Tigers, Elephants and the Taj

Saturday, 17 May 2025

Fly to Delhi

Depart from the UK on your overnight flight to Delhi.

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Sunday, 18 May 2025

Arrive in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi where you will be met by your Veloso Tours guide and transferred to your chosen hotel for a 2 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure.

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Monday, 19 May 2025

Guided tour of Delhi

Delhi is a dynamic city with an intriguing history. While evidence shows that the area around Delhi was first occupied around 2,500 years ago, Hindu mythology predates that by another 500 years. The British captured the city in 1803 and when they decided to make it the capital of India in 1911, they commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans. The result is slightly surprising with spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with architecture which is among the most striking in the world.

On full day tour, we start in “Old Delhi,” you will head out to explore this exotic locale with its narrow dirt roads, myriads of people and inexpensive and colourful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. Drive past Red Fort and visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest Muslim mosques in India. A bicycle rickshaw will take you into the heart of Chandni Chowk (the silver square - so named because of the silver merchants).

Drive past India Gate, a 42-metre archway built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War and Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy.  Today, it is the official residence of the President of India.

We then continue to the prominent Sikh Gurdwara or Sikh house of worship. It was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, a 17th century Indian ruler. It is open to people of all faiths, castes or creeds. The premises house a sacred pond in which devotees bathe. They believe that this would wash off their misdeeds and thus allow them to attain peace of mind. The 'Langars' or the community kitchen proves to be the ideal example of prodigious hospitality of the Sikhs. Anyone and everyone can have scrumptious meal irrespective of caste, colour or class.

We conclude the day by visiting the Delhi's most striking monument, The Qutub Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed in 1192 by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Built in red sandstone and marble, it has a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 ft) and contains 379 stairs. A Soaring conical tower, it is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture and is the tallest minaret in India.

Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Take the train to Agra Fort

Up early today to catch the 8am train to Agra. The journey takes about two hours and is a chance to chat to local people; that is one of the joys of travelling by train in India, everyone is so friendly and interested to find out about you - as you are about them.

Though Agra's history is largely recognised with Mughal Empire, the place was established much before it and has linkages since Mahabharata, the Mythological history. The golden age of the city began with the Mughals. Akbar made it the centre of art, culture, commerce and learning. During the peaceful reign of Shah Jahan, his passion for architecture came to the fore and the world-famous architectural masterpieces were constructed including the Taj Mahal.

On arrival, we check into our hotel for a 1-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Later this afternoon, we visit the imposing Red Fort of Agra (also known as Agra Fort). A creative, architectural, and strategic masterpiece, the Fort is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  In a cruel twist, Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and whose grandfather built the original Fort and who also assumed the throne himself, was imprisoned here at the end of his life by his own son – in a room looking out on the Taj Mahal across the river.

Wednesday, 21 May 2025

Taj Mahal & Ranthambore National Park

This morning, we visit the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb of white marble built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who had implored her husband to build a monument symbolising their undying love for each other.  Some 20,000 labourers and artisans from around the world spent 22 years constructing what became Mumtaz’s mausoleum, which was begun in 1632.  Along with its exquisite symmetry, the Taj features striking examples of pietra dura, a decorative art in which craftsmen embed precisely cut semi-precious stones in marble to form dazzling patterns. 

We then drive to Bharatpur railway station to take the train to Ranthambore. En-route we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the Capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fortress is a UNESCO world heritage site and is built entirely of red sandstone.  The tomb of the revered saint Salim Chisti is built in pristine white marble and stands in stunning contrast to the red sandstone. This deserted sandstone city was the glorious but ephemeral capital during Akbar’s reign. Lying on a rocky ridge, this fortress is today a haunting complex with empty palaces, forts and mosques representing a variety of architectural styles.  You often wonder how these ancient fortresses must have come alive with music, laughter, beautiful courtesans and the colour and pomp of royalty!

We re-join the train and arrive at Sawai Madhopur railway station, where we transfer to the Sher Bagh by SUJAN luxury tented camp for a 2-night stay on a full board basis.

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Thursday, 22 May 2025

Morning & afternoon game drives

Ranthambore National Park borders the outer fringes of the Thar Desert and is the former hunting grounds of the Maharajah of Jaipur. Ranthambore is now a 512-square-mile nature preserve (one of India’s largest) that is home to diverse plant life, historic ruins, hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and of course, Bengal tigers.

On today’s morning and afternoon game drives, we’re sure to see game (tiger and leopard sightings are not guaranteed). One of India’s best known national parks, Ranthambore belongs to India’s groundbreaking Project Tiger, dedicated to preserving and protecting the once plentiful Royal Bengal tigers that roamed the land here.  Now threatened by poachers, illegal logging, and encroaching civilisation, India’s tiger population has decreased precipitously; it is believed that just 58 tigers currently live in Ranthambore (which actually represents a net gain in the past decade or so). Nationally, Project Tiger has seen the Bengal population rise to about 2,500 at latest count in 2016 from the 1,800 counted when the project launched in 1973. 

The park’s varied landscape of beautiful lakes, lush grasslands, deep ravines, wooded valleys, and open scrub also features picturesque ruins of old fortifications and the thousand-year-old Ranthambore Fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Friday, 23 May 2025

Travel to Shahpura

Early this morning we will have one last safari in the National Park, before we depart for Shahpura.

After being welcomed by a member of the Shahpura family at Shahpura Bagh, a beautifully restored summer home for a 2 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Spend the afternoon simply relaxing by the pool with a good book surrounded by 45 acres of flora and birdsong. Take a walk around the estate, through the fields and by the lake, settle in.

