On arrival you will transfer to your comfortable hotel and look forward to sightseeing in the capital tomorrow.

Your tour takes in the city’s principle sights including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and India Gate. There will be time to visit the famous Chandni Chowk and the large Laxmi Narayan or Birla Temple.

From Delhi you’ll head south to the once-Mughal capital of Agra, and set out to visit the Taj Mahal.

Built to house the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, Emperor Shah Jehan’s wife the white marble glows softly in the early light, in winter often partly hidden by lingering mists. On close inspection the white marble is in many places inlaid both outside and in with precious and semi-precious stones in a style known as pietra dura. Words cannot easily convey the beauty of the Taj Mahal, a visit is essential to appreciate it.

Along the Yamuna River stands Agra Fort, seat of government for Mughals and today one of the most important and impressive examples of Mughal architecture in the country. With many composite parts the fort is famous for its charbagh gardens and wonderful views over the river and to the Taj Mahal.

If time allows an optional visit may be possible to the tomb of Itmad ud Daula on the opposite side of the river where again pietra dura work illuminates white marble to create a masterpiece that itself stands as a internationally important building.

Renowned for its varied wildlife the park has much to recommend it, with the star attraction being the royal Bengal tiger population. An afternoon safari by 4WD vehicle enables us to access deep within the 392sq km of park in search of the tigers. Sightings are not as common as they once were but this makes it all the more thrilling when a sighting takes place. Much other wildlife besides makes the park its home, with sambar, chital, leopard, sloth bear, langur, caracal, hyena as well as much birdlife and so a safari is a thrilling experience.

To maximise your chances of seeing some of the country’s wildlife we have arranged for two further games drives today, one this morning and one in the afternoon. Such safaris should reveal some of the wonderful animals that make the park their home and in between you can relax in the gardens of your hotel, enjoying a break from travelling.

The state capital of Rajasthan is the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, so called because it was painted a rich salmon pink colour for the visit of Prince Albert. Split into the old and new towns the old area is laid out on a grid pattern and is surrounded by strong defensive walls, punctuated by named gates. A visit is a highlight of any trip to the state of Rajasthan, the Land of Princes.

Known for the colourful, traditional dress of the Rajasthani people the city is a photographer’s dream – camels in the streets, roof-dwelling monkeys and camels pulling heavy loads only reinforcing an already strong image.

The City Palace was the seat of the famous Maharajas of Jaipur who together build and extended many of the city sights. The Palace is a warren of rooms and corridors, elaborately decorated and with wonderful displays of weaponry. Note the two huge silver urns used by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II to carry water from the Ganges on a visit to London in 1902.

Nearby climb up inside the remarkable façade of the Hawa Mahal which is filigreed with lattice windows. These ‘jharokas’ as they are known allowed the women of the court to watch processions and street life below without being seen.

Next you’ll head the short distance to Amber, site of a fort and palace complex that sits on top of a hill guarding a defile and overlooking a tank, or reservoir. Once inside you’ll be able to gaze upon the elegant rooms that once were home to the incredibly wealthy Maharajas and their families and enjoy the spectacular view over the tank below. Don’t miss the mirrored Sheesh Mahal!

Later this evening you transfer to the railway station to catch the overnight train south to the lakeside city of Udaipur.

Arriving Udaipur early in the morning you transfer from the railway station to your hotel where breakfast will be ready for you.

The City Palace and adjoining buildings overlook Lake Pichola, while in the distance the Monsoon Palace stands atop its hill and these, combined with the narrow streets and rich merchants’ houses of the old city, lend Udaipur its romantic atmosphere.

You’ll get your bearings with a walk around the lake shore and a visit to the City Palace museum which overlooks the lake and the famous ‘floating’ Lake Palace Hotel. Enjoy tea as you look over Lake Pichola towards the Aravalli range in the background and gaze across to the Monsoon Palace, Sajjan Garh, sat high on a hill overlooking the city.

The lakeside is lined with ghats and fine old havelis, many converted into guesthouse, cafes and restaurants. Udaipur is the perfect place to relax, though for those that prefer to keep busy offers the Bartikaya Lok Kala folk museum and the ‘artisan’s village’ of Shilpgram.

A free day to explore the city further. Enjoy simply wandering the streets and taking tea by the lake, or head out on an optional trip to the stunning Jain temples at Ranakpur, to the remarkable cenotaphs at Ahar or the temples of Eklingji and Nagda.

Later this evening you transfer to the railway station to catch the overnight train to Delhi.

Arriving in the morning you transfer from the railway station to your hotel and a last day in remarkable India.

Today a flight takes us back to the capital for a last night in this remarkable country. Why not enjoy an evening of Indian music and dance on an optional trip this evening?

Today your tour ends with a transfer to the airport.