Glimpses of Taj & Tiger

Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for the mayhem of Delhi, one of the most vibrant cities on earth. Witness the contrast between the Mughal monuments of the Old Town and the glossy modern malls of the New Town on your city tour, taking in the sandstone ramparts of the imposing Red Fort, a relic from the Mughal Empire. Visit Ghandi’s memorial at Raj Ghat, the soaring tower of the 13th-century Qutub Minar and the Persian-style mausoleum of Humayun’s Tomb. Try your hand at a spot of travel photography with a professional photographer, who will guide you through the flower markets and bustling lanes in the early-morning light in search of that perfect shot.

Proceed to Agra, former Mughal capital and now home to two outstanding sights. Tour the royal apartments of the Agra Fort complex and gaze in wonder at the majesty of the Taj Mahal, the most exquisite building on the planet. At sunset, take a front-row seat in the pretty flower gardens of the Mehtab Bagh for a fabulous view of the Taj’s changing colours. Spend the evening watching the lively musical ‘Mohabbat the Taj’, which tells the story of the monument and the passionate romance that inspired it.

Detour to the abandoned imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri, an enigmatic demonstration of Mughal design, established in 1569. Take a look around the complex and learn about its mysterious abandonment just 16 years after it was founded. After soaking up the history, it’s time for a bit of wildlife as you board your train to Ranthambore National Park. Head deep into the forests of this rugged park and seek out the most regal of the big cats, the Bengal tiger. If you are not lucky enough to glimpse this elusive creature, then fear not because leopards, jaguars, jungle cats, crocodiles, antelope and a wide variety of birds can also be spotted here.

Explore the colourful Rajasthani capital Jaipur, crammed with Mughal artefacts, ornate palaces and pink mansions. Take a look around the sumptuous City Palace, former residence of the Maharajas and now a fascinating museum filled with historical treasures. Learn about the influence of astrology and astronomy in Indian culture at the remarkable Jantar Mantar, a life-sized observatory stuffed full of 18th-century geometric instruments. Soak up the views from the lofty terraces and mirrored halls of the awe-inspiring Amber Fort, dramatically located atop a thin rocky plateau.

Return to Delhi to enjoy one last evening in this electrifying city.