India With Ease - Absolute Asia Tours

On arrival in Delhi, you'll be met by a MWT representative, who will accompany you to your hotel.

Accompanied by your guide, spend the morning exploring the winding streets and sights of Old Delhi. Stops will be made at the imposing Red Fort, a Sikh gurdwara (a place of worship with a community kitchen), and one of the largest mosques in India. Climb aboard an iconic rickshaw to visit the famous Chandni Chowk market, where you’ll be able to find lunch, before spending time exploring Humayan’s Tomb, a 500 year old example of Persian architecture in India.

Head to New Delhi station for the train ride to Agra, where you’ll meet your guide. After stopping by your hotel to check in and freshen up, head first to the palatial Agra Fort for a taste of life as a Mughal lord, before moving on to the Taj Mahal in time to witness the phenomenon of this marble icon changing colour as the sun sets. The Taj is considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, and you’ll be sharing the spectacle with many other admirers - this doesn’t, however, detract from the experience.

Head off through rural Rajasthan, stopping to explore the UNESCO-protected temples and palaces at Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th century city that was briefly capital of the Mughal empire. On reaching the city of Bharatpur, board the train towards Ranthambore National Park, where you'll head to your accommodation for some time at leisure.

Spend the day on safari in Ranthambore National Park, looking out for wildlife with a local naturalist on hand to maximise your chance of spotting tigers and other wildlife. Your day will comprise of two drives, morning and afternoon, passing ancient temples, hunting pavilions, historic tombs and a crumbling 10th century fort as you explore the park.

Head off towards Bundi through the landscape of Rajasthan, arriving in time for a relaxed stroll to take in the local market, which comes alive in the late afternoon.

With your guide, visit Garh Palace, a 300 year old stone edifice built on a hill above the city, to see its hoard of stately paintings and murals depicting local history. Nearby, you can explore 14th century Taragarh Fort, one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. The fort protects huge tanks, built to supply the people of Bundi with clean water during times of crisis. Water security was clearly a key concern for the city throughout history, evidenced by its large number of stepwells. Your next stop will be at the most famous of these - Rani Ji Ki Baori, 'Queen of Stepwells', which is over 400 years old. The multi-storey well is the largest in Bundi at 150 feet deep, and its terraced stone steps are covered in ornate carvings. After additional stops at a few key sights, the rest of your day will be at leisure.

Once you've arrived at your Jaipur hotel, your day will be at leisure until your late afternoon walking tour of the Old City. This chaotic maze of twisting alleys offers a fascinating and rather intense insight into local life, as - with your guide - you weave between the market stalls, food vendors, tuk-tuk drivers, cyclists, and strolling cows and goats. You'll pause to sample popular snacks, and observe local artisans at work. You'll also get the opportunity to meet and take chai with a local family.

You’ll be collected this morning by a lady driving a distinctive pink e-rickshaw. The Pink City Rickshaw Company is an non-profit-organisation which offers much-needed employment opportunities to women from Jaipur’s low income households. You’ll be driven to Govind Dev Ji, one of Jaipur’s most sacred Hindu temples, in time to witness the morning ritual of ‘unveiling the deity’, while offerings are made and prayers are chanted. The temple is within the city palace complex - with your guide, stroll around this impressive array of Rajashtani and Mughal buildings, some of which are still occupied by the royal family.

Head next to the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a remarkable 18th century collection of astronomical structures including the world’s largest sundial, which is accurate to two minutes. Return to your hotel for a break, pausing at the Palace of Winds for a photo opportunity, before a late afternoon visit to the Amber Fort for a memorable sunset view of Jaipur from its marble ramparts.

Transfer to Jaipur airport today for the short flight to Goa. On arrival you'll be met by a Selective Asia representative and driven to your beach resort, where you spend the next 3 nights.

Enjoy your time relaxing on the golden sands, exploring the local area or making the most of your hotel facilities.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.