This evening we will depart to visit the private fort, Dhikhola, situated at 12 km from Shahpura Bagh. Accompanied by hotel’s naturalists the drive involves stopping to visit the iconic Ramdwara temple, driving through scenic rural roads and stopping to visit banjara/tribal villages to interact with the locals. The 400 year old battle fort is used as an eyrie and offers fantastic views of the countryside and manmade lakes. Enjoy your sun downers while you witness village life unwind.

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Saturday, 24 May 2025

Relaxing & exploring at Shahpura

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the historic quarter of Shahpura and pay a visit to the Arya Samaj School which is run by Shahpura’s family trust. Drive through the countryside and explore the rich colour and life of village and tribal settlements that are scattered around the area to get a feel for authentic rural Rajasthan. Continue to the beautiful environs of Nahar Sagar Lake and 150 acre of farm (this is an excellent birdwatching hotspot!)

Later this afternoon, enjoy the Bullock Cart ride within the property or to the adjacent bazaar of Shahpura.

Sunday, 25 May 2025

Travel to Sardargarh Fort

After breakfast, we depart for Sardargarh Fort, one of the magnificent battle forts of Rajasthan with a 300 year history. It is now an all-suite hotel offering a reflection of the history and culture of a bygone era. Placed amidst the mountains and deep forests of Chuppun, Sardar Singh, one of the most powerful Dhodhias, built the Sardargarh Fort from 1738 to 1743.

We stay at Sardargarh Fort for 2-nights on a bed and breakfast basis. After you have checked in, the owner will take you for a privileged inside look at this extraordinary historical and architectural monument to the grandeur of bygone days, learning about the forts history and distinguished inhabitants.

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Monday, 26 May 2025

Local villages and relaxation

This morning after breakfast, take a jeep ride to a local villages and learn about life in rural areas ending at Lake Manohar. The afternoon is free to enjoy the beautiful setting of the hotel.

Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Travel to Jaipur

Today we drive to Jaipur, the largest city of Rajasthan which is an epitome of magnificence and vibrancy. This royal place is rich in heritage, culture and architecture with splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis. Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewellery. On arrival, check-in to the wonderful, centrally located Samode Haveli for a 2-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Your boutique hotel is a delight, with an interesting family history with many artefacts adorning the walls that will enable greater insight into Rajasthan's majestic past.

Evening is free to explore the colourful markets of the pink city.

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Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Explore Jaipur

Jaipur was the home of India’s legendary Hindu warriors, whose historic forts, palaces, and gardens lend a timeless quality to this storied region. Called the “pink city” for its buildings of rose-hued sandstone, Jaipur today retains the exquisite symmetry of its original construction, as well as the eight historic gates that protected the city centuries ago. 

Today enjoy a full day sightseeing including a visit to the Amber Fort and a photo stop at the Palace of the Winds, the Hawa Mahal, in the morning. We also visit Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Kachhawah Rajputs as their capital from 1037 to 1728 and considered the pinnacle of Rajput architecture.  We tour the unoccupied citadel and admire the fresco-covered portal, the impressive room of mirrors, walls of jewel-encrusted marble, and the royal apartments offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

We continue on to Jantar Mantar, the incredible open-air Royal Observatory (ca. 1728) housing oversized astronomical instruments and a UNESCO World Heritage site; and City Palace, former residence of the Maharajas of Jaipur, built in the shape of the city itself and now converted to a museum that houses the rulers’ magnificent art collections.

Thursday, 29 May 2025

Travel to Dera Amer

After breakfast, a short drive will take us to Dera Amer, where you stay in a first class tented camp to get a rare appreciation of the Indian Elephant. Acquiring 180-acres of largely neglected scrubland in 1981, the Singh family made a commitment to returning this stretch of land to its state of untouched natural beauty. Over 30-years later, Dera Amer is something of a sanctuary for animals: both domestic and wild, and the perfect place to understand and engage with elephants for a truly inspiring experience. You stay here is in safari style tents dotted around acres of wild scrubland with all meals included.

On arrival, you will be greeted by the elephants and you can make your first contact with these kind hearted giants by the way of feeding bananas. Throughout your stay you are encouraged to assist the staff with their care and conservation of the elephants.

Enjoy the thrill of a Jeep safari through the forest area passing by the village school, fields, medieval step well, The Old Delhi gate (the original gate of the walled city on the Delhi Jaipur route) before at Amer Fort.

You can also go for a short trek in the hills surrounding the camp accompanied by a local tribal guide. 

There is time for a freshen up before proceeding to witness the beautiful sunset from the rocks where sundowners are served. In the evening, take in the calm of your surroundings, and the beautiful night skies as you sit next to the crackling bonfire being served cocktails (direct payment) and snacks from the live barbecue. Your personal chef prepares the evening meal and a local musician entertains you with traditional ragas, passed down to him through the generations then dine under stars listening to the sounds of the jungle.

Friday, 30 May 2025

Elephants and Anopura

This morning spend some quality time with your elephant as breakfast prepared for you.  Enjoy an early morning walk, listening to the gentle rumble of the elephant as she sashays along  as you stroll to the nearest village.

After breakfast, we will have a short drive to reach Anopura, nestled within the fold of green hills, Anopura is a hidden, and thankfully, forgotten corner of the world. This is a land of timeless villages, childhood dreams and nature in its purest form and a chance for you to relax in the countryside or by the pool, away from the bustle of the tourists.

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Saturday, 31 May 2025

Exploring Anopura

Full day to explore the nearby villages, tour to organic farms. Or simply relax in the sunshine at your luxury villa.

Sunday, 01 June 2025

Fly back to the UK

Transfer to Delhi airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving home later the same day. Or extend your stay in India depending on your interests.