Taj Mahal, Fatephur Sikri & Keoladeo National Park
Trek to The Home of the Dalai Lama
Day 12 - Day 14
Day 12: Transfer to Agra. Taj Mahal & Fatephur Sikri
This morning you will transfer from Delhi to Agra having breakfast en route. Here, you will visit one of the most awesome and extravagant monuments ever built - the Taj Mahal. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife in 1631-1653 with thousands of semi-precious stones inlaid. You will have lunch on the outskirts of the West Gate of the Taj Mahal, before visiting Fatephur Sikri. This magnificent fortified ghost city was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar.
Today Fatehpur Sikri is deserted, but the inner citadel is immaculately preserved - its walls, palaces, baths, royal mint, courts and gardens still stand in splendid homage to a great visionary and builder. The heart of the palace complex is very much alive, for at the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, a white marble canopy set in the great courtyard of the Royal Mosque, pilgrims still come in thousands to offer flowers, tie a thread in the latticed screens, and to pray for the gift of a son. Tonight you will stay at Kadamb Kunj Resort on the outskirts of Keoladeo National Park. The resort has swimming pool facilities.(B,L,D)
Day 13: Keoladeo National Park bird-watching safari.
Declared a National Park in 1983, Keoladeo National Park is 29sq kms and is one of the world's greatest heronries. Its shallow, fresh water marsh attracts thousands of migratory birds including: egrets, darters, cormorants, grey herons, spoonbills, cranes, ibis, kingfishers and painted storks. Mammals like the sambhar, blackbuck, chital, nilgai, fishing cat, otter and mongoose also roam freely here.
Every winter, one of the world's rarest and nearly-extinct birds, The Siberian Crane migrates to the marshlands of the Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary in Bharatpur - flying an incredible 3,900 miles in its two month journey. One of the most breathtaking sights, however, is that of the peacock dancing. The National Bird of India, this graceful bird can be found all over the state. Keoladeo is listed as a world heritage site however the park was first established by the local Maharaja, not for conservation reasons, but for hunting. All of this has since changed to preserve such a wide variety of species of bird in a beautiful sanctuary where the only vehicle allowed is a cycle! You will spend the night again at Kadamb Kunj Resort. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Return to UK.
This morning you will trabsfer to Delhi and onto the airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving the same day. (B)
Included:
- Taj Mahal entrance fees
- Safari National Park Fees
- Services of qualified English-speaking driver/guide
- 2 nights accommodation on a twin share basis in Kadamb Kunj Resort (www.kadambkunj.in/aboutus1.htm) on a full board basis.
Excluded:
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Tips for local team (we recommend you allow $6 per person for tipping your guide)
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.
*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
