Overnight international flight to New Delhi.

Upon arrival and airport reception, transfer to hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Here see the Red Fort, recognized as 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.


Also visit Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), Chandni Chowk, and the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial center of Delhi in the old time and see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts, and Raj Ghat. Raj Ghat has a simple memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948. A commemorative ceremony is held here every Friday. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, was also cremated to the north of the memorial at Shanti Van (Forest of Peace). The area is now a beautiful park laden with trees. The Zinat-ul Masjid (Most Beautiful of Mosques) towers over the Raj Ghat.


After the metro ride continue to visit New Delhi to visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb. In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. Humayun's tomb, which was built by emperor Humayun's wife, took eight years to complete and is regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture. The emperor's wife, Begai Begum, was buried in the tomb and the structure is the first of its kind built in the center of a well-planned garden. The combination of white marble and red sandstone was a great influence on later Mughal architecture. It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra.


The drive meanders along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate. At the center of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an Arc-de-Triomphe like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the North-western Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. The foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The Presidential House is a palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, originally as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, is now the official residence of the First Citizen and the Parliament House.


Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (price not included) to enjoy a fine dinner at the Veda Restaurant, a lavishly designed nouvelle cuisine curry house that offers a fusion of traditional Indian food with a modern spin. A second option is a visit to Akshardham, a unique, yet stunning monument that boasts 234 elaborately carved pillars, 9 decorative domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars (towers of Hindu architecture), stone elephants sculptures, and 20,000 murtis (Hindu images portraying Divine spirits). Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.
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Begin with a drive to Agra that will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Then proceed for a sightseeing tour of the stunning Taj Mahal, India’s most picture perfect work of architecture and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.


The area around the Taj Mahal is a protected area and the parking is approximately one kilometer away from the monument. Here disembark and board battery buses to the Taj.


That magnificent monument of love - The Taj Mahal, was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori.


In the impressive Agra Fort, be taken through the chambers of this royal residence. Driving through the city, witness the local life and bazaars and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Agra Fort is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort is often described as a walled palatial city and as the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers and the highest dignitaries who made history in India.


Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (cost not included) to a showing of Mohabbat The Taj, a live show with a touch of Bollywood comes highly recommended. This 80 minute presentation is a charming way to top off the day at the Kalakriti Auditorium. Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
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Drive approximately 4-5 hours to Jaipur. En route, stop to enjoy an excursion to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, the once imperial city of the Mughal dynasty that was mysteriously deserted years after its inception. This ornate city was built with such grandeur that words do not do justice to the glorious atmosphere created by its buildings. Once arrived, check in and have some time to relax before a sound and light show at the city’s Amber Fort.


The Amber Fort was originally built by the Meenas in the town they consecrated to Amba, the Mother Goddess, whom they knew as Gatta Rani or Queen of the Pass. Built over the remnants of an earlier structure, the palace complex which stands today was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Akbar's army and a member of the Emperor's inner circle of nine courtiers, in 1592. The initial structure of the fort was entirely completed by his descendant, Jai Singh I. Amber was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II.


The sound and light show at the Fort was scripted by the noted lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar for which superstar Amitabh Bachchan will lend his baritone. The one-hour show, which will be in English, will blend the visual splendor of a light show with the gripping historical narrative surrounding the Amber Fort's history.
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This morning return to the Amber Fort for a half day excursion. Strolling the magnificent rooms and chambers, observe the various intricate ivory, mirror and glass work. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour that will begin at the City Palace Museum, followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726), and great photographic opportunity at the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds – a spectacular five storied, honeycomb styled building exemplifying superb Rajput artistry.


Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (price not included) of an evening elephant safari. After a chance to feed these gentle creatures, ride upon their backs through a private jungle area, passing many villages, fields, and a medieval fortress as the sun sets. Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.
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Ground transfer to Ranthambhore National Park. This is approximately a 3-4 hour drive. After arriving, enjoy a lunch before proceeding for a jungle safari in Ranthambore National Park.


The Ranthambore National Park was once the hunting ground of Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a game sanctuary; in 1980, it became a national park. and partnered with Project Tiger in 1972. With the addition of neighboring Keladevi and Mansingh sanctuaries as part of Project Tiger, the total area of the national park stands at 1,334 sq km. But 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.
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In the early morning, enjoy another park visit to see the tigers once more and possibly any of the other of the resident wildlife. Besides tigers, other wildlife in the park include the endangered caracal, the leopard and jungle cat, hyenas, foxes, jackals, the sloth bear and several varieties of deer and antelope. Drive back to the hotel for lunch before returning for a final afternoon in the park. Return to the hotel to enjoy dinner and spend the evening.

Awake early for one final breakfast before transferring to Jaipur for a flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, met and transferred to the hotel. Spend the remaining time at leisure settling in, getting used to the surroundings, or exploring the city.

Transfer to the jetty at the Gateway of India to board a boat to Elephanta Island to see the shrine cut from the hillside. This ancient stone temple is decorated with intricate sculptures of Hindu Gods. Perhaps the most glorious of them all is the Hindu Trinity, which depicts three aspects of Shiva the Creator, Preserver and the Destroyer.


Upon returning to the city, be free to explore and observe the Gateway of India. With four turrets and intricate latticework, the archway was constructed out of yellow basalt stone for the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, the first visit of any British Monarchs. Near the arch, find steps down to the water, where small motor launches offering short cruises of the harbor will be offered (price not included).


Moving to the old British part of town, stroll through the Crawford Market and sample some of the local fruit, vegetable, and meat stands. Completed in 1869, this covered market is elegantly designed with an impressive clock tower and steeple that stands above the surrounding skyline.


Also on deck for today is a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum, an odd looking building built with a mixture of Gothic and Moorish styles. With an array of ancient Indus Valley artifacts dating to 2000 BC, one will also find priceless pieces of Tibetan and Nepali art, Buddhist scrolls, and Tibetan bronzes. However, the most notable attraction here is the collection of over 2000 miniature paintings from India’s various art schools.
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Transfer to the airport for a flight to Goa. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps with a stroll on the beach or a few drinks.

Morning sightseeing tour of the historic part of Goa, which will stop at the Basilica de Bom Jesus and the Grand Se Cathedral. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basilica is the final resting place of the celebrated St. Francis Xavier, one of Goa’s patron saints. Today, the basilica remains as one of India’s best examples of baroque architecture. Next visit the Se Cathedral, the largest in all of Asia at 76 meters (250 ft) in length and 55 meters (180 ft) in width.


In the afternoon, tour one of Goa’s fragrant spice plantations. The dense forested landscape of Goa and its favorable climate make for a perfect environment to grow spices. Walking through the aromatic fields, smell and see vanilla beans, pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, chilies, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger and a variety of fruits. Afterwards, return to the hotel for the night.
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Spend the day at leisure and enjoy the fine beaches of Goa. There are plenty of opportunities to partake in some water sports, take a yoga class, visit a local museum or go bird watching (not included).

Depending on departure time, spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for a connection to Mumbai and flight home or to continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.
Note: Check out of the hotel is at 12 pm. Late check out may be available directly at the hotel subject to availability. Regardless, store luggage at the hotel until departure to the airport.