest at the hotel. Dinner is served at the hotel.
9Old Delhi Markets and Rickshaw TourOld Delhi · food market · Red Fort · Raj Ghat
After breakfast, a rickshaw ride covers Old Delhi, including a food market where informal food sampling may occur, an exterior view of the Red Fort and its Mughal architecture, and Raj Ghat, the open-air memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The afternoon remains free for independent sightseeing in Delhi or souvenir shopping. Dinner is at the hotel.
10Departure from DelhiDelhi Airport
Time with the group concludes after breakfast at the hotel. A timed transfer to Delhi Airport is provided for departure.
Where you go
- 1Red Fort
- 2Taj Mahal
- 3Agra Fort
- 4Fatehpur Sikri
- 5hotel
- 6Jaipur
- 7hotel
- 8Amber Fort
- 9City Palace
- 10Delhi
- 11hotel
- 12Old Delhi
- 13Red Fort
Included
- A professional English-speaking local leader
- Single timed Delhi airport transfers on the first and last day of the land only itinerary
- All land transport involved in the itinerary including train journeys
- All accommodation as described
- Meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
- 2 games drives in jeeps at Ranthambore
- Rickshaw ride at Bharatpur
- Cookery demonstration at Jaipur
- Bollywood movie tickets
- Guided sightseeing tour of Delhi / Agra and Jaipur
- All park fees and entrance fees to all monuments
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Delhi Airport transfers other than the single timed transfer
- Indian Visa
- Additional optional activities
- Tips for local staff
- Miscellaneous personal expenses
Activities: Multi Activity