Cosmos India: Land of the Taj & Tigers (2610)

9 days from Delhi to Delhi

Discover the gems of India’s Golden Triangle and safari in Ranthambore National Park without spending a fortune on this 9-day budget-friendly vacation in India. In Delhi, see India Gate and the pink Presidential Palace. You’ll travel through the vibrant Chandni Chowk bazaar by rickshaw. Visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar before departing Delhi for Agra. Here, you’ll marvel at the splendid Taj Mahal at sunset as the sun rays reflect changing hues of the spectacular marble monument to love. Embark on two thrilling open-air safari game drives through Ranthambore National Park in search of marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Continue with two nights in the pink city of Jaipur—home to the legendary Amber Fort. Explore its alabaster Hall of Victory and incredible Chamber of Mirrors. Visit Jantar Mantar and the City Palace Museum to browse ancient art and artifacts. This value-minded tour to see India’s famed Taj and Tigers is a treasure not to be missed!

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1	DELHI, INDIA
	Welcome to Delhi, a magnetic blend of old and new, and the capital of modern India. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2	DELHI
	Your day starts with an orientation drive to see India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Then, take a rickshaw ride through the alleys of Chandni Chowk, a captivating bazaar, and visit Jama Masjid. After lunch, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, explore Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). (B,L)
Day 3	DELHI–AGRA
	Driver to Agra this morning. This afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a colossal, red sandstone UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the spectacular Mughal Palace with audience halls, the Room of Mirrors, and the pavilion where Shahjahan spent his last days. End your day with a sunset visit to the famous Taj Mahal. This remarkable monument, commissioned by Sjahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, took 22 years to build. (B,D)
Day 4	AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–SAWAI MADHOPUR
	Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the sandstone palaces, elegant courtyards, and victory gate of this ghostly place built in 1569 and deserted by its people when water ran out. After lunch, travel to Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park. (B,L,D)
Day 5	SAWAI MADHOPUR. RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
	Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. In addition to Bengal tigers, the park is home to leopard, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyena, and more. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B,L,D)
Day 6	SAWAI MADHOPUR–JAIPUR
	Today, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City.” After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. Lastly, visit Ladli, a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here learn about the project and interact with the children and help them practice their English. (B,L)
Day 7	JAIPUR
	Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. (B)
Day 8	JAIPUR–DELHI
	Today, drive back to Delhi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 9	DELHI
	Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Included Cosmos Meals

8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Cosmos Notes

Some flights depart Delhi very early in the morning. In these cases, breakfast is not included on day 9, and you will have to depart for the airport late in the evening of day 8 or just after midnight on day 9.