SATURDAY DEPARTURES
ITINERARY
1st day
Leave London Heathrow in the evening by Thai Airways International for Delhi.
2nd day
On arrival in the morning transfer to the Sofitel Surya Hotel. The remainder
of the day is at leisure.
3rd day
In the morning drive south to one of the most spectacular water-bird sanctuaries
in the world - the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur. Late afternoon
bird-watching. Overnight at Bharatpur.
4th day
A full day excursion from Bharatpur to Agra to see the incomparable Taj Mahal
and the Agra Fort. Also visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of the Emperor
Akbar.
5th day
Bharatpur. A dazzling abundance of birdlife is found here, including open-bill
stork, egret, painted stork, darter, white ibis, spoonbill, Grey Heron, Sarus
Crane, cormorant, migratory geese, duck, rosy pelican and Siberian Crane. Also
other wildlife such as black buck, cheetal, nilgai and somber.
6th day
Full day drive to the wildlife reserve at Ranthambhor. The film “Project
Tiger” was shot here. Also in the reserve are leopards, sloth bears, somber,
Indian gazelle, wild boar, nilgai and serpent eagle. Stay at the Sawai Madhopur
Lodge.
7th day
Full day game viewing at Ranthambhor.
8th day
Drive to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s famous “pink city”. The afternoon
is free, with the option of taking a sightseeing tour of the city. Overnight
at the Clarks Amer Hotel.
9th day
In the morning drive to Amber, the old capital of Jaipur to visit the palace
of the Rajput rulers, perched on a promontory overlooking the plain. The ascent
to the palace is by elephant. Continue to Delhi and our stay at the Sofitel
Surya Hotel.
10th day
At leisure in Delhi. Those who wish may extend their stay in the sub-continent
by taking the 7-day Nepal extension.
11th day
Departure by Thai Airways International, arriving London Heathrow in the late
morning.
MEALS:
Half Board in Delhi. Full Board elsewhere
The accommodation at Bharatpur is basic, but is the best available. The tour
involves some long and fairly strenuous all