KIPLING COUNTRY

DAY 06:            KANHA
Early morning and evening game drive by non A/C jeep to see wild animals.  Return to the hotel for breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight.
  
DAY 07:            KANHA – JABALPUR (approx. 4 hr drive) -

AGRA (overnight train)

Early morning proceed for another game drive in the jungle by non A/C jeep to see wild animals.  Return to the hotel for breakfast,

Later in the morning drive to Jabalpur railway station to board train for Agra departs at 15: 30 hrs.  Overnight on board.

DAY 08:            ARRIVE AGRA
Arrive Agra this morning.  Met upon arrival at the station and transfer to the hotel for check in (check in time is 1200 noon).  Rest morning is free to relax in the Hotel.

This afternoon proceed to visit that magnificent monument to love – The 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 blinded and his hands cut off, 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 others than its paradoxical garden.  Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow.  When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of incomparable artistry.
Also 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, witness the local life and bazaars and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Overnight, stay at the hotel.
DAY 09:            AGRA-Fatehpur-Sikri-RANTHAMBHORE (approx. 7 hr drive)
After breakfast at hotel depart for Ranthambore.  On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital.  It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur.
Later continue the drive to Ranthambore.  On arrival, check into your hotel.  Dinner and stay at the hotel overnight.

DAY 10:            RANTHAMBHORE 
The Ranthambore National Park was the hunting ground of Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a game sanctuary; in 1980, it became a national park.  But with the commissioning of Project Tiger in 1972, it was included in the project.  With the addition of neighbouring Keladevi and Mansingh sanctuaries, the total area of the national park stands at 1,334 sq km. The entire park - the core area is just 392 sq kms - is not open to the public. The Ranthambore Park is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges.  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. 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.
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 Tlao, painted white with water lilies.
Early morning and evening game drive by non A/C jeep to see tiger and other wild animals.  Return to the hotel for breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 11:            RANTHAMBHORE- JAIPUR (approx. 3- 4 hr drive)
Early morning proceed for another game drive by non A/C jeep to see wild animals.  Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast drive to Jaipur.   On arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel.

Jaipur - Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan.  It has the distinction of being a well planned and laid out city.  As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound.  Overnight at hotel

This afternoon you will visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions.  Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD).  Included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.  Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 12:            JAIPUR
After breakfast at the hotel depart for a half-day excursion to Amber Fort.

Amber Fort - 11 Kms. from Jaipur, Amber Fort is a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below.  Go up to 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 visualise the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered.
The afternoon is free to explore Jaipur on your own.  Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 13:            JAIPUR-DELHI (approx. 5 hr drive)
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Delhi.  When you arrive in Delhi, check into your hotel.  The evening is free for independent activities. Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 14:            DELHI 
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India.  Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern.  Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages.  Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

After breakfast at the hotel proceed on a full day tour of Old and New Delhi.

Old Delhi was an ancient walled city.  The Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi.  Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, 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 heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars.  If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce.

Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial centre of Delhi in the old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts.  Return to the hotel for lunch (not included) and check out leaving your luggage.  Check out time is 12 noon.

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. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eighth city - 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.

You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajghat, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House.  Return to the hotel to collect your luggage and transfer to the airport.

DAY 15:            DEPART DELHI
Early in the morning board your flight for your onwards destination.


Tour Ends.

HOTELS ENVISAGED (or similar, depending on availability):

TOUR COST

All tours are subject to an Acceptance Payment of £150 per person - see below

On application for the current Tour Cost

Where prices are quoted in US$, the UK pounds price shown is based on current exchange rates.

Payment
1. Acceptance Payment (non refundable) by cheque payable to “S W & M Miller”
Your Contract for all tour arrangements is directly with Creative Travel Delhi, India to whom payment for the tour is made.
2. Eight weeks prior to arrival in India (or on Acceptance) - 50% of the cost is payable in US $, by Credit Card or International Bank Transfer, direct to Creative Travel, India.
3. On arrival in India – the remaining 50% is payable, in US $, by Credit Card or Cash.

Cancellation Charges

35 days prior to arrival a cancellation fee of US$200 per person will be applicable.
30 days notice of cancellation a fee of 25% of the total amount will be applicable.
25 days notice of cancellation a fee of 50% of the total amount will be applicable
Less than 25 days notice incurs the full amount.
Acceptance Payment non refundable

Included in the Cost

• Accommodation on a twin sharing, room and breakfast basis at the hotels specified.  Full board at the National Parks.
• Any single room subject to a supplement shown.
• All transfers, sightseeing and excursions by air-conditioned car (non AC jeeps or Canter in the National Parks)...
• The service of an English speaking local guide at all places (Naturalist in the National Parks).
• Entrance fees at monuments and parks  (except camera fees)
• Cycle Rickshaw ride during Old Delhi visit
• Elephant ride at Amber fort in Jaipur (subject to operating) or jeep.
• Porterage at airports and hotels (not tips).
• Train fare for Jabalpur-Agra in 2nd class AC Sleeper Class
• All currently applicable taxes.
• Prices quoted in US$ and the UK pounds price shown is based on current exchange rates.

Excluded from the Cost

• Expenses of a personal nature such as table drinks, laundry, telephone calls, Internet charges, mineral water, tips, shopping etc.
• Any other meals or services not mentioned in the programme.
• Any international airfare or any airport taxes.
• Any Government or State taxes subsequently introduced.
• Travel Insurance
• Any Christmas or New Year Dinner